It got down into the 30as overnight. Reportedly, at least a couple of people took advantage of the cold shelter opened by Highlands County officials. The Bert Harris Agricultural Civic Center was opened at 7:PM last night for those who needed heat.
Officials say there were two people in the shelter overnight.
Authorities say they will wait until more detailed forecast temperatures are available today before they decide whether or not to open the facility again tonight.
Highlands County Attorney Joy Carmichael yesterday bristled at numbers given to her for her second job evaluation by Highlands County commissioners. She first balked at having to discuss the issue in a public meeting, but then gave a rebuttal to some of the scores given out by board members.
She asked for revision of the scores – saying they did not reflect her abilities and service to the county. Commissioners took no action on her request.
Highlands County firefighters yesterday joined Florida Forest Service crews in battling a brush fire south of Lake Placid. They were able to contain the 25 acre site and continue to watch for any re-kindling activity.
No homes or other property were in immediate danger from the flames. So far, no cause has been released for the fire.
The Sebring Wal-Mart was evacuated for almost an hour last night on the report of a man with a gun. Reportedly, a Hispanic family was shopping at the big box store when one of their youngsters saw a man gesturing with what he thought was a gun.
Apparently, he was the only one in the family who spoke English, and called 9-1-1. Police responded and cleared the store. After an investigation, they found it was a homeless man who had been playing with a 2-foot long box of Valentine’s Day-themed Twix candy bars.
Officials at the Sebring International Raceway say they are well on their way to another record year. Two months before this year’s race and already, all the trackside reserve spots have been sold out.
They say it’s the earliest that has happened since the race began. In fact, it’s only the third time that all trackside spots have been sold prior to the race.
However, they say there still are plenty of tickets still for sale for this year’s Super-Sebring 2020. Gates will open at this year’s event March 18th.
A man is in jail and a Highlands County Sheriff’s K-9 team has registered their first successful track. Apparently, it came as deputies tried to serve a warrant at a home on Riverview Road north of Avon Park.
James Ray Christopher Siegfried, was wanted on a warrant from Lake County. He reportedly fled the home when lawmen arrived. Deputy Ben Jones and K-9 Gentry then gave chase. They arrested the 24-year-old Sigfried a short distance away without incident.