The Highlands County S.A.L.T. Council has moved its August 18th meeting to the Orangewood Acres clubhouse in Avon Park. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and will feature Dr. Donald Dawkins of HCA Florida Highlands Hospital as guest speaker. The clubhouse is located at 2552 North Orangewood Street, with free coffee and donuts available.
South Florida State College is launching its 2026-27 SFSC Gives Back program, giving employees opportunities to volunteer with organizations across Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties. In Highlands County, upcoming volunteer opportunities include an October 23rd project with Habitat for Humanity Highlands County, where volunteers can help with construction or at the ReStore, as well as service projects at Gator Wilderness Camp, Good Shepherd Hospice, Cuda Bear’s Lair and Ridge Area ARC.
Trinity Multipurpose Development Center is now open in Sebring’s Washington Heights community. The new nonprofit at 623 Lemon Avenue offers job preparation, life coaching, wellness education, mental health awareness, screenings, referrals and other community resources. TMDC is also partnering with local organizations to connect residents with services and support. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Saturday hours beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, call 863-273-8908.
A Haines City police officer has resigned and faces criminal charges after investigators say he repeatedly misused Flock cameras to track his estranged wife. Police say 31-year-old Christopher Goodson searched her vehicle’s license plate 717 times over nearly two years, including 280 times in one month. Investigators say Goodson used false reasons to access the database, which is intended for legitimate law enforcement purposes. He faces charges of official misconduct and unlawful computer offenses.