Highlands County officials say some residents may have received a false notification about registering for the local coronavirus vaccine program at the Lakeshore Mall. Authorities say if you got a text or email from the “Corona Patient Portal” saying to report to the nearest vaccine site – that is for a federal site next week – not for the local point of distribution. The local “POD” as they call it, began a four day schedule yesterday.
The bar code issued for the Federal program cannot be processed at the local JC Penny site. Those wanting to sign up for the local program need to do so through the Highlands County Commissioners Internet web page.
Fire destroyed a home south of Sebring yesterday afternoon. Units from Desoto City, Leisure Lakes, Lake Placid and Placid Lakes responded to the blaze on Oak Crest Street about 4pm.
So far, there’s no indication as to what caused the fire – which totally destroyed the home. No injuries were reported. Damage was set at $45,000.
The results of a local crime reduction program has Highlands County Sheriff’s officials beaming. The three month effort reportedly has resulted in hundreds of arrests and a drastic decrease in serious crimes here.
The Sheriff’s Targeted Enforcement Program centered in on the Southside of Avon Park, the Washington Heights neighborhood of Sebring and the Highway Park community south of Lake Placid.
In all, there were more than 700 arrests, nearly two dozen firearms were seized and more than 2300 traffic stops were conducted. Reductions in homicides, aggravated assaults robberies and burglaries have been listed – in addition to decreases in other crimes.
Officials of the Sebring International Raceway have announced some more star power for this year’s Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring. Country music star Lee Greenwood will be performing the National Anthem before the start of this year’s endurance race.
Earlier, it was announced that Major League Baseball standout and favorite son Thomas “Flash” Gordon will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal of the Race.