The School Board of Highlands County is bracing for a projected $3.5 million shortfall over the next two years, driven by declining enrollment, rising health insurance costs, and diverted tax dollars for school choice scholarships. Today, the board will hold an initial budget workshop, and will outline steps to restore financial stability, including hiring freezes, staffing cuts, and budget reductions. If the fund balance falls below 3%, the district risks state intervention — a scenario that leaders are determined to avoid as they work to maintain quality education under tightening financial pressure.
The Highlands County Board of Adjustment has approved a special exception for W.G. Hamil LLC to construct a 25,000-square-foot watermelon packing and shipping facility in Lorida. The Georgia-based agricultural company, in operation since 1935, plans to develop the site on 10 acres near U.S. 98 and County Road 621. The facility is intended to help strengthen the region’s agricultural economy. Strict conditions were set: truck storage is limited, no retail sales are allowed, and full environmental compliance is required. Harvest activity will operate during a six-week seasonal window.
One man is dead after being shot by a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy. Authorities say a deputy found John Snyder at a McDonald’s on North Combee Road in Lakeland on Friday night. The 37-year-old had outstanding warrants for burglary and theft. The deputy tried to arrest him but he pushed him off and ran. Snyder later pulled out a knife and advanced toward the deputy, who shot him several times. The incident is under investigation.
Chaos erupted in Bartow when 54-year-old Christopher Kayon Mathis allegedly rammed a man with his car, pulled a gun, and fired a shot into the air during a heated confrontation. Deputies later found Mathis — wearing only one sandal — hiding nearby. A convicted felon and registered sex offender, he now faces a long list of felony charges. Authorities say the dispute stemmed from an accusation of theft. Mathis remains locked up tonight at the Polk County Jail.
Last Friday, Sun’ N Lake Elementary School held its third annual and highly successful Color Run. Organized by Christin Saunders and the PTO, the event raised a record-breaking $17,000 — all going directly to support students with supplies and materials. One standout participant was Sophia Chams, who raised $950 and donated two electric scooters to her school. Principal Jon Spencer praised the school’s strong community spirit, and plans are already underway to make next year’s event even bigger, including parents in the fun.
Five people were killed and several others seriously injured Sunday night after a van crashed on the Florida Turnpike. The crash happened around 7:38 p.m., shutting down all northbound lanes and forcing traffic onto the shoulder as emergency crews responded. Multiple victims were airlifted to area hospitals. Authorities say the crash involved a Ford E-350 van, but further details remain under investigation. Drivers were urged to avoid the area overnight as crews worked to clear the scene.
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites Sunday night aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission included 13 satellites equipped with direct-to-cell technology, allowing smartphones to connect directly to satellites instead of cell towers. The launch took place at 10:09 p.m., with backup windows available into early Monday morning. SpaceX streamed the launch live on its website and the X TV app.