A homicide investigation is underway in Lake Placid after 21-year-old Elijah Daley was found dead early Thursday morning at the Ramada Inn on U.S. 27. Highlands County detectives were on scene, gathering evidence from Room 224. Daley’s mother suspects the murder may be linked to the armed theft of his dirt bike the day before. Described as hardworking and generous, Daley had recently returned to town after working with a solar energy company. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive returns this Saturday, May 10th. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers, this is the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping families in need for over 30 years. You can participate by leaving a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox before Saturday’s mail delivery and your letter carrier will handle the rest. All donations go to local food banks and pantries, supporting the 41 million Americans, including 13 million children, who face hunger daily.
A youth sports coach is facing child porn charges in Polk County. The sheriff’s office announced yesterday Lakeland’s Harold Tittle was arrested last month. The charges include possession of child porn and transmitting material harmful to a minor. Tittle was an assistant coach in the Lakeland Girls Softball League for the team called Bat Intentions. Deputies say Tittle was using social media to ask a 16-year-old girl to send him pictures of herself naked, and he sent her pictures of himself nude. Investigators say Tittle confessed, but he denied being involved with any members of the softball team he coached. Sheriff Grady Judd says Tittle’s actions are reprehensible, and he asks any other victims to come forward.
Florida fire departments are facing a major staffing crisis with over 1,200 vacancies, but new technology may help bridge the gap. Departments like Fort Meade are adopting a $25,000 computerized firetruck system that automates pump operations and uses a smart hose to regulate water pressure in real time. Designed by a firefighter-engineer, the system boosts response efficiency and appeals to tech-savvy recruits. With rising call volumes and shrinking crews, leaders hope this innovation helps modernize the job—and attract the next generation of firefighters.
If your home still has damage from Hurricane Ian, there’s help available. Highlands County Housing is offering grants up to $10,000 for residents needing repairs due to the 2022 storm. Funds can cover things like damaged windows or roofs, exposed wires, insurance deductibles, emergency supplies, and even tree and debris removal. Don’t wait—apply today. Visit highlandsfl.gov or call 863-402-6648 to get started. This is a limited-time opportunity for critical home repairs and disaster relief.
A Central Florida home health nurse is facing charges for what St. Cloud’s police chief calls a heinous act. Chief Douglas Goerke announced yesterday Nia Ayers was arrested Wednesday for aggravated abuse of the elderly or disabled. The alleged victim is 18-years-old, non-verbal and uses a breathing machine. Police say Ayers taped the girl’s mouth shut, ripped the tape off, held a washcloth to cover her mouth and shook her breathing machine while it was connected to her nose. The girl was left with bruises, and her mother contacted police after reviewing surveillance footage. Goerke says he’s worried there may be other victims.
A Lakeland man is facing charges after a shoplifting attempt at the Mulberry Walmart. On May 6th, 34-year-old Killian Jacob Kreier allegedly tried to steal over $116 worth of merchandise. When stopped by a store employee, he claimed his receipt was “on his phone” but walked out without showing it. Deputies later tracked him down near his home using a photo of his truck’s license plate. Kreier denied the theft, saying he used the Walmart app—though he couldn’t log in to prove it. He was arrested and charged with retail theft.
Florida Power and Light is preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. FPL spokesperson Jack Eble says they’re hardening the power grid. He says many powerlines are now underground. Plus, the above-ground wooden poles have been replaced with concrete ones. FPL says 100 percent of its transmission lines are either steel or concrete. Forecasters are expecting another active hurricane season which starts on June 1st.