The Latest Local News

The Highlands County School Board has now approved a $9 million short-term loan to help cover payroll and other expenses until property tax revenue comes in. The district had been considering the loan in recent weeks. The Tax Anticipation Note carries a 3.9% interest rate and is due February 1st, with about $124,000 in interest Continue reading

The Highlands County Hospital District Board meets today to discuss the future of the property leased to HCA Florida Highlands Hospital. The board is considering whether to pursue a new long-term lease or potentially sell the hospital property and assets when HCA’s current lease expires in July 2027. Members will review a 93-page consultant’s report Continue reading

The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency is moving forward with plans for new gateway signs at the entrances to downtown. The CRA voted unanimously to seek proposals for updated signs on North and South Ridgewood Drive, based on its existing wayfinding plan. The project comes after board members discussed the lack of clear “Welcome to Downtown Continue reading

A water main break in Lake Placid’s Tomoka Heights area has prompted a boil water notice. The town says water service may be interrupted or temporarily discolored while repairs are underway. Residents should boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice. Officials say updates will be provided Continue reading

A Sebring man is facing multiple felony drug charges after a traffic stop in Winter Haven. Police say they stopped a car after it repeatedly drifted out of its lane, then found more than 77 grams of cannabis, a digital scale and pills that tested positive for MDMA. Twenty-two-year-old Quan Shuler of Sebring allegedly claimed Continue reading

A 35-year-old Avon Park man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he fled from a traffic stop Wednesday and hid inside an area home. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says James Qwantarious Terrell was arrested September 16th after deputies found him hanging through the ceiling of a bathroom. Investigators say a search of the Continue reading

The trial of TJ Wiggins is moving forward in Polk County over the 2020 Frostproof killings of three men. On the second day of testimony, a medical examiner detailed the victims’ fatal injuries, while prosecutors showed surveillance video from businesses visited by Wiggins and the victims that night. Investigators also described evidence that helped lead Continue reading

Sebring International Raceway has announced the first 15 drivers named to its “Class of 75,” honoring the greatest drivers in the history of the Twelve Hours of Sebring, with the group including racing legends Mario Andretti, Phil Hill, Hans Stuck and Nick Tandy. The list was selected by a panel of 10 sports-car racing experts, Continue reading

A Highlands County nonprofit formerly known as Hands for Homeless is celebrating its new name — Hands for Hope. The organization says the new name better reflects its expanded mission of helping anyone in need, not just those experiencing homelessness. The organization now provides food, showers, hygiene items, clothing and housing assistance. Hands for Hope Continue reading

A Highlands County man involved in the case surrounding a deadly 2025 rollover crash has been arrested again — this time over alleged threats sent by cellphone. Deputies say Gabriel Monroe Kennedy showed up at an ex-girlfriend’s Sebring home, refused to leave at first, then allegedly returned minutes later, prompting her to run to a Continue reading