A wandering alligator caused a stir this past Sunday at a construction site in Avon Park, where a deputy with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to handle the situation. Body camera footage shows Deputy Gage Massey wrangling the gator using a piece of PVC pipe—while wearing a rain jacket—before guiding it into the back of a patrol vehicle. Officials say the reptile wasn’t too thrilled about the ride—and even tried to escape before being placed back inside. The alligator was later safely released into a nearby lake.
Residents in Sebring can expect brief traffic delays Friday evening as a religious procession moves through downtown. According to the Sebring Police Department, the “Stations of the Cross” re-enactment will take place April 3rd from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, beginning near the Jack Stroup Civic Center and ending at Circle Park. West Center Avenue will be closed between Franklin Street and Circle Park Drive from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, with additional temporary closures along Lakeview Drive and surrounding streets as the procession moves through. Officials say delays will be short, with roads reopening as soon as it’s safe.
A new retail and dining destination is coming to Sebring following Tuesday’s groundbreaking of Sadie’s Place at 139 North Ridgewood Drive, the former site of the Nan-ces-o-wee Hotel. Developed by X-Urban Construction, the plaza will feature six storefronts—most already leased—and a flagship restaurant, Brasa Negra. The development is expected to bring new retail, dining, and entertainment space to the downtown area, with completion targeted within the next year.
A man with multiple outstanding warrants was arrested Monday evening after briefly fleeing police near Granado’s Produce in Lake Wales. Authorities say the situation began when officers attempted to detain the suspect, who ran before being quickly taken into custody. Officials confirmed there was no threat to the public. The suspect, David A. Avard, faces burglary and resisting arrest charges, with a court appearance pending.