A deadly lightning strike claimed the lives of two Miami men, ages 38 and 31, along with their hunting dogs in southeast Highlands County. Florida Fish and Wildlife officers found their bodies Wednesday on a levee near Canal C-41A after they were reported missing. Investigators believe the strike happened Monday night, though the Medical Examiner will confirm the cause. Sheriff Paul Blackman reminds residents Florida leads the nation in lightning deaths—if you hear thunder, get indoors right away and stay safe until the storm passes.
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association has unveiled its 2026 schedule, and it kicks off right here in Highlands County. Sebring International Raceway will host the Sebring SpeedTour February 26th through March 1st. It’s one of the series’ biggest events of the year, bringing vintage race cars and top drivers to the historic track. Fans can expect multiple run groups and expanded track time across four days of racing action. The Sebring stop launches a 14-race national schedule that runs through November.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the community about this weekend’s big event — the Region VI SWAT Challenge. For the first time, Highlands County will host the competition, bringing together 12 SWAT teams from across Southwest Florida. The challenge takes place this Saturday, September 27, at the Sheriff’s Office gun range behind the landfill on Arbuckle Creek Road in Sebring. Opening ceremonies start at 8 a.m., and the public is invited to attend for free. Officials note the event includes live gunfire and explosions, so hearing protection is strongly recommended.
Sprout Foods is expanding its recall of baby food pouches due to lead concerns, It’s recalling additional lots of Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches. The baby food comes in three-and-a-half ounce pouches. Sprout initiated the recall after it found elevated levels of lead during routine testing. The product was sold online or at Walgreens in 28 states including right here in Florida. The CDC says there are no safe levels of lead and that even low blood levels can cause developmental delays, difficulty learning and behavioral issues in children.