The Latest Local News

Thinking about doing some outdoor burning today? Don’t. Highlands County is one of a dozen central Florida counties that have been declared under a Red Flag Warning. Breezy northwest winds and low humidity will make for ideal conditions for the start and spread of brush fires. Polk, Hardee and Desoto counties are included in the Continue reading

Tempers flared last night during a discussion about the lease of the Brickell Building and the overall development of Avon Park’s downtown area. Councilwoman Bernice Taylor exchanged heated remarks with both Mayor Garrett Anderson and Councilwoman Brittany McIntyre over proposed restrictions for the building. In the end, the council voted to lease the property to Continue reading

After decades of struggle, it appears the Brickell Building in downtown Avon Park may soon be a viable entity. Council members in the City of Charm tonight will consider an agreement that will turn the structure over to Dan Sauls Realty for development. Sauls says he already has tenants for the lower floor with plans Continue reading

Highlands County school officials say they now have set a date, time and place for a workshop on sex education in the local schools. To be billed as a discussion on the local "health education curriculum," it is expected that school representatives of the I Make a Difference – or iMAD – program as well Continue reading

Highlands is one of ten counties that has been declared under a severe storm watch for the balance of the day. It stretches down the Gulf Coast from Pasco to Lee counties and inward as far as Polk and Highlands Counties. Residents are being warned that an approaching cold front may bring thunderstorms, heavy rains Continue reading

Highlands is one of 17 Florida counties now in line for help due to the recent freeze. Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management yesterday announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s disaster designation for 17 counties and 10 contiguous counties impacted by the freezing temperatures that occurred from January 23 – 31. Continue reading

Looking for a place where your dollar goes the farthest? A new survey by "Porch" says you might be in the right place. The cost of living in the Avon Park – Sebring metro area has been set 9.7-percent below the national average. Numbers from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ 2020 Regional Price Parities Continue reading

Another Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring has gone into the books and it appears to have been an all-around win. Cadillac swept the podium, and a bumper crop of fans turned out for the 70th running of the endurance classic. Despite at least one spectacular crash during the World Endurance Championship opener, there were Continue reading

There was action galore at the Sebring International Raceway yesterday and it will continue through Saturday. In a crash-filled Alan Jay 120, Chad McCumber driving the PF Racing Ford took the checkered flag in a dash to the finish line. Today is qualifying for the cars in the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring and Continue reading

Today marks one of the favorites of Race Week – Night Practice. Competitors in this year’s Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring must do laps in the dark to show they can find their way around the historic Sebring International Raceway. Qualifying will be held today for both 12 Hour competitors and those in the Continue reading