Barry Foster

Officials at AdventHealth Highlands say they are still awaiting a new year’s baby. Reportedly, they are hopeful there may be one later today – as is the expectant mother. They did have a boy born last night. The last new Highlands Countian of 2019 came into the world shortly before 8:PM. Officials say mom and Continue reading

Highlands County sheriff’s officials say they have arrested a Hill-Gustat Middle School student and charged with a pair of felony counts. According to reports, the 12-year-old had made a post on an Instagram account indicating the school -quote- “was gonna get shot up.” The youngster has been charged with making a written threat to kill Continue reading

It could be a spirited meeting at the Highlands County commission tomorrow, as commissioners consider a resolution to make Highlands a Second Amendment sanctuary county. Some controversy has erupted over the idea of backing the Constitution, with some residents on social media opposing the idea. The move first was enacted in Lake County and has Continue reading

A discussion by the Avon Park city council about code enforcement resulted in questions being raised about the Highlands County building official. New Avon Park Vice Mayor Stanley Spurlock told council members he had witnessed unauthorized construction – yet after it was reported to the building official, nothing was done. The city has turned that Continue reading

It appears the City of Charm is poised for some significant growth. Avon Park city council members have approved wholesale zoning changes along Highway 27. The action upgrades 73-acres of property along the county’s busiest thoroughfare to C-2, or what is termed “Highway Commercial.” Among other things, that will permit the construction of restaurants, stores, Continue reading

The Avon Park city council held their last scheduled meeting of the year last night with a long session. Among other things, they started work on a program to let motorists know they are entering the City of Charm. Councilwoman Brenda Gray called for signage on the new traffic circle south of the city – Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are looking for help in finding out who killed a 34-year-old Sebring man. Deputies responding to a call at Highway Park Liquors – south of Lake Placid early Saturday morning, found the body of Lee Marvin Anderson. Anderson was still in his car, and reportedly had been shot several times. Anyone Continue reading

There’s been a break-in at another local gun store. Sebring Police say somebody went through a window at Boom Boom Guns & Ammo on Highway 27 shortly after 3:00 this morning. It’s unclear what – if anything was taken. Authorities say they are reviewing security camera footage in an effort to identify anybody involved in Continue reading

The Christmas season got underway officially in Highlands County last night as the Avon Park Christmas parade made its way down Main Street. The processional featured beauty queens, floats, marching bands, specialty units, dancers and antique cars. The City of Charm traditionally hosts the first processional of the season. Next up will be the Sebring Continue reading

It was back to class today for thousands of Highlands County School children. They had last week off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Motorists are cautioned to watch out for youngsters – especially those walking or riding their bikes home from school. And remember to slow down through school zones as well. The local Christmas Season Continue reading