Northbound traffic on Highway 27 was tied up for hours yesterday afternoon after three semi trucks and a minivan got into a chain reaction accident that cost one driver his life at the corner of Highway 27 and 98 south of Sebring yesterday afternoon. Mark Tomlinson of Lakeland was killed in the wreck when his semi tractor rig slammed into the rear of another semi at the stop light. Witnesses say Tomlinson’s truck appeared to be at close to cruising speed, tried to avoid the collision but too late. Highlands County Sherriff’s personnel secured the scene and attended to emergencies until FHP investigators could assume the investigation.
It was a crummy afternoon on Highway 27 yesterday – before that wreck could be cleared, another fenderbender at the corner of Vicki Drive and the highway near the Mall snarled traffic for another spell.
Tomorrow’s Independence Day – government agencies get shut down top to bottom for the National Holiday. Most local offices will re-open Friday, including the County, where Commissioners yesterday declined a last-minute suggestion to close for the day. The County Commision also agreed to take the Champion For Children Foundation’s name off the Children’s Advocacy Center and give the Foundation a one-time $30,000 grant to establish its own walk-in center.
There’s another critter auction this week at Highlands County Animal Control. This Friday at 11am, they’ll have around 55 hens, 15 juvenile chickens at Animal Services, 7300 Haywood Taylor Boulevard. Money goes to satisfy fees, expenses for feeding and care. If a cash offer doesn’t come in, they say they’ll donate them to charity.
County Commissioner Greg Harris announced Monday that he WILL run for re-election to his District 5 seat on the Commission next year. Harris has a competitor already – former Leisure Services Director Vicki Pontius announced her candidacy earlier. Harris said he’d make the formal filings later, but put his plans on the record now.
Oh, yes – Fourth of July Fireworks? Tonight at Sun N Lake of Sebring, and on the Fourth around 9pm in Sebring, Avon Park AND Lake Placid.