Highlands County Fire Rescue is sharing new details after a Tuesday morning blaze tore through a home in Avon Park. Crews were called just after 9:30 a.m. to the 400 block of West Gobourne Street, where a kitchen cooking fire quickly spread through a single-family home. One person was inside but was safely escorted out by law enforcement. The flames caused heat damage to a neighboring duplex and a camper only 10 feet away. The home itself is a total loss, and the Red Cross is now assisting the resident. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
A Highlands County jury has handed down a guilty verdict in a disturbing home invasion case. Deputies say Rolando Garcia-Ramos showed up at a home near Walnut Street on January 15th, knocked, and waited for the victim to think it was her husband. The moment she opened the door, he forced his way inside and allegedly tried to tear off her shirt. She managed to break free and run for help. Garcia-Ramos was later found with bloody scratches on his face, and surveillance video sealed the case. He’ll learn his fate when he’s sentenced on December 15th.
A brand-new deputy just rolled into Highlands County — and he may already hold the title for cutest recruit ever. The Sheriff’s Office has introduced K-9 Tripoli, a young pup who traveled all the way from Kentucky to begin his new life of service. His handler, Deputy Jeff Turner — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran — chose the name “Tripoli” as a tribute to the Marines’ Hymn and the historic 1805 Battle of Derna, where U.S. forces raised the flag over a captured enemy fortress for the first time. Tripoli will begin training soon, and the team says veteran K-9 Hooch is ready to teach his little brother a few tricks before he retires.
FDOT is rolling out new safety improvements at the U.S. 27 and Sebring Parkway intersection near Schumacher Road. The project aims to reduce crashes and make crossings safer by upgrading traffic signals, lighting, and signage, and by adding pedestrian islands and shorter crosswalks. A new raised median on the Parkway will also limit certain left turns into and out of nearby businesses to ease congestion. FDOT held an in-person meeting last week and will host a virtual meeting today from 5 to 6 p.m. with a presentation and public comment period. Residents can submit feedback online or directly to FDOT.