A deadly head-on collision involving two vehicles brought northbound U.S. 27 in South Sebring to a standstill Tuesday night. The crash happened near Tauchens Road, forcing all northbound lanes closed as emergency crews worked the scene. A medical helicopter responded and airlifted one victim from the crash. Florida Highway Patrol confirmed a fatality.
Jury selection is underway in Bartow in the trial of Tony “T.J.” Wiggins, accused of killing three friends during a 2020 fishing trip near Frostproof. Prosecutors say Wiggins followed the men to the lake after a dispute over the sale of a truck engine, then opened fire. Wiggins faces three counts of first-degree murder and could face the death penalty if convicted. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
Highlands County deputies say a search warrant at a Sebring home Friday turned up cocaine, drug equipment and five firearms. Investigators say the weapons and drugs were accessible to the suspect’s four-year-old daughter. Forty-five-year-old Joshua David Conklin faces multiple felony charges, including drug possession with intent to sell, armed drug offenses and child neglect.
Sebring’s push for a downtown open-container policy could require approval from the Florida Legislature. The proposed “social district” would let people take unfinished drinks from participating bars and restaurants in designated cups while walking to other downtown businesses and events. City officials say the process could take until July 2027, but local business leaders say the idea can be done.