The Sebring Fire Department, Sebring Police Department and the City of Sebring have canceled the Splash Day portion of Saturday’s 9th Annual Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Splash Day due to Modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage restrictions. Organizers say the Bicycle Rodeo will still take place May 16th, and families are encouraged to bring their own bikes, though a limited number will be available on-site. Officials hope to bring Splash Day back next year once drought conditions improve.
A controversial sand mine proposal in Venus is back before Highlands County Board of Adjustment after being denied last year. Hicoria Mine I LLC is again seeking approval for a 243-acre sand mine near Archbold Biological Station. Residents continue raising concerns about groundwater contamination, traffic safety, and environmental impacts to nearby wetlands and Fish Eating Creek. A hearing originally set for April was postponed until June 9th.
Former council member Ray Royce is returning to the Lake Placid Town Council after being appointed Monday to fill the remaining two years of Mayor Colleen Charles’ former council seat. Charles vacated the position after winning the mayoral election in April. Council members also voted to name Royce vice mayor. Royce previously served more than a decade on the council and said he looks forward to helping guide the town’s future alongside current council members and staff.
A Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation is underway after a woman was seriously injured in a dog attack Tuesday. Authorities say Kimberly Thompson was fostering a pit bull through Rescue Paws when the dog attacked, biting her arms and causing severe injuries. Her 6-year-old daughter called 911. Thompson underwent surgery and remains in the ICU. Rescue Paws says the dog had no known history of aggression. A GoFundMe for Thompson’s recovery has raised more than seven-thousand dollars.