Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are warning residents hit by storm damage earlier this week to look out for scammers. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis now has activated and deployed anti-fraud strike teams to protect residents here and in surrounding areas from fraud.
Authorities say to watch out for those who offer to waive or discount your insurance deductible, those who want payment up front or offer to provide repairs at a cash-only discounted rate.
For those who do get stiffed – there is a Fraud Tip Hotline. That rings at 1-800-378-0445.
Meanwhile, forecasters say there is the possibility of more strong weather moving through the area today as a cold front pushes down through the state.
The Historic Sports Car Racing Spring Fling gets underway in earnest today at the Sebring International Raceway. On tap are qualifying and racing in all classes. This afternoon will be the Sasco Sports International American Challenge and the Stoner Car Care Global GT Race.
The annual season-opener at Sebring will wind up tomorrow with a pair of endurance races involving multiple classes.
Attention local anglers – Lake Istokpoga has been tapped as one of ten lakes across Florida as a place where prized bass are swimming. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has tagged tbe bass with bright pink tags – which mean prizes for those who catch them.
Those who catch a pink-tagged bass and retrieve the tag will earn a $5,000 gift card to Bass Pro, a $1,000 card for AFTCO and a chance to grab an additional $10,000.
Officials say there are 10 trophy-sized largemouth bass released in 10 lakes – other opportunities are at Lake Walk-in-Water, The Tenneroc Fish Management Area, Newnans Lake, Lake George, Lake Talquin, Lake Trafford, Lake Griffin, Lake Rousseau, and Johns Lake.
They say it’s part of a program to get residents to become an FWC citizen-scientist angler.