News Update for 7/28/25
The Highlands County School District is moving forward with plans to open a new employee-only medical clinic in 2026, contracting with CareATC for a $1.2 million annual cost—$400,000 more than the current provider. While officials say the clinic will offer major benefits, like zero out-of-pocket costs for most surgeries, some board members have concerns. One School board member voted against the plan, warning that the proposed costs may be underestimated and that the District is possibly bearing too much financial risk. The clinic’s location is still being determined.
A Highlands County jury has found Britney Lee Andrus guilty of second-degree murder in the 2020 killing of 88-year-old James Little of Sebring. She was also convicted of grand theft auto and burglary with assault. Prosecutors say Andrus and her accomplice, Tyler Best, stole from Little over several days before he was fatally beaten. Best, who previously pleaded guilty and testified against Andrus, claimed she confessed to the murder. The victim’s family expressed relief after waiting five years for justice. Andrus will be sentenced on September 15.
A historic property in Polk County is drawing interest from developers. The city of Lake Wales has announced four companies submitted bids to restore the Walesbilt Hotel on West Park Ave. A committee will review the bids and notify applicants by August 8th if they’ll move to the second phase of the bid process. The hotel opened 98 years ago. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
A Florida man is celebrating his 102nd birthday a bit early. Harold Terens’ big day isn’t officially until next month but the World War Two veteran marked the occasion on Saturday in Delray Beach with about three dozen family members. During the war, the Air Force vet fixed airplanes and transported prisoners. He recounts losing half of his company’s pilots on D-Day. Now, the centenarian says his next mission will be a bar mitzvah for his 103rd birthday. He hopes to have the event held at the Pentagon.