News Update for 10/27/26

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying suspects in two separate theft investigations. Deputies say someone stole a black-and-red backpack during vehicle burglaries on Longview Road, Springdale Road and Grouper Drive in Sebring early Saturday. In a separate case, a woman allegedly stole a potted plant and aluminum sign from Continue reading

News Update for 10/26/26

Sebring’s proposed downtown open container district is moving toward its next step. City council is expected to take up the issue November third, as officials weigh allowing patrons to carry alcoholic drinks outside participating businesses in designated areas. Before pursuing state legislation, council members want to hear from the public and gauge support for the Continue reading

News Update for 10/23/26

After months of back-and-forth negotiations, the Sebring City Council has unanimously terminated its golf course lease agreement with the Blackmon family. Disagreements over the course’s deteriorating condition and pollution concerns involving Little Lake Jackson prevented the deal from moving forward. The city will now pursue a lease agreement with Fort Myers-based H&L Golf Group. The Continue reading

News Update for 10/22/26

A revised apartment proposal is moving forward for a property on State Road 17 North in Sebring. After residents raised traffic concerns about a proposed 30-unit complex, the City Council denied the original land-use and zoning changes. Developers are now proposing a 16-unit, two-story building. The project is scheduled to go before the Planning and Continue reading

News Update for 10/21/26

Early voting for the November 3rd general election in Highlands County begins Thursday, October 22nd, and runs through October 31st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voters can cast ballots at the Avon Park City Council Chambers, the Penny Ogg Operations Center in Sebring, or the Lake Placid Town Government Center. Voters should bring a Continue reading

News Update for 10/20/26

A Sebring man faces life in prison without parole after being convicted of killing his neighbor, D’Etta Maura, in August 2023. A Highlands County jury found 39-year-old Tamario Sanders guilty of first-degree murder and related charges. Evidence included the victim’s DNA under his fingernails, blood on his shoes, and a knife linked to the killing. Continue reading

News Update for 10/19/26

A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Avon Park and her unborn baby were killed in a five-vehicle crash Saturday evening in Frostproof. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says a semi-truck struck a stopped SUV at U.S. 27 and U.S. 98, triggering a chain-reaction collision. Several others were injured, and the investigation is ongoing. Highlands County Ag-Venture Continue reading

News Update for 10/14/26

The trial of a Sebring man accused of stabbing his neighbor to death in 2023 is underway. Prosecutors say DNA evidence, surveillance video and a knife found inside a home connect Tamario Sanders to the killing of D’Etta Monique Maura. Jurors also heard testimony about Maura’s teenage son discovering her body. The defense is questioning Continue reading

News Update for 10/13/2026

A 73-year-old Sebring woman was killed Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 27 at Hammock Road. Police identified the woman as Miro Edilberta. Investigators say she had reached the middle lane while crossing the highway when she tried to reach the median but was struck by a southbound 2026 Toyota Corolla Continue reading

News Update for 10/12/26

The Highlands County School Board is preparing to end its long-standing role as fiscal agent for the Heartland Educational Consortium. The Okeechobee County School Board is expected to take over the financial responsibilities. Highlands officials will consider an agreement at their October 20th meeting, with the transition expected to wrap up by March 1st of Continue reading