It’s not global warming – it’s August in Florida. Officials of the National Weather Service say there’s a heat wave and it’s going to be a scorcher in Highlands County and throughout the Sunshine State today.
Weather service authorities have issued a Heat Advisory, which will be in effect until 7:00 this evening.
Heat index values of as much as 112 degrees are expected. That could result in heat stroke & heat exhaustion among other things.
Health officials advise residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, and out of the sun. They also suggest checking on relatives and neighbors.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies yesterday took a man into custody following a five-hour standoff at a South Hankin Road residence in the community of Alturas. That’s located between Lake Wales and Bartow.
Sheriff’s officials say 33-year-old Victor Garcia finally was arrested around quarter-past-five last night. Garcia, who is a convicted felon, was in possession of an AR-15 rifle and a handgun.
When lawmen arrived at the scene, the man barricaded himself inside the house. He has been charged with illegal dischage of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon among other charges.