News Update for 11/16/21

NEWS 11/16/21 BF
BoCC II

Kathy Rapp now has two leadership positions – she now is both the Chairperson of the Republican Party of Highlands County and the Chairperson of the Highlands County Commission. Rapp was selected this morning to take the place of former chairman Scott Kirouac for a one-year term.
Commissioner Christopher Campbell was selected as vice-chair for the commission.
In other action, by a 4-1 vote, commissioners instructed staff to investigate the possible purchase of 25 acres off kenilworth Boulevard. Staff had suggested the land – currently offered at $750,000 – could be used to expend government services. Commissioner Arlene Tuck cast the lone dissenting vote.

NEWS 11/16/21 BF
DOUBLE FATAL

A double fatal traffic accident yesterday afternoon in Highlands County. Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a sport utility vehicle driven by a Sarasota man was on Highway 70 and pulled out to pass slower traffic.
He met a car driven by a Rotunda West woman head on. She was critically injured, but her passenger was killed. Highway 70 near County Road 721 was closed for a time while the scene was cleared.

NEWS 11/16/21 BF
LATE CREVANTIC 24

The Sebring International Raceway is set to get its first 24 Hour race this weekend. However, officials there say the start time now has been pushed back. Due to transatlantic shipping delays from Europe, the start of the Crevantic 24 now will be on Saturday.
Officials for the Dutch-Based Crevantic say everything should be at the track by Friday. There will be a night practice Friday for the cars that are ready.
Gates will open Thursday with Radical Cup qualifying and racing scheduled to kick off the weekend.

NEWS 11/16/21 BF
HARDEE ARREST

Hardee County sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Wauchulla man on attempted murder charges following what was described as a hostage situation. Two deputies reportedly were hit with a hatchet while subduing Michael Albritton at the Wauchulla Hills home.
Three people inside the home also apparently had been injured in the incident. The 61-year-old Albritton was charged with numerous counts including Attempted Second Degree murder and booked into the Hardee County jail.