Charges have been filed in the deadly January 21st crash on US 27 that killed a 13-year-old boy. 18-year-old Deanthony Torres, is now facing multiple charges ranging from manslaughter and attempted murder. According the Florida Highway Patrol, Torres was observed speeding around 9:30PM that night on Hwy 27 near Lake Henry Drive. When a traffic stop was attempted, Torres fled. Torres then crashed into the rear of another car causing the death of his 13-year-old passenger and serious injuries to two other teen passengers in his car. Reportedly, the driver of the second vehicle did not sustain any injuries. Torres was released from the hospital February 5th and was immediately booked into the St. Lucie County Jail. He is currently awaiting extradition to Highlands County on charges of child manslaughter, two counts of attempted murder, fleeing to elude and driving with a suspended license.
As of February 1st, Highlands County now has a new solid waste hauler. Florida Waste Solutions LLC has closed its agreement with Waste Connections and will commence services in the county. Residents may still see some Waste Connections Trucks though as FWS gradually upgrades their fleet. New trucks added to the fleet will display the FWS company logo. Residential curbside collection day schedule will remain the same and residents can continue to use their current bins. FWS will have the same contact number at 863-655-0005 and the Kenilworth Boulevard location will remain open with the same staff.
A frat at the University of Central Florida is suspended. UCF is investigating Phi Gamma Delta for hazing. The allegation dates back to 2023 when two students were apparently blindfolded and forced to hold swastikas. UCF says it’s appalled, and it unequivocally condemns hazing and acts of antisemitism. Phi Gamma Delta’s national leadership says it’s helping UCF with the investigation. During the suspension, the frat won’t be able to participate in Spring rush activities.
Governor Ron DeSantis seems open to eliminating FEMA. DeSantis was in Tampa yesterday to visit the Florida State Fair and the annual governor’s luncheon. President Trump has proposed getting rid of FEMA, and DeSantis thinks that would make hurricane recovery quicker. He also says cutting the bureaucracy of FEMA out entirely will allow the money to go further at greater amounts. DeSantis also addressed DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and said what Elon Musk is doing is really good. He calls it the first real significant intrusion into the bureaucrat’s aura of invincibility. DeSantis adds it’s great to be able to see a lot of the corruption being rooted out.
The 88th Annual Highlands County Fair kicks off tonight at 5:00pm and will be running through February 15th at Fireman’s Field in Sebring. One highlight for today will be the Junior Miss Highlands County Pageant starting at 7:30PM in the Alan Jay Arena. The fairgrounds will be opening at 1:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. A complete list of the Fair schedule, admission prices, hours and events can be found online at hcfair.net.
Central Florida is experiencing a rise in tourism. The State of Hospitality and Tourism was presented by industry leaders in Orlando yesterday. The group highlighted data that shows the state’s demand for hotel rooms has stayed above pre-pandemic levels for the third year in a row. Officials in Orange County are expecting even more demand when Universal opens its new theme park, Epic Universe, in May. One of the biggest challenges discussed during the address was staffing issues.
Florida is cashing in a national case against a pharmaceutical company owned by Pfizer. The State Attorney General’s Office says its Medicaid Fraud Unit has secured more than two-million dollars in connection to allegations directed at Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company. Biohaven was accused of submitting false claims to the Medicaid program by paying kickbacks to healthcare providers in order to get them to buy a product that treats migraines. The money won in the multistate case will go to the Florida Medicaid Program. Acting Attorney General John Guard says these kinds of actions must be stopped to prevent healthcare fraud.
More funding will go toward increased safety measures at Florida prisons. A legislative budget panel agreed to transfer more than eight-million dollars to pay for the continued deployment of Florida National Guard members at state prisons until early June. Lawmakers approved the request from the Department of Corrections during yesterday’s commission meeting. Hundreds of guard members were called into help with security at correctional facilities in 2022 due to ongoing staffing shortages.