The Latest Local News

Marijuana dispensaries soon may be coming to Avon Park. City council members there have given the go-ahead to provisions that will allow pot dispensaries in the City of Charm. They will be treated much the same as pharmacies, however, there will be setback requirements from schools and some restrictions on the hours of operations. Avon Continue reading

Avon Park city council members spent more than half of their four hour meeting last night struggling with minutiae in their proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Following the two and a half hours of wrangling, they voted to have a special meeting on Thursday evening to go at it again. Council members hammered Continue reading

Highlands County sheriff’s officials reportedly have found a 32-year-old Sebring woman who had been reported as missing. Angela Christine Robinson had last been seen yesterday walking along Twitty Road carrying her Bible. She reportedly then disappeared, but returned home today. No explanation as to her whereabouts has been given. Sheriff’s officials say only now that Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies were busy overninght. Reportedly, there was a home invasion incident in Avon Park during the early morning hours. Authorities say it occurred at a home on Willie Avenue on the Southside of the City of Charm. According to reports, four suspects forced their way into a home shortly before 1:AM. They Continue reading

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