News Update for 3/16/23

Today the action gets underway at the Sebring International Raceway in earnest with both the Alan Jay 120 and Porsche Carerra Cup races to take to the track. Also slated are an autograph session for the Alan Jay drivers as well as practice laps for Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring competitors and qualifying for tomorrow’s World Endurance Championship 1000 opener.
This evening at 7:45, night practice will get underway for cars in this year’s 12 Hours – it’s one of the most popular events on the Race Week schedule.

After years of having Corvette lead the way, the Sebring International Raceway has a new pace car. Cadillac will take over those duties as the marque celebrates the 20th anniversary of their V-Series.
Cadillac is no stranger to Sebring, being a longtime competitor and four time winner at the 12 Hours. The collaboration kicked off last year with the introduction of the CT4-V Blackwing Sebring IMSA edition.
This year, Cadillac will be running in the top classes in both the 12 Hours and the WEC 1000.

According to reports, the man who pleaded guilty this week to five counts of murder in connection with the 2019 slaying of five Suntrust Bank tellers has written a note of apology. As part of the court documents, Zephan Xaver wrote that he was "…very sorry…" for what he did and wished there was something he could do to change what happened.
The punishment hearing in the case is set for January of next year.

The Florida Department of Health is urging residents in Highlands County to be aware of the continued presence of blue-green algae blooms in three local areas.
It’s at the Lake Glenada boat ramp in Avon Park, Blue Lake off Lagrow Road, and the Lake Placid boat ramp.
Officials advise residents against drinking that water, swimming or skiing in it and any other such activities. They say to to rinse off should people come in contact with algae-infested waters.

Coca-Cola officials say they are sorry for a problem at one its facilities in Polk County. An ammonia leak was reported yesterday at a bottling plant in Auburndale.
City officials say 20-thousand pounds of ammonia leaked from a tank while maintenance work was underway at the plant. No one was injured, and the leak was plugged after three hours, but some neighbors reported eye and throat irritation.
Coca-Cola issued an apology for the inconvenience this may have caused workers and residents, and the company says it greatly appreciates the quick and effective response from the city and county.