admin

Pretty good thunderstorm we had last night around 7pm. Quite a few of us lost power – a family on Oxford Road in Sebring lost a bit more. Highlands Fire-Rescue crews were called to put a blaze out at a manufactured home on Oxford where flames and smoke were visible upon arrival. No injuries – Continue reading

There was some discussion at the Highlands County School board meeting last night about school resource officers and how much the board pays for them. Resident Jesse Sapp said his reading of the contract shows that there are 17 Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies filling those slots at $60,000 apiece. However, there are three officers from Continue reading

Training continues at the Avon Park Air Force Range today. Officials there say they will be hosting various sorties until very late tonight. The noise levels will continue to be high. No word as to who is doing the testing of the facility, which continues to increase in use. Tonight at 6:00, District 2 County Continue reading

According to reports, Sebring is suffering a problem with the homeless. Apparently, tourists have said they have been accosted in the pier beach area near the Highlands Lakeside Theater – and will never return. One merchant in the downtown area recounted a story of a homeless man deficating on the street near his shop on Continue reading

The National Weather Service has issued another excessive heat advisory for the area today. Highlands County is under the advisory until 7:00 tonight. The combination of hot afternoon temperatures and increasing humidity will result in heat index values well over 100 degrees. Afternoon temperatures will remain above normal, with humidity remaining high through the balance Continue reading

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat advisory for the area through the remainder of the week. Highlands County will remain under the advisory until 7:00 tonight. The combination of hot afternoon temperatures and increasing humidity will result in heat index values of as much as 108 degrees. Afternoon temperatures will remain above Continue reading

Local celebrations of the nation’s birthday came to a close last night, with successful fireworks displays in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. Local law enforcement officials say there have been no reports of people losing fingers or other body parts in firing off private pyrotechnics. The inaugural Firecracker Festival was staged in Avon Park Continue reading

Be advised, it’s going to be another scorcher today. The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a Heat advisory. It’ll be in effect from 11am until 7:00 tonight. Feels like temperatures could be as hot as 110-degrees in the area. That includes a dozen counties including Highlands, Hardee, Desoto and Polk. Today is July Continue reading

Independence day celebrations continue today with fireworks displays at Sun ‘N Lake in Highlands County and at Frostproof in Polk County. Sun ‘N Lake’s festivities will begin at 7:00 this evening and will feature the grand opening of the community’s new playground. There also will be food trucks, a touch-a-truck contest with Highlands County Fire Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners will hold a special session today to consider a couple of taxing issues. First on the agenda will be a discussion on whether or not to add another percent onto the Tourist Tax. Reportedly, that money would be used to build, or add on to a tourist facility here in Highlands County. Continue reading