AVON PARK - A battle over illegal immigration is over in Avon Park.

Last Edited: Monday, 24 Jul 2006, 11:23 PM EDT
Created: Monday, 24 Jul 2006, 12:36 PM EDT

After listening to the hundreds of people who showed up for a public hearing on a proposed new ordinance Monday night, city leaders voted it down.

The Mayor of the town in Highlands County wanted to make English the official language.

His idea would have also banned businesses from hiring illegal immigrants and even prohibited landlords from renting to illegals.

The ordinance passed on first reading by a three-to-two margin, but on second reading, some city council members changed their minds.

Some worried aloud about the amount of attention the ordinance debate was bringing to the small town, and they were worried about potential lawsuits that might follow if they passed it.

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