The Latest Local News

A former Sebring High School teacher is facing three felony charges following an investigation by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Chandler Gowan Tuesday on charges including soliciting a romantic relationship with a student and unauthorized access to student records. Investigators say Gowan allegedly gave a 14-year-old student a note asking, “Do you Continue reading

The Highlands County School Board is adjusting to a vacancy following the resignation of District 5 member Nicole Radonski. Board Attorney Shannon Nash says Florida law requires Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a replacement, as the school board cannot fill the seat or hold a special election. The board will continue operating with four members Continue reading

A local call to give back is happening later this month. Lakeshore Mall in Sebring will host a Volunteer Fair on Saturday, May 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will feature multiple Highlands County non-profit organizations looking to connect with volunteers and share ways to get involved year-round. Organizers say it’s Continue reading

Highlands County leaders are moving to replace Sun ‘N Lake’s elected five-member board with county-appointed supervisors, aiming for consistency with other districts. County Attorney Sherry Sutphen says an ordinance is being drafted, followed by a public hearing and vote. Commissioners criticized General Manager Ray Bossert for spreading misinformation, while Bossert defended his role and the Continue reading

County officials say online permitting and code services will continue to be temporarily unavailable as the county upgrades to a new digital platform. The switch to the new Community Development eTRAKiT system means online permit processing is paused through today, May 1st. Officials say staff will still be available for general assistance during the transition. Continue reading

After years of setbacks local citrus leaders say orange juice production is making a comeback. Ray Royce told county commissioners growers are planting hundreds of thousands of new trees, with millions more going in across Florida. He says production is expected to increase this year, with more fruit being harvested both locally and statewide. Despite Continue reading

The second suspect in a deadly Placid Lakes shooting is now in custody. Investigators say 38-year-old Leon Jarrell Simms turned himself in and faces second-degree murder charges. Deputies say Simms was the gunman, while a second suspect, already jailed, drove the truck. The victim, 30-year-old Marvin Lekeith Sholtz Jr., called a friend for help, saying Continue reading

An extensive search for possible drowning victims on Lake Jackson has now ended with a surprising outcome. Police say after nearly 21 hours of searching with multiple agencies, no evidence of missing swimmers was found. Investigators later confirmed that a person seen in the water came forward, stating they had been swimming alone and safely Continue reading

Last night in Sebring, emergency crews responded to reports of missing divers in Lake Jackson near City Pier Beach. Authorities say multiple agencies are involved in the search, including police, fire, wildlife, and sheriff’s units. As of 11:53 p.m., search efforts were still ongoing and the public was urged to avoid the area while first Continue reading

>>> HCSO Investigating Several Vehicle Burglaries The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several vehicle burglaries in the Sun N Lake Area that took place on Tuesday, April 21. They’re looking at specific streets, including Tangier St., Urbino St., Cadagua St., Perugia Ave, and Mercado Dr. Anyone in the area is asked to check their Continue reading