Race fans will have a front-row seat to the action this Saturday during Sebring SportsCar Week at Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel. The hotel is offering free lawn admission overlooking Turn 7, one of the most famous corners of the track. After the day’s racing, fans are invited to an after-party with drivers and teams, featuring live music from Justin Grimes and access to the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Sebring SportsCar Week runs three days and features multiple racing series, including Porsche, Ford Mustang Cup and Radical Cup events, with races scheduled throughout the weekend.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is once again warning residents about an ongoing phone scam involving callers posing as law enforcement officers. Officials say scammers are telling people they have a warrant for missing jury duty, failing to appear as a witness, or being connected to a crime, and then demanding payment to avoid arrest. The sheriff’s office stresses that no law enforcement agency will ever call and ask for money to clear a warrant. Scammers often request payment through gift cards, cash transfers, or wire payments. If you receive a call like this, authorities say hang up immediately and report it.
Highlands County is encouraging advisory board members and local government officials to register for an upcoming Planning Officials Training Workshop in Sebring. The all-day training is designed for planning and zoning board members, utilities and historic preservation board members, city clerks, and other local government staff who want to better understand land-use planning and zoning. The workshop will be held Friday, March 13th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Agricultural Center in Sebring. Registration is $50 and closes March 9th. More information on topics and registration can be found on the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Facebook page.
Two women are facing serious charges after police say they used youth sports funds for personal shopping sprees in Lake Wales. According to the Lake Wales Police Department, Stephanie Witt and Alicia Bird — the treasurer for Lake Wales Little League — allegedly used league bank cards for years to make personal purchases. Investigators say Witt spent more than $6,600, while Bird is accused of spending nearly $2,600 meant for the league. Both have been arrested and charged with grand theft and scheme to defraud. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact police or Heartland Crime Stoppers.