Sebring: Council Meeting 3/3/2026
Summary. The Sebring City Council held its meeting on March 3, 2026, with the primary focus on two companion ordinances for a significant land development proposal by Gapway Groves. The meeting addressed a request to change the future land use designation and zoning for approximately 38 acres at the southeast corner of Sunset Road and Scenic Highway from county residential/agricultural to city commercial and planned unit development (PUD). This would allow for a mixed-use development featuring retail, commercial services, and flex space with substantial green space requirements. After extensive public comment both supporting and opposing the project, the council voted 4-0 to approve both ordinances on first reading. Public concerns centered on the project's size, traffic impacts, procedural issues, and compatibility with surrounding residential areas. The developer presented a revised, more detailed site plan addressing previous council concerns, including specific use restrictions, open space requirements, and architectural standards. The ordinances will next go to the Planning and Zoning Board on March 10, followed by second and final reading on March 17 at 3:30 PM.
Agenda Items
8. Consent Agenda
Approved with modifications including time change for March 17 meeting and removal of two items
- Meeting time changed from 5:30 to 3:30 PM on March 17
- Item 8f pulled for legal clarification
- Item 8i pulled per event organizer request
10a. Ordinance 1571 - Future Land Use Amendment (Public Hearing)
First reading of ordinance changing future land use from county medium density residential to city commercial for 38-acre Gapway Groves property
- Request for commercial land use to support retail, office, and light manufacturing
- Development intensity of 0.7 impervious surface ratio with 30% open space
- Compatibility with surrounding Bernie Little warehouse and planned residential
- Traffic study completed in 2025 showing adequate road capacity
- Revised master development plan with detailed use restrictions
10b. Ordinance 1572 - Companion Zoning Ordinance (Public Hearing)
First reading of companion ordinance changing zoning from county agricultural to city planned unit development
- Rezoning portion of the land use amendment
- PUD zoning allows for mixed-use development with specific conditions
- Questions raised about permitted uses and development standards
- Concerns about order of approval before Planning and Zoning review
13a. City Administrator's Project Report
Update on various city projects including code enforcement foreclosure process
- 10 code enforcement cases working through system
- 5 cases headed to judicial hearings
- 2 cases pending settlement
- 1 property moving toward voluntary compliance
13b. Petition for Voluntary Annexation - Dick Miller Property
Conceptual approval for annexation of two parcels behind Sebring Diner
- Property owner Dick Miller absent from meeting
- Request to annex two parcels behind existing diner
- Approval only for concept, ordinance to come back later
14a. Clerk's Report and Bill Payment
Election information and approval of bill payments
- Early voting information for March 10 city election
- Voting precinct changes for city election
- Photo ID requirement reminder
- Bill payment approval
Motions & Votes
Motion to accept the consent agenda with changes: meeting time change to 3:30 PM on March 17, pulling items 8f and 8i
Moved by Carlisle, seconded by Stewart
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve ordinance number 1571 on first reading and schedule second and final reading for March 17, 2026
Moved by Carlisle, seconded by Stewart
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve ordinance number 1572 on first reading and schedule second and final reading for March 17, 2026
Moved by Carlisle, seconded by Stewart
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve the annexation request to get the paperwork started
Moved by Carlisle, seconded by Avery
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve paying the bills
Moved by Kathy, seconded by Carlisle
Passed 4-0
Action Items
Correct ordinances to remove incorrect reference to Planning and Zoning Board approval
Assigned to City Attorney Flint · Due Before second reading on March 17
Provide more readable copies of development plans to public
Assigned to City staff · Due Before next meeting
Draft annexation ordinance for Dick Miller property
Assigned to City Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Sebring City Council held its meeting on March 3, 2026, with the primary focus on two companion ordinances for a significant land development proposal by Gapway Groves. The meeting addressed a request to change the future land use designation and zoning for approximately 38 acres at the southeast corner of Sunset Road and Scenic Highway from county residential/agricultural to city commercial and planned unit development (PUD). This would allow for a mixed-use development featuring retail, commercial services, and flex space with substantial green space requirements. After extensive public comment both supporting and opposing the project, the council voted 4-0 to approve both ordinances on first reading. Public concerns centered on the project's size, traffic impacts, procedural issues, and compatibility with surrounding residential areas. The developer presented a revised, more detailed site plan addressing previous council concerns, including specific use restrictions, open space requirements, and architectural standards. The ordinances will next go to the Planning and Zoning Board on March 10, followed by second and final reading on March 17 at 3:30 PM.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 6 agenda items: Consent Agenda; Ordinance 1571 - Future Land Use Amendment (Public Hearing); Ordinance 1572 - Companion Zoning Ordinance (Public Hearing); City Administrator's Project Report; Petition for Voluntary Annexation - Dick Miller Property; Clerk's Report and Bill Payment.
How many motions were voted on?
5 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
3 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Stewart, Carlisle, Avery, Mayor, City Administrator Scott, City Attorney Flint, City Clerk Kathy.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Sebring in?
Sebring is located in Highlands County, Florida. Browse other Highlands County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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