The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of stealing a truck from Bill Owens Auto Sales in Avon Park. Investigators say the theft happened around 5:17 a.m. on July 1, and the truck was later recovered in Hollywood, Florida. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Heartland Crime Stoppers, where anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
The Avon Park Depot Museum will unveil a new exhibit Sunday highlighting the history of the Avon Park Correctional Institution. The free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and features former correctional officers Brian Hendrickson, Larry Bond, and Shirley Johnson, who will share stories and answer questions. The exhibit explores APCI’s history since opening in 1957 and its focus on inmate rehabilitation and reentry programs. The museum is located at 3 North Museum Avenue in Avon Park.
Drivers across Highlands County should continue to expect delays as several Florida Department of Transportation projects remain underway. Daytime and nighttime lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and flagging operations are in place along portions of U.S. 27, State Road 17, and State Road 70 for paving, roadway improvements, utility work, and vegetation maintenance. Motorists are urged to slow down, follow posted signs, and use caution in work zones.
Florida shoppers will soon get a break at the register as the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns July 20 and runs through August 20. During the month-long tax break, shoppers can purchase qualifying clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, learning aids, and the first $1,500 of eligible personal computers and computer accessories without paying state sales tax.