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Highlands County’s burn ban has been lifted after recent rainfall improved drought conditions. Fire Chief Kelly Duppenthaler told county commissioners the county’s drought index dropped below the threshold that triggers a burn ban, leading officials to end the restriction. Residents are still urged to use caution when burning yard debris and follow state outdoor burning Continue reading

Three people have died following an airboat accident in Highlands County. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say seven people were traveling to the Kissimmee River on June 15th when the airboat began taking on water near the Istokpoga Canal and capsized. Four occupants were able to make it safely to shore, while three others were Continue reading

A Sebring armed robbery investigation is expanding after detectives identified additional suspects tied to a February holdup. Authorities say new witness information led to charges against Jalen Wilkerson and helped connect several men to the daytime robbery of a gas station customer. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint of about $1,400 after leaving a Continue reading

Three Avon Park City Council members have until Tuesday to resign or face a recall election. Enough petition signatures were verified to advance recall efforts against Mayor Garrett Anderson, Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard, and Councilmember Brittany McGuire, with each exceeding the required threshold. If they remain in office, the circuit’s chief judge will be asked Continue reading

A major commercial structure fire in Avon Park brought multiple agencies together Wednesday night. Just before 9 p.m., the Sebring Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request on West Garrett Road alongside Highlands County Fire Rescue and Avon Park Fire Department. Crews established a water supply by deploying nearly 1,500 feet of large-diameter hose Continue reading

Sebring Police are searching for a suspect after a vehicle was stolen outside Sebring City Hall Tuesday morning. Authorities say the owner briefly left the running vehicle unattended while going inside the building around 11:45 a.m., with a dog remaining inside. The vehicle was taken and later recovered at a residence on Devon Court. The Continue reading

A major redevelopment project in downtown Sebring is moving forward. The Community Redevelopment Agency will consider an agreement with Marmer Construction for renovations to the former Bank of America building on South Ridgewood Drive. The proposal includes space for the Racing Hall of Fame on the first floor and Marmer’s corporate offices on the second. Continue reading

South Florida State College is now accepting applications for the Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 through mid-July. The program gives participants an inside look at the businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping Highlands County grow and thrive. Those interested can learn more and complete a quick application at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, Continue reading

South Florida State College is getting a boost for adult education. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded SFSC a $10,000 grant to support literacy programs through its Adult Education Department. The funding will help provide learning materials, educational software, and GED testing assistance for students. SFSC serves more than 1,000 adult learners annually through Continue reading

Fire crews responded Tuesday to a brush fire near Ballard Road and State Road 64 on the western edge of Highlands County. In an 8:10 p.m. update, Highlands County Fire Rescue said the blaze had grown to about 75 acres. The Florida Forest Service has established a firebreak around the fire as crews continue working Continue reading