South Florida State College is now accepting applications for the Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 through mid-July. The program gives participants an inside look at the businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping Highlands County grow and thrive. Those interested can learn more and complete a quick application at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and make a difference in your community.
Highlands County commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward with proposed impact fees on new residential construction. Under the plan, developers would pay up to $9,147 per new 2,000-square-foot single-family home over a five-year period to help fund roads, public safety, parks, libraries, and other county infrastructure. Affordable housing would be exempt. A final public hearing and vote is scheduled for June 30.
A 24-year-old Lakeland man died following a motorcycle crash involving a semi-truck Wednesday evening in Lakeland. Investigators say the motorcyclist was exiting a parking lot when the motorcycle made slight contact with the rear of a stopped semi-trailer waiting to enter Frontage Road South. The rider lost control, struck a curb, and later died at a hospital. The crash remains under investigation, and no charges are expected.
Two people are facing felony charges following a road rage incident in Seminole County. Sanford Police say one driver intentionally rear-ended another vehicle Tuesday on Upsala Road, sparking a fight. Investigators say the driver then took items from the victim’s car and fled in an SUV. Deputies later stopped the vehicle in Orange County, but while the driver surrendered, the passenger took the wheel and sped away, striking several vehicles before abandoning the SUV in downtown Orlando. The passenger was later apprehended.