Sad news ahead of this week’s celebration marking the very first race at Sebring. Eldridge Pollard, one of the event’s co–grand marshals, has passed away at the age of 96. Pollard and Legare Smoak both served as firefighters during the inaugural race at the Sebring Air Terminal in 1950. Racing officials call his passing a great loss. The 75th anniversary celebration continues Wednesday afternoon in downtown Sebring, culminating with fireworks at 6 p.m. on Lake Jackson.
A federal lawsuit stemming from the 2023 death of an Avon Park Middle School student alleges long-standing safety issues at a West Bell Street railroad crossing. Court filings claim transportation agencies knew the area had outdated warning signals, faded pavement markings, and heavy student foot traffic but failed to take corrective action. The suit names Amtrak, CSX, FDOT, the City of Avon Park, and the train’s operators. The case is now moving forward in federal court.
A 50-year-old Highlands County man is facing multiple felony charges, including three counts that could result in life sentences. Sheriff’s detectives say Frank Paul Jauregui is accused of sexually assaulting a minor over a period of years while in a custodial position of trust. Investigators report the case came to light after a juvenile disclosed the alleged abuse to medical staff. Jauregui has denied the allegations. Authorities stress the charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A 22-year-old Haines City man spent Christmas morning in custody after what authorities are calling a “holiday heist meets spa day.” Daniel Alejandro Puga allegedly broke into a Winter Haven fire station around 5 a.m., took a shower, changed into stolen fire department gear, ransacked offices, and even helped himself to candy. The cherry on top? He was spotted wearing Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s signature cowboy hat—stolen from a nearby vehicle earlier that morning. Police say Puga was detained without incident, proving once again that Florida Man stories never disappoint.