Wauchula Day News

Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue EMS Mission Statement It is the mission of Emergency Medical Services to provide a rapid response and highly professional care with caring and highly trained emergency medical technicians and paramedics to all medical emergencies. Our department's dedication to the community extends to the mitigation of all emergencies using the most efficient and effective means. Fire Rescue Mission Statement Statement our fire department will bolster its mission by providing fire prevention and safety education to our schools and citizens alike. Our emergency response shall be rapid with the deployment of highly trained, professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. Our department's dedication to the community extends to the mitigation of all emergencies using the most efficient and effective means available. Hardee County Keeps Citizens Safe and Informed with Everbridge Resident Alerts, Residents and Businesses Can Sign Up to Receive Critical Communications and Emergency Alerts Alert Hardee County Fire Rescue Facebook Page Keetch-Byram Drought Index Fire Danger Index Contact Information James Simpson – Interim Public Safety Director [email protected] Kenneth McDuffie – Fire Marshal [email protected] Sendi Barajas – Office Manager [email protected] Karen Chagolla – EMS Billing Coordinator [email protected] Station 1 – Administration 149 K.D. Revell Rd. Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-4362 Administration Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM Station 2 104 Fifth St. Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 Office Phone (863) 767-8585 Station 3 620 West Main St. Bowling Green, FL 33834 Office Phone (863) 767-8582

Emergency Management

Emergency Management Mission Statement The mission of Hardee County Emergency Management is to provide a comprehensive and integrated emergency management system that coordinates community resources to protect lives, property, and the environment through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from all natural and man-made hazards that may impact our county. Pages FAQ's, Mitigation, Preparedness, Recovery, Plans, Quick Resources Hardee County keeps citizens safe and informed with Everbridge Resident Alerts. Residents and businesses can sign up to receive critical Communications and Emergency Alerts Alert Hardee County Disaster Supply Checklist for Hurricane Preparedness Pet Friendly Shelter Forms - English Pet Friendly Shelter Forms - Spanish Special Needs Application - English Version Special Needs Application - Spanish Version WeatherSTEM Hardee County Emergency Management, in partnership with the Florida Severe Weather Mesonet, is providing local real-time weather data at two locations within Hardee County. These units are solar-powered, cellular WeatherSTEM units rated to withstand the most intense weather and winds up to 185 miles per hour. To view the live feeds, visit hardee.weatherstem.com. Hardee EM Facebook NWS Alerts Hardee County NHC Atlantic 7-Day Outlook Peace River at US 17 in Zolfo Springs Contact Information Lane Schneider – Emergency Management Director [email protected] Raquel Resendez – Emergency Management Coordinator [email protected] Hardee County Emergency Management 404 W. Orange St., Wauchula, FL 33873 Email: [email protected] Phone: (863) 773-6373 Fax: (863) 773-9390 Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM

Maintenance Shop

Maintenance Shop Mission Statement Our mission is to support our operators, departments, and field teams by delivering dependable, professional, and responsive fleet maintenance services. We strive to ensure that every vehicle is safe, mission-ready, and equipped to perform effectively in support of daily operations. Our department emphasizes respect, communication, and partnership with our internal customers by providing transparent scheduling, accurate service timelines, and dependable support. We invest in our employees through training, safe working environments, recognizing that skilled and empowered technicians are the foundation of maintenance excellence. Through accountability, teamwork, and pride in our work, we uphold a fleet that strengthens organizational performance and public confidence. Contact Information Misti Flowers – Public Works Operations Manager [email protected] Hardee County Public Works 205 Hanchey Rd Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-6430 Fax (863) 773-3558 Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 4 PM

Facilities Management

Facilities Management Mission Statement Facilities Management is responsible for providing a clean, safe, and comfortable work environment for all county and public facilities owned by the county. This includes performing all maintenance of the facilities and adjusting accommodations to meet the needs of the occupants. This department also constructs new facilities as needed or oversees the contracted resources used for new construction. Contact Information Jamie Roelle – Facilities Manager [email protected] Dazalina Elliott – Facilities Coordinator [email protected] Florentino Parada – Facilities Supervisor [email protected] Hardee County Public Works 205 Hanchey Rd Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-3419 Fax (863) 773-0107 Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 7 AM to 4 PM

