The Latest Local News

A new report by the internet location RoadSnacks has ranked two Highlands County communities in the top five poorest cities in Florida. Avon Park was ranked at number four, with Sebring set at number five. Those doing the survey reported they looked at Poverty Level, Median Household Income and Unemployment Rate among other things. The Continue reading

Weekend rains brought chaos to the area, causing power outages and washing out roads in Highlands and Hardee County. A number of throughfares are going to require significant work. Among those are Placid View Drive from Eagles Nest Drive to State Road 70, Golfview Drive is closed at West Lake Drive Blvd. and Lakeview Drive Continue reading

There will be a bit of a traffic snarl in downtown Lake Placid today- it’s time for the LPHS Homecoming parade. The processional kicks off around 9am. The route will go from Green Dragon Way east along Interlake Blvd. Motorists should make adjustments by leaving a bit early or taking an alternate route to prevent Continue reading

Reportedly there was a collision between a motor vehicle and a Highlands County School bus this morning. The shunt occurred at the intersection of Highway 27 & State Road 70 near the so-called "Bear’s Den." There were NO STUDENTS on board bus #109 at the time of the mishap. No injuries have been reported. Florida Continue reading

There were reports this morning about a large bear walking around at Sun ‘N Lake. The bruin was spotted near Mendoza and Cortez Avenue in the Special improvement district. Florida Fish & Wildlife conservation Commission officials remind residents that bears become more active in the fall, as they go out in search of food before Continue reading

Some heavy weather rumbled through Highlands County yesterday. Authorities say there were some powerlines and tree limbs knocked down – but no serious damage was reported. The problem was local flooding. A number of properties and roadways were reported to have been submerged by the massive amounts of water that came in a short amount Continue reading

Lake Istokpoga once again has earned high marks for fishing. Bassmaster Magazine has tapped Istokpoga as the second-best bass lake in Florida and number three for the southeast region. The lake has earned similar honors in the past, and this past spring, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission chose Istokpoga as one of ten Continue reading

NEWS 8/10/22 BF BACK2SCHOOL It was back to the classroom today for youngsters in the Highlands County School system. School officials say they are expecting the rolls to increase a couple hundred students over last year, but it will take a while before they can get an official count. Motorists are reminded to watch out Continue reading

You may or may not have seen them, but there are sporadic reports that the fall Love Bug season may be starting. Several people have indicated they have seen the world’s most annoying couple buzzing about. There’s no indication on how light or heavy this season’s infestation may be, however, the spring Love Bug wave Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners yesterday approved an agreement with the state of Florida for an environmental protection grant for nearly $200,000. The money is planned for the proposed Memorial Trailhead Park. The facility sits just off the Memorial Drive roundabout, with access off Panther Parkway. Amenities could include restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas, among other Continue reading