A tragic incident occurred late Friday night in Sebring when a southbound CSX train struck and killed 47-year-old Highlands County resident Manuel Antonio Marquez, who was sitting on the tracks. Sebring Police say the train’s conductor and engineer spotted Marquez just north of Helena Avenue and attempted to stop, sounding the horn, but were unable to avoid the collision. First responders from Sebring Police, Fire Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office, and CSX arrived on scene, but Marquez could not be saved. The incident remains under investigation
Severe weather impacted Highlands County Tuesday night, bringing much-needed rainfall—but also damaging winds. Several homes in the Francis One neighborhood sustained damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported after deputies conducted a thorough check of the area. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay will assess whether a tornado or strong winds caused the destruction. As hurricane season approaches, residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans. Visit highlandsfl.gov for preparedness information.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to attend the annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony this morning, at 9 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of the main office, located at 400 S. Eucalyptus Street in Sebring. This solemn event honors the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, recognizing their sacrifice and service to the community. Residents are encouraged to join in paying tribute to these heroes and showing support for their families and fellow officers.
A woman is dead after an alligator encounter in Polk County. It happened yesterday afternoon in Lake Wales at Lake Kissimmee State Park. The FWC says she was canoeing when she came across the gator. Her body was found in the water a short time later. A trapper was called to the lake to find the gator but there were no reports the animal had been found. The woman has not been identified.
At least one bear is believed to be responsible for killing a man and his dog just outside of his home in southwest Florida. It’s believed to be the first recorded fatal bear attack involving a human in the state’s history. Fish and Wildlife officials have killed three bears and set numerous traps near the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area since the incident. In a Tuesday news conference, authorities said it’s likely that more than one bear was involved in the deaths of the 89-year-old man and his dog.
DUC Propellers, the only North American branch of French-based DUC Hélices, may soon expand operations at Sebring Regional Airport. The Sebring Airport Authority is planning a new, larger facility in the airport’s commerce park to support rotor manufacturing for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Currently located at 442 Hendricks Field Way, DUC assembles and installs standard propellers but does not yet manufacture on-site. With growing demand and potential tariffs, producing rotors domestically could be a game-changer. Design work could begin this year, with construction possible in early 2026.
Governor Ron DeSantis is banning weather modification in Florida. He committed to signing a bill yesterday that bans cloud seeding and limits "chem trails." Senate Bill 56 makes unauthorized cloud seeding a third-degree felony. DeSantis slammed the idea of fighting climate change by injecting additives into clouds. He said Florida does not do that, and this bill, quote, "slams the door" on it.
Florida’s governor supports efforts to stop fluoride from being added to drinking water. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday he’ll sign a bill that bans local governments from unilaterally adding fluoride to public drinking water. He also says he’ll sign another bill that repeals the state’s ability to issue permits for geoengineering and weather modification. SB 56 bans adding anything into the atmosphere designed to alter weather, temperature, climate or sunlight intensity. DeSantis says these measures reinforce Florida’s commitment to protecting public health, preserving individual choice and ensuring no government or corporation can unilaterally impose environmental or chemical risks on the public.