The Latest Local News

Thousands of Highlands County School students went back to classes this morning after a long Christmas break. Motorists are cautioned to watch for youngsters this afternoon walking or riding their bikes home from school. Drivers also are reminded to slow down in School Zones. A Highlands County Sheriff’s deputy reportedly was involved in a crash Continue reading

Officials of the Highlands County Tourism Development Council want to see if they can make this a sports destination. Reporteldy, they have hired “The Huddle-Up Group” to make an assessment of the county. “HUG,” as they are known, say if the goal is to expand sports tourism in an area – they can help. HUG Continue reading

It appears that if his job as Highlands County’s Public Safety Director does not work out, Marc Bashoor may have a modeling career as a fallback, Over the past couple years he has done modeling for an international fashion magazine and was cast in a movie role shot in Orlando. After nearly two decades and Continue reading

It appears that if his job as Highlands County’s Public Safety Director does not work out, Marc Bashoor may have a modeling career as a fallback, Over the past couple years he has done modeling for an international fashion magazine and was cast in a movie role shot in Orlando. After nearly two decades and Continue reading

Officials at AdventHealth Highlands say they are still awaiting a new year’s baby. Reportedly, they are hopeful there may be one later today – as is the expectant mother. They did have a boy born last night. The last new Highlands Countian of 2019 came into the world shortly before 8:PM. Officials say mom and Continue reading

COUNTY SHERIFF’S DETECTIVES CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE AN APPARENT HOMICIDE SUNDAY IN AVON PARK. THE NAME OF THE VICTIM WAS ORIGINALLY REVERSED IN THE REPORT – 29-YEAR-OLD VAN’DERKEL CLAYTON OF AVON PARK DIED OF AN APPARENT HOMICIDE SUNDAY – ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL 863-402-7200 OR EMAIL DETECTIVES@HIGHLANDSSHERIFF.ORG. THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL IS LOOKING Continue reading

HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERiFf’S DETECTIVES ARE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE SUNDAY MORNING ON SOUTH AVENUE ‘A’ IN AVON PARK. WE KNOW THE VICTIM’S NAME IS 29 YEAR OLD CLAYTON VAN DERKEL OF AVON PARK – FURTHER DETAILS AREN’T BEING RELEASED QUITE YET, BUT DETECTIVES WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AS THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION CAN CALL Continue reading

THE FLORIDA STATE PATROL HAS RELEASED THE NAMES OF THE TWO PEOPLE KILLED IN THAT HEAD-ON WRECK ON HIGHWAY 70 AND COUNTY 721 TUESDAY MORNING. 21 YEAR OLD JACOB VIOLETTE OF VERO BEACH WAS KILLED WHEN HIS PICKUP TRUCK TRAVELLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ABOUT 3:40AM AND CLIPPED THE FRONT END OF A FORD VAN DRIVEN Continue reading

THE FLORIDA STATE PATROL REPORTS HIGHWAY 70 NEAR COUNTY ROAD 721 EAST OF LAKE PLACID IS STILL BLOCKED AFTER A TRAFFIC INCIDENT AND FATALITY EARLY THIS MORNING. DETAILS AREN’T AVAILABLE YET. HEADING OUT OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY TOWARD OKEECHOBEE ON US98 MAY BE A BETTER CHOICE FOR A FEW HOURS. A SEMI TRUCK TRACTOR TRYING TO Continue reading

DESOTO CITY, LORIDA AND LEISURE LAKES FIRE CREWS RESPONDED TO A REPORTED STRUCTURE FIRE ON ELLIOT ROAD ON LAKE ISTOKPOGA YESTERDAY MORNING. A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATING SYSTEM CAUSED THE SCARE. NO INJURIES TO REPORT, BUT A REMINDER – CHECK AND SERVICE THAT FURNACE AND AIR HANDLER, KEEP SPACE HEATERS AWAY FROM WALLS AND DRAPERY, Continue reading