Two men are facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing more than 3,400 dollars in diesel from a Sebring Circle K. Highlands County detectives say the thefts occurred September 23rd, September 29th and October 2nd. On October 27th, the suspects were caught stealing fuel again while filling their semi-trucks. Both were arrested, and investigators say additional charges are possible.
Several Veterans Day events are planned across Highlands County Wednesday to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ceremonies include a 10 a.m. service at Tobler Park in Placid Lakes, a noon-thirty program at Sun ’N Lake, and a 1 p.m. ceremony at American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park. Sebring will also host its annual Veterans Day car show and parade, beginning at Firemen’s Field, with the parade stepping off at 5:15 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Park Elementary School in Avon Park has been named a Florida School of Excellence for the 2025-26 school year. The school ranked in the top 20-percent statewide, earning 89th and 86th percentile scores over two school years. Principal Blake Germaine credits the achievement to students, staff and families. Park is also one of only 13 elementary schools statewide receiving the distinction where every student comes from an economically disadvantaged family.
A Florida grandmother took trick-or-treating a little too far. Polk County deputies say 53-year-old Tonya Mannion stole a 15-dollar inflatable ghost from a Lakeland home because her grandchildren wanted it. She also allegedly damaged a warning sign. The ghost was recovered, but Grandma ended up with six criminal charges. Sheriff Grady Judd says she definitely got tricked this Halloween!