Sebring Fire Department responded Monday morning to a reported structure fire at the Sunset Beach Motel in Sebring just before 11 a.m. Multiple units arrived on scene alongside Sebring Police and Highlands County Fire Rescue after smoke was seen coming from an apartment doorway. Crews quickly made entry and determined the smoke was caused by an item left burning on the stove. No residents were inside at the time, but two cats were found in the unit and were given oxygen as a precaution. The scene was later cleared with no major damage reported.
Highlands County’s Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Local Planning Agency meet at 3 p.m. today at the Government Center in Sebring. Agenda items include multiple property setback variances, guesthouse and model home requests, a mobile home replacement, and a proposed sand mining operation spanning nearly 244 acres. The meeting is open to the public.
Temporary road closures will be in effect Wednesday morning in Sebring during a Wash-Down Ceremony for the fire department’s new Tower 14 apparatus. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., North Mango Street will be closed between the alley west of the station and the eastern parking lot entrance, along with Lemon Avenue from Mango Street to Pine Street. Detours will be in place for both directions of traffic. All roads are expected to reopen by 11:30 a.m.
A Central Florida woman is facing charges after deputies say she caused a serious hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven. Investigators say the 55-year-old driver was speeding, ran a red light and multiple stop signs, and struck a motorcycle, critically injuring the rider before fleeing on foot. Witnesses provided a description, allowing officers to locate her nearby within minutes. The victim was airlifted with severe injuries, and the driver now faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury.