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 May 7, 2024, 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.

Highlands County Emergency Medical Services has received from Rapid Response Medical Transportation LLC., a Florida Corporation d/b/a RAPID RESPONSE AMBULANCE a private not for profit medical provider by the State of Florida Department of Health, an application for 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 Section 5-55 of the Code of Ordinances, Highlands County, Florida. The applicant intends to serve the geographical area Highlands County, Florida, including all incorporated areas within that County. The Class 1, Nonemergency medical transport, Class 2 Basic Life Support ambulance encompasses providing basic life support medical services on inter-facility transports. The Class 3 Advanced Life Support Ambulance encompasses providing advanced life support services on inter-facility transports.

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 Services 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 Mark Ellis, Deputy Chief, at that address or by phone at (863) 402-6630. Photocopies may be obtained at that location for fifteen cents ($0.15) per single sided page or twenty cents ($0.20) for double sided copies.

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: Kevin Roberts, Chair

ATTEST:

Jerome Kaszubowski, Clerk

March 22, 2024