The Latest Local News

The Highlands County commission usually meets on Tuesday mornings – but not this week. The meeting has been moved to Friday April 23 to commemorate Highlands County’s 100th birthday. Commissioners will take the opportunity to recognize the centennial and receive an historical piece on the county. They also will take action on some regular business Continue reading

A lightning storm hit central Florida this morning. Here in Highlands County there were no reports of any severe damage. Reportedly, there was one car that ran off the road and some sparking power lines during the storm. Highlands schools’ bus routes also were suspended this morning for a time due to the weather. Despite Continue reading

A good portion of Avon Park residents may see their water bills climb a bit. Council members in the City of Charm have authorized the purchase of 1,000 new water meters. When asked why they needed them, Utilities Director Rick Rees said, there are 1,000 dead meters in the city and they need to be Continue reading

NEWS 4/15/21 BF BRICKELL BUILDING The Avon Park city council has taken another step toward selling the Brickell building. They passed on first reading, a measure that would change the zoning of the structure to a “planned unit development.” The action will allow for more housing units inside the Main Street structure. While council plans Continue reading

Avon Park city council members learned about a new proposal for their airport – but they haven’t learned much. Consultant Lowell Clary revealed the existence of a new, unsolicited offer from Florida Airport Management to run the Avon Park Airport – but said confidentiality rules prevented him from revealing any details. FAM has put in Continue reading

One person was injured this morning when a car hit a building. The mishap occurred just off Sun ‘N Lake Blvd shortly after 9AM. The driver reportedly was taken to the hospital. No details have been released as to the extent of their injuries. An accident in Hardee County closed part of State Road 64 Continue reading

Accident near Frostproof this morning has caused traffic delays throughout the morning. A News tipper reported a semi-tractor-trail rig jacknifed then overturned on Highway 27 at the Avon Park Cutoff road. Both northbound lanes of 27 have been blocked since the pre-dawn hours. No accident details or reports of injuries have been released. Matters at Continue reading

A Sebring woman was killed in a traffic accident yesterday afternoon north of Lake Placid. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the 55-year old driver was pulling from Lake Josephine Drive across Highway 27, when she was hit by an oncoming van. The van hit her broadside. Troopers say the woman was not buckled up Continue reading

Highlands County sheriff’s deputies along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement and US Drug Enforcement agents have made a major bust. A raid on a Shad Drive residence west of Sebring has netted pounds of marijuana, cocaine and various prescription drugs. In addition to drug paraphernalia, lawmen found a large cache of weaponry. 43-year-old William Continue reading

Last month, consultants held a citizen input session on plans to convert the Alan Altvader Cultural Complex into a recreation area for Lake Jackson. The notion would call for the relocation of the Sebring Library and demolition of the building. Now, Highlands County commissioners are calling for citizens to make their voices heard on the Continue reading