There IS an election today, but early voting numbers indicate that it’s not getting a ton of attention. Your voting precinct location is open for the Florida Presidential Preference Primary today, if you’re a registered Republican and want your voice to be heard. Former President Trump IS the presumptive nominee, but there are a half dozen names still on the ballot. Sorry, Democrats – the state Democratic Party opted to endorse President Biden and not hold a primary this year. As of the end of the early voting period, roughly 7.9% of eligible voters had cast ballots by mail or early.
One polling location in today’s election HAS changed … Precinct 10, you normally vote at the Masonic Lodge, but this election, your polling location has changed to the Sebring Recreation Club on Pomegranite Avenue.
That search and rescue operation Sunday night on Lake Lotela ended in tragedy. Florida Fish and Wildlife crews, along with County Fire Rescue, Avon Park Fire and Highlands County Dive Team and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office went searching for the occupant of an empty boat reported by a landowner along the lake. Preliminary information indicates 39 year old William M. Pyle was swimming near the vessel and did not resurface. Pyle was recovered from the water and pronounced deceased.
Despite a record turnout of fans and teams- it appears the Sebring International Raceway was the safest place to be in Highlands County last week. HCSO reported one Arrest – a DUI – and 10 EMS/Fire calls with 4 calls heading to a Medical Facility.
An Avon Park man was arrested on multiple felony drug charges Friday after an operation by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit. 29 year old Quran Akiedo Thomas was being held on $135,000 bond yesterday after a search warrant at his home on Wilhite Street in Avon Park yielded a half dozen drug-related charges. The CSU had previously made an undercover meth purchase from Thomas, which led to the search warrant.