An 18-year-old is facing a first-degree murder charge following a shooting after the Avon Park Christmas Parade. Investigators with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office say Joseph Devon White allegedly shot 17-year-old Tureal Anderson in the back while he was walking along South Delaney Avenue in Avon Park on December first. Detectives say surveillance video shows Anderson walking past a camera before White runs toward him. Authorities say the evidence suggests the shooting was intentional. White was arrested March third while being questioned on unrelated charges.
The Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District Board of Supervisors has approved several updates to its internal policies during a recent meeting in Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring. The changes include adjustments to election procedures, administrative guidelines, and the removal process for board officers. Supervisors will continue serving four-year terms, and an officer can now be removed for cause with a vote of three or more supervisors. District leaders say the updates are meant to improve clarity and transparency. The full policy changes are available on the district’s website.
Officials in Lake Placid say the town’s new wastewater treatment plant is about 85 percent complete and expected to be finished later this year. The one-million-gallon-per-day facility will support the town’s long-term septic-to-sewer program, designed to move canal- and lakeside homes off septic systems to help protect local waterways. The project also recently received $2.5 million in federal funding from Congressman Scott Franklin. The Lake Placid Town Council is expected to revisit the program during a meeting this evening, including how the sewer transition will roll out and which neighborhoods could be connected first.
New rules are now in place for hobby breeders in Highlands County. County commissioners approved an ordinance requiring breeders who sell dogs or cats to obtain permits, limit litters, and keep vaccination and health records. Officials say the changes aim to reduce animal overpopulation and prevent neglect. The Humane Society of Highlands County says the ordinance is a step toward better protection for animals. Existing breeders have 90 days to comply with the new rules.