News Update for 10/10/18

Another dust-up between a citizen and the Avon Park city attorney. At last night’s Avon Park city council meeting, Ann Marie Feeny and attorney Glinda Pruitt exchanged words over the proposed new War Dog Memorial.
Feeny said the memorial is a donation to the city, while Pruitt said her research did not indicate that. In the end, council members voted to take the donation and maintenance of the memorial.
Groundbreaking ceremonies are set for noon Friday at the Avon Park Community Center

The November General Elections are right around the corner. Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg reminds residents, if they are not currently registered to vote, this is the last day to fill out their paperwork.
Ogg’s office will be open until 5pm – and, she says – people also may register online. Just visit her web site at www.VoteHighlands.com.

Local officials are keeping their eye on Hurricane Michael as it churns its way through the Gulf. Officials say the storm is gaining strength and developing into a major weather event.
Although the eye of the storm is expected to bypass central Florida, authorities say Highlands and surrounding counties probably will feel some effects. How much remains to be seen.
Residents are urged to make certain of their preparations in case of severe weather here.

Proponents of a solar farm to be located near Lake Placid are set to go before the county’s Zoning Board of Adjustment today. Developers want to put the facility on some 600-acres of land just off Highway 27 outside the Caladium Capital.
Authorities from EDF Renewables say they want to put the panels in on about 400-acres, then sell the power to Duke Energy.
Property owners are seeking a special exemption to allow the use on agricultural land.

A car and a Utility Vehicle – or side-by-side – yesterday in Highlands County. Apparently the two collided on Power Line Road.
Apparently at least one person was flown out to a hospital from the incident.
Florida Highway Patrol officials have not released any names or accident details.

A Frostproof man was killed early this morning in a single vehicle crash just north of the Highlands County line. Polk County Sheriff’s officials ay 36-year-old Willie Dacres was sputhbound on Highway 27 near Bay Street, when his van went off the road.
Deputies say the van then overturned, ejecting Dacres. He reportedly was ejected and subsequently hit by a southbound tractor-trailer rig. He was pronounced dead at the scene.