The Latest Local News

Training continues at the Avon Park Air Force Range today. Officials there say they will be hosting various sorties until very late tonight. The noise levels will continue to be high. No word as to who is doing the testing of the facility, which continues to increase in use. Tonight at 6:00, District 2 County Continue reading

According to reports, Sebring is suffering a problem with the homeless. Apparently, tourists have said they have been accosted in the pier beach area near the Highlands Lakeside Theater – and will never return. One merchant in the downtown area recounted a story of a homeless man deficating on the street near his shop on Continue reading

The National Weather Service has issued another excessive heat advisory for the area today. Highlands County is under the advisory until 7:00 tonight. The combination of hot afternoon temperatures and increasing humidity will result in heat index values well over 100 degrees. Afternoon temperatures will remain above normal, with humidity remaining high through the balance Continue reading

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat advisory for the area through the remainder of the week. Highlands County will remain under the advisory until 7:00 tonight. The combination of hot afternoon temperatures and increasing humidity will result in heat index values of as much as 108 degrees. Afternoon temperatures will remain above Continue reading

Local celebrations of the nation’s birthday came to a close last night, with successful fireworks displays in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. Local law enforcement officials say there have been no reports of people losing fingers or other body parts in firing off private pyrotechnics. The inaugural Firecracker Festival was staged in Avon Park Continue reading

Be advised, it’s going to be another scorcher today. The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a Heat advisory. It’ll be in effect from 11am until 7:00 tonight. Feels like temperatures could be as hot as 110-degrees in the area. That includes a dozen counties including Highlands, Hardee, Desoto and Polk. Today is July Continue reading

Independence day celebrations continue today with fireworks displays at Sun ‘N Lake in Highlands County and at Frostproof in Polk County. Sun ‘N Lake’s festivities will begin at 7:00 this evening and will feature the grand opening of the community’s new playground. There also will be food trucks, a touch-a-truck contest with Highlands County Fire Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners will hold a special session today to consider a couple of taxing issues. First on the agenda will be a discussion on whether or not to add another percent onto the Tourist Tax. Reportedly, that money would be used to build, or add on to a tourist facility here in Highlands County. Continue reading

One person was killed and another was injured in a traffic crash south of Lake Placid last night. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the accident happened after 10:00 on Highway 70 near Robert McGhee Road, when a 27-year-old Arcadia man’s Sport Utility Vehicle left the highway and hit a concrete utility pole. A passenger Continue reading

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory today for a dozen Florida counties including Highlands, Hardee, Polk and Desoto. Temperatures are forecast to go into the middle 90s with heat index numbers as high as 109. For those who have to be outside, experts recommend wearing light, loose fitting clothing, take frequent breaks Continue reading