A Frostproof woman reportedly died in a traffic accident yesterday in the north end of Highlands County. Florida Highway Patrol officials have not identified the 79-year-old driver.
Reports say the woman was northbound on Highway 27 near the Polk County line, when her car veered across the southbound lanes and went off the road. The car went over a concrete culvert, became airborne, then hit a steel pole. It then rolled and caught fire.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say she was buckled up. The investigation into the mishap continues.
Highlands County School officials are awaiting the results of an evaluation of the system. An organization known as Cognia reportedly already has looked at the different local facilities and are compiling a report.
The firm describes itself as a global network of educators who provide services and solutions to their clients through research. Formerly known as AdvanceED, the firm already has served more than 36,000 institutions around the world.
Local school officials say they expect the report within the next six weeks.
Officials at the Sebring International Raceway have announced some of the honoraria for this year’s running of the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring.
Local baseball stand-out Thomas “Flash” Gordon has been tapped as the Grand Marshal for this year’s event. The Avon Park native has pitched for numerous major league teams including the Kansas City Royals, The Boston Red Sox, The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies among others.
A Tampa woman has been named as this year’s Stan Durance Fan of the Year for the 12 Hours. This will mark Julia Spaulding’s 45th Grand Prix of Endurance. Track officials say she normally camps out at the world-famous Hairpin Turn.
It’s that time of year again. Highlands County officials have announced this Saturday will be another Hazerdous Materials collection. Household e-waste, paint, oil, batteries, pesticides and other chemicals will be accepted in unlimited quantities during this event.
Businesses who have such materials are asked to call the county for the proper disposal of their material. The collection will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, at the Skipper Road facility, south of Sebring.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are in search of the owner of a couple of goats. The brown & white animals reportedly were found wandering in the Sparta Road area.
Authorities say it will cost $180 to get them back, plus $10 a day room and board. They say if not reclaimed, the goats will be auctioned off, donated to an appropriate agency or disposed of in a humane fashion.