The Latest Local News

A new report shows that when it comes to production – this area is at the bottom. The new analysis by Smartest Dollar found that the that out of all small US metro areas surveyed, the Avon Park-Sebring area has the lowest Gross Domestic Product per capita. The local figure of $28,000 per resident is Continue reading

There was a traffic-related fatality outside Avon Park yesterday, however the details remain unclear. An eastbound van ran off Highway 17, into an orange grove, striking several trees. It’s unknown if the driver, said to have been an elderly man, was killed by the impact – or might have had a medical episode prior to Continue reading

A bicyclist was injured in a hit & run accident west of Sebring yesterday. Apparently, the motorist did not stop. A van, driven by a 30-year-old Sebring man, reportedly clipped the bike from behind on Heron Street. The impact tossed the 16-year-old cyclist off the bike. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Continue reading

It appears a long and tedious chapter of Avon Park may be over tonight, as city council members look at approving the sale of the Brickell Building. Sauls Real Estate made the original proposal on the structure back in February of last year, with a three-year build out agreement. The Brickell now is slated to Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s officials say they again are being used in a local scam. The perpetrators are using the names of actual deputies, claiming residents have missed jury duty and now there is a warrant out for their arrest. BUT, if you pay them – in gift cards or Bitcoin – the problem will go Continue reading

It appears that if there’s an emergency, people will know about it. An emergency alert test went out this morning over cell phones across the country shortly after 4:30. The early morning tone alert startled lots of people, and some have recieved the notification more than once. However, this was only a test. Had it Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners yesterday discussed setting rules and fees for the operation of the concession stand at the Highlands County sports complex. Apparently, some residents have come forward, wanting to use the facility during certain events. Efforts to get a vendor to operate the facility in the past have been largely unsuccessful – inasmuch as Continue reading

Highlands County Commissioners today confirmed Nicholas Sawyer as the new Deputy County Administrator and Chief of Staff under County Administrator Laurie Hurner. Commissioner Kevin Roberts objected to the process, saying they were being asked to confirm an employee, who they had no part in selecting. In other action, commissioners approved a pair of zoning requests, Continue reading

Some heavy weather rumbled through Highlands County overnight. Despite numerous lightning strikes and some reports of hail, Highlands County Sheriff’s officials say there was no serious damage reported locally. Members of the North American Society of Grass Racers and Sod Slingers spent the better part of the weekend dismantling the Mowerplex at the Avon park Continue reading

There’s another phone scam going around town again. If you get a call saying there’s a warrant out for you because you missed jury duty, the Clerk of Courts and Sheriff’s Departments want to remind you that they do NOT call you to tell you there’s a warrant out for you. That’s called giving you Continue reading