News Update for 10/17/24
Operation Blue Roof is now accepting applications for Highlands County Residents affected by Hurricane Milton. The program is providing free temporary tarping while residents work to repair their roof. Applications can be submitted at BLUEROOF.GOV or by calling 888-766-3258. The program is being offered throughout Florida through November 5th and includes 24 counties in total.
Sheriff Grady Judd is expected to brief the media at 10:00 a.m. this morning at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven, about a five-day-long multi-agency undercover investigation, “Operation Autumn Sweep” that focused on human trafficking. The investigation yielded 157 arrests of suspects who solicited prostitutes, those who offered to commit prostitution, and other suspects who committed crimes related to prostitution. Among the arrests, four victims of human trafficking were identified and offered services. Three additional suspects were arrested for soliciting who they though were children online, including one who is employed at Disney World.
A Central Florida business owner is one of those looking for answers as he tries to rebuild from Hurricane Milton. Alex Aguilar owns Fruta Mix in Ocoee, and he says it sustained major damage during the storm. He’d like to get a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration, but the federal agency announced Tuesday it doesn’t have enough money in its Disaster Loan Program. The SBA says over 12-thousand businesses have applied for a disaster loan, but they may be out of luck unless Congress approves more funding for the loan program. Aguilar tells News channels his main concern is making sure his employees get paid while he rebuilds.
Polk County police are looking for the owners of dozens of pets who were found during last week’s storm. The sheriff’s office’s Animal Control Division says 76 animals were located in response to Hurricane Milton. Sheriff Grady Judd says only two pets found wandering had microchips. Anyone whose pet has gone missing is asked to visit the shelter off De Castro Road in Winter Haven. It’s open Monday through Saturday.
A Central Florida real estate expert is warning residents to be aware of people she describes as vultures. Eileen Bedinghaus runs Bedinghaus Real Estate Services in St. Petersburg. She said recently she’s hearing that people claiming to be real estate agents are offering to buy storm-damaged homes on the spot. Bedinghaus says you shouldn’t make any major decisions when you have a loss because it’s an emotional and traumatic time. She says her advice is to listen, gather information and take your time but don’t trust them.
A search is underway for an 18-year-old murder suspect in Orange County. Ja’Corey Lowery, also known as “Trap,” is accused of killing a 17-year-old near Orlando’s Oak Ridge community last month. Police say the victim, Arthy Cetoute, was found along Americana Boulevard on the night of September fifth. There is a five-thousand-dollar reward available for anyone with information that leads to Lowery’s arrest.
Highlands County theme park goers have something to look forward too. Universal Orlando’s newest attraction could be open in just a matter of months. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Epic Universe could open next May, and tickets could go on sale this month. Universal has not commented on the report. Epic Universe was first announced five years ago. It’ll include five worlds, like Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’ll be Universal’s fourth theme park in Orlando.