Sebring International Raceway has announced the first 15 drivers named to its “Class of 75,” honoring the greatest drivers in the history of the Twelve Hours of Sebring, with the group including racing legends Mario Andretti, Phil Hill, Hans Stuck and Nick Tandy. The list was selected by a panel of 10 sports-car racing experts, and the remaining 60 drivers will be announced in groups of 15 through January, leading up to Sebring’s 75th running next March.
A Highlands County deputy and his K-9 partner are being recognized for their work locating a missing child. Deputy Ryan O’Gara and bloodhound Hank have been named the 2026 Florida Missing Children’s Day Jimmy Ryce K-9 Trailing Team of the Year after tracking down a missing 16-year-old earlier this year. Hank followed the teen’s scent through streets, sugar sand and a wooded area before locating the child about a mile from where the search began, unharmed.
A status conference has been scheduled for Oct. 2 in the long-running lawsuit involving Sebring’s historic Kenilworth Lodge. Judge Heather Beato issued the order recently after about 10 months with little activity in the case. The litigation, involving Mark Stewart and several defendants, began in 2024. The hotel, located on Lakeview Drive, has been closed since 2016 after reported fire-code violations.
Highlands County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Dustin Fitch has been named the county’s Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2026. Fitch was recognized for stepping in as acting fire chief during the chief’s temporary absence, helping oversee daily operations while handling some of the department’s most challenging duties. County officials praised his leadership and commitment to keeping the department running smoothly during the transition.