The Reflection Park was dedicated yesterday in honor of five women killed at the SunTrust Midtown branch in Sebring. It marked the one year anniversary when Debra Cook, Marisol Lopez, Jessica Monitgue, Ana Pinon-Williams and Cynthia Lee Watson were slain by a lone gunman.
Family members and friends were joined by community leaders, law enforcement, first responders and citizens for the dedication ceremonies. Sebring Mayor John Shoop, a banker who actually opened that branch, said the park will allow people to both move on and remember. Former SunTrust CEO Bill Rogers called the park “a celebration,” noting that he, his organization and the community would be “forever changed” by the event.
The hardscape “Place of Remembrance” sits on the footprint of the original bank building across from Lake Jackson.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials have made three arrests in connection with the October 2019 death of Joshua Dean Hickey. Charged in the case are 35-year-old George Leonard Woods, 32-year-old Christopher Laveon Bell and 25-year-old Mikevious Al Jawon Young.
All three face counts of Homicide. Bell and Young also have been charged with robbery. A Clewiston man, Johan Wendon Holder already has been charged in connection with the incident.
Hickey was found shot and killed in his vehicle outside of his parents’ home on Tam O’Shanter Boulevard in Orange Blossom Estates last October 30th.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials say it appears a number of local residents have been called on the phone and told they are “winners” in the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes. The only problem is, instead of receiving – they are asked to give. They were told in order to get their winnings, they would have to first pay IRS fees.
In other words, this is the latest scam to separate people from their hard earned money. Advice from the sheriff – if you get such a call just hang up. There’s no money at the other end of the phone.
Another Bicycling event is coming to Highlands County. Joining such events as the Sebring 12/24, Spring Brake and the Tour D’Sebring will be a race sponsored by GFNY. That one will be run in October and be based out of the Jack Stroup Civic Center in Sebring. No route or other details have yet been released – except the tentative date. October 25. Similar events are held in New York City and Sante Fe, New Mexico.
A foot and hiking race reportedly has been planned for December in Highlands County. The Expedition Florida Adventure will involve running, hiking boating, biking and navigating. Reportedly, both events are targeted at helping the local lodging industry.