A large brush fire burned roughly 140 acres Wednesday afternoon in the northwest Leisure Lakes area near Durrance Road and Bluebird Avenue, forcing evacuations and road closures. Highlands County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded with multiple engines and tractor plows as the fire spread rapidly. By Wednesday evening, evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return home. Officials say heavy smoke will linger for several days while crews continue monitoring hot spots. Highlands County remains under a burn ban.
A 35-year-old Sebring man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he sexually abused a child under the age of 12. Alexander Scott Zappitella was arrested January 12 after his girlfriend reported finding inappropriate images of him and the child on his cellphone, which she turned over to investigators. Authorities say the victim later disclosed to specialists that inappropriate contact had occurred.
The long-delayed trial of Tony “T.J.” Wiggins in the 2020 Frostproof triple murder could be pushed back again. New witness statements, expert reports, and additional evidence were recently turned over to the defense, leaving just weeks to review ahead of the Feb. 23rd trial date. Circuit Judge J. Kevin Abdoney questioned both sides over the delays and signaled a continuance may be likely if defense attorneys are tied up in another capital case. If postponed, the trial could be rescheduled as late as September.
Sun ‘N Lake residents recently gathered to hear from two candidates vying for an open seat on the Improvement District’s Board of Supervisors. Mark Caramanna and Steve Kramer shared their backgrounds, priorities, and answered resident questions on transparency, governance concerns, infrastructure, and a proposed AdventHealth housing project. The landowners’ election will take place this Friday, Jan. 23rd, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sun ‘N Lake Community Center in Sebring, where eligible residents can cast their votes.