Another wildfire popped up yesterday in the County – this time, a 10-acre burn near Vaughn Road and Highlands Hammock State Park. Florida Forest Service personnel say they’ve got the Equestrian fire at the Hammock down to 45 acres and 80% contained, they’re on duty knocking both fires down and say there’s no danger to life or property, but they do remind you that a couple good showers won’t bring our fire danger all the way down. Be careful.
When Florida’s annual alligator hunting season begins in August, permit holders will be able to hunt the big lizards any time, day or night. The Fish and Wildlife Commission voted this week to expand hunting hours from evening and overnight hours to 24 hours a day this year. The season begins August 15, and 65 of Florida’s 67 counties will offer a limited number of permits to catch the state’s signature beast. Highlands County is expected to have 79 permits available, and applications may be made online at gooutdoorsflorida.com.
Want to see a show? How about for free? The California Toe Jam band is closing out its concert season with a show at the Circle Theatre in Downtown Sebring tomorrow night. The concert starts at 7pm; it’s free, but donations will be accepted for the Champion For Children Foundation.
And speaking of California Toe Jam, the band’s drummer graduates from college this coming Tuesday. Trent Ferguson will not only graduate, but he’ll be the commencement speaker at the ceremony at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center on campus. Trent’s story is an inspiration to anyone in overcoming life’s challenges – Ferguson was born blind, but hasn’t let that become a limitation. After spending a couple years as part of the team here at the Highlands Radio Group as Lite FM morning sports anchor and oft-time contributor to the WWOJ morning show, Trent moved up a more demanding position doing sports, news, a sports talk show and game commentary on high school sports broadcasts for a radio group up in Flagler County. Congratulations, Trent – we’re proud to have been a small part of your success.