The Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteers, in partnership with UF/IFAS, will host an educational class titled “Making Tea From Your Garden” on Saturday, June 21st, at the Jack Stroup Civic Center in Sebring. The program will provide participants with practical guidance on preparing herbal teas using homegrown ingredients. Attendees can also expect demonstrations, seasonal infusion tastings, and information on the health benefits of various herbs and plants. Optional take-home tea kits will also be offered for a small fee, benefiting the Master Gardener program. To register, please call 863-402-6540.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is charged in a massive central Florida gambling operation. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says Lopez initially took part in the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments. He also played a role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement. The operation generated more than 21-million-dollars in illicit proceeds. Lopez is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
A man is facing manslaughter charges after a deadly accident at a Polk County construction site. It happened Wednesday at the Grand Pointe Apartments in Davenport. Deputies say undocumented immigrant Angel Martinez caused the death of co-worker Jose Lopez with a skid steer, then lied about what happened. Investigators found blood evidence and witness statements contradicting Martinez’s story. He’s being held in the Polk County Jail and faces possible upgraded charges due to his immigration status.
Florida’s "Firefighter Health and Safety" bill is now law. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill yesterday while speaking at the annual Convention of Florida Professional Firefighters. He says it strengthens Florida’s commitment to the health and safety of firefighters by updating the state’s Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act. It includes protections against occupational diseases and mental health challenges and introduces measures to limit firefighter work schedules to 42 hours per week, aiming to reduce burnout and fatigue.
A fugitive wanted in Texas was arrested in Polk County on Tuesday, thanks to a coordinated effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities apprehended 32-year-old Mariana Isabel Moncada Bohorquez at a residence on Emily Drive in Winter Haven. She was wanted by Dallas County for engaging in organized criminal activity. The arrest followed a tip shared with Sgt. Eldridge, which led Deputy Piche to her location. Bohorquez is currently being held in Polk County and faces extradition to Texas. Officials also noted her illegal immigration status, and possible deportation to Venezuela is under review.
Nu-Hope Elder Care Services will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a Retro Fest celebration on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring. This free, family-friendly indoor event will feature a spirited Air Guitar Contest, a National Pet Rock Show, a vintage dance competition with live music, and a thrifted fashion runway show. In addition to the festivities, Nu-Hope is joining the nationwide search for a significant piece of pop culture history — the cherry red Gibson ES-345 guitar famously played by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future. The community is encouraged to share any tips, photos, or information at the event, all of which will be forwarded to the official search team at LostToTheFuture.com.
Osceola County has a new sheriff following the arrest and suspension of Marcos Lopez in a corruption and gambling case. Governor Ron DeSantis tapped Christopher Blackmon, a veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, to step into the role. Blackmon brings 30 years of experience and most recently oversaw troopers across Central Florida. He says he plans to focus on public safety and expand immigration enforcement within the department. County officials say they’ll support his leadership during the ongoing investigation.
A man was robbed at gunpoint Thursday morning by someone posing as law enforcement in Central Florida. Deputies say the victim pulled over after a white sedan with flashing blue lights followed him on County Road 48 in Lake County. A masked man approached, pointed a gun at his head, and took his phone and money. The suspect drove off toward Leesburg, and the case remains under investigation.