The Latest Local News

A new survey shows that the Avon Park-Sebring metro area has registered one of the largest increases in mortgage loans since the coronavirus situation. The report from Support Network indicates locally, we have seen a 15.3-percent increase in mortgage applications. That’s higher than the national average of just nine percent. However, the loan approval rate Continue reading

An early morning traffic stop in Highlands County has reseultd in death for a Labelle man. After recieving a call about a wrong way driver on Highway 27, Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a van near the Sun ‘N Lake South community. During the stop, the driver of the vehicle. identified as 68-year-old Robert McNamara, Continue reading

It appears that when it comes to doing it yourself, the Avon Park – Sebring metro area is one of the best. A survey by Porch shows that since the Coronavirus situation, increasing numbers of people spend more time at home improving their living space. The analysis shows that there are more than five hardware, Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners this morning voted to take further action on the fire assessment. Under its provisions, there will be a seven percent increase for each of the five categories. The bottom line is a $700,000 increase in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. they also voted to expand a couple of their complexes. Continue reading

Two people were killed last night in a traffic crash in the south end of the county. Florida Higway patrol officials say a car driven by a Lakeland man had slowed to make a U-Turn on State Road 70 near County Road 721, and was hit from behind by a car driven by a Fort Continue reading

Today is the last day of qualifying for candidates who want to be on the ballot for the upcoming 2022 election cycle. It looks like there will be balloting in almost all the major races. Incumbent Highlands County Commissioner Kathy Rapp now has filed her paperwork to run against former commissioner Don Elwell in District Continue reading

Looks like another hot one again today with highs into the mid and upper 90’s … after a 95 degree day yesterday, more of the same is on the way today. Stay hydrated, limit exposure to the heat and be careful. Prepare yourself to begin hearing about the Sebring Parkway, Phase FOUR. The Highlands County Continue reading

Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives are busy already this morning investigating a shooting incident. Reportedly the victim was shot and killed late last night at an apartment complex on Jupiter Avenue in Placid Lakes. No names or other details have been released yet as the case still is under investigation. Avon Park city council members have Continue reading

It’s mid-June and it appears it’s going to be warm for a while. Highlands County officials are urging residents to take caution, be safe and stay hydrated as the mercury continues to climb. Among other suggestions they recommend wearing sunscreen, light & comfortable clothing and avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day. If Continue reading

The Avon Park Lakes community continues with their wildlife encounters. Earlier this month it was bears on the move, this past weekend it was alligators. According to reports, a gator chased a couple of residents "out of their shoes," as they stood at the northwest corner of Lake Olivia. The people were shaken but uninjured Continue reading