News Update for 3/27/26

A 57-year-old man, identified as Horace Butler, was arrested in Highlands County after deputies say he assaulted a woman with a large walking stick during an argument. According to reports, the victim suffered injuries to her arm and leg after being struck multiple times. Butler is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities Continue reading

News Update for 3/26/26

Schools in Lake Placid were placed on lockdown after multiple bomb threats prompted a large law enforcement response. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says the threats targeted local elementary, middle, and high schools. After thorough searches, authorities determined the threats were not credible and confirmed all students and staff were safe. Officials also noted similar Continue reading

News Update for 3/25/26

Highlands County Fire Rescue responded to a fully involved structure fire Tuesday around 3:45 p.m. along U.S. 98 in Spring Lake, just west of Dollar General. Crews arrived to find the home completely engulfed and quickly worked to contain the flames, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the structure. The home was declared a total Continue reading

News Update for 3/24/26

Governor Ron DeSantis says a bill he just signed will protect the health, security and freedom of Floridians. DeSantis was talking about the Florida Farm Bill he signed yesterday in Highlands County. It prevents local governments from banning gas and diesel-powered equipment, limits inappropriate high-density development in certain areas and requires US citizenship or ownership Continue reading

News Update for 3/23/26

The Highlands County Clerk of Courts has received a national award for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The honor recognizes Highlands County’s Popular Annual Financial Report for the 2024 fiscal year, meeting high standards for clarity, presentation, and public accessibility. Officials say this marks Continue reading

News Update for 3/20/26

Sebring International Raceway has unveiled a commemorative logo ahead of the 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, set for March 2027. The design features a prominent “75” and classic blue racing stripes, honoring the event’s history dating back to 1952. Officials say the logo launch marks the start of a year-long Continue reading

News Update for 3/19/26

Mobil 1 and Sebring International Raceway are extending one of the longest partnerships in professional sports. The iconic Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring marks 32 straight years with Mobil 1 as title sponsor, dating back to 1995. The world-renowned endurance race returns March 21, continuing its legacy as one of the toughest events in Continue reading

News Update for 3/18/26

Tons of fans packed downtown Sebring Tuesday as Fan Fest kicked off Race Week for the 12 Hours of Sebring. Crowds gathered for driver Q&As, a transporter parade on a new route, pit stop demos, and kids’ Power Wheels races. Teams also showcased new cars, including the global debut of a Lamborghini GT3 entry competing Continue reading

News Update for 3/16/26

A Sebring man is facing multiple felony charges following a narcotics investigation. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says its Crime Suppression Unit and SWAT Team served a search warrant March 11th at a home on Mundell Avenue, where detectives arrested 53-year-old Keith Lavelle Hicks. Investigators say they found more than 22 grams of methamphetamine, including Continue reading

News Update for 3/13/26

A former youth softball coach has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of sexual battery involving a minor in Highlands County. Judge David Ward sentenced 58-year-old Michael Charles Pack to prison, followed by 10 years of sexual offender probation, and designated him a sexual predator. Investigators say Pack abused a young Continue reading