Public hearing on the potential revocation of Rapid Response Ambulance's operating certificate.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 
TO CONSIDER
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC 
CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY
 
Notice is hereby given that the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the final determination on the suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) held by Rapid Response Medical Transportation, LLC d/b/a Rapid Response Ambulance as further described below, on May 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Board Room of the Highlands County Administration Building, 600 Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida.
 
Rapid Response Medical Transportation LLC dba Rapid Response Ambulance is a private not for profit medical provider, licensed through the State of Florida Department of Health, which currently holds a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for Class 1, Nonemergency medical transport; Class 2 Basic Life Support ambulance (BLS); and Class 3 Advanced Life Support ambulance (ALS), pursuant to the Highlands County Code of Ordinances, Section 5-55. Due to recent anonymous complaints submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, a public hearing has been scheduled. This hearing will provide an opportunity for the Commissioners to hear from all parties involved, as well as receive public comments. Following these presentations, the Board will deliberate and vote on the status of the Rapid Responses COPCN.
 
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, 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 information should be directed to Dustin Fitch, Deputy Chief, at that address or by phone at (863) 402-7600. There may be costs associated with obtaining public records related to this matter.
 
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.
 
The Board of County Commissioners of Highlands County, Florida, does not discriminate upon the basis of any individuals disability status. This non-discriminatory policy involves every aspect of the Boards 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, Chair
 
ATTEST:
 
Jerome Kaszubowski, Clerk
April 3, 2026