A Highlands County doctor is facing new charges following an expanded investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. Detectives say 66-year-old Dr. Jorge Zeledon has now been arrested on one felony count of battery on a person over 65 and 14 misdemeanor battery charges. Zeledon was first investigated earlier this year for allegedly inappropriately touching coworkers and patients. After his initial arrest in August, more victims came forward— leading to 10 additional cases. Authorities believe there could be even more victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
The Avon Park City Council held a special meeting yesterday to discuss the sudden resignation of City Manager Dr. Danielle Kelly. Kelly submitted her notice Friday, stating her last day will be November 21st and that she’ll assist with a smooth transition. Her departure comes just one year into the role and has drawn disappointment from city officials and community leaders alike, who praised her professionalism, leadership, and efforts to restore morale at City Hall. Council members say the city will now begin the process of transitioning to an interim and selecting a permanent replacement to guide the city forward.
Highlands County has broken ground on a new $4.1 million fuel station in Sebring that will power the county’s emergency and service vehicles. The facility replaces the 35-year-old underground fuel site on George Boulevard, which had fallen out of compliance and was driving up insurance costs. The new station will feature above-ground, double-walled tanks, modern safety systems, and improved security lighting and cameras. Officials say the project is critical for ensuring reliable fuel access during hurricanes and emergencies. The upgraded site will serve ambulances, fire trucks, sheriff’s vehicles, and road crews — keeping Highlands County moving when it matters most.
Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween weekend across the Heartland! The Pipal Foundation’s annual Halloween Block Party lights up downtown Lake Placid tonight, October 31st, from 6 to 9 p.m. with candy, costume contests, and a food truck rally around Stuart Park. The City of Lake Placid will also host door-to-door trick-or-treating during the same hours. In Sebring, don’t miss the Haunted Maze at the Circle Theatre, Fall-O-Ween on the Circle, as well as the last weekend of Terror Trail.