Nu-Hope Elder Care Services is accepting applications for a new executive director after longtime leader Debbie Slade resigned Feb. 12th following 45 years with the organization. Finance Director Brad Stoll and Program Director Roberta Creech are serving as interim directors while a search committee works to fill the position within 90 days. Applications are being accepted at the Sebring administrative office or by calling 863-382-2134.
More than 2,800 acres of agricultural land in Hardee and Highlands counties have been permanently preserved from future development. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the Governor and Cabinet approved the protection through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The easements cover Square One Ranch in Highlands County and Buckhorn Ranch in Hardee County, allowing agricultural operations to continue while preventing future development.
A 16-time convicted felon is behind bars in Polk County, accused of stealing nearly $14,000 worth of lawn equipment from a Lakeland business. Sheriff Grady Judd said Randy Whitfield is facing 33 charges, including burglary and multiple drug possession counts. Detectives say he broke into Floralawn on Combee Road South on Feb. 9 and drove off in a white Ford truck with the stolen equipment. Whitfield, who was previously arrested in January in Hillsborough County on similar charges, is now being held in the Polk County Jail on more than $300,000 bond
Florida is a step closer to changing its voting laws. The House yesterday passed a bill requiring voters to prove they’re a US citizen. HB 991 applies to new voters and those updating their registration. Proof can come from a passport, federal ID or a birth certificate. Fort Myers Republican Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka is sponsoring the bill, and she calls it a common-sense election integrity bill. A similar bill is moving through the state senate.