The qualifying period for Avon Park’s upcoming city election begins today. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 7th, to file for the mayor’s seat and one city council seat at Avon Park City Hall. Several potential candidates have already picked up qualifying packets, including Mayor Garrett Anderson and Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard. The city election will take place on November 3rd alongside the general election.
The Highlands County School Board has approved advertising its proposed 2026-27 budget, estimated at $188 million. District leaders say rising insurance costs have offset most of this year’s budget cuts, leaving a projected reserve fund of about 3.4%. Board members expressed concern over the district’s long-term financial outlook and plan to hold budget workshops next month to review spending and insurance costs before the budget is finalized.
With the new school year approaching, St. John Methodist Church of Sebring is helping local families prepare with its annual Back to School Bash. The church will host its 12th annual backpack and school supply giveaway on Saturday, August 1st at 9 a.m. at 33631 Grand Prix Drive in Sebring, behind Walmart. Students must be present to receive a backpack and supplies.
Two people, including an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old, have been arrested following a series of vehicle burglaries in the Winter Haven area. Polk County deputies say the masked suspects broke into two vehicles in the Whisper Lakes neighborhood of Jan Phyl Village on July 22, stealing about $550 worth of items. Both face multiple felony charges, which were enhanced because investigators say they wore masks during the crimes. The adult suspect also faces an additional charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.