The Latest Local News

South Florida State College appears to have been the victim of a so-called swatting call yesterday. Authorities say they occured across the Sunshine State. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office received a call claiming there had been a shooting on the Highlands Campus. SFSC’s college resource officer responded to the scene and determined that NO SHOOTING Continue reading

There were some scary moments around Lake Placid yesterday as a brush fire there charred more than 25 acres – threatening several homes in the area. A number were evacuated as firefighters worked to stop the flames. Units from Leisure Lakes, Placid Lakes, Sun ‘N Lake south and Lake Placid were joined by Florida Forestry Continue reading

It appears the spring infestation of love bugs is getting started locally. Reports are coming in about seeing the initial blush of the bugs – flying united – this past weekend. It’s unclear how many will be around this time – and how long the season might last. However, dry weather may keep the population Continue reading

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