Authorities in Avon Park are investigating a deadly overnight hotel fire that left two people dead. Dispatch received the call just before 2 a.m. Friday at the Econo Lodge. Deputies and fire crews arrived within minutes to find a second-story room filled with smoke. An adult man and woman were discovered inside and pronounced dead at the scene. No other guests or first responders were injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal, while the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate death investigation.
For the second time in recent weeks, Highlands County schools were targeted by hoax bomb threats on Wednesday and Thursday, impacting Lake Placid Middle School and Avon Park High School. Both campuses were quickly secured as law enforcement conducted thorough searches, later confirming there was no credible danger to students or staff. Officials believe the incidents may be connected to the same caller or group targeting multiple schools across Florida. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are actively investigating.
One teen accused in a deadly crash in Highlands County is now out on bond. 18-year-old Todd Aiden Bryant posted more than $75,000 following the 2025 crash that killed two Lake Placid students. He faces multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter, and must follow strict pre-trial conditions—no alcohol, no leaving the state, and regular check-ins. Investigators say the crash caused the victims’ truck to roll over, killing both. Bryant and co-defendant Gabriel Monroe Kennedy are set for arraignment May 4th.
Avon Park is receiving statewide recognition as its Main Street program was named a Florida Main Street Program of the Month for March 2026 by the Florida Department of State. Reinstated in October 2025, the program focuses on revitalizing downtown through local events, increased foot traffic, and support for small businesses. Leaders say the program will continue pursuing funding and projects aimed at long-term growth and historic preservation.