Another shooting last night in Avon Park. Deputies were called to the area of Hal MacRoae Boulevard and Delaney before midnight last night, where they located a male gunshot wound victim who required flight-for-life transportation out of town, in stable condition. Detectives are investigating; as always, if you know something, detectives would appreciate a call.
Christmas Day is past, and the Sherriff’s Department wants to warn you the telephone crooks are crawling back out of the woodwork. The department said yesterday they’d gotten a few complaints about harassing phone calls – common thread is they start with a scam that varies, but seems to always involve money. If you don’t go along with them, they often get harsh and angry. Just be smart – and don’t be intimidated by these scammers. One suggestion from the department is if the phone number on your caller ID doesn’t look familiar, let it go to voice mail and if the call is legitimate, you can return the call later.
A Sebring family is looking for their adult son, and law enforcement is looking for your help. 22 years old Jonathan Angel Diaz hasn’t been seen since December 14. He has several tattoos, a full sleeve on his right arm, two chest tattoos, one on his back upper right shoulder and the state of Texas on his left inside forearm. What he was wearing at the time of his disappearance is uncertain. If you have any information please call Sgt. Anthony McGann at 863-402-7334 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. Crime Stoppers tips are always anonymous.
Highlands Hammock State Park was Florida’s first state park – most Highlands County Residents know that. It has a new distinction now, with its listing on the National Park Service’s Register of Historic Places. Secretary of State Ken Detzner made the announcement in a press release last week. The designation is based both of Highlands Hammock’s status as the state’s first park, but also its heritage as a New Deal construction project through the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Arboretum era, original buildings in place and donations from the Roebling family in deeding and opening the park.