NewsTalk 730

Mediation is scheduled Sept. 23rd in Tampa in the lawsuit over the 2023 death of 13-year-old Malik Pearson, who was struck by an Amtrak train while walking home from Avon Park Middle School. The lawsuit names Amtrak, CSX Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the City of Avon Park. The family claims the crossing…

Deputies throughout Highlands County are stepping up seatbelt enforcement as part of the annual Click It or Ticket campaign running through Memorial Day. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office says there are no excuses for skipping a seatbelt, reminding drivers that one in five Floridians killed in passenger vehicle crashes in 2023 were not buckled up.…

Authorities in Avon Park have arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with a stabbing that occurred May 14, 2026, outside Room 111. Detectives say David J. Lozano was taken into custody on May 19 and charged with attempted murder. Investigators initially received conflicting accounts but later determined Lozano and the 24-year-old victim were involved in…

A Sebring man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he carjacked a vehicle during an incident on May 6th. Investigators say 32-year-old Marion Pina Miranda allegedly punched a driver and stole a Chevy Equinox before leading deputies on a chase at speeds topping 100 miles per hour. The pursuit ended near Arbuckle Creek Road,…

Highlands County deputies, Sebring Police, and school officials are warning students after two separate incidents involving fake firearms this week. Authorities say one student pointed an unloaded flare gun at another student at Sebring High School, while five teens were detained after witnesses reported what appeared to be a gun being pointed from a moving…

The Sebring Fire Department, Sebring Police Department and the City of Sebring have canceled the Splash Day portion of Saturday’s 9th Annual Kids Bicycle Rodeo and Splash Day due to Modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage restrictions. Organizers say the Bicycle Rodeo will still take place May 16th, and families are encouraged to bring their…

A 21-year-old Sebring man, Tyron Amon Fred Weatherspoon, was arrested Monday after deputies say he accidentally shot a 17-year-old girl in the leg inside a Lake Placid home on Lincoln Road NE. Authorities say the victim was airlifted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators report the man was handling a pistol when it discharged,…

A Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Monday morning after a minor crash at Sebring Parkway and Kenilworth Boulevard, officials said. Deputy Lars Kirkegard allegedly left the scene and was later charged with DUI and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. The Florida Highway Patrol made the arrest around 10 a.m.…

A former Sebring High School teacher is facing three felony charges following an investigation by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Chandler Gowan Tuesday on charges including soliciting a romantic relationship with a student and unauthorized access to student records. Investigators say Gowan allegedly gave a 14-year-old student a note asking, “Do you…

The Highlands County School Board is adjusting to a vacancy following the resignation of District 5 member Nicole Radonski. Board Attorney Shannon Nash says Florida law requires Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a replacement, as the school board cannot fill the seat or hold a special election. The board will continue operating with four members…