The Latest Local News

It was back to school today for thousands of Highlands County students. Classes resumed after three days off. The regular Labor Day holiday was extended due to the threat of Hurricane Dorian. Motorists are reminded to exercise additional caution around school zones – and to watch for children riding bicycles or walking home from schools. Continue reading

After a long wait, it appears things in Highlands County finally are returning to normal. The Tropical Storm Watch for Highlands County was lifted last night as Hurricane Dorian lumbered northward. Although Highlands County and municipal offices will resume operations today, there still are some closings. Highlands County schools and South Florida State College have Continue reading

It appears Hurricane Dorian is finally on the move. Officials from the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center say the big storm is moving North/Northwest at about a mile an hour. A turn toward the north is expected tomorrow. Shelters were opened yesterday with a final census of 170 across the four facilities. They may remain Continue reading

Highlands County continues under a Tropical Storm Watch. That means residents should work to complete emergency plans – having all of the supplies they need. Dorian continues to move west at speeds of 1 mph as of the latest update, parts of Highlands continue in the cone of error. Subsequently, residents can expect to experience Continue reading

CLOSINGS Highlands County Schools, including the district offices will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. First Baptist Church on Sparta Road in Sebring has cancelled their Sunday morning services. American Legion Post 25 in Lake Placid will not be open on Sunday. The Ridge Area Arc Adult Training Center & Resale store will be Continue reading

Preparedness Month is not until September, but with Hurricane Dorian bearing down on Florida, Highlands County residents are not waiting. Business was brisk yesterday at local gas stations and grocery stores as residents stocked up on supplies before the advent of the big storm Sandbags continue to be available for those who need them. locatons Continue reading

With Tropical Storm Dorian churning through Puerto Rico and up the Caribbean, current tracking maps put central Florida in the middle of the cone of influence. Here in Highlands County, sandbags are being made available. They will be – At the intersection of CR 17, Isabelle Lake Road and Old Bombing Range Road in Avon Continue reading

With Tropical Storm Dorian churning through Puerto Rico and up the Caribbean, current tracking maps put central Florida in the middle of the cone of influence. Here in Highlands County, sandbags are being made available. They will be – At the intersection of CR 17, Isabelle Lake Road and Old Bombing Range Road in Avon Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s investigators have made an arrest over a threatening Facebook post. Authorities say they were alerted to a MEME, saying that individual “…so wants to go on a shooting spree…” Under state law, “Written threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism…” actually constitutes a Continue reading

A Lake Placid woman was killed early this morning when she was hit by a truck. Florida Highway Patrol reports say 42-year-old Jolene Nichole Braswell was walking along Highway 27 near the intersection of Anderson Street, when she was hit by a pickup. The Ford F-150 was being driven by 26-year-old Chelsea Whitmore of Venus. Continue reading