News Update 7/24/25
The Avon Park City Council is holding a special workshop tonight to discuss possibly reviving its own police department. The city has used the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement since shutting down its department in 2012, but rising costs have sparked new talks. City leaders say it could take up to three years to fully plan and fund a new force if they move ahead. Residents are encouraged to weigh in to help officials decide what’s best for Avon Park’s future. The workshop is from 5:30PM-9:30PM at the Council Chambers located at 123 E. Pine St.
A brief tornado touched down in DeSoto County on Monday but no official warning was issued, sparking debate among meteorologists. WINK Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt identified the tornado during the 6 p.m. forecast using viewer videos and radar data, showing debris flying through the air. But the National Weather Service says its radar didn’t detect enough rotation to trigger a warning, calling the twister a weak, short-lived landspout. While Devitt respectfully disagreed with NWS on this particular situation, both Devitt and the NWS do agree their top priority is keeping people safe. No injuries or major damages were reported.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has announced a multi-million-dollar fraud bust. Judd teamed up with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier yesterday to announce the details of the bust. It involved 235 victims across various states and amounted to nearly nine-million dollars in stolen funds. Judd says tellers at M&T Bank accessed private data and sold the account information through encrypted apps. Eight people were arrested on suspicion of fraud and racketeering. Among those arrested are two former West Virginia University football players. They have all been booked into the Polk County Jail.
An illegal immigrant is facing charges for a deadly crash in Polk County. The sheriff’s office announced yesterday Billado Mendez was arrested Tuesday after a crash in Davenport. Deputies say Mendez was driving a truck when he ran a stop sign and hit another truck. A 34-year-old Davenport woman in Mendez’ truck was killed. Investigators say Mendez is here illegally from Mexico, and he has never had a valid driver’s license. ICE has been notified. The charges against Mendez include No Valid Driver’s License Involving Death.