Deputies say a stolen ATV led to shocking discoveries and a long list of felony charges in Avon Park. Sergio Miguel Rivas, a Frostproof man, allegedly stole the Kubota ATV and a trail camera, then tried to cover his tracks and tell witnesses not to talk. Authorities found him in an orange shirt matching witness descriptions and recovered the stolen ATV on his property. Environmental hazards discovered on the land added DEP-related charges, and Rivas now faces grand theft, burglary, tampering with evidence and witnesses, and creating a public nuisance.
Highlands County and CompostUSA remain in discussions over how to curb odor issues at the company’s Venus site. Neighbors say the smell makes it impossible to enjoy their homes. CEO Kris Creeden says the company is working to cut down the odor — using deeper biofilters, adding more carbon, and adjusting hauling schedules. The county has already issued a code violation, and a hearing originally set for October has been pushed to December.
A Polk County woman is accused of stealing from the elderly woman she was caring for. The sheriff’s office announced yesterday a woman it identifies as Ms. Mitchell was arrested after a traffic stop in Davenport. A deputy noticed her Jeep windows were tinted too dark and pulled her over. According to the PCSO, Mitchell was driving on a suspended license, and there was a warrant out for her arrest. Mitchell was wanted for stealing over 5-thousand dollars from the elderly woman in her care. She’s now charged with theft from a person over 65 and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Governor Ron DeSantis wants the state to cut ties with the American Bar Association. DeSantis wrote yesterday on X he supports ditching the ABA, but it’s up to the Florida Supreme Court to make that change. He adds Texas’ Supreme Court just did something along those lines.