The Highlands County School Board is adjusting to a vacancy following the resignation of District 5 member Nicole Radonski. Board Attorney Shannon Nash says Florida law requires Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a replacement, as the school board cannot fill the seat or hold a special election. The board will continue operating with four members until the governor names a replacement, with county election qualifying set for June and the primary election scheduled for August 18th.
Rapid Response Medical Transport has voluntarily pulled out of Highlands County, dropping its ambulance service before commissioners could vote on revoking its license. Officials say the company surrendered its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity following safety concerns raised by inspections and paramedic complaints, including vehicle defects and medication record issues. The company may reapply after one year.
AdventHealth is offering free sports physicals and ECG heart screenings for student-athletes under 18 this Friday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Sun ’n Lake in Sebring. The event is designed to help families prepare for upcoming sports seasons, improve access to preventive care, and detect potential heart conditions early. Advance registration is required, and a parent or legal guardian must be present.
There appears to be a change in Publix’ gun policy. It had been allowing customers to openly carry firearms since a state law passed last year. Now, though, signs on store windows around the state read "Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores." Publix has not commented on the apparent change.