Highlands County Fire Rescue responded to a fully involved structure fire Tuesday around 3:45 p.m. along U.S. 98 in Spring Lake, just west of Dollar General. Crews arrived to find the home completely engulfed and quickly worked to contain the flames, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the structure. The home was declared a total loss, displacing five adults. The American Red Cross is assisting those impacted, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Two 18-year-olds, Aiden Todd Bryant and Gabriel Monroe Kennedy, are now facing serious felony charges in connection to a crash that killed two Lake Placid High School students last year. Authorities say the victims, 18-year-old Bo Ward and 17-year-old Kaedince Ruelas, died after their truck was forced off U.S. 27 and rolled over. Authorities allege Bryant used a dangerous maneuver to send the vehicle into the median, ejecting both teens. Bryant now faces multiple charges, including two counts of negligent vehicular manslaughter, while Kennedy is charged with tampering with evidence. Arraignment is set for May 4th.
Residents are reminded that the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial will host its National Medal of Honor Day Ceremony today at 11 a.m. in downtown Sebring. The public is invited to attend and honor recipients of the nation’s highest military award for extraordinary bravery. The ceremony will include a roll call of honorees, reflections on service and sacrifice, and a memorial dedication. An open house at the Memorial and Visitors Center will follow.
Three faculty members at South Florida State College were recognized Tuesday with endowed teaching chairs for excellence beyond the classroom. Dr. Joseph Velenovsky, Cheryl John, and Patti Sassin each received honors in biology, mathematics, and nursing education. The awards provide funding to enhance student learning through new equipment, resources, and professional development. Projects include upgrading lab spaces, expanding digital learning tools, and increasing hands-on classroom experiences. College officials say the program highlights faculty who go above and beyond to put student success first.