A 15-year-old Avon Park High School student has been arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for making a written threat to kill. Deputies say the student posted photos holding pistols and threatened another student by text. Sheriff Paul Blackman stressed such threats will always be taken seriously and urged parents to warn their children of the consequences. Threats can be reported to school staff, the FortifyFL app, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office app, or by calling 863-402-7200, option 1.
Highlands County deputies recovered a stolen truck from South Carolina yesterday, after stopping the vehicle on Lake Avenue around 9:49 a.m. The driver, 41-year-old Enoch Enrique Orge of Sebring, was subsequently arrested. Authorities say Orge not only faced a warrant from Spartanburg County for stealing the truck but also had a local warrant on charges including stalking, fraud, and using a two-way device to commit a felony.
Charlie Kirk will be honored in Central Florida. The Lake County commission voted yesterday to designate part of Schofield Road as Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway. Commissioner Anthony Sabatini introduced the resolution. He calls Kirk one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. The measure passed unanimously.
Florida law enforcement is cracking down on nitrous oxide abuse, arresting 70 people and issuing 16 warrants for retailers accused of selling the gas as a recreational drug. Once popular in the 90s, “whipping” is making a comeback, with serious risks including paralysis, brain damage, and even death. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and First Lady Casey DeSantis joined FDLE in Orlando, highlighting the statewide undercover operation as part of ongoing efforts to fight drug abuse in Florida’s youth.