The Latest Local News

It’s that time again, when USA Today begins to compile their “10 Best” lists, and the Sebring International Raceway is looking for your help. The last time around they were voted the 4th best motorsports race in the world. They are looking to better that mark. Members of the Sebring Nation are being urged to Continue reading

An accident south of Lake Placid has sent at least one person to the hospital. The mishap occurred last night about 10:30 on State Road 70 East. Florida Highway Patrol officials have released no names or other details. Quick work by Highlands County firefighters reportedly contained a fire in the Fairmount Mobile Estates. Units from Continue reading

A Sebring icon has passed away. Chamber of Commerce officials have announced the death of Thelma Pyle. For nearly half a century Pyle was synonomous with the chamber as an employee and volunteer. She also served for nearly a decade on the Sebring city council. A social media post has indicated that Highlands County Animal Continue reading

A new community bank is in the works for Highlands County. Reportedly John Shoop has left Center State Bank with an eye toward creating a new local financial institution. Shoop said a number of his management team has come with him to put together the “First Southern Bank.” The institution currently is under review by Continue reading

Polk County Sheriff’s officials say a Sebring woman apparently was struck and killed near Lakeland. Authorities say 22-year-old Kara Fay Hanvey was found in a grass median along US Hwy 92 East early yesterday morning. Preliminary investigations point to a hit and run accident, however, an autopsy is slated for later today to determine the Continue reading

The academic year has come to a close and Highlands County school officials are trying to do some evaluations. However, it appear a lot of teachers are hesitant to fill out internet survey sheets on their administrators. Feedback to school board members indicate they do not believe that the online questionnaires are entirely anonymous – Continue reading

Highlands County school board members spent the bulk of their meeting last night going over nearly 50 policy changes. Board attorney John McClure explained each one briefly – noting that they come in response to state mandate. One regards religious expression in public schools – with mandates that students not be prohibited from prayer. Another Continue reading

After finding that grant money will cover less than half the project, Highlands County officials now say they will help the city of Avon Park find additional funding for a proposed water line extension. The project will end just short of the county line and would serve the planned Nucor Steel manufacturing facility and the Continue reading

It looks to be another spirited meeting at the Avon Park city council tonight. Council will look at appointing a representative to the Tourist Development Council. Vice Mayor Jim Barnard abruptly resigned after a tiff with the TDC’s consultant. Council also will look at what citizens pay for protection by the Highlands County Sheriff’s office Continue reading

Officials at the Sebring International Raceway had said they believed that this year’s “Super Sebring” was a record crowd. It appears they were right. Officials of the Highlands County Tourist Development Council have released records saying March was a record month for tourism. One reason revenues might be up, is that Highlands County Commissioners voted Continue reading