Highlands County Fire Rescue contained a brush fire that broke out yesterday afternoon near Henry Drive in Venus. Crews were called out around 3 p.m., working alongside the Florida Forest Service. The fire burned about three acres, destroying one residential structure and several outbuildings. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation. Officials remind residents that a mandatory burn ban remains in effect across Highlands County through January 1, 2026.
The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce has named Raquel Embrack-Scott as its interim executive director. She brings more than ten years of experience in community development, business engagement, and public-sector leadership, most recently working in affordable housing administration in New York. Embrack-Scott steps into the role following the departure of Kamla Long, whose leadership left a lasting impact on the local business community. Chamber leaders say they’re confident Embrack-Scott will help guide the organization forward during this transition.
The Florida chapter of 4 Them We Fight is expanding access to Narcan in Avon Park. Founder Showneen Hall began the effort after losing her 27-year-old son to an overdose in 2023. She’s now placing free Narcan kits in public locations, including a newly installed purple Narcan box at Little Italy Pizzeria on West Main Street. Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses, has saved thousands of lives statewide.
A former teacher is accused of stalking a student in Manatee County. Jarrett Williams was arrested yesterday for aggravated stalking of a child under 16. The sheriff’s office says he wrote an inappropriate letter to the 11-year-old 5th grader at B.D. Gullett Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch. The girl’s mother told the school board the letter was a textbook example of grooming. The 35-year-old Williams resigned eight months ago.