A tragic crash in Sebring Monday afternoon claimed the life of a 44-year-old local man. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was driving a truck westbound on State Road 66 around 1:48 p.m. when a car driven by a 62-year-old Sebring woman attempted a left turn onto Sparta Road, entering his path. The two vehicles collided, causing the truck to overturn. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The other driver sustained minor injuries. Troopers are reminding everyone to buckle up and stay alert behind the wheel.
Only in Polk County — deputies say a 33-year-old man took “Florida man” to new heights this week, literally. According to the sheriff’s office, he stole a deputy’s ATV and was later spotted cruising down the road with it strapped to the roof of a sedan — like a four-wheeled Christmas tree. Deputies later arrested the man and his passenger, who were also found with fentanyl. He admitted to stealing the ATV and claimed he planned to return it. The pair are now in custody, but the missing ATV is still on the loose somewhere in Polk County.
One person is dead after a crash with an ambulance in Polk County. The three-car crash happened yesterday morning in Winter Haven on Spirit Lake Road. Polk County Fire Rescue says an ambulance had its lights and sirens on when it hit a car. The driver died at the scene. Two PCFR employees in the ambulance were taken to the hospital, treated and released.
Florida’s efforts to attract law enforcement officers appear to be paying off. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday recruitment bonuses of 5-thousand dollars have been awarded to almost 95-hundred new hires. The Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program started three years ago. DeSantis says it has led almost 2-thousand law enforcement officers from over 50 states and territories to relocate to Florida.