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A new report by Smartest Dollar shows that when it comes to pay, local first responders are making below the national average. The survey indicates the average here for police officers, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics and the like is just short of $50,000 annually – when adjusted for the local cost of living – which is Continue reading

The firm SmartAsset has released their latest study of the places receiving the most incoming investment. In Florida, Highlands County ranked 53rd of the state’s 67 counties. The business growth here was set at 2.4-percent with a Gross Domestic Product of about $103 million dollars. Highlands ranked below Desoto, Hardeee and Okechobee counties. Polk County Continue reading

Highlands County firefighters had their hands full last night with a brush fire. The flames charred about an acre of land off Blue Skies Drive in the Sun ‘N Lakes south community. Units from Sun ‘N Lakes and the Division of Forestry were able to get the fire under control in the largely wooded area. Continue reading

A new study by the firm Construction Coverage shows that carpenters in the Sebring area earn an average of $36,600 a year. Even with the figure adjusted to $42,000 annually based on the local cost of living, it pales in comparison to the national average of $49,500 a year – which is an unadjusted number. Continue reading

The Avon Park city council sawed through quite a bit of business at their meeting last night. They first approved their budget and millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Property tax evaluation will jump to 2.24 mils to support the city’s $38.6 million dollar budget. In other action, the council approved a couple of Continue reading

Avon Park city council members will have quite a bit of housekeeping to take care of when they meet tonight in regular session. They first will hold public hearings on the budget. At their last meeting, the council voted to set the millage at 2.24 mils to help underwrite the city’s $38.6 million dollar spending Continue reading

Apparently, it pays to be a roofer in Highlands County. A new report by the firm “Porch” indicates roofers in the Sebring metro area make an estimated wage of $38,000 annually – that jumps to $44,000 a year when adjusted for the cost of living here. The survey shows that roofers earn a similar amount Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s officials no longer are looking for Taureaun Thompson. The 25-year-old Thompson reportedly turned himself in to authorities last night. He had been sought on attempted homicide charges in connection with a shooting incident in Avon Park back on September 11th. Thompson has been booked into the Highlands County jail. Highlands County School Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives are in search of Taureaun Thompson. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to his apprehension. The 25-year-old Thompson is wanted in connection with an attempted homicide. He is being sought in connection with an incident that occurred back on Sept. 11th where a man was Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners today were asked to remember Penny Ogg. The late former Supervisor of Elections died suddenly earlier this month following a brief hospital stay. One resident suggested that election day be re-named Penny Ogg Day. County Commissioner Arlene Tuck suggested that the Highlands County Government Center might be re-named the Penny Ogg center Continue reading