Highlands County residents are reminded to enjoy Fourth of July celebrations today — weather permitting! In Sebring, the annual Patriotic Revue at Highlands Lakeside Theatre runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music and performances honoring our nation, followed by fireworks over Lake Jackson at City Pier Beach at 9 p.m. Avon Park’s Main Street celebration goes from 5 to 8 p.m. with vendors, live entertainment, and fireworks at 9 p.m. Lake Placid Jaycees will cap off the night with fireworks over Lake June at 9 p.m.
Sebring High School’s Young Americans for Freedom Chapter has received a $1,000 donation from the Florida Medal of Honor Board to help fund a plaque for the school’s media center. The center was recently dedicated to Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr., a Sebring High graduate and World War II Medal of Honor recipient. McGuire was one of America’s most decorated fighter pilots, credited with 38 aerial victories before being killed in action in 1945. The donation marks the first time the Medal of Honor Memorial Board has ever given funds for such a project.
A state inmate is now facing attempted murder charges for allegedly stabbing another inmate six years ago at DeSoto Correctional Institution. 43-year-old Cedric Jacobs is accused of attacking inmate Christopher Polanco on July 4, 2019, leaving him with 11 stab wounds to his back. Polanco survived after being airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Investigators say security footage shows Jacobs rolling Polanco over and stabbing him multiple times. Jacobs, already serving time for drug and other felony convictions, is now in the DeSoto County Jail without bond and has a court date set for August 18th.
A night of drinks between two Lakeland roommates ended in violence, leaving one man with a deep neck wound and the other facing attempted murder charges and possible deportation. Deputies say 30-year-old Jose Munoz slashed his roommate with a broken beer bottle during an argument. The victim was rushed to the hospital with a cut just an inch from his carotid artery. Munoz, who admitted to the attack, was arrested at their home and is now in the Polk County Jail facing serious charges. ICE has also placed a hold for possible deportation.