A Sebring man is facing multiple felony drug charges after a Highlands County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop early July 28. Deputies say 47-year-old Robert Owens was found with cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, marijuana and drug paraphernalia after allegedly attempting to hide evidence in a patrol vehicle. Owens was arrested on several drug-related charges, including possession with intent to sell and tampering with evidence.
The City of Sebring is seeking to foreclose on the former Santa Rosa Hotel property over unpaid code enforcement fines. A lawsuit filed last month claims the property owner failed to correct code violations, with fines continuing to accumulate. The hotel was demolished in 2024, but city officials say more than $541,000 is now owed, with additional penalties still accruing daily.
A Lake Wales man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he broke into the same home twice in one day. Investigators say 28-year-old Eddie Roberson Jr. allegedly returned to the home, grabbed a handgun, threatened a woman, and demanded she drop pending charges before deputies arrested him. Authorities also say methamphetamine was found in his possession. Roberson now faces charges including armed burglary, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and drug possession.
A man wanted for a probation violation was fatally shot by Polk County deputies Monday morning at a Lakeland shopping center. Sheriff Grady Judd says 46-year-old Larry Renaldo Riles, who was working as an Uber driver, refused commands to exit his vehicle, struck a patrol car, and then reached for what deputies say was a stolen handgun. Deputies opened fire, and Riles later died at a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation.