Frank Youngman at a glance
- Has lived in Highlands County for more than 50 years.
- Owns Florida Grove Hedgers, a Lake Placid business serving the citrus industry.
- Chairs the Highlands County Board of Adjustment and serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Brings a business owner’s focus to county spending and long-term planning.
- Says his priorities are infrastructure, responsible growth and a stronger voice for District 4.
Frank Youngman’s roots in Highlands County run through agriculture, business and the land itself.
Youngman, a candidate for the District 4 seat on the Highlands County Commission, has lived in the county for more than 50 years and owns Florida Grove Hedgers, a Lake Placid business serving the citrus industry. He has also been involved with Farm Bureau, the Citrus Growers Association and the Cattlemen’s Association.
His public service has centered on land and growth. Youngman is chairman of the Highlands County Board of Adjustment and serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission, where members review zoning, land-use changes, variances and special exceptions.
That background shapes the way he talks about the county’s future. Youngman does not believe Highlands County can stop growth, but he does believe it can decide what kind of growth it wants. He supports commercial and industrial development that creates better-paying jobs while protecting the agricultural land, lakes, woods and wildlife that remain part of the county’s identity.
He also sees opportunities in agritourism, ecotourism and outdoor recreation—ways to bring new dollars into Highlands County without turning it into something it is not.
Infrastructure is at the center of Youngman’s campaign. He points to roads, drainage, sewer needs, bridges and public facilities as problems that become more expensive when they are put off.
“You have to plan for the future today,” he said. “You can’t wait until it happens.”
Youngman also wants the county to pursue more state and federal grants to help pay for large projects and equipment. Fire trucks, ambulances, bridges and sewer improvements carry costs that can be difficult for a rural county to absorb. He believes a stronger grant-writing effort could ease some of the pressure on local property owners.
His approach to the county budget comes from running a business. Youngman wants officials to examine staffing, equipment replacement and the cost of performing some services in-house before asking taxpayers for more money. He has raised the possibility of using private contractors for some mowing, hauling and road-related work, while saying law enforcement and fire rescue must remain protected.
“When you lay your head down on Thursday night and try to figure out how you’re going to make payroll on Friday, that’s a tough decision,” he said.
Youngman believes new development should help pay for the infrastructure it creates, but he has concerns about impact fees that could add thousands of dollars to the cost of a modest home. He favors bringing residents, builders and other affected groups together to find a level that helps pay for growth without putting homeownership further out of reach.
He would consider short-term tax incentives for an employer bringing stable, well-paying jobs. On data centers, his current position is no because of unanswered questions about noise, environmental effects and nearby residents.
Across those issues, Youngman returns to one central concern.
“Lake Placid needs a voice,” he said.
