Highlands County leaders are moving to replace Sun ‘N Lake’s elected five-member board with county-appointed supervisors, aiming for consistency with other districts. County Attorney Sherry Sutphen says an ordinance is being drafted, followed by a public hearing and vote. Commissioners criticized General Manager Ray Bossert for spreading misinformation, while Bossert defended his role and the district’s independence. Residents pushed back, saying they want to keep voting for their board and have a say in how funds are managed.
South Florida State College will hold two spring commencement ceremonies May 12th at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center in Avon Park. Student speakers are Katiana Reyes-Negron for the afternoon ceremony and Heather Drommerhausen for the evening. Guest speakers include Highlands County Commission Chair Don Elwell and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. About 601 students qualify for graduation, with 388 expected to participate in the ceremonies. The event will also be livestreamed on the college’s website.
A rideshare driver was arrested in Lakeland after deputies say he falsely claimed to be a police officer during a traffic stop. Authorities say 49-year-old John Gerlus showed a badge and claimed ties to law enforcement, but was not employed by any agency. He later admitted the badge came from a friend. Gerlus faces charges of impersonating an officer and resisting without violence. Two passengers in the vehicle were safely transported by deputies.
Registration is now open for the Highlands Art League’s 10-week “Kids’ Art, Science, and Craft Summer Camp” in Sebring. The camp features weekly themes like nature, space, and arts, with activities including painting, science experiments, and outdoor play at the Sebring Art Center. The program runs weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexible weekly sign-ups available. Organizers say the camp is designed to help kids build skills, creativity, and friendships over the summer.