Staff Sgts. Eric Braddock, left, and Ryan Onely prepare Capt. Nicholas Morgans for a medical evacuation during a training mission at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Dec. 13, 2012.

An aircrew flying an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter helped extract the Airmen. Braddock and Onely are both 38th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen and Morgan is a 38th RQS combat rescue officer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)

As the largest bombing and gunnery range east of the Mississippi River, the APAFR plays an essential role in training the men and women that defend our nation. Located in central Florida, the APAFR’s 106,000 acres provide a vital training facility for active duty, guard, and reserve military units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

The Compatible Use Plan will serve as an update to the Joint Land Use Study, completed in 2010. This effort will provide an opportunity for the seven local governments of Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk Counties and the Cities of Avon Park, Frostproof, and Sebring to work together over the next 18 months to promote civilian development compatible with the Range’s continued operation. The goals remain the provision of public safety, identification of appropriate regulatory and non-regulatory measures, increased communication and cooperation, the protection of range capabilities, and local collaboration encouragement.

For more information about the Compatible Use Plan, contact Jennifer Codo-Salisbury at the Central Florida Regional Planning Council at (863) 534-7130.