NewsTalk 730

There is still time—but not much—to make a difference for local veterans this holiday season. Lake Placid Western Wear is hosting a gift-tag drive to benefit veterans in need through the Veterans Services of Highlands County. Shoppers can take a tag, purchase a gift, and return both by tomorrow, December 20th. The store is located…

New details have been released in a fatal shooting under investigation in Sebring. Police say the incident happened Tuesday night around 7:35 at a home on Melady Avenue. Officers found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were made, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the shooting stemmed…

Sebring police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened last night in the area of Melady Avenue. Officers responded just before 8 p.m., where a large law enforcement presence remained on scene for several hours. Authorities say the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the community. Residents were asked to avoid the…

A new apartment complex could be coming to north Sebring.City Council is set to review a proposal for Freedom Lake Apartments, a 30-unit development planned for State Road 17 North, between the Sebring Parkway and the highway. The project would require zoning and land-use changes and lists proposed rents starting around $1,375 a month. Access…

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 2247 made history a few weeks ago. The cadets captured their first-ever team title at the quarterly Delegates competition in Clay County, dominating the shooting events. The win follows months of intensive training with HCSO instructors, and nine cadets earned top-three individual finishes. The team recently presented their trophy…

Avon Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency is losing its top leader. CRA Executive Director Jessica Carlson has resigned after eight months, accepting a new role with AdventHealth Heartland. Her final day is January 5, when she’ll present a full transition report to the CRA Joint Board. Carlson says she brought structure to the CRA—expanding business grants…

A Marine Corps veteran previously caught faking his military record has been arrested again for illegally obtaining a Florida Purple Heart license plate. Detective Glenn Burnsed says Zacharias Reeves renewed the honor plate for his truck using false documents, even though he has never received a Purple Heart. Video from the Highlands County Tax Collector’s…

Three arrests have now been made in the fight that broke out during the Avon Park Christmas Parade on December 1st. Deputies say 19-year-olds Damajae Fraser and Jamere Nelson, along with a 16-year-old, were taken into custody Tuesday. Investigators determined Fraser started the brawl by throwing the first punch, with the other two joining in.…

A big-box boost may be on the horizon for Sebring, with BJ’s Wholesale Club now pursuing a new site in town. City officials say the company is working through permits for a location just north of Keiber Boulevard near the Holiday Inn Express, with room for three additional outparcels. There’s also rising interest in nearby…

The Avon Park City Council has voted to end its contract with Florida Airport Management and take back control of the Executive Airport. Despite the company’s pushback, council members unanimously moved forward. To avoid disruptions during a busy period, Humberto Moreno of Flight Academy will temporarily run airport operations while the city plans its next…