NewsTalk 730

A Highlands County man is under arrest following a New Year’s Eve investigation involving an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl. Sheriff’s deputies say a 41-year-old suspect was taken into custody after the victim reported a long-term, non-consensual sexual relationship and a violent incident that prevented her from leaving the residence. Investigators say the…

Sebring city leaders are moving ahead with plans to relocate the city’s Public Works and Utilities Departments. City staff recently toured facilities in Mount Dora and Clermont to gather ideas and explore architectural options. The city has issued a request for proposals for architectural services, with a deadline of January 13. Officials say relocating the…

>> Highlands County Seniors Targeted in Rising Bitcoin ATM Scams Highlands County officials are warning residents, especially seniors, about a sharp rise in Bitcoin ATM scams. Fraudsters nationwide have already stolen over $333 million in 2025, pressuring victims to deposit cash or cryptocurrency into ATMs for fake debts or emergencies. The Sheriff’s Office urges everyone…

Highlands County Fire Rescue crews responded yesterday to a one-acre brush fire in the Venus area off Quail Run. Officials say the fire was caused by an escaped illegal burn and was quickly brought under control. No injuries or structural damage were reported. Fire crews were assisted by the Florida Forest Service. Residents are reminded…

A piece of racing history will be on display this Wednesday in downtown Sebring. The Crosley Hot Shot that won the 1950 Sam Collier Memorial will be showcased on the Circle as the city marks the 75th anniversary of the world’s first sports car endurance race, and the first European-style sports car race held in…

Sad news ahead of this week’s celebration marking the very first race at Sebring. Eldridge Pollard, one of the event’s co–grand marshals, has passed away at the age of 96. Pollard and Legare Smoak both served as firefighters during the inaugural race at the Sebring Air Terminal in 1950. Racing officials call his passing a…

Four teenagers are facing charges after authorities say they forced their way into a Sebring home and threatened the occupant’s life. Investigators with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office report the group returned to the home armed with a handgun, pointed the weapon at the victim, and ransacked parts of the residence. Three suspects are charged…

Highlands County residents are reminded that residential trash and bulk waste collection will proceed as normally scheduled today, but no collection services will be provided tomorrow on Christmas Day. Customers normally scheduled for Thursday will receive service on Friday, while Friday customers will be collected on Saturday, resulting in a one-day shift for the remainder…

Highlands County Fire Rescue contained a brush fire that broke out yesterday afternoon near Henry Drive in Venus. Crews were called out around 3 p.m., working alongside the Florida Forest Service. The fire burned about three acres, destroying one residential structure and several outbuildings. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation. Officials…

A judge has granted a two-month continuance in the capital murder case against Diane Mack, stemming from a child abuse death investigation in Highlands County. Her defense attorney says he needs more time to review hundreds of hours of security video collected from Mack’s home. Prosecutors say the footage documents ongoing abuse and neglect leading…