A former youth softball coach has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of sexual battery involving a minor in Highlands County. Judge David Ward sentenced 58-year-old Michael Charles Pack to prison, followed by 10 years of sexual offender probation, and designated him a sexual predator. Investigators say Pack abused a young player he coached on a local travel team beginning when she was around 12. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with similar information to contact the Special Victims Unit at 863-402-7357.
Racing legend Roger Penske has been named Grand Marshal for the 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, set for March 21 at Sebring International Raceway. Penske will deliver the traditional “start your engines” command and take a ceremonial lap before the iconic endurance race begins. The honor comes as Team Penske celebrates its 60th anniversary season. The team enters Sebring as defending champions after a victory earlier this year at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The historic endurance race begins at 10:10 a.m. on March 21 and will stream live on Peacock.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to donate books for the inmate library at the Highlands County Jail. Officials say only paperback books can be accepted, and materials with explicit or violent content are not permitted. The goal is to expand reading opportunities for inmates through appropriate and educational materials. Anyone interested in donating can contact the office at 863-402-7201 for more information.
A 43-year-old Lake Wales man was recently arrested after allegedly causing two hit-and-run crashes while driving under the influence. Deputies say Juan Medina rear-ended one car, fled, then hit another, injuring three people. Medina was later found at a nearby school, showing signs of impairment and refusing sobriety tests. Already on felony probation, he now faces multiple charges, including DUI, leaving the scene with injuries, trespassing, and probation violation.