The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a major achievement: Lt. Kyle Albritton has graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia — a distinction earned by less than 1% of law enforcement officers nationwide. Lt. Albritton was part of Class 294, which included 239 elite officers from across the U.S. and 14 countries. The 10-week program delivers advanced leadership and physical training to top-tier law enforcement professionals. Sheriff Paul Blackman praised Lt. Albritton’s dedication, calling the graduation “a proud moment” for both him and the agency.
Our very own Avon Park Bombing Range was recently featured by WINK News, highlighting its vital role in national defense and local impact. Just outside town, this 106,000-acre military training site has operated since 1942 and remains the largest bombing range east of the Mississippi. Still active nearly every day, the range trains both air and ground forces — including A-10 pilots preparing for deployment. With mock towns for simulation and a motto of “Birds and Bombs,” it’s a hidden hub of military readiness right here in our backyard.
A Wauchula man is facing serious drug charges after a late night traffic stop on Saturday, June 7th. Deputies pulled over 43-year-old Justin Eugene Spiker on US 17 near Sand Mountain Road after he was seen swerving. Spiker showed clear signs of impairment, and deputies spotted meth in plain view. A search uncovered over 62 grams of methamphetamine, 1.5 grams of fentanyl, and evidence of drug distribution. Spiker was arrested and now faces multiple felony charges, including trafficking, possession with intent to sell, and DUI.
A tragic crash on State Road 60 Monday morning claimed the life of a 62-year-old Lake Worth man. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound near US 98 when he attempted to pass traffic in a median safety zone. He struck the rear of a GMC truck towing a trailer, driven by a 21-year-old Winter Haven man. The motorcyclist became lodged beneath the trailer and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The Highlands County Commission has directed planning staff to develop stricter regulatory guidelines for future sand mining operations. While commissioners declined a temporary moratorium requested by the Board of Adjustments, they acknowledged the need for clearer rules to protect the environment and quality of life. The new regulations, expected within six months, will address issues such as mine depth, post-use land restoration, and environmental safeguards. Recent concerns stem from growing numbers of applications and unresolved questions about groundwater risks, land repurposing, and heavy truck traffic in rural areas.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who stole a Samsung Galaxy phone with a pink butterfly case from a Dollar General employee on May 24. The theft happened at the store located at 16454 Sand Oak Court. If you have any information, call 863-402-7350 or email rtcc@highlandssheriff.org. You can also leave anonymous tips through the HCSO app, Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS, or the P3tips app, and may be eligible for a cash reward.
A man is wanted for hitting a teenager in Polk County. Winter Haven Police posted photos yesterday of a man involved in Friday’s incident at the Advent Fieldhouse on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. According to police, he was playing basketball and got into an argument with a 16-year-old boy. At one point, he allegedly hit the boy in the face. He left when the teen went to call his mother. Police believe the man goes by the name Big O. Photos of him are posted on Facebook-dot-com-slash-WinterHavenPublicSafety.
A 71-year-old Lakeland woman was rescued on June 5th after being trapped between her bed and a dresser for three days. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded after a neighbor, contacted by the woman’s concerned friend, noticed a full mailbox and no recent sightings. Deputies arrived, heard faint cries for help, and worked with Polk County Fire Rescue to gain entry. The woman was found dehydrated and unable to move. She was then rushed to the hospital for treatment. Officials credit the rescue to the quick actions of a vigilant friend and neighbor, calling it a reminder of the power of community awareness.