The Latest Local News

Sun ’n Lake residents will be watching Tuesday’s Highlands County Commission meeting, where commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the improvement district’s elections and oversight. The ordinance would allow all registered voters—not just property owners—to vote for the five-member board. It would also increase county oversight of elections, audits, purchasing and Continue reading

Avon Park City Council will appoint someone to fill the vacant seat left by Michelle Mercure’s resignation. City Attorney Gerald Buhr says the position cannot be placed on the November ballot because the resignation came after the qualifying period. Council will accept applications from interested residents and plans to make the appointment at its September Continue reading

Highlands County officials now have a plan to address some of the county’s most flood-prone areas. A new vulnerability assessment identifies Sebring Parkway, downtown Sebring and the area around Little Lake Jackson as top priorities. Proposed improvements could cost millions, but the report will help the county seek state and federal funding for drainage and Continue reading

Sebring Police are investigating a shooting that happened Monday night near Sebring Parkway and North Ridgewood Drive. Police say one person suffered a gunshot wound. Both directions of Sebring Parkway were temporarily closed between North Ridgewood and Grapefruit Avenue while first responders worked the scene. Police later announced the scene was clear. The Highlands County Continue reading

A 24-year-old Miami man is facing multiple felony charges after Highlands County detectives say he traveled to Lake Placid to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex. Investigators say Franklin Leonel Uriarte communicated with the girl through a dating app after she told him she was underage. Deputies stopped him near the girl’s home on August Continue reading

>>> Lakeshore Mall Sold The Lakeshore Mall has been officially sold. ICA Properties, Inc. out of Odessa, Texas, bought the facility with hopes to modernize it and use some of the vacant space inside. The company owns hotels, radio stations, retail strip centers, manufactured housing and energy and insurance businesses. General Manager Greg Morgan says Continue reading

>>Election Results Yesterday was primary election day in Highlands County and around the state, and the results are in. In a tight race, Board of Adjustment Chair Frank Youngman beat incumbent Arlene Tuck for the County Commission District Four seat. Youngman received just over 50% of the vote, compared to Tuck’s 49%. No other candidates Continue reading

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Fire-Rescue, Avon Park and Sebring fire departments, and the School Board are conducting security walk-throughs at all county school campuses over the next three days. Officials say the exercises are part of campus safety preparations. Residents may see multiple fire trucks, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles at schools Continue reading

A 65-year-old man was found dead Thursday morning inside a parked Buick Encore on Main Avenue in Avon Park. A business owner noticed the man slumped over in the driver’s seat and called for help. The Avon Park Fire Department determined he died at 8:14 a.m. Authorities say the man had late-stage lung cancer and Continue reading

Avon Park Councilwoman Michelle “Shellie” Mercure has resigned effective immediately, moving up her previously announced September 18th departure. Mercure said the change will allow the city to move forward with filling her vacant seat. She is leaving to relocate to another state. Council is expected to discuss the vacancy at its August 24th meeting. The Continue reading