Florida Governor Rick Scott will be making a whistle stop in Highlands County today. Scott will be at the American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park from 11:45 until 12:30.
Scott, a Republican, is an American Legion member. He now is challenging Democrat Bill Nelson for one of Florida’s two senatorial seats.
Scott is expected to discuss his “Make Washington Work” program including; term limits, a supermajority vote for any tax increase and a “No Budget No Pay” plan.
The doors at the Legion will open at 10am.
The primary elections won’t be until August 28th, but the ballots for vote-by-mail will be going out today. Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg reminds residents that the voter registration books will be closing next Monday for those who wish to to register or change their party affiliation.
Sample ballots and other information are available on their website at www.votehighlands.com
Those who want to compare and contrast the candidates in the only Highlands County School Board race will have an opportunity this evening. The Highlands Tea Party will be hosting school board incumbent Charlene Edwards and challenger Isaac Durance at their meeting tonight.
The candidates will first give their respective platforms, then answer questions submitted by the audience. This evening’s session will be held at 6:00 at the Homer’s Restaurant in the Sebring Square shopping plaza.
A 21-year-old Wauchulla man was seriously injured when he crashed his motorcycle during a high speed pursuit in Desoto County. Florida Highway Patrol reports say Justin Allen Wagner reportedly was fleeing Desoto County Sheriff’s deputies when he ran off North Arcadia Avenue, was thrown from the Yamaha and hit a stop sign.
Wagner was taken to Sarasota Memorial, he has been charged with a number of traffic infractions.
A Lakeland convenience store owner who shot a suspected shoplifter, now has been charged with second degree murder after the suspect died.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s dep[uties, 43-year-old Rennie Defoe took three 18-packs of Natural Ice Beer and ran out of the store. As Defoe tried to drive away, he was shot by the shop owner – 22-year-old Mehedeun Hasan.
Hasan is being held in the Polk County jail without bond.