Public Works

Public Works Please select one of the links below to learn more about our public works. Utilities Facilities Management Landfill Road & Bridge Maintenance Shop

Utilities

Utilities Mission Statement Hardee County Utilities Department's (HCUD) main objective is to improve county residents' quality of life by ensuring the health and safety of provided water & wastewater treatment as well as encouraging economic development through the ongoing expansion of water and wastewater infrastructures. This department includes the Vandolah Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Wauchula Hills Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Ordinance 2024-06 Contact Information Ashley Derringer – Utilities Superintendent [email protected] Sandra Vasquez – Utilities Office Manager [email protected] Hardee County Utilities 2428 Commerce Court Bowling Green, Florida 33834 Office Phone (863) 773-3465 Hours of Operation Mon-Thu: 7 AM – 4 PM Friday: 7AM-3PM

Mining

Mining Mission Statement To protect the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Hardee County while safeguarding the quality of our land, water, and air and help ensure long-term ecological, social, and economic benefits; the Mining Department also promotes coordination with other State and Federal agencies to assure timely and quality reclamation through the regulation of the phosphate mining industry. Phosphate Mining Ordinance 2025 Phosphate Mining Status Contact Information Deb Butler – Mining Coordinator [email protected] Carrie Sue Edenfield – Permitting Specialist II [email protected] Hardee County Mining Office 220 S. 9th Ave Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-0136 Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM

Information Technology

Information Technology Mission Statement The purpose of the ITS/GIS Department is to provide client access to network and internet resources as well as GIS Mapping Data to the community at large. Through research and continuing education, we gain knowledge of new products and new procedures that enable our department to support the end user more completely. Contact Information Hardee County Emergency Management Office 404 W Orange St, Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 767-9655 Office Email [email protected] Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs: 8 AM – 5 PM Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems Hardee County Geographic Information Systems The InfoMap viewer allows users to view topographical maps, and other useful land information. Hardee County InfoMap Contact Information Hardee County Planning and Zoning Office 110 S. 9th Ave Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 767-1964 Fax (863) 767-0360 Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM

Road & Bridge

Mission Statement Our mission is to plan, construct, maintain, and improve a safe, reliable, and sustainable network of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure that supports our community's mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life. We are committed to delivering high-quality public service through responsible stewardship of public funds, proactive asset management, and a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation. We strive to ensure that every roadway and bridge under our care is functional, resilient, and accessible for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, emergency responders, and commercial transportation. Through collaboration with community partners, regulatory agencies, and local stakeholders, we work to minimize disruptions, respond quickly to hazards and weather events, and provide timely maintenance and improvements that extend the life of critical infrastructure. Our commitment is to build and maintain infrastructure that not only meets today's needs but strengthens our community for future generations. Road Watch View Road Closures Contact Information Christopher Simpron – Assistant County Manager [email protected] Rick Taylor – Public Works Director [email protected] Paul Gough – Road Supervisor [email protected] Zachary Richards – Road Supervisor [email protected] Hardee County Public Works 205 Hanchey Rd Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone: (863) 773-3272 Fax: (863) 773-0107 Hours of Operation Monday-Friday: 7 AM – 4 PM

government

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement | Hardee County Board of County Commissioners Mission Statement The mission of Hardee County Code Enforcement is to provide outstanding code enforcement services to the citizens of and visitors to Hardee County. We are committed to doing our part to ensure Hardee County is a safe and attractive community and seek to encourage property owners and tenants to take pride in their property. Our purpose is to promote, protect, and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Hardee County through an effective code enforcement program by working with them to achieve code compliance. We are also committed to professional code enforcement that is responsive to our citizens and will provide them with guidance for the resolution of problems and assistance through a process that, at times, may appear complicated and confusing. Code Enforcement is responsible for addressing codes that violate public health and safety issues, including but not limited to regulations related to the Hardee County Land Development Code, rubbish, garbage, vegetation, zoning, dangerous buildings, Minimum Housing Code, inoperable vehicles, and various county ordinances. Magistrate Agenda Below is the most recent updated Magistrate Agenda: Magistrate Agenda 1-22-2026 Lien Search Requests Hardee County is happy to announce we have brought Orange Data Systems onboard to fulfill your lien search requests. Please visit order.orangelien.com to access an order form and communicate your request. You will be able to request, pay and receive your report directly through Orange Data Systems. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Orange Lien Data directly at (407) 965-4245 or by email [email protected]. Municipal Code Library Please follow this link to view the Municipal Land Development Code Library. Please follow this link to view Ordinance 2024-01 – Code Enforcement. Please follow this link to view Ordinance 2024-03 – Offenses & Nuisences. Contact Information Wali Gray – Code Enforcement Officer [email protected] Office Email – [email protected] Hardee County Planning and Zoning Office 110 S. 9th Ave Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 473-4772 Fax (863) 767-0360 Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM

