A 54-year-old Zolfo Springs man was killed Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash in Hardee County. Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 10:38 p.m. at the intersection of Manley Road and Popash Road. Investigators report the pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed the intersection, and left the roadway, striking a wooden post and a large oak tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. It’s unclear whether he was wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.
A Lake Placid man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he tried to set an occupied home on fire. Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 35-year-old Nicholas Yeager on Jan. 17, charging him with burglary, first-degree arson, theft, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest without violence. Investigators say Yeager broke into a home on Highlands Lake Drive, set a porch cushion and an American flag on fire, and attempted to push the burning cushion into the home’s soffit while the resident was inside. Deputies later found Yeager hiding in heavy brush after a K9 search.
The Sun ’N Lake Improvement District has finalized its leadership for 2026 following internal elections held last week. Mark Caramanna was officially seated as the new landowner representative after winning the resident vote. The board also selected Greg Norton as president, Beverly Phillips as vice president, Coral Benka as treasurer, and Stephanie Ruiz as secretary. District leaders say the new team will focus on stability, continued improvements, and long-term growth for the Sun ’N Lake community this year.
The Children’s Museum of the Highlands in downtown Sebring is unveiling a brand-new Publix-themed play area this week, reimagining its popular Mini-Publix exhibit. Designed for children ages 1 to 12, the updated space features brighter colors, hands-on shopping, a self-checkout station, and a new “Pub Sub Deli” where kids can build toy sandwiches and role-play as customers or employees. The exhibit, sponsored by Publix Super Markets, officially opens Thursday, Jan. 29, with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. and free admission from 9 to 11 a.m. The museum is located at 219 North Ridgewood Drive.