The Latest Local News

Highlands County commissioners met this morning in a session that was pushed back two days, due to the observance of the Martin Luther King jr. holiday. They systematically dissolved a number of special benefit districts, created to underwrite volunteer fire units throughout the county. However, with the consolidation of units into a single county-wide unit, Continue reading

Sebring city council members will get together this evening for their second session of the new year. Among other things, they will be making plans for the March downtown celebration of this year’s Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring. They also will get a presentation and update on the Washington Heights neighborhood from resident Ada Continue reading

Today is the birthday of civil rights’ icon Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Government offices, banks, many businesses and schools are closed today in observance. Motorists are cautioned to look out for youngsters who may be out and about during normal school times. There will be a number of parades in Highlands County today. Lake Continue reading

Sebring police are looking for information in connection with an early morning shooting incident in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Officers in the area of Lemon Street and Dr Martin Luther King jr Boulevard heard shots being fired shortly before 1:00 this morning. When they arrived at the scene, there was nobody there and nobody saw Continue reading

Once some of the highest electric bills in the nation, a new survey shows that residents in Sebring pay, on average, less than others in Florida on their utility bills. The US Utilities Market Size & Household Spending report indicates those in the Sebring area pay an average of $260 per month for utilities, while Continue reading

It appears central Florida dodged the bullet as some heavy weather rumbled through the area last night. Law enforcement agencies in Highlands, Hardee and Polk counties have reported no incidents of wind or water damage. There were several early closings yesterday including after school activities at the Highlands County schools and facilities in the city Continue reading

Officials in Highlands County and across the Sunshine State are warning residents to be prepared for some heavy weather. Strong storms could hit Central Florida by this afternoon. The National Weather Service is warning about strong to severe thunderstorms that could even produce a few tornadoes. A Wind Advisory has been put into effect for Continue reading

It looks to be a fairly quiet meeting for the Avon Park city council tonight. Among other things, they will transfer responsibliities for renting the community center to the Heartland Cultural Alliance, will look at changing zoning for a couple acres on Green Street, and a planned unit development on Central Avenue. The Council also Continue reading

The Ninth Annual Veterans Expo will begin its two-day run today at American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park. It will begin with the escort and placing of the Global War on Terrorism Wall. That will happen about noon. The Expo will run today and tomorrow with veterans resources ranging from counselling and therapy to Continue reading

Highlands County commissioners finally will be getting together for their first meeting of the new year today. Due to Monday’s celebration of the New Year, their regular Tuesday meeting was pushed back to Thursday morning. Even so, there’s not much on the agenda, commissioners will look at extending certificates of operation for a couple local Continue reading