NewsTalk 730

Highlands County 911 dispatchers now have a new tool to help save lives faster — Texty, a text-to-911 service that instantly translates messages from 108 languages into English. Before, dispatchers had to copy and paste foreign-language texts into Google Translate. Now, help can be sent quicker, especially for residents who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, or…

The Humane Society of Highlands County is asking for urgent help after 31 dogs, many of them pregnant, were rescued from a severe hoarding situation — more than double the number first expected. Already at capacity, the Sebring shelter took them all in and now needs the community to step up. They’re asking for volunteers,…

Highlands County is strengthening its disaster cleanup plans ahead of hurricane season. County Commissioners have renewed a contract with Tetra Tech — the same company that helped clear debris after California’s massive 2017 Thomas Fire — to monitor local storm debris removal through the end of 2025. Tetra Tech will ensure cleanup work meets strict…

A Highlands County woman accused of killing an elderly Sebring man is set to stand trial this week. Britney Lee Andrus will face a jury for allegedly murdering 88-year-old James Little in his home on Ramona Avenue in October 2020. Investigators say Andrus, who lived in Little’s mother-in-law suite, called 911 claiming she found him…

After more than a decade of “C” grades, the Highlands County School District has earned its first “B” since 2011 for the 2024-25 school year. Five elementary schools — including Lake Placid and Park Elementary — scored top “A” marks, up from just one last year. Neighboring districts Hendry and Hardee also improved to “B”…

A Highlands County ranch known for Florida panther activity is now permanently protected from development under a $4 million conservation easement. Conservation Florida, alongside federal partners, secured the agreement to preserve the 1,003-acre AP Ranch next to the Archbold Biological Preserve. The deal protects vital wildlife habitat and migration corridors while allowing the ranch’s cattle…

A busy day of community connection is ahead for Highlands County residents. Sebring Mayor John Shoop kicks things off this morning at 8 a.m. with “What’s Up Downtown Sebring?” — a chance for free coffee and conversation at Highlands Lakeside Theatre, where locals can hear updates and connect with fellow business owners and community leaders.…

Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District in Sebring has expanded its popular pickleball facilities with a $65,000 investment in six new permanent courts. The project converted former flex courts into dedicated pickleball courts, bringing the total to 14. The new courts open today and will be available daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. Sun ‘N Lake…

Highlands County residents are reminded to enjoy Fourth of July celebrations today — weather permitting! In Sebring, the annual Patriotic Revue at Highlands Lakeside Theatre runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring music and performances honoring our nation, followed by fireworks over Lake Jackson at City Pier Beach at 9 p.m. Avon Park’s Main…

A recent Florida Department of Transportation speed study of U.S. 27 in Sebring has determined that current speed limits will remain unchanged. The study, prompted by a local resident’s call to lower the limit for safety reasons, found drivers frequently exceed the posted speeds of 50 and 55 miles per hour. Despite 965 crashes —…