This is the first Thursday of May, meaning it is the National Day of Prayer. Hundreds are expected to gather on the front lawn of the Highlands County courthouse this morning at 11:00 to mark the observance. The program, started 26 years ago by former Highlands County Clerk of Courts – the late Lukey Brooker, will feature a combination of elected officials and local religious leaders.
It will be a patriotic and Christian presentations and last about a half hour. Although chairs will be set up, residents are encouraged to bring their own seats to make certain they do not have to stand.
After battling major fire incidents on Monday and Tuesday, local fire units were called out again yesterday to extinguish a brush fire. The Florida Forest Service was aided by firefighters from Desoto City in holding down a 1.5 acre fire near Fresno Valves & Castings off Kenilworth Blvd.
No structures were reported to have been damaged and no injuries were reported.
It won’t be long before Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies are enforcing Avon Park municipal codes. Avon Park City Manager David Flowers says he has discussed the matter with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and provisions are being put in place that will allow enforcement of such things as banning large trucks from Main Street in the City of Charm.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services to the city of Avon Park.
A retired teacher from Highlands County was one of two big game winners at the Seminole Casino in Brighton. Nancy Willard reportedly took a $150-dollar buy-in and snatched $20,000 in the Must-Go Jackpot.
Willard said her Irish heritage spurred her into taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day game. She says the cash will go toward hurricane damage repairs at her home.