Firefighters from various stations were joined by Florida Forest Service crews over the weekend to help put down a couple of brush fires. Both of the blazes were located off Hammock Road.
The first began Saturday night and was put down, then there was another one last night. Forest Service units are on scene in case there is a re-kindle.
No structures were threatened and no injuries reported.
An auto accident reportedly sparked a fire Saturday night in Orange Blossom Estates. Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a Sebring man was southbound on Orange Blossom Boulevard when he lost control of his car while rounding a curve.
The vehicle slammed into a house, then caught fire – resulting in the home also catching fire. The driver reportedly was flown out to a trauma center.
Troopers say the incident remains under investigation.
Avon Park city council members will gather tonight in regular session, and again scheduled are a fistfull of special event requests.
Among them are street closings for the LC5 Foundation 5-K run, the annual MLK Day parade, Union Church’s Fall Festival and the Fall For Jesus Festival staged by the Florida Avenue Baptist Church.
Council members also will hear about plans for the Fusion Fest in the City of Charm.
If you’re looking for Samartan’s Touch Care Center, starting today, they’ll be in a new location. The health care center has moved to Hope Circle. The faith-based charitable operation provides for a wide variety of social needs, including family medicine, and dental care.
Officials say both hurricanes Irma and Ian took their toll on the former building, and it was more cost-effective to re-locate.
There were some tense moments south of Lake Wales this weekend, when Polk County Sheriff’s deputies tried to serve a warrant. The people in the house on Candlelight Loop reportedly refused to come out – after the initial contact.
Deputies and Lake Wales Police evacuated houses in the surrounding area during the standoff. In the end, two people were taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities say more details are set to be released.
NEWS 10/23/23 BF
POLK/HILLSBORO MURDER
A Polk County man is charged with murder in Hillsborough County.
Winter Haven’s Shannon Owens was arrested Saturday night after a shooting. The victim has not been identified.
The 31-year-old Owens is charged with second-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm. There’s no word on what led to the shooting.