News Update for 12/26/24
The search continues for a company that can take down the water tower located behind Sebring Fire Station 15 on US 27. The City of Sebring recently decided to once again extend the bidding deadline for the removal of the landmark built in 1988. The new deadline is now January 3rd, and had a mandatory stipulation of an on-site pre-bid meeting at the tower site, which was conducted on December 12th. According to reports, six demolition companies attended that pre-bid meeting to discuss the complex project. In addition to working out the logistics of the site with potential bidders, the City of Sebring hoped the deadline extension would give those bidders extra time to complete and submit their bid documents during the holiday season.
A Central Florida woman is accused of stabbing someone over a bad tip for a pizza delivery in Osceola County. The sheriff’s office says 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo was arrested on Monday, a day after the incident was reported at Riviera Motel in Kissimmee. The victim had ordered pizza from a local restaurant on Sunday evening. Police say Alvelo returned to the motel with an armed man, where they forced their way into the victim’s room. Alvelo is accused of stabbing the victim multiple times before stealing several items and taking off. She was charged with attempted murder, while her alleged accomplice is still at-large.
More resources are going toward addressing aggressive driving on Central Florida roads. The state Department of Transportation recently awarded nearly 30-thousand dollars to the Florida Safety Council. The money will offer free classes to drivers accused of road rage or street racing incidents. The course will provide the offenders and at-risk individuals with the tools they need to prevent them from continuing the dangerous driving behaviors. The council is planning to introduce the program in the greater Orlando area and Brevard County in the coming months.
LEGO enthusiasts from around the country will meet in Central Florida next year. The 2025 Orlando Brick Convention will feature displays, merchandise, and meet-and-greets with industry celebrities. Tickets for the event are about 15 dollars. The convention will take place at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee on March 29th and March 30th.
More in-depth screening measures will go into effect next year for volunteers in public schools, potentially increasing the cost of screenings. The updated screening requirements start on March 1st, but here in Highlands County, the School Board has already committed to utilizing the enhanced screening procedures for volunteers prior to the March 1st date. The measure passed unanimously in 2023, and will elevate screening for volunteers from a Level 1 background check to a Level 2 and will now include fingerprinting.
A serial criminal is facing more charges in Central Florida. Edgewater Police announced yesterday Kevin Campana was arrested Monday night. The 31-year-old allegedly stole a car at Hibiscus Wholesale Auto Parts on North Flagler Ave. With police chasing him, Campana crashed into a K-9 unit’s car and was arrested. He’s facing charges that include burglary, theft and fleeing from police. This marks Campana’s 36th arrest, and his second in less than a week. That arrest came after he allegedly tried to steal a car at a dealership in Orange County.
A man is hurt after he was shot by law enforcement officers in Seminole County. Altamonte Springs Police say the shooting took place yesterday morning at a home on Florida Boulevard. A woman called police because her husband’s behavior worried her, and she wanted officers to protect her while she went inside to get Christmas gifts. Police found Stephen Scherer inside with a gun, and they urged him to drop it. One officer Tased Scherer, but it had no effect, and when Scherer pointed his gun at his wife, an ASPD officer and a Seminole County deputy fired their weapons. Scherer was shot and taken to the hospital, but there’s no word on his condition. No one else was hurt. Scherer faces a charge of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. The FDLE is investigating.
The alleged attempted Trump assassin is having his federal trial pushed back. In court documents filed Monday, Judge Aileen Cannon set Ryan Routh’s new trial date for September 8th, 2025. It was originally set to start last month before being delayed to February 10th. Routh is accused of waiting for Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course to try to assassinate him in September. He fled the scene before eventually being taken into custody.