News Update for 1/31/25

Falsified health records have led to the recommendation of termination for a Sebring Middle School Health Tech. Shasira Olivero allegedly altered records related to administering prescribed medication to a student after failing to administer the medicine at the correct time. On October 17th, the student’s parent called to inquire about the times the medications were provided, which ultimately prompted the School District to investigate. The investigation showed discrepancies in Olivero’s version of events. Camera footage and a deep dive into the health log software showed that Olivero had edited several medication times for the previous month. In each of those instances, the records were altered to shift logged time by an hour. A recommendation for Olivero’s termination effective Feb. 4, is on the School Board of Highlands County agenda for the next meeting on February 4th.

There’s a Central Florida connection to the deadly plane crash in Washington, DC. The pilot of the American Airlines plane involved in Wednesday’s crash worked and lived in Volusia County. Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach announced yesterday Jonathan Campos earned his Certified Flight Instructor rating at the school, and he was also a flight instructor there. The school writes on Facebook he was a skilled and dedicated pilot with an undeniable passion for flying. The 34-year-old Campos was from New York, but he lived in Ormond Beach, and he graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015.

A former Central Florida teacher is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. The Volusia County sheriff’s office posted on social media yesterday to detail the arrest of 35-year-old Patrick Gingras. He is accused of having a sex with an 18-year-old student while he was teaching intensive reading at T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School in Pierson. The investigation began last February when allegations of Gingras’ misconduct surfaced. He was taken into custody yesterday. If released on bond, he will have to wear a GPS monitor.

There’s a new agreement between the Florida Highway Patrol and federal immigration officials. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a memorandum of understanding with the FHP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the agreement, FHP troopers are given powers to assist with immigration enforcement efforts. The agreement comes after the state legislature passed a new anti-illegal immigration bill this week during a special session. DeSantis called the measure "weak" and indicated he would veto it.

Exciting news for Highlands County residents- the long-awaited premier of Home Town Takeover season 3 featuring Sebring has been announced. The show will premiere on Sunday, March 9th on HGTV and new episodes will be available to stream starting March 10th on Max. The first episode will cover how Ben and Erin surprise Sebring’s residents with the news that they will make improvements to every business in the historic downtown circle. They also team up with Dave and Jenny Marrs, hosts of Fixer to Fabulous, and start work on the Sebring soda shop as well as the historic home of a local kindergarten teacher.

UCF’s president is sticking around and getting a raise, too. The Florida Board of Governors yesterday approved President Alexander Cartwright’s one-year contract extension. The new deal runs through April 2026, and it pays Cartwright 900-thousand dollars. That’s a 150-thousand dollar raise. With incentives, he could earn over a million dollars. UCF Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins says UCF is on an unprecedented upward trajectory, and Dr. Cartwright’s continued leadership is essential to maintaining that momentum.

An off-duty Osceola County deputy is accused of crashing into a state trooper while drunk. The Florida Highway Patrol says 30-year-old Hunter Perkins was driving along the Florida Turnpike on Tuesday night when he hit the trooper who was guarding a construction site. Perkins claims he doesn’t remember the crash. Troopers say the deputy passed a field sobriety test, but admitted to drinking several glasses of wine with his girlfriend. Perkins has been relieved of his duties. Officials say the DUI charges filed against him have been dismissed, but it’s unclear why.

Much of Florida is experiencing an uptick in flu cases. The state Department of Health’s latest report shows that the number of flu-related emergency room visits went up for the week ending on January 25th. There were also nearly a dozen outbreaks reported in the state during the same span of time. The agency says there were only 13 counties that did not see a rise in influenza infections with a majority of them located in South Florida. Health experts say the annual vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from potentially severe complications.