The Latest Local News

Highlands County residents are reminded that residential trash and bulk waste collection will proceed as normally scheduled today, but no collection services will be provided tomorrow on Christmas Day. Customers normally scheduled for Thursday will receive service on Friday, while Friday customers will be collected on Saturday, resulting in a one-day shift for the remainder Continue reading

Highlands County Fire Rescue contained a brush fire that broke out yesterday afternoon near Henry Drive in Venus. Crews were called out around 3 p.m., working alongside the Florida Forest Service. The fire burned about three acres, destroying one residential structure and several outbuildings. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation. Officials Continue reading

A judge has granted a two-month continuance in the capital murder case against Diane Mack, stemming from a child abuse death investigation in Highlands County. Her defense attorney says he needs more time to review hundreds of hours of security video collected from Mack’s home. Prosecutors say the footage documents ongoing abuse and neglect leading Continue reading

There is still time—but not much—to make a difference for local veterans this holiday season. Lake Placid Western Wear is hosting a gift-tag drive to benefit veterans in need through the Veterans Services of Highlands County. Shoppers can take a tag, purchase a gift, and return both by tomorrow, December 20th. The store is located Continue reading

New details have been released in a fatal shooting under investigation in Sebring. Police say the incident happened Tuesday night around 7:35 at a home on Melady Avenue. Officers found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were made, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the shooting stemmed Continue reading

Sebring police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened last night in the area of Melady Avenue. Officers responded just before 8 p.m., where a large law enforcement presence remained on scene for several hours. Authorities say the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the community. Residents were asked to avoid the Continue reading

A new apartment complex could be coming to north Sebring.City Council is set to review a proposal for Freedom Lake Apartments, a 30-unit development planned for State Road 17 North, between the Sebring Parkway and the highway. The project would require zoning and land-use changes and lists proposed rents starting around $1,375 a month. Access Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 2247 made history a few weeks ago. The cadets captured their first-ever team title at the quarterly Delegates competition in Clay County, dominating the shooting events. The win follows months of intensive training with HCSO instructors, and nine cadets earned top-three individual finishes. The team recently presented their trophy Continue reading

Avon Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency is losing its top leader. CRA Executive Director Jessica Carlson has resigned after eight months, accepting a new role with AdventHealth Heartland. Her final day is January 5, when she’ll present a full transition report to the CRA Joint Board. Carlson says she brought structure to the CRA—expanding business grants Continue reading

A Marine Corps veteran previously caught faking his military record has been arrested again for illegally obtaining a Florida Purple Heart license plate. Detective Glenn Burnsed says Zacharias Reeves renewed the honor plate for his truck using false documents, even though he has never received a Purple Heart. Video from the Highlands County Tax Collector’s Continue reading