Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and Chancellor Jacob Oliva are due in Highlands County tonight. It’s the kickoff of their state-wide tour to hear from the public about the Florida State Standards.
The session will be held at Sebring Middle School commons. Doors will open at 5:00.
In January, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-32, outlining a path for Florida to improve its education system – by eliminating Common Core and paving the way for Florida students to receive a world-class education to prepare them for jobs of the future.
At last report, local schools still were adhering to the program, saying they were awaiting new standards from Tallahassee.
Highlands County Agricultural Agent Laurie Hurner has netted the Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents. She picked up the honor at this year’s annual meeting and Professional Improvement Conference which was held in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The award puts her in the top one percent of the group’s membership. Hurner was described as a “Legacy Member,” her father Tim Hurner served Highlands County for over three decades.
Laurie Hurner also serves as the citrus agent for Highlands County.
A Riverview man was killed over the weekend in an accident near Frostproof. Polk County Sheriff’s officials say Caitlyn Youkey was driving westbound on US 98 near The Friendly City, when a small animal darted in front of her Honda Accord.
She took evasive action, and swerved into a group of oncoming motorcycles. Three of the bikes were gathered-up in the mishap, including that of 62-year-old Michael Pisciotta. He was not wearing a helmet, and succumbed to his injuries.
Charges are pending further investigation.