News Update for 2/12/24

It was back to school today for Highlands County students. They’ve been off since this past Thursday. Motorists are urged to watch out for kids bicycling or walking home from school during the afternoon hours.

The Avon Park city council will convene this evening for their first session of February. Mayor Garrett Anderson again wants to talk about Christmas decorations in the City of Charm. Several service organizations have volunteered to help deck the streets for the holiday season.
In other action the council will look at re-establishing the city’s rental inspection process, discuss a lein reduction program and officially will meet the new Avon Park Public Works Director Jason Atkinson.

Highlands County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a weekend fatal shooting incident. It apparently took place early Saturday morning on Golf Villas Court NW in Placid Lakes.
Witnesses say the victim’s body was found near his parked car, in a parking lot adjacent to an apartment complex. His name has not been released.
Sheriff’s officials say there were indications of car burglaries in the area, and detectives are trying to determine if the burglaries and shooting are related.

Major competitors for this year’s Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring will get a taste of the historic track this week, as the raceway holds a special test and tune session. Expected to be in ar last year’s winners of the 12, The Action Express Cadillac as well as the winners of this year’s Rolex 24, the Porsche Penske Motorsport Team.
Track officials have hinted that the new Lamborghini SC63 may make it’s on track debut as part of the test week. The event is not open to the public, but those having lunch at Seven – the Sebring Raceway Hotel – may catch a preview of some of the cars at the historic hairpin turn.