The most discussion centered around Ordinance Number 1534, which involved a zoning map amendment for a property on South Commerce Avenue. The proposed change aimed to rezone a 0.17-acre parcel from a Commercial District C1 to Mixed Use Quality Development. This amendment sought to align with the city’s development goals by allowing diverse uses such as professional offices, clinics, and cafes. Brenda Torres from the Central Florida Regional Planning Council provided an in-depth presentation, complete with aerial photographs and site views, to ensure council members fully understood the implications of the change. The Planning and Zoning Board had previously reviewed this request and recommended it for approval, citing no negative impact on public facilities or services. A public hearing followed, during which no objections were raised, resulting in the ordinance passing unanimously on its second and final reading.

Following the zoning discussion, the council turned its attention to a proposal from the Sebring Pickleball Club to host a tournament at the newly established pickleball courts in Charlie Brown Park. Dana Adams, representing the club, noted the facility’s high usage, with 75 to 80 participants daily, and emphasized the need for youth-accessible courts. Adams highlighted that of the 95 courts in the county, only six are available to young players during peak times. The club sought approval for three tournament dates, scheduled during non-peak hours to minimize disruption. The council expressed support for the initiative, approving the request and suggesting a streamlined process for future events through a special events form, eliminating the need for repeated council approval. The discussion also touched on “silent pickleball,” a topic raised by a council member, with Adams acknowledging the potential for using quieter paddles, though they may not appeal to experienced players.

In addition to these decisions, the meeting addressed upcoming holiday operation hours, proposing a schedule that included early closure on December 23, full closure on December 24 and 25, and a half-day on December 31. The financial implications were considered, with estimates indicating a full workday would cost approximately $35,000 in payroll, plus overtime for essential personnel. After deliberation, the council reached a consensus to adopt the proposed hours without formal action.

The council also received an update on several ongoing projects, including the West Lake Jackson project and the Eco Park, though no new developments were reported. A mention was made regarding the mobile home park moratorium, set to be discussed in January, as more time was needed to advertise for public hearings. The council briefly discussed the Lake View Water Sports agreement. Additionally, the meeting covered vegetation management along Lake Jackson, confirming a recent spraying of the vegetative buffer along US 27.

The meeting concluded with information about opportunities for community involvement, highlighting an open call for applicants to join the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board. The current board comprises seven members, mirroring the Planning and Zoning Board, though there was some consideration of reducing the CRA Board to five members in the future. However, no decisions were made on this matter during the meeting.