If you’re driving through the SpringLake community, be sure to slow down. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says all roads in the district, including the entrance roads and Duane Palmer Boulevard, are now posted at 25 miles per hour. Officials say the change is designed to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and golf cart drivers. Motorists are encouraged to watch their speed and help keep the community safe.
Award-winning author and Sebring native Mark Barie is returning home for a special presentation celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The event takes place Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jack Stroup Civic Center, where Barie will present "Seven Facts About the Revolutionary War That Will Amaze You!" The program will also include a trivia contest, with the winner receiving a signed copy of one of Barie’s award-winning books.
A major mental health crisis facility in Bartow has been ordered to stop accepting new patients following a state investigation into the death of a patient. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration says Peace River Crisis Center failed to provide proper emergency medical care, citing delays in lifesaving treatment, inadequate staff training, and failures to follow emergency procedures. State officials say the facility placed patients in immediate danger and are pursuing additional enforcement action.
A Winter Haven High School teacher and tennis coach is facing multiple felony charges after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student. Investigators arrested 55-year-old Otis Cutshaw on Thursday following an investigation that began this week. Detectives say Cutshaw admitted to multiple sexual encounters with the student and exchanging explicit messages and images. Polk County Public Schools says his employment is being terminated, and the district is fully cooperating with the investigation.