It’s mighty early in the season for this stuff, but yes … Highlands County is officially under a Tropical Storm warnng until Saturday evening. The National Weather Service says the possibility of peak winds of 20-30 miles an hour with gusts into the Tropical Storm range are possible as the current system out in the gulf passes over the peninsula Saturday, but the watch implies storm-force winds are possible. The current Hurricane Center forecast has the potential cyclone strengthening into Tropical Storm Alex around midday today, then crossing the gulf and making landfall in Southwest Florida Midday Saturday. There’s also a flood watch in effect this morning through Saturday.
City of Sebring Police are looking for a suspect in a Wednesday shooting in the Melady and Kenilworth Boulevard neighborhood. The victim in the shooting received nonfatal injuries, and city police want to talk to 35 year old Michael “Scrappy” Sramek about the incident. If you have information about where Sramek may be, call the Sebring Police at 471-5107 or Crimestoppers at 800-226-TIPS. There may be cash reward from Crimestoppers for tips leading to Sramek’s arrest and conviction.
Plan on driving with a little extra caution this weekend – the Heartland Triathalon is back in town. Given the possibility of weather, Triathalon organizers decided yesterday to cancel the Saturday youth Triathalon events, but Sunday’s adult Tri is still on. The combination run, bike, swim and ride brings hundreds into town. Plan on road closures around the Downtown Circle and spoke streets, as well the Sebring Parkway heading north out of Downtown as far as the intersection with Scenic Highway.
Fire rescue crews from Highlands County spent a few hours yesterday knocking down a five-acre wildfire in the Apple Blossom Avenue just outside Lake Placid. The blaze expanded out to a dozen acres before crews got it contained yesterday afternoon. No threats or hazards to property or life were involved.
Tons of businesses are looking for employees, and the gig economy is no different. The Greater Love Church is Lake Placid is running a “Gig Career” mini-fair Saturday at the church on Vision Street in Lake Placid, from 11-2. In addition to Primerica, Legal Shield and a bunch of other work-from-home opportunities, the Sherriff’s Department will be there with – maybe – an upgrade to your lifestyle.