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Despite an active storm season in Florida, ag experts say that citrus crop damage from Hurricane Milton that while significant, could have been a lot worse. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates that Milton caused between $1.5 to $2.5 billion dollars in damage to Florida’s citrus crops, equipment and structures. The worst Continue reading

Officials at Lakeview Memorial Gardens are pushing to get final donations of wreaths for the Holiday season before the Wednesday, December 4th deadline. The goal is to provide a wreath for each Veteran buried there. With over 700 already donated, officials are seeking a total of 1000. The wreaths will be laid at the cemetery Continue reading

A study aimed at measuring how a growing population in Highlands County will affect transportation, parks and recreation, library, fire and rescue efforts, and other public services has been approved by the Highlands County Commissioners. The study is an effort determine if or which costs the County will cover with its impact fees. On November Continue reading

An arrest has been made in the deadly shooting that happened Monday night in Avon Park. Eric Von Ferguson Jr. is facing charges of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and destroying evidence in connection to the crime. The victim, 18-year-old Carlos Manuel Fuentes, was found by deputies, lying on the ground at Continue reading

An investigation into a fatal shooting in Avon Park Monday night, is underway. Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a basketball court on Fred Connor Street where they found an adult male lying on the ground, the apparent victim of gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Initial reports indicate Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman recently came before the Highlands County Commission to request a resolution to place markers on US 27 to honor slain Highlands County Sheriff Deputy William J. Gentry. Gentry died in the line of duty on May 6, 2018 after Joseph Ables shot him several times. Florida Senate Bill 160, which Continue reading

A stolen car chase late last night had some helicopters flying low over homes in the northern part of the County … Polk County authorities called for assistance chasing a stolen vehicle heading south into Highlands County. Our deputies caught up with the vehicle with help from Polk County helicopters keeping pace with the car. Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies discovered a horrendous case of animal abuse Tuesday afternoon – they were serving what they THOUGHT was a routine eviction notice in the Kissimmee River Estates subdivision a little after 3pm. When they gained access to the mobile home, they found 46 dogs and 8 cats in what the department described Continue reading

The Highlands County Commission got organized for the upcoming year yesterday – after swearing in returning Commissioners Kevin Roberts, Scott Kirouwac and Chris Campbell for fresh terms, the Commission elected Arlene Tuck as Board Chairperson for the upcoming year and Don Elewell as Vice-Chair. The Sebring CRA Board decided Monday to accept a proposal for Continue reading

It’s happening again – calls are being made around Highlands County from ne’r-do-wells posing as Highlands County Sheriff’s personnel demanding money to get you out of some terrible “spotr” you’re supposedly in. The cops want you to know – the police and sheriff’s departments around here do NOT call asking for money, and if you’re Continue reading