The Latest Local News

Just to put all the rumors to rest about what caused that fire at the old K-Mart in Lakeshore Mall Monday, County officials say the blaze was started by sparks caused by workers cutting through metal landing on some flammable debris on the floor of the building and setting it on fire. There already was Continue reading

A hostage situation turned deadly during the early hours this morning. Not many details have been released about the incident, other than there wer two men found dead inside a home in Lake Wales. Reportedly the two were a local resident and his step-son. Avon Park city council members will hear about an "Enough is Continue reading

Today is Good Friday, one of the Holiest Days on the Christian Calendar. Many government and other offices will be shut down for the observance. A number of local churches will be holding Good Friday services. Bible Fellowship and Heartland Christian Church will hold their observances this evening at 6pm, Highlands Community Church will host Continue reading

A man has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting in Avon Park, and it didn’t take long for Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputies to locate a suspect. In fact, authorities say 39-year-old Alfred Maddox Golden was picked up within 15 minutes of an incident at a home on State Road 17 South. Nobody was Continue reading

Fire charred as much as 10 acres of land in the "bird streets" west of Sebring last night. Units from Desoto City and West Sebring were joined by Florida Forest Service crews in battling the stubborn blaze. At this point, they say it currently is 50-percent contained. Reportedly, the flames came close to a number Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners this morning enacted a burn ban for the county. It affects any kind of outdoor burning including yard waste, trash burning or fire pits. Exempted are charcoal grills or gas grills. The emergency ordinance will be in effect for the next 90-days, or until the summer rains begin. Highlands County currently ranks Continue reading

Hot on the heels of the latest fire at the Highlands County landfill, local officials are urging residents to learn how to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries. They say these little power sources are considered "Household Hazerdous Waste," and should not be put in the regular trash. Instead, they should be disposed of separately like Continue reading

Activites began today for the 2023 edition of the 12 Hours of BBQ. Professional and backyard teams from the Florida BBQ Association have fired up their cookers for competition in a number of different divisions. Gates opened this morning at the Highlands County Fairgrounds. On tap for today wil be live music, and a kids Continue reading

As some Highlands County commissioners consider whether or not to impose impact fees, taxes and charges as new revenue sources for the upcoming fiscal year, a new report by Construction Coverage shows that homeowners in the Sebring-Avon Park metro area pay a median of $1,150 in property taxes anually. The study indicates that’s about .7-percent Continue reading

Highlands County firefighters were called to a housefire at Sun ‘N’ Lakes South last night. According to reports, the mobile home on Sarasota Street was totally involved in flames when units arrived at the scene. There were no injuries to report, but the place apparently was a total loss. Three people and their two dogs Continue reading