Highlands County’s burn ban has been lifted after recent rainfall improved drought conditions. Fire Chief Kelly Duppenthaler told county commissioners the county’s drought index dropped below the threshold that triggers a burn ban, leading officials to end the restriction. Residents are still urged to use caution when burning yard debris and follow state outdoor burning regulations. Highlands County Fire Rescue has responded to about 160 brush fires since January.
Two men were killed Tuesday afternoon in a head-on crash on State Road 70 west of New Pine Ridge Road in Highlands County. The Florida Highway Patrol says a 41-year-old Lorida man crossed the centerline in a Ford Explorer and collided with an eastbound Dodge Ram driven by a 69-year-old Port St. Lucie man. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
A 61-year-old Lake Placid man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he chased a woman through town and pointed a handgun at her during a dispute. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began after the woman attempted to leave the man following a meeting in Lake Placid. Deputies located a handgun in the suspect’s vehicle and arrested him on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Nu-Hope Elder Care Services is welcoming the community to a special meet-and-greet and rededication event later this month. The gathering will introduce new Executive Director Joseph Cox and celebrate the organization’s commitment to serving local seniors for years to come. Guests are encouraged to share memories, photos, and stories from Nu-Hope’s history. The event will also honor retiring Resource Development Director Laurie Murphy for her years of service. The meet-and-greet is set for June 26th in Sebring.