The Latest Local News

A circuit court judge has ruled Britney Lee Andrus competent to be sentenced following her conviction in the 2022 murder of an elderly Sebring man. Andrus had been evaluated after concerns were raised about her mental health while in jail, but a court-appointed psychologist determined she understands the proceedings. She was convicted of second-degree murder, Continue reading

Highlands County officials are reminding residents to protect their pets as colder temperatures settle into the area. Emergency Management officials say pets should be brought indoors whenever possible, especially overnight, since cold conditions can be dangerous for animals. For pets that must stay outside, officials recommend providing a warm, dry, and draft-free shelter, using insulated Continue reading

Highlands County officials are opening a warming center as freezing temperatures are expected late Saturday night through Sunday morning. The center will be located at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring and will open from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday night, and again Sunday night. It’s available for anyone without adequate Continue reading

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions. Starting February 8 through July 1, residents—including those on private wells—in multiple counties must limit lawn watering to one day per week. The move follows below-average rainfall and declining water levels in aquifers, rivers, and Continue reading

Attorneys for Zephen Xaver are asking an appeals court to overturn his death sentence for the 2019 Sebring SunTrust Bank killings that claimed five lives. The appeal argues that statements Xaver made to police should not have been shown to jurors because his Miranda rights were allegedly violated. Defense attorneys also say the trial should Continue reading

A 54-year-old Zolfo Springs man was killed Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash in Hardee County. Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 10:38 p.m. at the intersection of Manley Road and Popash Road. Investigators report the pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed the intersection, and left the roadway, striking Continue reading

Community members will gather this evening at Reflection Park for the 7th annual Cruise for Jessica, a memorial event honoring Jessica Montague and four other women killed in the 2019 SunTrust Bank shooting. The cruise begins at 6:30 p.m. and serves as a tribute to the victims’ lives, while offering families and residents an opportunity Continue reading

A large brush fire burned roughly 140 acres Wednesday afternoon in the northwest Leisure Lakes area near Durrance Road and Bluebird Avenue, forcing evacuations and road closures. Highlands County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded with multiple engines and tractor plows as the fire spread rapidly. By Wednesday evening, evacuation orders were lifted Continue reading

Six candidates have qualified for three Sebring City Council seats in the March tenth city election. Mayor John Shoop and City Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Haley face no opposition and will secure new three-year terms. The council race pits incumbents Lenard Carlisle Junior, Harrison Havery, and Joshua Stewart against three challengers, including former council member Terry Mendel. Continue reading

Federal money is flowing to support local immigration enforcement as public opposition plays out in the streets. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has received more than two hundred thousand dollars in grants for detention support, transportation, and equipment tied to ICE-related cases. Sheriff Paul Blackman says the funding does not authorize patrols or raids. Even Continue reading