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Five men are facing felony charges after police say they robbed a man at gunpoint for a $30 vape pen as he walked home from work in Winter Haven. Investigators say the suspects demanded the victim’s belongings but fled with only the vape pen after he refused to hand over his cellphone. The five men…

The Sebring City Council has voted to reissue its request for proposals to lease the Sebring Municipal Golf Course after lease negotiations with the Blackmon family stalled. Council members approved reopening the bidding process with a 30-day proposal window and a preference for an operator ready to take over by October 1. City officials say…

The School Board of Highlands County unanimously approved the 2026-27 Code of Student Conduct while raising concerns about plans to move the District’s alternative Academy program to a virtual format. Several board members questioned whether students facing expulsion would receive the structure and accountability they need at home. The Board plans to continue discussions on…

The effort to recall three Avon Park City Council members is moving to the next phase after none of the officials resigned before the state deadline. A special recall election will now be scheduled within the next 30 to 60 days, giving voters the chance to decide whether to remove Mayor Garrett Anderson, Deputy Mayor…

Highlands County’s burn ban has been lifted after recent rainfall improved drought conditions. Fire Chief Kelly Duppenthaler told county commissioners the county’s drought index dropped below the threshold that triggers a burn ban, leading officials to end the restriction. Residents are still urged to use caution when burning yard debris and follow state outdoor burning…

Three people have died following an airboat accident in Highlands County. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say seven people were traveling to the Kissimmee River on June 15th when the airboat began taking on water near the Istokpoga Canal and capsized. Four occupants were able to make it safely to shore, while three others were…

A Sebring armed robbery investigation is expanding after detectives identified additional suspects tied to a February holdup. Authorities say new witness information led to charges against Jalen Wilkerson and helped connect several men to the daytime robbery of a gas station customer. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint of about $1,400 after leaving a…

Three Avon Park City Council members have until Tuesday to resign or face a recall election. Enough petition signatures were verified to advance recall efforts against Mayor Garrett Anderson, Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard, and Councilmember Brittany McGuire, with each exceeding the required threshold. If they remain in office, the circuit’s chief judge will be asked…

A major commercial structure fire in Avon Park brought multiple agencies together Wednesday night. Just before 9 p.m., the Sebring Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request on West Garrett Road alongside Highlands County Fire Rescue and Avon Park Fire Department. Crews established a water supply by deploying nearly 1,500 feet of large-diameter hose…

Sebring Police are searching for a suspect after a vehicle was stolen outside Sebring City Hall Tuesday morning. Authorities say the owner briefly left the running vehicle unattended while going inside the building around 11:45 a.m., with a dog remaining inside. The vehicle was taken and later recovered at a residence on Devon Court. The…