Highlands County will open a warming center as freezing temperatures move into the area. With a Freeze Watch in effect, the center will open Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring and close Friday at 7 a.m. The shelter is available for anyone without adequate heat or shelter. Guests are encouraged to bring identification, medications, bedding, and personal necessities. Residents are also encouraged to share this information, especially with seniors and those experiencing homelessness.
Healthy Families Highlands has earned a 100 percent compliance rating following a comprehensive three-day Quality Assurance review conducted in December. It marks the first time in the program’s history that all more than 150 best practice standards were met without the need for corrective action. The review evaluated staff training, case documentation, and program outcomes, including interviews with staff and participating families. Program leaders say the achievement highlights the dedication of the team and reinforces community confidence in the services provided to families across Highlands County.
A long-vacant downtown Sebring landmark is officially getting a new life. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. for the redevelopment of the former First National Bank building on North Ridgewood Drive. The historic structure will be transformed into a Regus business center, offering flexible office space and shared business amenities. Community members are invited to attend as the project marks a major step in revitalizing the downtown area.
A Central Florida man is accused of threatening to kill Governor Ron DeSantis, AG Pam Bondi, and other officials. Thirty-nine-year-old Daniel Cook is charged with several felonies. Authorities say he posted the threats on "X" last fall, calling DeSantis and Bondi "bozos." FDLE reviewed Cook’s account and linked the IP address to his address in Volusia County. Deputies found him in Edgewater and arrested him.