The Latest Local News

Highlands County is not a hotbed for millennials, so it should come as no surprise the area ranked so low for home loans by that age group in a recent survey. The study, compiled by Construction Coverage showed that the Sebring/Avon Park metro area was the fourth lowest for millennials taking out home loans. Millennials Continue reading

Some heavy weather rolled through central Florida early this morning, with rain and lots of lightning. Apparently, it set off alarms throughout eastern Hardee, Southern Polk and Highlands County. Authorities say despite the rain, thunder and lightning – no flooding or other damage has been reported. Highlands County commissioners will hold a special workshop today Continue reading

Today is 9/11. It’s the 22nd anniversary of the day the twin towers came down in New York, the Pentagon was attacked in Washington and Flight 93 was downed in Pennsylvania. There was one observance in Highlands County. That was this morning at American Legion Post 25 north of Lake Placid. Guest Speaker was be Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking information to help solve a murder. They are looking for anyone who came in contact with Douglas Lieland, also known as "Slim," between Monday Aug. 28 and Thursday Aug. 31. Lieland was found inside his home on San Jose Avenue in the Lake Letta/Bonnett Lake area – south of Continue reading

Eight people have been arrested in Avon Park as part of a drug sweep there. Highlands County Sheriff’s investigators say the months-long probe ended Tuesday with the bust on North Lone Bay Boulevard on the west end of the Avon Park Lakes subdivision. Charged were Christopher Bradley Owens, Brianna Mae Gilmore, Chaz Allen Demeere, Briana Continue reading

Highlands County school board members will get an update on Florida House Bill One tonight, and how the voucher program may affect schools, parents and students. State Representative Kaylee Tuck, who represents Highlands County – and was a sponsor of the measure, will address the board this evening to discuss how the new state law Continue reading

It’s the government observance of Labor Day today, that means municipal offices, banks and some other businesses will be closed. There also are no classes at the Highlands County schools. Motorists are urged to watch out for youngsers who may be out at play during normal school hours. Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives have released more Continue reading

Hurricane Idalia has rolled past most of the peninsula of Florida on its way to the Big Bend area, now classified as a Category 4. Highlands and surrounding counties still have seen some effects of the big storm with some tropical force winds and plenty of rain overnight. Still, law enforcement and safety service officials Continue reading

Preparations are stepping up today as Hurricane Idalia rumbles northward through the Caribbean. Forecasters still are predicting the storm will make landfall as a Category III in the big bend area of Florida. The Highlands County Emergency Operations Center has moved to a Level 2 activation they say rain chances will increase this afternoon as Continue reading

Residents in Highlands County and across the Sunshine State are preparing as Tropical Storm Idalia heads north through the Caribbean. As of this morning, the storm is expected to have hurricane strength by the time it makes landfall. The track has shifted farther toward the east closer to Tampa. Highlands County is expected to get Continue reading