A 19-year-old man is facing charges after deputies say he used a price tag switching scheme at a Walmart in Avon Park. According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Elijah Frank allegedly replaced price tags on expensive items—like shrimp and a GPS camera—with cheaper ones to pay far less at self-checkout. Investigators say the incidents happened more than once and were captured on surveillance video. Deputies later recovered stolen merchandise during a traffic stop. Frank is now charged with scheme to defraud and petit theft.
A new Growth Endowment Fund has been created for Sebring Meals On Wheels to provide long-term financial support for meal delivery services. The fund will generate ongoing income through interest while preserving the principal to grow over time. The initiative is backed by the Scott County Community Foundation, which is offering matching funds to help boost the initial investment. Community members can help grow the fund by making donations by mail or contacting the organization directly.
A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Taylor Cadle is moving forward against Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The case stems from a 2016 investigation where Cadle, then 12, reported abuse but was instead charged with lying while the accused was not arrested; evidence she later gathered led to her abuser’s conviction. The lawsuit claims failures in handling child abuse cases, which officials deny, and Cadle’s earlier conviction has now been vacated, clearing her record.
Governor Ron DeSantis has delayed a planned special legislative session, now set to begin April 28th instead of the originally proposed date of April 20th. DeSantis initially called the session to address redistricting but has since expanded the agenda to include proposals on artificial intelligence—specifically an AI Bill of Rights—and additional vaccine exemptions for school requirements. Lawmakers are expected to conclude the session by May 1st.