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After more than a decade of “C” grades, the Highlands County School District has earned its first “B” since 2011 for the 2024-25 school year. Five elementary schools — including Lake Placid and Park Elementary — scored top “A” marks, up from just one last year. Neighboring districts Hendry and Hardee also improved to “B” Continue reading

A Highlands County ranch known for Florida panther activity is now permanently protected from development under a $4 million conservation easement. Conservation Florida, alongside federal partners, secured the agreement to preserve the 1,003-acre AP Ranch next to the Archbold Biological Preserve. The deal protects vital wildlife habitat and migration corridors while allowing the ranch’s cattle Continue reading

A busy day of community connection is ahead for Highlands County residents. Sebring Mayor John Shoop kicks things off this morning at 8 a.m. with “What’s Up Downtown Sebring?” — a chance for free coffee and conversation at Highlands Lakeside Theatre, where locals can hear updates and connect with fellow business owners and community leaders. Continue reading

Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District in Sebring has expanded its popular pickleball facilities with a $65,000 investment in six new permanent courts. The project converted former flex courts into dedicated pickleball courts, bringing the total to 14. The new courts open today and will be available daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. Sun ‘N Lake Continue reading

Highlands County residents are reminded to enjoy Fourth of July celebrations today — weather permitting! In Sebring, the annual Patriotic Revue at Highlands Lakeside Theatre runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music and performances honoring our nation, followed by fireworks over Lake Jackson at City Pier Beach at 9 p.m. Avon Park’s Main Continue reading

A recent Florida Department of Transportation speed study of U.S. 27 in Sebring has determined that current speed limits will remain unchanged. The study, prompted by a local resident’s call to lower the limit for safety reasons, found drivers frequently exceed the posted speeds of 50 and 55 miles per hour. Despite 965 crashes — Continue reading

Local families are invited to help “Stuff the Bus” for the upcoming school year. The Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation is hosting a Back-To-School Supply Drive every Saturday in July from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakeshore Mall in Sebring. Donors can drop off essential school supplies like pencils, paper, backpacks, calculators, and more. Continue reading

A Spring Lake woman accused of DUI manslaughter has been granted bond. 63-year-old Bobbi Lynn Smith was given a $50,000 bond Friday by Judge David Ward. Prosecutors initially sought to keep her in jail until trial but withdrew that request. Smith was arrested five years after allegedly crashing a Dodge Journey in 2020, killing passenger Continue reading

Highlands County will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and festivities across the area. Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring will start things off on Thursday, July 3, from 5 to 9 p.m., with food trucks, live music, and fireworks at 9 p.m. In Sebring, Highlands Lakeside Theatre will host its annual Patriotic Revue on Continue reading

A Sebring man and his mother are now facing charges for allegedly helping cover up a rideshare robbery in the Florida Keys. 21-year-old Jacob James True, was arrested in Sebring Thursday, while his mother, 46-year-old, Mary Elizabeth Houston, of Islamorada, turned herself in. Deputies say the pair helped True’s brother, Payton Riley Roth, get rid Continue reading