News Update for 9/25/18

Local elections have been thrown for a loop as one of the candidates has died. Democrat April Freeman, who was slated to challenge Republican Greg Steube for the District 17 Congressional seat, reportedly passed away Sunday night.
The cause of death is not known.
Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg says, chairmen of Democrat Executive Committees in counties affected, now will get together an pick a successor – although Freemen’s name still will appear on the ballot.

There was some verbal sparring at last night’s Avon Park city council meeting between Avon Park city council candidate Maria Sutherland and Avon Park City Attorney Glinda Pruitt.
The dust up came as council considered whether or not to consider the termination of South Side Community Redevelopment Agency member Cyrus Wyche. He has been charged with a number of felony and misdemeanor counts.
Sutherland asked if Wyche had been given an opportunity to resign, and maintain his dignity – noting that people are considered innocent until proven guilty. Pruitt replied that the way council was handling the matter was appropriate.

Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested three people in connection with a reported armed robbery attempt at the EconoLodge Motel in Avon Park. Charged in the incident were 20-year-old Shane Jacob Sears, 23-year-old Jolly Jackson Reed and 28-year-old Maritza Ruiz.
The victim said the trio had asked him to help jump-start their car, but instead tried to rob him. The three were taken to the Highlands County jail.

Due to a major line break in the Lake Blue area, a portion of the Town of Lake Placid is under a precautionary boil water notice. It is limited to the Lake Blue area, but the nearby Holiday Inn and Raceway gas station were not affected.
Residents are asked to boil any water to be used for cooking or other consumption. Town officials say the situation should be rectified by Thursday.