News Update for 10/26/21

Officials at the Highlands County Supervisor of Elections say balloting in Avon Park has been light – but the mail-ins have been quite stout. So far, 295 mail-ins have been received – there were only 300 in all of the 2019 election.
Only about 30 people showed up Monday to cast their votes in person – however, there were quite a few ballots placed in the secure drop box.
Elections officials say, due to Senate Bill 90 – scrutiny of the ballots will be a lot more thorough this time around.

It appears that construction workers in Highlands County have a bit better longevity than their counterparts across the country. According to a new survey by “Construction Coverage,” the construction job turnover here has been set at 16.2-percent, which is better than the national average of 17.4-percent.
The bad news is they make a bit less money. The average construction worker here takes in about $35,000 a year, while the national average was set at almost $42,000 annually.
There are about 1,800 construction workers listed in the Sebring metro area.

The construction zone at Highway 27 and Lake Josephine Drive claimed another victim yesterday. A car apparently went out of control and flipped. landing on its roof.
It is unclear if anyone was transported from the accident. Witnesses say wet pavement may have contributed to the crash.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly have arrested an illegal alien after he was allegedly involved in a hit and run accident that claimed the life of a 5-year-old girl.
Reports indicate 32-year-old Ernesto Lopez Morales is in the country illegally – after sneaking in from Guatemala.
Deputies say Morales was a the wheel of a sport utility vehicle on Highway 60 near Mullberry, when the car hit another vehicle. The force of the impact killed the little girl.
Apparently Morales has no drivers’ license or insurance. He was booked into the Polk County jail