A Sebring man is facing multiple felony charges following a narcotics investigation. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says its Crime Suppression Unit and SWAT Team served a search warrant March 11th at a home on Mundell Avenue, where detectives arrested 53-year-old Keith Lavelle Hicks. Investigators say they found more than 22 grams of methamphetamine, including a large portion Hicks allegedly tried to flush down the toilet, along with baggies, a razor blade, and a digital scale. Hicks faces charges including drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute, and tampering with evidence. Authorities say the case remains pending in court.
The Highlands County School Board is delaying action on its proposed 2026–27 Code of Student Conduct after members said they needed more time to review recent revisions. Board members unanimously voted against advertising a public hearing on the changes, citing concerns that the workshop discussion felt rushed. One key issue involves attendance rules at The Academy, a program for expelled students, where a revision would allow excused absences to be excluded from the program’s 90% attendance requirement. Another workshop to review the code is scheduled for March 26 at 4 p.m.
Residents in Highlands County served by Florida Waste Solutions should note that bulk waste pickup is taking place this week. Bulk items include large household goods such as mattresses, couches, chairs, bed frames, rolled carpet, and old toilets that are too big for regular trash carts. The county says there is a two-cubic-yard limit, and mattresses must be wrapped in plastic. Construction debris and extra garbage bags are not accepted as bulk waste. Residents can check the full collection calendar or report a missed pickup through the county’s curbside collection resources online.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to rally behind one of its four-legged deputies. K-9 Goose will represent Highlands County in the annual K-9 March Madness tournament, hosted by the Florida Sheriffs Association. The friendly statewide competition highlights working law enforcement dogs trained in narcotics detection, suspect tracking, and community engagement. Voting for the tournament begins March 19, and the sheriff’s office says supporters can follow their page for updates as K-9 Goose competes for the title of Florida’s “Top Dog.”