The Latest Local News

The SunTrust Bank location where five tellers were gunned down back in January is all but a memory now. Without fanfare, heavy equipment crews have been taking down the Midtown Branch building and preparing the lot for donation. Officials at SunTrust say that so far, no specific use for the site has been determined. However, Continue reading

Local community activist Bill Youngman was honored at the Highlands County commission meeting. A resolution in his honor was read in his behest for this role in following and advocating for county issues. Youngman attended many commission and committee meeting, advocated for the e-verify system. He was noted for his extensive preparation in his presentations Continue reading

Sad word comes today that former Florida State House Representative and citrus pioneer Bert Harris jr has passed away. A longtime local representative, Harris may best be known for the property rights act that bears his name. The Bert Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act was adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1995. In 2008, Continue reading

If you’re in the market for some real estate, the Highlands County commission is putting some land back on the tax rolls. Commissioners have voted to go ahead with the sale of better than 100 properties. Early estimates are that the sell-off could mean at least $100,000 to the county and could reach as much Continue reading

If you’re in the market for some real estate, the Highlands County commission is putting some land back on the tax rolls. Commissioners have voted to go ahead with the sale of better than 100 properties. Early estimates are that the sell-off could mean at least $100,000 to the county and could reach as much Continue reading

Firefighters in various departments were kept busy here yesterday with calls all over Highlands county. Shortly before 1:00 yesterday afternoon units from DeSoto City and Leisure Lakes were called to a home on Henscratch Road where they found a 21′ SeaRay boat on fire. They got it extinguished quickly but preliminary damage estimates were set Continue reading

Avon Park city council members were to have considered an agreement with a local entity called “Four Winds,” to manage the Avon Park Executive Airport. However, the item was pulled from the agenda Monday night by Avon Park City Manager David Flowers. During the meeting, Flowers was approached by a second suitor who reportedly is Continue reading

It looks like the Avon Park Executive Airport soon may have a fixed base operator. At their meeting tonight, the Avon Park city council will take a look at a pending agreement with a firm that could run the facility, In other action, the council will discuss the process to hire a full-time attorney for Continue reading

Another brush fire in Highlands County – this time in the south end. Units from Sun ‘N Lakes, Placid Lakes and Venus turned out to assist Florida Forestry crews in snuffing what was termed “a stubborn fire.” Authorities say the property was difficult to access, as it was sparked on a secluded area off of Continue reading

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that would allow classroom teachers to carry guns in school – in systems that permit it. Highlands County Superintendent of Schools Brenda Longshore has reiterated her opposition to the expansion of the “Guardian Program” here. Instead, local schools are looking at installing the Active Shooter Awareness Program. Continue reading