The Avon Park City Council has voted to end its contract with Florida Airport Management and take back control of the Executive Airport. Despite the company’s pushback, council members unanimously moved forward. To avoid disruptions during a busy period, Humberto Moreno of Flight Academy will temporarily run airport operations while the city plans its next steps. Residents interested in a future advisory committee can contact City Hall.
The City of Sebring is stepping in to help finish the Rotary Club’s downtown restroom project, approving up to $50,000 in additional funding after fundraising fell short. City leaders say the bathrooms are needed quickly to support busy downtown events, as the project sits about 70% complete and can’t open until accessibility work is finished. The Rotary Club is still raising money through engraved paver donations, ranging from $100 to $1,000.
South Florida State College has named local attorney and community leader Pamela Karlson to its 2025 Panther Alumni Society Hall of Fame. Karlson, who owns Karlson Law Group in Lake Placid, was honored during the college foundation’s annual Christmas Luncheon in Avon Park. Known for her longtime service to youth, nonprofits, and civic organizations across Highlands County, Karlson previously received the Champion for Children award and served as SFSC’s board attorney. She joins a select group of distinguished alumni recognized for excellence and service.
Authorities are calling a massive drug bust in Central Florida "’Breaking Bad’ on steroids." Brevard County Police arrested 26-year-old Maxwell Horvath after seizing nearly 92-thousand pounds of Seven-O-H. The drug is a kratom byproduct with opioid-like effects. The street value for the seizure was more than four-and-a-half-million-dollars. Authorities also uncovered automatic weapons, grenade simulators, IEDs, and 50 pounds of explosive precursor chemicals. This follows a month-long investigation involving the DEA, ATF, and local law enforcement.