South Florida State College is getting a boost for adult education. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded SFSC a $10,000 grant to support literacy programs through its Adult Education Department. The funding will help provide learning materials, educational software, and GED testing assistance for students. SFSC serves more than 1,000 adult learners annually through GED, basic education, and English language programs. College leaders say the grant will help expand access to education and workforce opportunities across the community.
There’s encouraging news for Highlands County’s citrus industry. The Highlands County Citrus Growers Association says many local groves have bounced back better than expected following this winter’s freezes. Executive Director Ray Royce reports actively managed groves are recovering well, with next season’s fruit crop already showing strong potential despite drought conditions. Royce says growers continue investing in new trees and advanced growing practices, while the association remains focused on protecting agricultural interests and supporting the long-term recovery of Florida’s citrus industry.
The Highlands County School Board will vote Monday on a new program that would allow homeschool and scholarship-funded students to take individual district courses without enrolling full-time in public school. The program, called Highlands PLUS, would offer access to classes ranging from core academics to career and technical education courses. Parents would pay per-course fees using eligible state scholarship funds, with enrollment based on seat availability.
A Haines City police officer has been arrested following an identity theft investigation in Polk County. Authorities say 24-year-old Jeffrey Ziegler is accused of using a deceased man’s credit cards to make more than $10,000 in unauthorized purchases in 2024. Detectives say the fraud was discovered nearly two years later by the victim’s family. Ziegler faces multiple felony charges and resigned from the Haines City Police Department following his arrest.