News Update for 2/5/21

While Highlands County commissioners decide whether or not they are interested in the Sebring city hall. City council members there have decided not to wait around.
The council has voted to put out a request for proposals to see who might be interested in purchasing the building on South Commerce Avenue. The site has been appraised as high as $994,000 however, the city is asking nearly $1.2 million dollars for it.
Commissioners, who are looking at a number of land deals – were cool to the idea of buying the property for much more than parking.
Sebring council members are looking at relocating city to the old Wachovia bank building downtown Sebring.

Nominations close today for those in search of the Stan Durrance “Fan of the Year” honors for this year’s running of the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring. Applications should include such things as the nominee’s name, hometown, years of attendance, favorite Sebring memories, pictures and a description of why he or she should be nominated.
Nominations can be made by friends, families or well wishers. Applicants also can nominate themselves. All submissions should be made to the Fan of the Year Committee at 12hrFOTYAB

Polk County Sheriff’s officials have arrested a twelfth suspect in connection with alleged fraudulent application for grants from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act money.
Again, ths suspect is from Lake Wales. 37-year-old Lashunna Morris has been charged with counts of Scheming to Defraud, Grand Theft and Criminal Use of Identification. Five of the dozen suspects arrested so far are from the Crown Jewel of the Ridge.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says his investigation is ongoing. No such arrests reportedly have been made by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

A Lake Wales trucker was seriously injured in a Manatee County traffic accident. Florida Highway Patrol reports say the 57-year-old driver was westbound on US 301 after getting off I-75.
He was taking a left hand curve when his load began to shift. The rig went over, dumping some 25-30,000 pounds of mulch over the roadway.
The driver was taken to Blake Hospital. No charges yet have been filed.