The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners will discuss renewing the county’s residential solid waste collection contract during its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. Commissioners will review potential services for the next agreement, though no final decisions will be made. Agenda materials will be posted online Thursday, and residents are encouraged to review them and attend the 9 a.m. meeting at the County Government Center in Sebring or watch online.
A local tipster is getting a $1,050 reward after providing information that led to an arrest. Heartland Crime Stoppers presented the check to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office this week. Officials remind residents that anonymous tips can earn cash rewards if they help solve crimes. Tips can be submitted through the P3 Tips app, by calling 1-888-400-TIPS, dialing **TIPS on a cell phone, or through the Heartland Crime Stoppers website.
A Winter Haven man on probation is facing new charges after deputies say he was caught wearing a mask and peering into vehicles at a Davenport auto dealership. Investigators say Tyrell Dixon first identified himself as "James," then looked at a deputy’s nametag and claimed to be "James Davis." Deputies weren’t buying it. Dixon now faces multiple charges, including possession of burglary tools, providing false identification, loitering and prowling, and violating probation.
An early morning probation warrant in Auburndale turned into a standoff before ending with two people in custody. Polk County deputies say residents refused to answer the door, prompting warnings that a K-9 would be deployed. The wanted man, Danny Tonstall, eventually surrendered, while Nicole Rizzo was also arrested after deputies say she refused to cooperate. Sheriff Grady Judd summed it up this way: "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."