Building Department

Building Department Mission Statement It is the mission of the Hardee County Building Department to protect the life, health, safety, and property of county residents and visitors. We strive to accomplish this through the careful examination of permit applications and building plans and by carefully inspecting completed work to ensure it is in compliance with the requirements of the Florida Building Code, National Electric Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Administrative Code, and Statutes. Do I need a permit? Yes! Notice FBC 105.1: Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, covert or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. 102.2: Building: The provisions of the Florida Building Code shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every public and private building, structure or facility or floating residential structure, or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings structures or facilities. Additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of occupancy group in all buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions provided in Chapter 34 of this code. Expedited Applications If an applicant believes they are entitled to expedited processing of an application for a building permit or development order, the applicant shall advise the County (upon submission of the application) of the statutory basis entitling them to expedited processing. The County shall give applications for building permits or development orders that are entitled to expedited processing first priority, and applicants may expect that such applications will be reviewed and processed quickly than other applications. To contact the building department, please send an email to [email protected] Lien Search Requests Hardee County is happy to announce that we have brought Orange Data Systems on board to fulfill your lien search requests. Please visit order.orangelien.com to access an order form and communicate your request. You will be able to request, pay, and receive your report directly through Orange Data Systems. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Orange Lien Data directly at (407) 965-4245 or by email [email protected]. Contact Information Tom Fisher – Building Official [email protected] Bobby Green – Building Inspector [email protected] Guadalupe Flores – Office Manager [email protected] Leeanna Castanon – Permit Specialist [email protected] Felise Skinner – Permitting/CILB Technician [email protected] Hardee County Building Department 401 West Main Street Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-3236 Fax (863) 767-0360 Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs: 8 AM – 5 PM Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Community Development

Community Development Mission Statement The Community Development Department will maintain public health, safety, and welfare by establishing appropriate land use categories, protecting natural resources, and assuring financial feasibility of capital improvements through maintenance and amendment of the Hardee County Comprehensive Plan; implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and development of rules to ensure a quality built environment through the Hardee County Unified Land Development Code; and enforcement of the Plan and Code through provisions in the Code and other applicable codes and ordinances. Building Department Code Enforcement Information Technology Geographic Information Systems Mining Planning & Zoning Expedited Applications If an applicant believes they are entitled to expedited processing of an application for a building permit or development order, the applicant shall advise the County (upon submission of the application) of the statutory basis entitling it to expedited processing. The County shall give applications for building permits or development orders that are entitled to expedited processing first priority and applicants may expect that such applications will be reviewed and processed quicker than other applications. Publicly Owned Potential Affordable Housing Sites Parcel ID: 28-34-25-0000-05310-0000, Owner: Hardee County, Location: SR 64 W, Acres: 1.240, Notes: Vacant Land W. of Pioneer Park Parcel ID: 02-34-26-0000-07270-0000, Owner: Hardee County, Location: 298 Rest Haven RD, Acres: 5.551, Notes: Resthaven Parcel ID: 27-34-25-0760-00004-0001, Owner: Hardee County, Location: 905 SR 64 W, Acres: 1.630, Notes: Parking Area South of Pioneer Park Parcel ID: 27-34-25-0760-00005-0001, Owner: Hardee County, Location: Second ST W, Acres: 2.197, Notes: Parking Area South of Pioneer Park Documents & Links Unified Land Development Code Land Development Code Memorandum of Major Changes 2030 Hardee County Comp Plan Maps Only 2030 Hardee County Comp Plan No Maps (Archived) Floodplain Map - 1988 Floodplain Map - 2013 Hardee Long Term Recovery Plan December 2004 Planning and Development Application Fees Zoning and Land Use Information Sheet Form Contact Information Todd Miller, AICP – Community Development Director [email protected] Joshua Cheney, AICP, LEED AP – Senior Planner [email protected] Jorden Eisenstein – Planner I [email protected] Stefani Hancock – Administrative Coordinator [email protected] Hardee County Planning and Zoning Office 110 S. 9th Ave Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone: (863) 767-1964 Office Email: [email protected] Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM

