Like the rest of the state, as testing continues for the Coronavirus here in Highlands County the numbers continue to rise. At last report, there had been 8,653 tests done locally. Of those, 8,239 have been negative with 345 positive cases.
The severity of those positive cases remains unknown. Florida Department of Health officials will reveal that 58 people have been hospitalized locally at some point in their illness. Since numbers started being kept, 11 fatalities in Highlands now have been tied to the Coronavirus.
An automobile accident north of Lake Placid reportedly has claimed a life. Witnesses say it appears a northbound car went out of control on Highway 27 near the intersection of Lake Henry Drive and flipped.
No names or other details have yet been released.
Authorities now say there was a fatality in the fire last night at Sun ‘N Lakes South. Units from all over the county descended on the mobile home on Swaunee Lane. However, despite arriving within seven minuets of the initial call – they say the home was nearly a total loss.
Units from Sun ‘N Lakes South, Highlands Park, Lake Placid and Placid Lakes responded to the call along with law enforcement and EMS units.
The name of the victim has not been released. The State Fire Marshal’s office has been called in to determine the cause.
One person died and fifteen others were treated after a hazardous materials incident in Sebring yesterday. Not much is known about it, save to say that Sebring firefighters were called to an address on Ellenton Avenue on what was paged out as a medical call. Three children, three Sebring Police Officers and a pair of Highlands County Fire Rescue/EMS workers were among those injured. They were transported to the hospital, Where they were evaluated and released.
The name of the deceased and other details have not yet been released.
Highlands County firefighters teamed up with units from the Florida Forest Service yesterday to contain a brush fire off Lone Bay Road north of Avon Park. Firefighters had to protect a pair of structures while the flames ate up about 20 acres there.
Officials described it as “inaccessible muck acreage.” Despite the blistering temperatures, no injuries were reported there. Apparently, there still is smoke in the area from that blaze.
Highlands County officials remind residents that recycling resumes today. That means the green cans should only be used for recyclable goods. Currently the only items that are being accepted are steel & aluminum cans, plastic bottles & jars and clean cardboard.
Authorities say the items should be placed loose in the cart because there is NO recycling of plastic bags of any kind.