News Update for 09/22/26

A water main break in Lake Placid’s Tomoka Heights area has prompted a boil water notice. The town says water service may be interrupted or temporarily discolored while repairs are underway. Residents should boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice. Officials say updates will be provided once testing confirms the water is safe.

South Florida State College is developing a new policy requiring applicants to verify U.S. citizenship or lawful presence before enrolling. The SFSC Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider the policy September 23rd. Under the proposal, applicants would attest to their status during admission and provide documentation before enrolling or registering for classes. Applicants denied admission or enrollment would have an opportunity to appeal.

The Blackmon family is asking the state to waive a requirement for an ADA-compliant elevator at the former Wachovia building in downtown Sebring. The family says upgrading the existing elevator would require an exterior shaft costing an estimated $900,000. The state is expected to consider the waiver October 13th, while the CRA has extended the project deadline to October 31st.

A Lake Suzy man is facing four felony charges following a recent investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Investigators say 62-year-old James Mark Hollingsworth, a Canadian-born permanent resident, voted in DeSoto County’s 2024 primary and general elections despite not being a U.S. citizen. Hollingsworth was recently arrested and released on 10-thousand dollars bond.