Avon Park Revisits Migrant Housing Rules


Former Avon Park Mayor Tom Macklin successfully lobbied the council, during public comments, to have the city attorney review the standing Sebring ordinance.

By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: April 15, 2008

AVON PARK — City Attorney Gerald Buhr will take another official look at a migrant residential housing ordinance. This time, it is closer to home.

The City Council informally decided to have Buhr review a March 1990 Sebring ordinance concerning residential housing for migrant workers.

At Monday's meeting, former Mayor Tom Macklin successfully lobbied the council, during public comments, to have the city attorney review the standing Sebring ordinance.

The Sebring ordinance was enacted during the tenure of, and signed by then-council president and present Sebring Mayor, George Hensley.

The two-page long Ordinance No. 825 bars migrant labor camps within the city limits of Sebring and establishes penalties, according to the copy of the ordinance.

"It is in the best interest of the citizens of the city of Sebring that migrant labor camps not be allowed within city limits," reads the ordinance.

It still stands unchanged, according to what Macklin said was information from Kathy Haley, Sebring city clerk.

Macklin said the Sebring code department successfully enforces the ordinance.

No council vote was made on Monday. The council informally agreed with Macklin to pay Buhr to consider the 18-year-old ordinance.

In 2006, Macklin as mayor spearheaded a campaign that ended with a 3-2 vote against establishing a town immigration relief act.

Macklin chose not to run for Avon Park city elections after stepping down from office to run for lieutenant governor, but still has a strong civic voice.

Councilman Joe Wright agreed with Macklin that the current landlord ordinance limiting more than four non-related residents from residing together was "not working."



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