Highlands County officials now have a plan to address some of the county’s most flood-prone areas. A new vulnerability assessment identifies Sebring Parkway, downtown Sebring and the area around Little Lake Jackson as top priorities. Proposed improvements could cost millions, but the report will help the county seek state and federal funding for drainage and flood mitigation projects.
Motorized surfboard racing returns to Lake Jackson this week. Free community rides are being offered today and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Pier Beach, where kids and adults can try motosurfing with experienced riders. More than 100 racers are expected for the MotoSurf Games this Saturday and Sunday. Spectator admission is free, but drivers should expect possible traffic delays around Lakeview Drive and nearby streets through the weekend.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that a permit is required to harvest saw palmetto berries for transport or sale — even when harvesting on your own property. Saw palmetto is classified as a commercially exploited plant under Florida law. Harvesters must obtain a Native Plant Harvesting Permit, and those harvesting on someone else’s property must also have written permission from the landowner. Violations can result in felony charges.
A 30-year-old Lakeland woman is facing a new charge after deputies say she ran into a home while they were attempting to arrest her on an outstanding warrant. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says Alexus Nicole Dupree was spotted Monday on Nokonis Avenue and fled inside when a deputy approached. She was taken into custody and charged with resisting an officer without violence, in addition to the existing probation violation warrant.