A Sebring truck driver is staging a dramatic protest outside police headquarters after being charged with DUI, despite blowing a zero on his breath test. Felix Carlos Tellez says he was pulled over near U.S. 27 and Flare Road on Sunday, November 16th, did roadside sobriety tests, and twice tested 0.0 at the jail. He refused to sign the DUI citation, which is a separate crime in Florida, and was arrested. Now, with his license suspended, he’s camping on the sidewalk on a hunger strike until, in his words, “this injustice is fixed.” His arraignment is December 3rd.
A Lake Placid family says they’re mourning two sons after a deadly police chase and sentencing. On January 21st, 19-year-old DeAnthony Torres sped away from troopers near Lake Henry Drive, crashing into a van and critically injuring his 13-year-old brother, who later died. This week, Torres was sentenced to seven years in state prison, followed by 10 years of probation, and will lose his driver’s license for at least five years. His mother says no sentence can match the guilt her son feels, and the family just wants him home someday.
A local Thanksgiving tradition is back. The American Legion Post 25 in Lake Placid is hosting its 8th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, November 25th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans and first responders, plus one guest, are invited to enjoy a free hot meal, live music, and good company. They plan to serve more than 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservations needed. It’s a warm “thank you” to those who serve, and a special way to bring our Highlands County family together for the holiday.
Citrus growers from DeSoto, Hardee, and Manatee counties are invited to a regional roundtable on Tuesday, December 2nd at 9 a.m. at the Hardee Extension Office on Civic Center Drive. Hosted by UF/IFAS Extension, the discussion will focus on urgent needs in Florida’s citrus industry and how Extension programs can better support growers moving forward. The event offers both in-person and virtual participation, and growers interested in attending can contact their local UF/IFAS Extension office for registration assistance and additional details. An in-person field visit will follow.