A horse and rider were killed over the weekend when they were hit by a pickup. Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a 74-year-old Orlando man was riding along State Road 64 west of Avon Park and entered the eastbound lane of traffic. They then were hit by a truck, driven by a 22-year-old Avon Park man.
Both the horse and rider were pronounced dead at the scene. The truck continued off the roadway – hitting a fence, a mailbox, an unoccupied vehicle and a house. No charges have yet been listed in the incident.
A commercial building fire had units from all over Highlands County busy over the weekend. Firefighters from Avon Park, West Sebring, Highlands Lakes and the Avon Park Air Force Range turned out to douse the flames at the Dressel Road address.
Reportedly, the building housed agricultural products. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire has not been listed. No dollar damage estimate has been released.
Motorists who have been putting up with construction on the Sebring Parkway for the past few months should have a little good news today. Highlands County officials say new dedicated turn lanes on Phase II of the thoroughfare should he open and operable today.
Although it’s open, authorities say it’s not finished by any means – that means there will be flagmen, detours and trucks entering and leaving the roadway.
They say upcoming road closures along the way will start tomorrow.