Lake Placid Police are looking for the person or persons responsible for a Sunday night incident on Highway 27 in the town limits … a little after 9pm, a Dodge pickup pulling a Jon boat and trailer came up on another car and fired a bunch of orbeez water beads out of a toy airsoft gun at the driver – one hit the driver and others were found in the car later. The suspects were last seen pulling into the Sylvan Shores neighborhood. There’s evidently a lot of chatter on the social media network Tic Tok using Orbeez in various challenges of late – the Lake Placid Police would appreciate hearing from you if you know who these particular miscreants were. You can call 699-3757.
While we’re in Lake Placid anyway, the deadline for City Council candidates passed on Friday, and there are three candidates running for two contested at large seats. Nell Hayes, longtime local golf professional and former Public Information Officer from the County Sherriff’s Department, is challenging incumbents Greg Sapp and Debra Worley for the two seats up for election this year. Election Day in Lake Placid will be April 5.
The old Santa Rosa Hotel in Downtown Sebring MAY get a new lease on life after all. The City began foreclosure proceedings on the structure a while back after almost $400,000 in code violation fines went unpaid. However, two investors have stepped forward with a plan to renovate the place and use it as an affordable housing alternative. The pair – one from Sarasota, one from Winter Park – say they’ve been in contact with the owner. The Council has put the foreclosure proceedings on hold pending progress on the deal.
The cowboys are coming back to town this week – plans are for the annual Cracker Trail Ride to pass through Highlands County tomorrow. The re-enactors recreate the Old Florida cattle drive route from West to East each year about this time.