A Highlands County senior citizen has fallen victim to a nationwide scam involving fake FTC agents. The 72-year-old woman was tricked into handing over $15,000 in cash to a man posing as a federal agent. Deputies say 34-year-old Huisheng He, a Chinese national, told the victim she owed money to the FTC and faced false criminal charges. She was targeted after responding to a fake Norton Lifelock email. Quick thinking helped her snap photos of the suspect, leading to his identification and arrest. Authorities warn: real federal agents will never demand cash. Always verify emails from official sources.
New upgrades are on the horizon for Donaldson Park in Avon Park. CRA Economic Development Manager Jessica Carlson unveiled fresh renderings at Thursday’s CRA Advisory Board meeting, including plans for eight new pickleball courts, a shaded pavilion, a splash pad, upgraded playground, and new bathroom facilities. Other features include shaded mini-golf, a revamped fitness area, and improved parking. While some ideas—like an amphitheater from the Avon Park Rotary Club—remain in the concept stage, Carlson emphasized community input will shape the final plans. These updates aim to boost foot traffic and modernize the popular park space.
A Loughman man is behind bars after an alleged robbery at a mobile home park on Old Lake Wilson Road in Polk County. Deputies say 59-year-old Eddie Edwin Ramos threatened a man with brass knuckles and stole his phone over an unpaid handyman job. Ramos admitted to taking the phone but denied using a weapon. He now faces charges of armed robbery and possession of a concealed weapon as a convicted felon. Authorities say Ramos has a prior manslaughter conviction in New York from 1986.
A jury trial is set to begin today for Nicholas Zotto, a former Hardee County deputy and Bradenton police officer, accused of animal cruelty. Zotto, owner of Pawsome Sitters, allegedly mistreated a dog named Grizzly—an act caught on video—and now faces charges of both animal abuse and operating an unlicensed kennel. The trial is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Zotto has pleaded not guilty.
South Florida State College has officially dedicated its Mechatronics Lab in memory of Dr. Charles David McLochlin. A brilliant engineer and lifelong learner, Dr. McLochlin left his estate to the SFSC Foundation, continuing his passion for education beyond his lifetime. College President Fred Hawkins called the lab “a bridge between knowledge and achievement,” fitting for a man who believed deeply in hands-on learning. Dr. McLochlin, who passed away in 2023 at age 73, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire and empower students for generations to come.
Counselors will be available at an Osceola County school today after what the principal calls a tragic incident. Osceola High School Principal Elizabeth Kennedy announced yesterday three students were involved in a shooting in Polk County. It happened yesterday morning in Davenport. Kennedy wrote on Facebook all three students survived. She also says together, we will find hope, healing and the resilience to move forward.
A teen is facing charges for allegedly robbing a kid selling chocolate for his school in Lakeland. Lake Wales Police say it happened last Friday when Isaiyah Cabrera approached the boy, grabbed the money and ran over his foot with an electric scooter while running away. Cabrera was carrying a handgun during the incident. He faces robbery and other charges.
A former Central Florida deputy found herself on the wrong side of the law in Marion County. Ocala Police announced yesterday Christina Gates Thagard was arrested Friday for bank robbery. She allegedly stole over five thousand dollars from TD Bank on Southeast 17th Street. Thagard is being held without bond.