A Highlands County judge has ruled in one of the ongoing lawsuits surrounding the historic Kenilworth Lodge, which has sat closed for a decade. Judge Peter Estrada granted a dismissal motion filed by Robert Mueller and Kenilworth Properties, while denying the remaining motions as no longer applicable. The case stems from a complaint by Mark and Madge Stewart, who accuse the defendants of mismanaging the property and breaking promises to restore the once-iconic Sebring hotel. A second, related lawsuit filed by Mark Stewart alone is still moving forward, with a case management conference set for November 20th.
It’s that time of year again! The Sebring Fire Department is kicking off its annual fire hydrant flushing. Crews will be out across the city checking every hydrant to make sure water lines are clear and everything’s working properly. It’s all part of keeping the system in top shape and ensuring quick response when it matters most. So if you spot SFD crews testing hydrants around your neighborhood — don’t worry, it’s just routine maintenance to keep Sebring safe!
Things got wild in Polk City Wednesday night when deputies say a 24-year-old woman turned a battery call into a full-blown scene. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Laylani Jonquille Sullivan was found outside her home—intoxicated, unclothed, and combative. Deputies say she hit, bit, and choked her victim, then allegedly punched a firefighter who tried to cover her up. The firefighter wasn’t hurt, but Sullivan’s dignity wasn’t the only thing lost that night — she’s now facing multiple charges, including battery by strangulation and battery on a firefighter.
The Central Florida man who’s accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire in California could spend decades behind bars. Jonathan Rinderknecht was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. He was arrested near his home in Melbourne last week. Rinderknecht is accused of maliciously starting a fire that eventually grew into the Palisades Fire. A dozen people died, thousands of homes were destroyed, and tens-of-thousand acres were burned.