Highlands County commissioners yesterday took the first step in setting property tax millage. They cut the proposed rate by five-one hundredths of a mill – setting the tentative rate at 8.5 mils – or $8.50 for each $1,000 of property valuation.
In the past couple years, property values are said to have jumped by as much as 20-percent. Commissioners emphasized that those numbers could be cut back.
Reportedly, additional budget discussions are planned.
Another accident on State Road 70. This one involved a pair of semi tractor-trailer rigs. It occurred about 10:00 yesterday morning near the intersection of ’70 and County Line Road.
Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate one semi was attempting to pass another, when the lead vehicle turned left in front of him. The force of the impact caused one of the big rigs to go off the road and overturn.
A Tampa trucker was taken to the hospital in "serious" condition. The second driver, a Sebring man, sustained minor injuries.
Lake Placid police are investigating an armed robbery incident. According to reports, a man with a gun got an undisclosed amount of cash from the Advanced Auto Parts on Highway 27 in the Caladium Capital.
The thief is described as a black male, with a salt-and pepper colored beard. He spoke with a Caribbean accent. There were no injuries reported.
Officers now are reviewing in-store video of the incident.
Highlands County sheriff’s deputies recently did a sweep to find out if local stores would sell alcohol to minors. Of the eight stores surveyed – three failed the test.
The South Sebring Raceway store on Highway 27, the Avon Park Raceway on Higway 27 and Nifty Food Mart and Deli on Schumacher Road were found to be in violation.
Employees who made the sale were served with a notice to appear in court on misdemeanor charges.