Drivers in the Lake Placid area should prepare for delays starting today as Tower Street officially closes for construction through mid-June. The temporary closure is part of ongoing Florida Department of Transportation improvements along U.S. 27. Detours will be routed through Plaza Avenue, County Road 621, Dal Hall Boulevard, and Interlake Boulevard. Local traffic will still have limited access in some areas, but motorists are urged to slow down, watch for crews, and follow all posted detour signs
The City of Sebring is moving forward with its first code enforcement foreclosure auction after years of unresolved violations tied to a property on Steiner Avenue. The auction is scheduled for June 17th at the Highlands County Courthouse. Court records show the property owner has filed an appeal seeking to stop the sale, claiming the city failed to properly notify her of violations before demolishing the home. City leaders hired a foreclosure attorney last fall to handle ongoing code enforcement cases, with several properties still in litigation.
A Lakeland restaurant server is accused of stealing a customer’s debit card information and making nearly $900 in unauthorized purchases, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say Angela Borrero used the stolen card details at a Winter Haven spa, a Lakeland restaurant, and a cosmetic center. Detectives linked her to the transactions through phone records. Borrero now faces charges including grand theft, fraud, identity theft, and violation of probation.
A Manatee County teacher is facing a child abuse charge after deputies say she ordered a student to slap a classmate in a 6th grade classroom at Lee Middle School in Bradenton. Investigators say 64-year-old Judith Clark became upset with a student who wouldn’t stop talking and told another 12-year-old student to hit him. Deputies say the student complied because he feared disobeying the teacher and will not face charges. Clark has been removed from the classroom and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.