Public hearing for wheelchair transport service certificate on April 21, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE
OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE
AND NECESSITY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
 
Notice is hereby given that the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity described below, on April 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Board Room of the County Commission Building, 600 Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida.
 
Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc., a private non-emergency wheelchair transport service, has submitted an application to Highlands County Fire Rescue Service for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) to allow such services as are considered Class 1 Nonemergency medical transportation pursuant to Section 5-55 of the Code of Ordinances, Highlands County, Florida. This class of service encompasses providing nonemergency transport services to persons who are confined to a stretcher and/or wheelchair and whose condition is such that these persons do not need and are not likely to need basic life support or advanced life support during transport. The applicant intends to serve the geographical area of Highlands County, Florida, including all incorporated areas within the County.
 
A copy of this notice is available for public inspection during regular business hours in the office of the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners at the Highlands County Government Center, 590 South Commerce
Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The application and further information on the application may be inspected by the public at the Highlands County Fire Rescue Service Administrative Office, 4506 Kenilworth Boulevard, Sebring, Florida 33870, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Inquiries or written testimony should be directed to Dustin Fitch, Deputy Chief, at that address or by phone at (863) 402-7600.
 
All interested persons may appear and be heard at the time and place specified above.
 
Any person who might wish to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners of Highlands County, Florida, in public hearing or meeting is hereby advised that he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which will include the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
 
Highlands County, Florida, does not discriminate upon the basis of any individuals disability status. This non-discriminatory policy involves every aspect of the Countys functions, including one's access to, participation, employment or treatment in its programs or activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, should contact Sherri Bennett, ADA Coordinator, at (863) 402-6509 (voice), 863-402-6508 (TTY), or via Florida Relay Service 711, or by e-mail: HRbcc@highlandsfl.gov. Requests for CART or interpreter services should be made at least 24 hours in advance to permit coordination of the service.
 
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Don Elwell, Chairman
ATTEST:
 
Jerome Kaszubowski, Clerk
March 17, 2026