The Latest Local News

Highlands County Fire Rescue responded Thursday morning to a brush fire on Afton Road off U.S. 98 in Sebring. Crews were dispatched just after 11 a.m., with deputies evacuating three nearby homes as a precaution. By mid-afternoon, the fire had burned about 10 acres and was nearly fully contained. No injuries were reported and all Continue reading

Highlands County Fire Rescue responded to a mutual aid call Tuesday night to assist the Avon Park Fire Department at a commercial structure fire in the 1400 block of Oleander Drive. The call came in around 7:36 p.m., where multiple tractors were reported on fire. The fire has been extinguished, but a pole barn was Continue reading

An extension of the burn ban is now in effect across all of Highlands County. Fire officials say the mandatory ban runs from January 6, 2025, through February 18, 2026, unless lifted earlier due to improved conditions. Campfires, bonfires, yard waste burning, fireworks, and outdoor fire pits are prohibited. Cooking is allowed only on contained Continue reading

A Highlands County man is under arrest following a New Year’s Eve investigation involving an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl. Sheriff’s deputies say a 41-year-old suspect was taken into custody after the victim reported a long-term, non-consensual sexual relationship and a violent incident that prevented her from leaving the residence. Investigators say the Continue reading

Sebring city leaders are moving ahead with plans to relocate the city’s Public Works and Utilities Departments. City staff recently toured facilities in Mount Dora and Clermont to gather ideas and explore architectural options. The city has issued a request for proposals for architectural services, with a deadline of January 13. Officials say relocating the Continue reading

>> Highlands County Seniors Targeted in Rising Bitcoin ATM Scams Highlands County officials are warning residents, especially seniors, about a sharp rise in Bitcoin ATM scams. Fraudsters nationwide have already stolen over $333 million in 2025, pressuring victims to deposit cash or cryptocurrency into ATMs for fake debts or emergencies. The Sheriff’s Office urges everyone Continue reading

Highlands County Fire Rescue crews responded yesterday to a one-acre brush fire in the Venus area off Quail Run. Officials say the fire was caused by an escaped illegal burn and was quickly brought under control. No injuries or structural damage were reported. Fire crews were assisted by the Florida Forest Service. Residents are reminded Continue reading

A piece of racing history will be on display this Wednesday in downtown Sebring. The Crosley Hot Shot that won the 1950 Sam Collier Memorial will be showcased on the Circle as the city marks the 75th anniversary of the world’s first sports car endurance race, and the first European-style sports car race held in Continue reading

Sad news ahead of this week’s celebration marking the very first race at Sebring. Eldridge Pollard, one of the event’s co–grand marshals, has passed away at the age of 96. Pollard and Legare Smoak both served as firefighters during the inaugural race at the Sebring Air Terminal in 1950. Racing officials call his passing a Continue reading

Four teenagers are facing charges after authorities say they forced their way into a Sebring home and threatened the occupant’s life. Investigators with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office report the group returned to the home armed with a handgun, pointed the weapon at the victim, and ransacked parts of the residence. Three suspects are charged Continue reading