A 25-year-old man from Lake Placid died late Saturday night in a head-on collision in Port Charlotte. Florida Highway Patrol says the man was fleeing a previous crash when he sped west on Harborview Road, crossed the centerline, and struck a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 44-year-old man. Tragically, the crash also claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl riding in the sedan. The Malibu driver was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether seatbelts were being used.
Sebring Police have arrested 27-year-old Alfredo Martin after investigators say he shot a man who was running away from his home earlier this month. Authorities say the victim had gone to Martin’s house on February 11 to pick up a shirt when an argument broke out. According to the arrest report, the dispute turned physical, and as the victim tried to flee, Martin allegedly fired two shots, striking him in the back and shoulder. The victim survived. Martin is now charged with attempted murder with dangerous and depraved premeditation.
Sebring Police are asking for the public’s help after a person was shot Friday afternoon near the intersection of Lemon Avenue and Lula B. White Street in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Officers say the victim was taken to HCA Florida Highlands Hospital and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators say the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
In a 3-2 vote Thursday night, the Sebring City Council selected the Blackmon family’s proposal to lease the city’s municipal golf course, a property that has consistently operated at a loss. The approved proposal calls for a 99-year lease at $1 per year, with the Blackmons pledging about $250,000 annually in improvements. Supporters say the partnership ties into the family’s multi-million-dollar restoration of Harder Hall and could boost tourism and economic growth. Two council members opposed the move, favoring a competing proposal from H&L Golf Group. City officials will now enter the negotiation phase of the contract.