The Latest Local News

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

Avon Park city council members, sitting as the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency board, have called for a special meeting with their advisory board to discuss how to disperse Tax Increment Financing money in the wake of the Florida Legislature’s action restricting how that money can be spent. Because the state has cracked down on financing Continue reading

Avon Park city council members will set their truth in milage rates when they meet in regular session this evening. That will show residents in the City of Charm the actual amount of property taxes they are paying compared to last year’s levy. In other action, the council will look at their lease with the Continue reading

Highlands County School Board members voted in favor of parental consent when they met in regular session. They moved to mandate parental notification if students were issed so-called "well being questionnaires." Under current state law, parents would only be informed of such surveys if their kids are in kindergarten through third grade. School board members Continue reading