Highlands County Extension will host its second Ag Tour of 2026 on Thursday, February 25, giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at local agriculture and natural resources. Stops include a Dundee Citrus CUPS grove, a citrus-to-biochar project, Classic Caladiums, Barben Blueberry Farm, and Lake Istokpoga Park. Tickets are $100 and include a steak lunch, refreshments, and a goodie bag. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. For more information, call the Extension Office at 863-402-6540.
The Mason G. Smoak Foundation is marking a leadership transition as longtime President and Board Chairman David Summers steps down after 16 years of service. Kyle Thompson, who has served on the board since 2019, has been elected to take on the role effective February 3rd. Foundation leaders say the change reflects a commitment to strong governance while staying rooted in their faith-based mission of developing youth leaders through programs like Youth Leadership Highlands and the Memorial Scholarships. So far, the Foundation has awarded over $276,000 in scholarships to 77 students and now counts 295 Youth Leadership Highlands graduates.
The Florida Department of Transportation is holding a public hearing on proposed improvements to State Road 70 from Lonesome Island Road to the southern leg of County Road 721 at the Highlands County line. The study is evaluating widening the existing two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided highway, along with potential bridge replacements, wildlife crossings, bike and pedestrian features, and stormwater improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow. An in-person meeting will take place February 17th at the Lake Placid Government Center, with a virtual option on February 19. For more information, visit swflroads.com or call 863-519-2331.
A dramatic police pursuit across Polk County on Monday came to a messy end when a fleeing vehicle crashed into a dead-end road and the two suspects bolted into a nearby cow pasture. Authorities say a black Nissan that refused to stop led deputies on a chase tracked by helicopter. Helicopter units tracked the vehicle through southeast Winter Haven until it reached a dead-end road on Eloise Oak Drive, where it hit a tree and became disabled. Both 23-year-old Lake Wales men inside fled on foot into a nearby pasture but were quickly apprehended. Police also recovered marijuana and about $1,600 in cash from the scene.