Highlands County Fire Rescue responded to a mutual aid call Tuesday night to assist the Avon Park Fire Department at a commercial structure fire in the 1400 block of Oleander Drive. The call came in around 7:36 p.m., where multiple tractors were reported on fire. The fire has been extinguished, but a pole barn was a total loss, along with several pieces of heavy equipment. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Highlands County leaders have approved the creation of a new Human Resources and Information Department to help manage the county’s growing workforce of about 430 employees. County Administrator Laurie Hurner says the expansion requires a dedicated department to handle daily HR operations, recruitment, and employee retention. A new director will be hired to oversee human resources strategy and public information duties, including emergency response during disasters. The position will be filled by the county administrator and formally introduced to county commissioners at a future meeting.
The South Sebring Winn-Dixie at 3250 U.S. 27 South is set to close on March 22 as it prepares to reopen as an Aldi grocery store. City officials confirm a building permit has already been issued for interior renovations. The Winn-Dixie liquor store is not included in the conversion and is expected to close. This marks the second Winn-Dixie in Highlands County to transition to Aldi, following a similar conversion in Avon Park last year. Other Winn-Dixie locations in Lake Placid and North Sebring are not slated for conversion at this time.
There’s help for Floridians who are experiencing flu-like symptoms. HCA Florida has launched a free hotline to address the rising number of flu cases in the state. The Consult-A-Nurse hotline is designed to help callers manage their symptoms on their own without visiting urgent care. It’s 844-706-8873.