News Update for 4/15/26

Residents are advised that the Veterans Beach Boat Ramp will be closed from Thursday, April 23rd through the morning of Monday, April 27th due to the Pro Watercross event hosted with Visit Sebring. During this time, there will be no public access to the boat ramp while event operations are underway. City officials encourage the community to plan ahead and use alternate boating access points if needed. The City of Sebring Public Works Department has placed signage in the area to help notify residents and visitors ahead of the closure.

Highlands County has launched a new online resource page featuring details on its ongoing impact fee study and alternative funding options. Residents can view the information at highlandsfl.gov under the Development Services’ Impact Fees page. A public workshop is set for Tuesday, May 12th at 9 a.m. in the Government Center Board Room in Sebring, where commissioners will discuss next steps and potential fees.

A 27-year-old fugitive is back in custody after trying — and failing — to hide under a mattress in Winter Haven. Shawn Giles fled deputies Monday morning as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve multiple felony warrants. The search led to a condemned home, where a K-9 unit tracked him down. Deputies say Giles was found hiding under a mattress after the K-9 alerted inside the house. He was taken into custody and now faces additional charges, on top of warrants including felony battery, drug possession, and probation violations.

Florida’s attorney general says investigators have recovered more than $5 million lost in online scams targeting seniors. James Uthmeier announced the recovery in Ocala, tied to a romance-turned-investment scam involving victims in Florida and Massachusetts. Officials say these scams often start on dating sites and can drain savings quickly. In one case, a victim recovered $450,000. Authorities urge anyone affected to report fraud immediately.