The latest Coronavirus test numbers released by the Florida Department of Health show that there have been 25 additional positive tests returned and 217 new negatives conducted in Highlands County.
Of the 16,358 tests administered locally over the past five months – 14,846 tests have been negative with 1,501 positive cases recorded.
There have been 163 people hospitalized at some point during their illness and 37 deaths have been tied to the corona virus since numbers started being kept.
The family of a Sebring man killed in a July hit-and-run accident now are offering a reward to see if they can find the truck and driver responsible. 32-year-old Kyle Harris was struck in the early morning hours of July 22nd as he walked along State Road 17.
They are looking for information on the vehicle. It is said to have higher than average mirrors and might have been a work truck. Damage would have been to the right side. Anyone with information is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol or the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
It appears that a Sebring landmark may be disappearing. Reportedly, preparations are underway to take down the old Nan-Cess-O-Wee hotel. As of yet, no permits for the demolition have been pulled, however, the building reportedly has been deemed uninhabitable by city officials.
A bit of living history is gone. Officials at the Sebring International Raceway have announced that Ralph Deshon has passed away.
DeShon and Frits Koster co-drove a Crosley Hot Shot to victory at Sebring in the 1st race ever held here. The 6 Hour Sam Collier Memorial was run on December 31st, 1950.
DeShon, who was a regular in the press box at Sebring for many years, was a walking encyclopedia of the early days of racing.
He was 94.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are warning residents about yet another scam. According to reports, people receive a telephone call with an automated one-question survey.
Press 1 if they are happy with the president or 2 if they are not. No matter which one you press, you are forwarded to a person who asks for money.
Sheriff’s officials say the operators aren’t willing to answer any questions about who they represent. They urge folks who want to donate, to give their money directly to chosen candidates or political party.
Early voting is continuing in Highlands County with just over 17.5% of the electorate making their voices heard. A few more walk-ins coming in to cast their ballots. Of the 11,170 votes cast so far, 2,628 ballots have been cast at one of the three early voting locations. The bulk of the ballots continue to be by mail, with some 8,545 delivered to the elections office.
Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg says things have been moving pretty smoothly.
Early voting goes on through Saturday in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. Primary Election Day will be this coming Tuesday.