Tragedy struck in Sebring last night after a motorcycle accident near US Highway 27 South and Sparta Road. Sebring Police confirmed the crash was fatal, and the rider did not survive. The accident shut down all three southbound lanes of US 27 for several hours while investigators worked the scene. Drivers were urged to avoid the area as traffic was diverted. Police reported the roadway was cleared by 1:00 a.m. this morning and all lanes have since reopened.
Downtown Lake Placid is getting a high-profile guest today. Former Florida Speaker of the House—and current gubernatorial candidate—Paul Renner will be rolling up his sleeves for “Work in a Local Business Day.” From 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., you can find him at Owl & Otter and Cherry On Top, where he’ll be serving drinks, greeting guests, and taking questions from the community. Whether you want to chat about his campaign or simply enjoy the novelty of a politician pouring your drink, it’s a unique opportunity to meet him in person.
Visitors to Highlands County will soon have a new way to discover local restaurants, lodging, and attractions. The Tourist Development Council has announced the arrival of three interactive digital kiosks—set for Sebring’s Circle Park, the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce, and Journal Plaza in Lake Placid. The kiosks feature maps, event calendars, and even a photo booth for digital souvenirs, making it easier for visitors to plan their stay. Officials say the project, funded at just over $65,000, is designed to boost tourism and showcase everything the county has to offer.
Dozens of Central Florida students appear to be the victims of a scam. The Volusia County sheriff’s office announced Tuesday it has issued an arrest warrant for a man who owned a travel agency in Massachusetts. Over 100 Seabreeze High School students and chaperones paid over 35-hundred dollars each to Stone and Compass Travel for a nine-day class trip to Europe. A month before the trip, though, owner Robert Godwin emailed the students that he was going out of business and would not refund their money. He’s charged with grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. One student tells News 6 it’s sad to be stripped of something she was looking forward to for a year.