The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after human remains were discovered Tuesday afternoon on a firebreak road near State Road 70 and Dexter Avenue. The remains were found by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer around 3 p.m. Detectives say there are currently no signs of foul play. The District 10 Medical Examiner is working to determine the cause of death and identify the individual. Further information will be released as the investigation continues.
A Highlands County judge has denied bond for a 19-year-old Lake Placid man accused of robbing an ice cream vendor at gunpoint earlier this year. Prosecutors say Steven Johnson and two others stole cash, a cellphone and other items during the February robbery in Sun ‘N Lakes. After hearing testimony from investigators, Judge David Ward ruled Johnson will remain in the Highlands County Jail while the case moves forward.
A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. today in Highlands County to determine whether Avon Park’s recall election will move forward as planned. Attorneys representing Mayor Garrett Anderson, Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard and Councilwoman Brittany McGuire are asking the court to halt the August 4 recall election, arguing the petitions are legally insufficient. The recall committee contends the petitions meet Florida’s legal requirements. Circuit Judge Peter Estrada is expected to hear arguments before issuing a decision.
The School Board of Highlands County has secured $1.5 million in state funding for roof and air conditioning improvements across district schools. The money was included in Florida’s newly approved state budget and will help address long-needed facility maintenance projects. District leaders credited the support of Representative Kaylee Tuck, Senator Erin Grall, Governor Ron DeSantis, and advocacy efforts in Tallahassee for helping bring the funding to Highlands County.