Firefighters from all over Highlands County were called to the county landfill during the early morning hours to battle a blaze there. The flames reportedly were discovered about 2:30 this morning.
Authorities say it apparently started deep in the landfill and a cause may never be determined. They say it’ll be a while before it’s completely extinguished.
Two Avon Park residents were killed and one was seriously injured yesterday when their car was hit by a train. Polk County sheriff’s reports say 26-year-old Kayla Cobb pulled her car around the crossing arms on the Scenic Highway south of Frostproof and was hit by an oncoming Amtrak passenger train.
Killed were 20-year old Shala Cobb and her 4-month old son Kingston Scott. Deputies say it appeared none of them were buckled up.
Driver Kayla Cobb reportedly was taken to Lakeland Regional. Charges in the incident are pending further investigation.
It’s Highlands County’s 100th Birthday today. Highlands County commissioners will celebrate with a special meeting. They are slated to receive some historic artifacts as part of the session.
They also will take care of some regular business – including whether or not to move the Sebring branch of the countywide library system – as part of a Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency plan to fundamentally transform the Alan Altvader Cultural Complex into a beach access point.
While county commissioners are meeting today, there will be a large scale centennial display outside the government center by a number of constitutional officers. The school board, Highlands Hammock State Park and all three of the local historical societies also will be in attendance.
All will have historical photos and artifacts. Past and current emergency vehicles will be on display as well. That’s slated to run from 9am until 2:00 this afternoon.
There will be a changing of the guard in the City of Charm. Today is the last day on the job for city clerk Kim Gay. Avon Park City Manager Mark Schrader made the simple announcement of her departure at the last city council meeting.
Gay has served the city in a number of functions, including as an interim city manager for a time. She has not disclosed plans on where she might be headed.