The Latest Local News

It cost tens of thousands of dollars and was a year in the making. But in the end, Highlands County Commissioners last night went against the advice of their attorney and largely scrapped a Government Services Group plan for a fire assessment. Instead, commissioners made up their own payment schedule that roughly parallels percentages found Continue reading

It will be another night session for Highlands County Commissioners this evening, as they pick up a public hearing on a proposed fire assessment for the county. The monies would be used to begin a professional fire service here. At a session two weeks ago, commissioners heard a long line of people telling them such Continue reading

Avon Park may no longer have a recreation board following their meeting tonight. Council members will consider repealing codes calling for such a board and instead turn over the administration of recreation in the City of Charm to staff. Council members also will look at a proposed relocation of a war dog memorial to the Continue reading

It appears to have been a safe & sane Independence Day celebration locally. Professional pyrotechnic displays went off without a hitch last night in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. Officials from Highlands County say they have received no reports of any fireworks-related injuries or fires – despite many calls of residents celebrating into the Continue reading

Highlands County officials say so far it appears to have been a safe & sane Independence Day celebration. There have been no reports of any fireworks-related injuries or fires here. It appears last night’s professional display at Sun ‘N Lake went off without a hitch. There was an accident shortly after midnight this morning in Continue reading

It appears the dry season is now over and the threat of wildfires has abated, but with the wet season comes mosquitoes. Although there have been no reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis – or any other mosquito-borne illnesses yet, nobody likes to be bitten. Officials are reminding people to dump any standing water to eliminate Continue reading

Highlands County Commissioners will take another look at a proposed fire assessment for the county at their meeting tomorrow morning. The assessment will come in addition to the regular tax bill and would be used to start a professional, countywide fire service. Commissioners have asked to see how much money might be raised for the Continue reading

The report cards are in for the Highlands County Schools from the past year, and … we’re average – most schools scored a "C" in the Florida Accountability scores from the state Department of Education. All three public High Schools scored a "C" – same as last year, Hill Gustat Middle School imrpoved from a Continue reading

If you noticed a lot of activity around the two local hospitals yesterday, don’t worry – the flurry of activity was only a drill. Both Highlands Regional Medical Center, Florida Hospital and other local organizations including the School Board "practiced" for what they’d do in the case of a serious wreck involving a school bus. Continue reading

The Spring Lake residential district south of Sebring on Highway 98 finally has a backup water source. Last week, the District’s Board signed the papers to buy the water treatment plant portion of the old power and water plant on Heywood Taylor Boulevard near the racetrack west of Spring Lake. District officials say it’ll be Continue reading