A new memorial may be coming to Avon Park. The effort apparently started after representatives of the Battle of the Bands Inc, were asked to remove a first responders’ flag from the Veterans Memorial on the mile-long mall. They were told it ran afoul of the dedicated purpose of Veteran’s Square.
Council members told organization representative J.R. Young to come back with a plan for a First Responders site.
Avon Park City Manager Mark Schrader says the definition of "first responders" covers quite a bit of territory. There’s police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, nurses, dispatchers, corrections officers and search & rescue personnel – among others.
Young said he would look for possible sites and bring the matter back before council.
Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested an Avon Park man in connection with a Monday morning shooting incident. Edgar Elijah Brown is accused of firing shots at a passing car on Garrett Road.
According to reports, there were two bullet holes in the trunk of the car. Apparently, one of the rounds went through the back seat and struck the rear of the driver’s seat, but stopped before it hit the driver.
Occupants of the vehicle identified Brown as the shooter. He was arrested and charged with numerous counts – including attempted murder.
A couple of shooting incidents in the Highway Park neighborhood, south o Lake Placid, yesterday have Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives working. Both victims were taken to the hospital by car. Both are expected to live.
No suspects have been announced. It’s unclear whether the incidents are related.
There was a stabbing last night near Avon Park. Currently, all that’s known is that it occurred at Memorial and South Carolina. No other details have been released.
Lake Wales police have issued a warrant in connection with a May 8th fatal traffic crash. Aljurne Brooks of Haines City has been charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter in connection with the incident. Police say the 40-year-old Brooks was at the wheel of a Cadillac that ran a red light at Highway 27 and Washington Avenue, slamming into a semi-truck in front of the Florida Natural Citrus operation.
Killed were Gary Faniel jr and Javarcea Morton. Apparently, Brooks remains at large.
The northbound lanes of Highway 27 in Frostproof were closed for a time this morning. Apparently a semi-tanker caught fire and burned. It took a while for tow trucks to help clear the area.