Local News 5-21-25

Graduation week has already started in the County – 28 students graduated from Highlands Virtual School last night at Sebring High’s Smith Center. The big numbers come this weekend, when 887 more seniors from Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid High are expected to graduate in ceremonies at SFSC.

Power got cut to around 400 Glades Electric customers yesterday evening after what they call an “unexpected” event forced the closure of Highway 98 for repairs near Spring Lake. The road was opened again and power restored by mid-evening.

Think you can’t get ticketed for not wearing a seat belt? Think again. The Sheriff’s office is making that point through June 1st with their annual “Click It Or Ticket” campaign. In addition to the annoying noise your car makes when you don’t buckle up, it could cost you money. The Sheriff’s Department says the last year numbers were available, 91.9% of drivers used seat belts at least during the day. Buckle up, okay?

Avon Park will have its own Downtown Farmers’ Market starting June 14 in The Hotel Jacaranda Arcade and its back parking lot. Organizers say they’re expecting food trucks and music behind the old NAPA store at the corner of North Butler and West Main St. If it works as planned, it’ll happen each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids, you may not get to sleep in next school year after all. The State Legislature last week sent a bill to Governor DeSantis rolling back a requirement that high schools in the state start classes no earlier than 8:30 so teenagers could get more sleep. They DO care about your sleep – but school districts around the state were struggling with the need it created for more buses and bus drivers.