An extensive search for possible drowning victims on Lake Jackson has now ended with a surprising outcome. Police say after nearly 21 hours of searching with multiple agencies, no evidence of missing swimmers was found. Investigators later confirmed that a person seen in the water came forward, stating they had been swimming alone and safely exited the lake. Authorities verified the account using surveillance footage, matching the timeline of the original call. With no signs of additional swimmers, search efforts have now been officially suspended.
Deputies searching for a wanted suspect in Frostproof Sunday instead found a different man hiding behind a mirror inside a shed. Authorities say 39-year-old Bobby Earl McKenzie ignored commands to exit and was later discovered inside. He now faces multiple charges, including trespassing, resisting without violence, and drug possession. Deputies also confirmed an active warrant and say McKenzie failed to register as a career offender. He’s now jailed on seven charges, while the original suspect remains at large.
A man described as a prolific cocaine trafficker is behind bars in Central Florida. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday Michael Hernandez Maldonado and 8 others were arrested after an investigation that started almost two years ago. Maldonado was allegedly running a drug operation that was importing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to distribute in Central Florida. Investigators seized 40 kilos of cocaine, over a million dollars in cash and a stockpile of firearms.
The Sebring Police Department and Sebring Fire Department will host the 9th Annual Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Splash Day on Saturday, May 16th at Station 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will include bike safety activities, bicycle giveaways, and free food such as hotdogs, popcorn, and snow cones, along with helmets for participants. A live DJ and splash activities are also planned. Families are encouraged to bring swim attire and register upon arrival.