General Services

General Services Please select one of the links below to learn more about our general services. Grants Management Procurement

Procurement

Procurement Mission Statement The department delivers procurement services to Hardee County government agencies by obtaining goods and services that meet required performance and delivery standards at the best overall value, in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. Services include the issuance of purchase orders, Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Bid, and contract administration. The department also oversees the Purchase Card program and manages the stockroom, maintaining an inventory of essential repair items and operating supplies. Work is performed under the Director of General Services. Hardee Surplus Hardee County's Auctions will be administered by GovDeals, an online auction service specializing in surplus government property liquidation. Please visit govdeals.com. All auctions are open to the public and there is no cost to register. For general auction rules visit govdeals.com. Hardee County encourages all citizens to view surplus and bid on items of interest. Contact Information Holly Smith – Interim Procurement Manager [email protected] Yolanda Carbajal – Administrative Analyst I [email protected] Joel Santana – Procurement Coordinator/Buyer [email protected] Savannah Sperry – Administrative Assistant [email protected] Constantino Aguilar – Inventory Specialist [email protected] Hardee County Public Works 205 Hanchey Rd Wauchula, Florida 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-5014 Fax (863) 773-0322 Hours of Operation Monday – Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday – 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Human Resources

Mission Statement: To provide support to all County Departments, to ensure the Board of County Commissioners' employment practices and benefits are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Hardee County Board of Commissioners. The Human Resources Department ensures the employees of the Hardee County Board of County Commissioners are employed in a fair and safe working environment. In addition, the Human Resources Department assures all disciplinary matters, employment, and other labor issues are properly handled in accordance with the Hardee County Rules and Regulations, Union Contracts, and State and Federal Law. The Human Resources Department is also responsible for the investigation and processing of all insurance claims. I.e.: Worker's Compensation, Automobile, Property, and Liability related claims. Work is performed under the direction of the County Manager. Important Links: Looking for a job, Employee Benefits, Volunteer Opportunities, HR Document Center, County Organizational Chart, 2025-2026 Pay Grades, County Manager Job Posting, Employee Benefits Guide Contact Information: Laticia Wilkins – Safety & Risk Manager, [email protected] Tye Elliott – Human Resources Generalist, [email protected] Winnie Jean-Francois – Human Resources Specialist, [email protected] Lacey Avalos – Staffing & Development Coordinator, [email protected] Human Resource Department 412 W Orange St, Suite 204 Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone (863) 773-2161 Fax (863) 773-2154 Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Grants Management

