A new survey has found that when it comes to mortgage rates, the Sebring-Avon Park metro area falls significantly short of national averages. The analysis found that nearly 30-percent of the mortgages here had an interest rate lower than three percent.
That was well below the national average of 42-percent. In fact, Highlands was outpaced in all categories by national numbers including 30 and 15-year mortgages.
Another economic hit for downtown Sebring. Officials from the Happy Owl have announced that they are closing their Sebring storefront and going to an online sales platform.
Since the shutdown, they say most all of their customers are out of state and mail order. In the meantime, their 4,000 square foot building on Commerce Avenue is up for sale.
They are liquidating their current stock. No official closing date was announced.
Hardee County Sheriff’s officials say they are tired of fetching up loose cows. They are calling on cattle owners to check their perimeter fencing.
They say deputies continually are responding to complaints of cows on the roadway, which pose a threat to motorists.
It’s a misdemeanor offense to knowingly or negligently allow livestock to run at-large, and impound fees can cost upward $500 county officials handle the animals.
A rescue story is unfolding in Lake Wales. According to reports, a woman, identified as Michelle Lee Carlton of Lake Wales, lost control of her pickup and slammed into a concrete utility pole. She apparently was trapped inside and the vehicle caught fire.
Passersby – described only as three young men, pulled over and extricated the woman from the burning vehicle.
Two people are hurt following a shooting incident in Lakeland.
Polk County officials say it occurred last night in Lakeland on Providence Reserve Loop near the Providence Reserve Apartments. Police say the victims were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
They have not been identified. No arrest has been announced, and there’s no word on a motive.