Four people were hospitalized Wednesday evening after a car crashed into the Publix at Southgate Shopping Center in Sebring. The Sebring Fire Department responded around 6:30 p.m., finding a vehicle that had struck an exterior wall of the store. Among the injured was a pedestrian hit by the car. Photos show heavy front-end damage to the vehicle and a large dent in the building’s wall. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Publix resumed normal operations later that evening.
A judge has ruled in favor of the Spring Lake Improvement District in its lawsuit with the Sebring Airport Authority over stormwater treatment fees. The Airport Authority had challenged a $72,938 charge listed on its 2023 tax notice, arguing it was an unlawful assessment on public property. Circuit Judge Heather Beato’s October 31st ruling affirmed the District’s right to collect the fee, noting the Airport benefits from its stormwater system. District Manager Joe DeCerbo says the airport should pay its fair share, while Airport Executive Director Mike Willingham says they plan to appeal the decision.
The Florida Department of Transportation and Highlands County Public Works are planning to transfer ownership of a segment of State Road 17 to the City of Avon Park. A public hearing will be held Tuesday, December 2nd, giving residents a chance to learn more and share feedback. The meeting takes place at the Avon Park County Library, with an open house from 4:30 to 5 p.m. and a formal presentation at 5 p.m. You can also join live online by registering at swflroads.com. Public comments will be accepted through December 12th.
Over two dozen sex offenders are facing charges in Polk County. The sheriff’s office announced yesterday 32 people were arrested as part of an investigation that took place around Halloween. The goal was to find convicted sex offenders and predators who weren’t complying with state registration laws. Sheriff Grady Judd says the investigation was time consuming but absolutely necessary.