The Latest Local News

Three people were seriously injured yesterday morning when two vehicles collided north of Avon Park. Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a car driven by 64-year-old Mirella Theilves Graveran ran a stop sign at the intersection of North Oleander Drive and Taunton Road, and hit an SUV driven by Maribel Toscano. The force of impact caused Continue reading

It appears that the equestrian bridge on Vaughn Road will be restored – but it will be the last time the county will do it. At their meeting this morning, Highlands County commissioners voted to restore the deck of the structure, then to vacate the right of way and let Highlands Hammock State Park take Continue reading

If you think there have been more planes flying around the area, you’re right. Officials at the Avon Park Air Force Range have announced there will be increased night and weekend traffic here for the next couple of weeks. Officials at the bombing range have not released the name of the exercise, who will be Continue reading

The annual Florida Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is officially on for today through Sunday. It means MOST of the items parents need for back to school are tax free. “Most,” as in sneakers for $60 and under – sorry, no hundred dollar Nikes, kids. Back packs, lunch boxes, clothing, notebooks and the like Continue reading

Sun N Lake commuters saw what looked worse than it turned out yesterday afternoon just east of the golf course, as a 2005 GMC Yukon flipped over on the westbound shoulder of Sun ’n Lake Boulevard. The driver and his family were maneuvering through an afternoon rainstorm when the driver told deputies his steering locked Continue reading

Good news for Highlands County, a new study from the internet site SmartAsset shows Highlands is in the Top-10 in the Sunshine State for people who hold the least credit card debt. Highlands County is one of the most responsible, ranking seventh in Florida for per-capita credit card debt compared to their income. Tops in Continue reading

A 28-year-old Lake Placid woman remains in an induced coma following a horseback riding accident. Reportedly Chelsea McGuire was riding in the Highlands Park area when her horse was “spooked.” McGuire apparently lost her balance, fell and hit her head – fracturing her skull. She was taken to Florida Hospital Lake Placid – then airlifted Continue reading

If you want to vote in the upcoming August 28 primary, today is your last day to register. Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg says the books will close at 5:00 this evening across the state. In addition to registering, today is the last day to set your party affiliation for the primaries. There Continue reading

The 28th annual Caladium Festival opened today in Lake Placid. The signature event of the Caladium Capital will feature a wide array of activities with nearly 100 Arts & Crafts vendors, food booths, live music, exhibits, displays and of course – plenty of caladiums. Bus tours of the caladium fields also will be available over Continue reading

Final preparations are underway for tomorrow’s opening ceremonies for the Caladium Festival in Lake Placid. It’s the 28th such event in the Caladium Capital and will feature a wide array of Arts & Crafts vendors, food booths,live music, exhibits, displays and of course – plenty of caladiums. Bus tours of the caladium fields also will Continue reading