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A 54-year-old Zolfo Springs man was killed Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash in Hardee County. Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 10:38 p.m. at the intersection of Manley Road and Popash Road. Investigators report the pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed the intersection, and left the roadway, striking Continue reading

Community members will gather this evening at Reflection Park for the 7th annual Cruise for Jessica, a memorial event honoring Jessica Montague and four other women killed in the 2019 SunTrust Bank shooting. The cruise begins at 6:30 p.m. and serves as a tribute to the victims’ lives, while offering families and residents an opportunity Continue reading

A large brush fire burned roughly 140 acres Wednesday afternoon in the northwest Leisure Lakes area near Durrance Road and Bluebird Avenue, forcing evacuations and road closures. Highlands County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded with multiple engines and tractor plows as the fire spread rapidly. By Wednesday evening, evacuation orders were lifted Continue reading

Six candidates have qualified for three Sebring City Council seats in the March tenth city election. Mayor John Shoop and City Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Haley face no opposition and will secure new three-year terms. The council race pits incumbents Lenard Carlisle Junior, Harrison Havery, and Joshua Stewart against three challengers, including former council member Terry Mendel. Continue reading

Federal money is flowing to support local immigration enforcement as public opposition plays out in the streets. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has received more than two hundred thousand dollars in grants for detention support, transportation, and equipment tied to ICE-related cases. Sheriff Paul Blackman says the funding does not authorize patrols or raids. Even Continue reading

A Sebring man faces four charges after a rollover crash early Wednesday morning at the entrance to Lakeshore Mall. Jonathan Christopher Payne, 37, was charged with DUI, refusal to submit to testing, refusal to sign citations, and DUI causing damage. According to police, Payne’s SUV rolled onto its side after attempting a left turn across Continue reading

All Florida Department of Health offices in Highlands County will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with normal hours resuming Tuesday. In addition, drivers should expect several road closures in downtown Sebring for the annual MLK Day Parade, which begins at noon. Staging and parade routes will temporarily Continue reading

Highlands County will open a warming center as freezing temperatures move into the area. With a Freeze Watch in effect, the center will open Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring and close Friday at 7 a.m. The shelter is available for anyone without adequate heat or shelter. Continue reading

Avon Park City Council voted 3–2 Monday night to move interim City Manager Jason Atkinson closer to a permanent role. The decision comes after interviews with three candidates, with council citing Atkinson’s public works background as a key strength. Final approval is pending follow-up with his previous employer. Atkinson says his focus is restoring stability Continue reading

Highlands County residents are invited to a Town Hall Meeting preview focused on key local issues. The event takes place Wednesday, January 14th, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Florida State College University Center Auditorium, Building B. Highlands County Commissioner Don Elwell and members of the county’s executive team will be on hand Continue reading