Today is the first day on the job for new South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins. Hawkins formerly was a Representative in the Florida House for Osceola and Orange County.
During his term in office, Hawkins served as the Vice Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee as well as the whip of all education committees. He also was the president of the Osceola County Education Foundation.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are looking for some help in solving some still outstanding cases. They have listed details of nearly two dozen unsolved incidents ranging from the disappearance of Bonnie Jo Johnson Roberts this past January to a 1979 trailer fire near Venus where the charred remains of William Luther Hinote were discovered.
Those wanting to read the details of the unsolved cases can find them on the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office website. Anyone with details are asked to call the Cold Case Unit at the sheriff’s office.
Highlands County has a new County Extension Director. In addition, Kati Lawson also will serve as the new 4-H Youth Development director for the county.
Lawson is a PhD from the University of Florida with 14 years of education experience as well as designing and implementing learning programs.
Sebring city council members have approved a measure to deal with the influx of homeless into the City on the Circle. They approved on first reading an ordinance that prohibits any camping on public property without prior approval from council.
The measure encompasses everything from those sleeping on park benches to Recreational Vehicles in municipally-owned lots. Those in violation will be given tresspass notices.
The second and final reading of the measure is set for August 15.