A Highlands County deputy is credited with stopping a violent incident after hearing a woman screaming for help from a moving SUV in Lake Placid. Deputies say 51-year-old Markyrie McCray was pulled over after allegedly assaulting the woman inside the vehicle, leaving her with serious head injuries. She was taken to the hospital after losing consciousness. McCray faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery and false imprisonment. The victim told deputies the two had been in a long-term relationship.
The City of Sebring has unveiled a new and improved parking map aimed at making visits to downtown easier and more convenient. Officials say the downtown area offers more than 600 parking spaces, now clearly organized with numbered lots and matching black and green signage to help drivers quickly find available spots. While front-row parking isn’t guaranteed, the city says the updated system is designed to reduce confusion and make it easier to enjoy shopping, dining, and events just a short walk away.
The Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District Board has unanimously ended its lease with Tanglewood MHC LLC, a deal in place since 1997 allowing use of a U.S. 27 right-of-way for a resort sign. The termination returns full control of the roadway to the district, which will now handle maintenance. The sign may remain under a separate agreement, but its future is uncertain. Officials say the move strengthens district control and could influence future development.
A late-night Taco Bell run in Polk County took a wild turn when a manager was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun during an argument over a food order. Police say 23-year-old Jadiel Luis Baez confronted an Uber driver and his girlfriend at a Haines City location, then allegedly grabbed a loaded handgun and pointed it at the woman—who captured the moment on her phone. Baez was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault. Safe to say… this was not the combo anyone ordered.