The Latest Local News

A tragic incident occurred late Friday night in Sebring when a southbound CSX train struck and killed 47-year-old Highlands County resident Manuel Antonio Marquez, who was sitting on the tracks. Sebring Police say the train’s conductor and engineer spotted Marquez just north of Helena Avenue and attempted to stop, sounding the horn, but were unable Continue reading

The American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park is raising funds to honor veterans with wreaths this holiday season. A chicken dinner fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 17th, starting at 1:00PM. The meals will be $17- the cost of one wreath. Meals include a ½ chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert, and drink — all Continue reading

A Highlands County senior citizen has fallen victim to a nationwide scam involving fake FTC agents. The 72-year-old woman was tricked into handing over $15,000 in cash to a man posing as a federal agent. Deputies say 34-year-old Huisheng He, a Chinese national, told the victim she owed money to the FTC and faced false Continue reading

Avon Park City Council unanimously approved the $19,799 purchase of an MC4Core Mobile Collection Unit for the Utilities Department this week. Utilities Manager Joseph Sliva explained the new unit would provide backup for the city’s current 10-year-old meter collector and improve efficiency in utility billing. The cost will come from the Capital Improvement fund for Continue reading

The Avon Park City Council voted 3-2 to eliminate the long-debated Sunday morning alcohol sales ban, previously restricting sales from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The change follows public pressure and a shift in stance from Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard. A second reading will be held May 12 at 6 p.m. to finalize the decision. Continue reading

A routine traffic stop in Fort Meade on Saturday led to a serious drug-related arrest for an Avon Park woman. Deputies pulled over 42-year-old Heather Darlene Rimes for a window tint violation. During the stop, they discovered her license had been revoked and observed signs of impairment. A search of the vehicle uncovered suspected methamphetamine Continue reading

The School Board of Highlands County is bracing for a projected $3.5 million shortfall over the next two years, driven by declining enrollment, rising health insurance costs, and diverted tax dollars for school choice scholarships. Today, the board will hold an initial budget workshop, and will outline steps to restore financial stability, including hiring freezes, Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can safely dispose of unused or expired medications at two locations: 400 S. Eucalyptus St. in Sebring and 304 W. Pleasant St. in Avon Park. Proper disposal helps prevent drug misuse, Continue reading

Well, you don’t see this every day — a suspect offering cocktails mid-chase. Highlands County Deputies had quite the bizarre pursuit Saturday afternoon, after 39-year-old Richard Christopher Smith allegedly stole alcohol from the Spring Lake Market and took off in a black minivan. During the chase, Smith reportedly offered deputies a vodka spritz out the Continue reading

Sebring High School is honoring one of its most distinguished alumni, Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr., with the dedication of its media center in his name. The public is invited to the ceremony this Tuesday, April 22nd, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. McGuire, a World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient, was the Continue reading