News Update for 12/10/25
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. All three face charges of felony battery and causing a riot with injury. The two adults were booked into the Highlands County Jail, and the teen was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. Deputies say more arrests are likely.
Avon Park is narrowing its search for a new city manager. The City Council has chosen eight finalists and will interview them on January 10th at Council Chambers, starting at 9 a.m. Human Resources Director Denise Koger says the city received 19 applications, but only nine qualified, and one withdrew. The finalists include interim city manager Jason Atkinson and candidates from across Florida and beyond. Council members will score the interviews, with results expected to be discussed at the January 12th meeting.
A Polk County man is jailed after deputies say he violently injured a three-month-old baby in his care. On December 8th, investigators arrested 24-year-old Zachary Ingram of Eagle Lake, charging him with aggravated child abuse. The investigation began after a 911 call on November 26th. Doctors found the infant had a brain bleed, spinal injuries, and retinal hemorrhaging — injuries experts say are consistent with violent shaking, not an accident. Detectives confirmed Ingram was the only adult home and he later admitted shaking the baby. The child remains critical but stable as the case moves forward.
South Florida State College is preparing for Fall Commencement this Thursday — and one graduating student will take center stage. Arcadia resident Lacie Hershberger, 41, has been selected as the student commencement speaker at the ceremony held at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center in Avon Park. Hershberger will earn her associate in arts degree after overcoming early college setbacks, personal challenges, and years spent raising a family and working in education. She says her message to graduates is one of perseverance, encouragement, and “finishing the journey you once started.”