Highlands County has released new details ahead of Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting on the proposed 10-year residential solid waste agreement. The proposal would continue weekly garbage collection, alternating-week yard waste and bulk waste pickup, and access to county recycling drop-off sites. It also includes replacing at least 8,500 residential garbage carts each year but does not restore curbside recycling. Residents can review the full proposal in the county’s online agenda packet before the meeting. If approved, the new agreement would take effect October 1, 2026.
A former South Florida State College English professor has filed a federal lawsuit against the college’s president and Board of Trustees, claiming she was fired in violation of her First Amendment rights. Vinita Prabhakar alleges she was terminated after assigning a short story to a freshman English class that the college president objected to. The lawsuit, filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, seeks her reinstatement, damages, and a court ruling protecting professors’ free speech rights at public colleges.
Highlands County is encouraging residents to get involved by applying for open seats on local advisory boards and committees. Several positions are available, including openings on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. These groups give residents the opportunity to provide input and recommendations on issues affecting the community. Residents interested in serving can learn more about current openings and apply through the county’s website at HighlandsFL.gov.
A Polk County cold case murder has been officially closed. Sheriff Grady Judd announced investigators have concluded James Duckett was responsible for the 1987 death of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon, whose body was found in Fort Meade. Duckett, a former Mascotte police officer, was executed Tuesday after being convicted of raping and killing 11-year-old Tereasa McAbee in 1987. Judd says although Duckett will never face trial in Weldon’s case, investigators are confident he was responsible.