Polk County deputies arrested a Frostproof man Tuesday after a brief chase ended with help from a K-9. Deputies say 33-year-old Kurt Hugh Gaddy, wanted for violating probation, tried to run from a camper on Herndon Road. The chase didn’t last long — K-9 Owens and Deputy Warren quickly caught up and took him into custody. While being arrested, Gaddy allegedly tried to ditch a pipe used for methamphetamine. He now faces multiple charges, including violation of probation, resisting an officer, tampering with evidence, and possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.
A plea deal may be in the works for a man accused of a brutal Highlands County murder. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Miguel Molina-Etchechury, a convicted meth trafficker, beat 28-year-old Jonathan Diaz to death in December 2018, burned his body, and buried it in a Sebring backyard. Molina faces charges of second-degree murder, abuse of a dead body, and tampering with evidence. Molina’s trial was set for September 22nd, but prosecutors and defense attorneys are now in negotiations for a possible plea agreement. A pretrial conference is being held to update the judge on the status of those talks.
The Avon Park CRA is inviting the community to help shape the city’s future look. In partnership with the Heartland Cultural Alliance, the CRA will host a Public Art Workshop on Monday, September 9th, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Peter Powell Roberts Museum on West Main Street. CRA Economic Development Manager Jessica Carlson says the session will focus on plans for murals, sculptures, color standards, and downtown branding. The goal is to set clear guidelines for future public art projects and ensure CRA funds are used responsibly.
Florida may end vaccine mandates for children. Right now, the state requires all kids to get vaccinated before enrolling in school. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo [[LAD-uh-po]] said yesterday, though, he wants to eliminate mandates for all vaccines. He says all the mandates are wrong and drip with disdain and slavery. Ladapo adds what you put into your body is between you and your God. State lawmakers would need to agree before all mandates are wiped out. What Ladapo can do now, without lawmakers’ approval, is get rid of mandates for four vaccines. Those are for chicken pox, Hib, Hepatitis B, and PCV 15/20.