Florida Highway Patrol officials finally have released some information on an accident in the Avon Park Lakes neighborhood last night that claimed the life of a cyclist. According to the report, a 39-year-old Sebring man was riding east on West Stryker Road around 6:20 last night. He was struck from behind by a car, driven by a 27-year-old Haines City woman. No names were released.
The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. FHP officials say the incident remains under investigation. Local first responders say the area is not well lit. Social media posts claiming to have seen the cyclist say he was wearing dark clothing and had no light.
Stryker Road was closed for a time while the scene was cleared.
Units from Sun ‘N Lakes South, Lake Placid and Placid Lakes were joined by the Florida Forest Service yesterday in putting down a brush fire. The incident occurred in a pasture off the Lott Grade in the Venus area.
No injuries were reported and there were no structures or other damage. Reportedly, the flames charred about an acre of ground.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested and charged three men after a spree where one person was shot. Charged in the incident were 42-year-old Gardell Young and 38-year-old Seth Edward Demming – both of Bartow and 37-year-old William Kirkland of Lakeland.
The three face armed burglary and other counts in connection with a home invasion on Old Harden Boulevard as well as a shooting at a nearby gas station earlier this week. All three were booked into the Polk County jail.