A Highlands County man is behind bars, accused of fatally stabbing another man in Venus. Deputies say 37-year-old Norlen Roldan-Rodriguez allegedly killed Orlando Vega outside a home on Gould Road East. Witnesses described Rodriguez as acting erratically before the attack, which left Vega with multiple stab wounds. Investigators say Rodriguez fled in a pickup truck later found in Miami, where police arrested him. He’s now in the Highlands County Jail, charged with second-degree murder. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has opened its new $1.36 million animal kennel at the Animal Services headquarters on Haywood Taylor Boulevard. The upgraded facility features 30 dog pens, seven cat pens, and storm-safe roll-down doors. Visitors can now meet adoptable dogs in cool, comfortable spaces designed for bonding. Sheriff Paul Blackman praised the project team for creating a safe, modern space to help more animals find forever homes.
A quick reminder for Highlands County residents: this week, October 27th through 31st, is bulk waste pickup for those serviced by Florida Waste Solutions. If you have large household items to dispose of, set them out by your regular collection day. You can view the full 2025 pickup calendar or report a missed pickup by visiting HighlandsFL.gov.
A Central Florida couple is facing a long list of charges after an armed standoff sparked by an argument over a neighbor’s dog. Deputies say 57-year-old Christian Sarata and 59-year-old Marla Stroble threatened to kill a man and his dog before barricading themselves inside their Winter Haven home. The Polk County SWAT team responded, using chemical agents to end the hours-long standoff peacefully. Inside, deputies found drugs, paraphernalia, and a firearm. Both suspects were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault on law enforcement.