News Update 1/11/19

Nearly a half dozen units were called out early this morning to battle a blaze in Lake Placid involving three homes. The fire on Robinson Street destroyed one house and damaged two others.
Volunteers from Lake Placid, Leisure Lakes, Sun ‘N Lakes South and the Placid Lakes departments battled both the cold and the flames.
Authorities say the homeowner was able to get his wife and three children to safety with no injuries. The cause is being attributed to an overloaded space heater, that had been plugged into an extension cord.

Like the first Robin heralds spring, the new poster for the 12 Hours means Race Week is drawing nigh. Raceway officials unveiled this year’s poster yesterday. Another rendering by famous artist Roger Warrick, it shows two views – featuring cars from both the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring and the upcoming World Endurance Challenge.
They have dubbed this year’s event “Super Sebring,” due to the back-to-back endurance races.

Highlands County Sheriff’s officials now have classified the disappearance of Jonathan Angel Dias as “suspicious.” The 22-year-old went missing in mid-December, and has not been seen since. Investigators now say the circumstances warrant further investigation.
The young man has brown hair, brown eyes, a medium build and sports a small goatee. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office or Crimestoppers. They say any tips will be held as confidential.

Officials at the Alan Jay Automotive Network say they have a big event planned for this coming Monday. They plan to hoist the largest American Flag in Highlands County.
The event will take place at the Alan Jay Ford Dealership south of Sebring this coming Monday at 10:30am.
Members of Post 4300 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be on hand to help raise the 30 x 60-foot flag up the 100-foot-plus flagpole.
Highlands County’s own Nelly Ford will sing the Star Spangled Banner. After the short ceremony, complimentary hot dogs, chips, drinks and apple pie will be available.