Mediation is scheduled Sept. 23rd in Tampa in the lawsuit over the 2023 death of 13-year-old Malik Pearson, who was struck by an Amtrak train while walking home from Avon Park Middle School. The lawsuit names Amtrak, CSX Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the City of Avon Park. The family claims the crossing lacked proper pedestrian warnings and had outdated signals. The city argues the approaching train was an open and obvious hazard and says the teen failed to use reasonable care while crossing the tracks wearing headphones.
Highlands County residents may see construction crews in neighborhoods as new fiber optic internet service is installed across the county. According to the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, contractors will be working in utility easements and county rights of way. Residents are urged to use caution near work zones and watch for crews, equipment, and utility markings. Current providers include Clearwave Fiber and i3 Broadband. County officials say utility flags and markings will be removed once construction is complete.
A new inflatable water park is now open at H.L. Bishop Park on Lake June-in-Winter. Lake June Lagoon features floating obstacle courses, inflatable slides, shaded cabanas, and a toddler splash area inside the lake’s designated swim zone. County tourism leaders say the attraction is designed to boost outdoor recreation and family tourism in Highlands County.
A Lake Placid High School senior is being honored with a scholarship named after a fallen Highlands County deputy. Shelby Cruse was selected to receive the 2026 Deputy William J. Gentry Jr. Memorial Scholarship from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. She plans to study Animal Science at the University of Florida. The scholarship honors Deputy William J. Gentry Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in 2018. Shelby, the daughter of an FDLE special agent, said she is grateful for the opportunity to carry on Deputy Gentry’s legacy with “poise and humility.”