A leadership change is coming to Fred Wild Elementary School. Superintendent Brenda Longshore has selected Patricia Smith as the school’s new principal. Smith previously served as assistant principal at Lake Placid Elementary and was the only qualified applicant for the position. She replaces Megan Moesching, who resigned in May to accept a position with Florida Virtual School. The district is now accepting applications to fill her former assistant principal role at Lake Placid Elementary.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has once again earned re-accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, retaining its prestigious Excelsior status. The designation recognizes agencies that have maintained accredited status for more than 15 years without conditions. Sheriff Paul Blackman says the achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of the entire agency, following a rigorous review of policies, training, operations, use of force, and community engagement.
A routine traffic stop in DeSoto County led to the arrest of a wanted eight-time convicted felon Tuesday. Deputies say Michael Villegas gave a false name before running from a deputy during the stop. After a brief foot chase through roadside brush, he was taken into custody. Investigators say Villegas was carrying marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and had multiple active warrants in DeSoto, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties. He now faces several additional charges.
A 56-year-old Lake Wales woman was killed Tuesday night after her electric bicycle was struck from behind on Scenic Highway near Babson Park. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the woman was riding home from work when a Jeep hit her. She was wearing a reflective vest, but not a helmet. The driver was not injured, remained at the scene, and is cooperating with investigators. The crash remains under investigation, and no criminal charges are expected at this time.