Grants Management Mission Statement Grants Management's mission is to provide an integrated system of resources, services, and opportunities to help people improve their lives, the lives of others, neighborhoods, and the total community. Work is performed under the Assistant County Manager – Finance. Departmental Services The Hardee County Grants Management Office is dedicated to identifying, securing, and managing grant opportunities that strengthen our community and support essential County programs and services. Our team oversees every stage of the grant process- from application and award to implementation and compliance- ensuring that all funds are used effectively, responsibly, and transparently. We maintain a centralized database of all County grants and projects, promoting coordination and accountability across departments. In addition to supporting County initiatives, the Grants Management Office also administers housing assistance programs designed to help Hardee County residents access resources that enhance safety, stability, and overall quality of life. Hardee County Housing Programs Hardee County's housing programs are designed to preserve and promote safe, affordable housing opportunities for residents. These programs assist income-eligible households with purchasing, repairing, or rehabilitating their homes to ensure long-term stability, support homeownership, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Hardee County. All programs are based on income eligibility, and funding availability may vary. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-qualified basis until funds are fully committed. Priority consideration will be given to households with elderly members or individuals with special needs. Mobile homes are not eligible for assistance. Purchase Assistance Program Funds may be awarded as down payment assistance to income-eligible households for the purchase of a newly constructed or existing home. When purchasing an existing home, program funds may also be used to cover minor repair costs in addition to purchase assistance. Eligibility Requirements To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria: - Applicants must not have owned a home or held any ownership interest within the past three years. - Applicants must fall within the Very Low to Moderate Income categories as defined by program guidelines. - Applicants must be pre-approved by a certified lender and provide a pre-qualification letter. - Completion of both a homebuyer education course and a credit counseling course is required. - Applicants must contribute a minimum of $1,500 toward the purchase (such as appraisal fees, inspections, or earnest money deposits). Housing Rehabilitation Program Funds may be awarded to income-eligible households to make necessary repairs or modifications that improve the health, safety, and well-being of occupants. These repairs may address structural integrity, code violations, weatherization, or modifications to improve accessibility for elderly or physically impaired residents. Typical repairs may include work related to: - Electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems (including soffit and fascia) - Windows and other structural components - Corrections to code violations and health or safety hazards Eligibility Requirements To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria: - Must fall within the Very Low to Low Income categories as defined by program guidelines. - The property must be owner-occupied. - The applicant's mortgage must be current. - No delinquent property taxes or County assessments are permitted. - The total cost of repairs cannot exceed 51% of the home's total value. - If insurance coverage is available, applicants must provide proof of the policy and documentation showing whether insurance will cover any portion of the repairs. - Rental properties are not eligible. Contact Information Lorie Ayers – General Services Director [email protected] Stacy Smith - Grants Manager [email protected] Courtney Barringer – Grants Specialist [email protected] Christian Hardman – Grants Specialist [email protected] Tyre Hagwood – Grants Specialist [email protected] Grants Management Department 412 West Orange Street, Room 201 Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone: (863) 773-6349 Fax: (863) 773-5801 Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs: 8 AM – 5 PM Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM

Office of Management & Budget

Office of Management & Budget Mission Statement The mission of the Office of Management and Budget is to properly manage the County's budget in accordance with state regulations and to ensure that the budget process and results demonstrate high accountability, integrity, and prudent expenditure of public funds. Important Documents For persons with disabilities, please contact Holly Smith for alternate versions. EDA (Archived) - 2023-2024 EDA Budget Resolution - 2024-02 EDA Resolution - 2025-02 EDA Resolution 2026-2027 Budget - Proposed 26-27 Budget 2025-2026 Budget (Archived) - 2026 Tentative Budget Summary - 2026 Tentative Budget - 2026 Adopted Budget Budget Presentation Book (Archived) - 24-25 GFOA Budget Presentation - 25-26 GFOA Budget Presentation Adopted Budget - 2025-2026 Adopted Budget - 2024-2025 Adopted Budget - 2023-2024 Adopted Budget - 2022-2023 Adopted Budget - 2021-2022 Adopted Budget - 2020-2021 Adopted Budget - 2019-2020 Adopted Budget County Wide Financial Statements - 2023-2024 County Audit - 2022-2023 County Audit - 2021-2022 County Audit - 2020-2021 County Audit - 2019-2020 County Audit - 2018-2019 County Audit - 2017-2018 County Audit - 2016-2017 County Audit - 2015-2016 County Audit - 2014-2015 County Audit Management & Budget Policies - Management & Budget Policies Contact Information Diane Moore – Budget Manager [email protected] Alexandria Rimes – Budget Coordinator [email protected] Cheryl Albritton – Budget Specialist [email protected] Management and Budget Office 412 West Orange Street, Room 201 Wauchula, FL 33873 Office Phone: (863) 773-3199 Fax: (863) 773-5801 Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Administration

Administration Please select one of the links below to learn more about our administration. County Manager Office of Management & Budget Human Resources