News Update 1/14/25

A precautionary boil water notice is now in effect for parts of Sebring after a watermain on US 27 was hit Monday morning, causing a loss of pressure. The areas affected are the west side of 27 at Thunderbird Road going north to Shumacher Road and the east side of 27 at Thunderbird Road going north to Whisper Lake Blvd. The City of Sebring has advised residents and businesses in the affected areas to boil any water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. The boil water notice will remain in effect until necessary repairs are made and a bacteriological survey is conducted.

A 22 year old West Palm Beach man is in custody after he allegedly groomed a 14 year old Polk County girl online then traveled to meet her and engage in sexual activity with her. On Saturday, January 11th, Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emerick Priddy after they spotted his vehicle in a parking lot shortly before 3:00am. Priddy was found in the back seat with the victim and both were in various stages of undress. An investigation revealed that Priddy met the victim on Snapchat and proceeded to convince her to sneak out of her home in the middle of the night to meet him. The victim was under the impression that Priddy was only 17 years old, which is what he initially told deputies before they ran his driver’s license and discovered he was 22. Priddy was booked in the Polk County Jail and has been charged with 5 felonies related to the crime.

A Hardee County woman’s trial for her grandchild’s death began yesterday. Tracey Nix is charged with aggravated manslaughter after her seven-month-old granddaughter died more than two years ago in a hot car. Police say Nix left the girl inside a vehicle when she went into her home. Her trial is being held in Polk County after a judge granted a change of venue due to pre-trial publicity. She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

It looks like progress is being made in reducing opioid deaths in Central Florida. The Opioid Project released data Sunday that shows opioid deaths in the area fell by almost seven percent between 2021 and ’23. That’s bigger than the six percent drop seen statewide in the same time period. Seminole County led the way in Central Florida with a drop of over 27 percent. Sheriff Dennis Lemma tells the Orlando Sentinel he’s incredibly pleased with these numbers, but he doesn’t want to take a victory lap and think the work is done.

A man is hurt after a shooting in Polk County. It happened yesterday afternoon in Winter Haven on Avenue H Northwest. Winter Haven Police say two friends got into a fight when one shot the other. The victim was taken to the hospital, but there’s no word on his condition. No arrest has been announced.

A former Walt Disney World employee is facing up to ten years in prison. Michael Scheuer pleaded guilty late last week to hacking into a computer software to alter menus used at Disney’s restaurants after he was fired for misconduct this past summer. Authorities say the Winter Garden man falsely removed food allergens from menu items, which could have deadly consequences. Scheuer was arrested in October following an FBI investigation, where agents found that the suspect had also collected the personal information of four employees. A sentencing date will be set at a later date.

Florida’s Governor is calling for a special legislative session the week after President-elect Trump takes office to ensure all new executive orders concerning illegal immigration are followed. Ron DeSantis says Trump will hit the ground running with crackdowns and Florida needs to be ready. He says the legislative reforms will help the Federal Government implement new policies and remove all incentives for people to come to Florida. Lawmakers are also expected to tackle hurricane and condo relief.