News Update for 1/12/23

Memorial Elementary School was evacuated briefly yesterday after the report of something that smelled like gas in the kitchen area. As a precautionary method, the students were evacuated from the building.
An assessment by experts from TECO Energy and Avon Park fire department officials determined it was hydraulic fluid from a faulty cylinder.
School officials say there never was any danger in the situation.

A new study by MoveBudda shows that the inflow of new residents to Florida has eased up, and the interest in a couple of local cities has dropped as well. Florida is now eight out of ten in the relocation preference study.
Both Avon Park and Winter Haven also declined as destinations to move in the Sunshine State. Some areas, including The Villages, Ocla and Clermont actually gained in popularity for those looking to move to Florida.

Today is the last day that local residents can apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage done during hurricanes Ian or Nicole. Applications must be received by 11:59 tonight to be eligible for consideration.
Those needing further information may call their toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA officials say they still will remain in the state to work with long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The Sports Car Club of America’s 2023 Season gets underway today with the start of the Hoosier Racing Tire/SCCA Super Tour Winter Vacation event at the Sebring International Raceway.
Test and tune will go on today at the Sebring track with practice sessions for all classes – including both sedans and open-wheel cars. Officials say the combination of the season’s first race, and the historic Sebring circuit, brings out a huge field of competitors.
This is the first of 15 spectator events slated for the Sebring Raceway this year – including the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring.

Lake Wales Police say they have apprehended 29-year-old Dontavious Grant. He was wanted in connection with a New Year’s Eve drive-by shooting in the Crown Jewel of the Ridge.
An out-of-town couple had their car shot up as they drove on the Scenic Highway. Police say Grant was located and taken into custody in the Winter Haven area without incident.