News Update for 2/21/25

A Lake Placid man was arrested Saturday after deputies found him asleep in his car at AdventHealth Sebring—with drugs and a firearm inside. Deputies woke 36-year-old Christopher Myron Clarkson and discovered multiple plastic baggies containing what tested positive as meth and fentanyl. More drugs, paraphernalia, and a handgun wrapped in a T-shirt were also found in the vehicle. Clarkson now faces multiple charges, including armed fentanyl trafficking and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A jury took just 15 minutes to convict Malik Jamal Callahan on five charges, including attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The verdict stems from an April 2023 shooting in Lake Placid, where Callahan fired at two women selling lunches. Despite no weapon being found, prosecutors argued eyewitness testimony was key. Both victims identified Callahan with certainty in court. His defense questioned the lighting and visibility during the attack, but the jury was convinced. Callahan, who previously served five years in prison, was also ruled a prison-releasee reoffender. Sentencing is set for the coming weeks.

A fire in Wauchula on Thursday afternoon has sparked a multi-agency investigation after ammunition was reportedly found inside the burning building.
Fire crews responded to Townsend Street around 1:55 p.m., shutting down the area due to safety concerns. Reportedly, firefighters had to cut through a fence to gain access. At the same time, another fire broke out in Zolfo Springs, engulfing a collapsed barn and spreading due to strong winds. No injuries were reported in either fire as investigations continue.

Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, has been named grand marshal for the 73rd running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The 22-year-old Auburn University nursing student will give the official command to start engines on March 15. Stockard, a dedicated advocate for Cystic Fibrosis awareness and children’s health, has raised over $200,000 for CF research. She will be joined by Miss Florida, Casana Fink, a top finalist in the Miss America competition. Raceway officials say Stockard’s achievements reflect the same dedication and excellence seen in Sebring’s legendary race.

Family, friends, and the Lake Placid community gathered at the Lake Placid High School softball diamond Tuesday night, to honor and remember Kaedince Ruelas and Bo Ward, the two highlands county students lost in a tragic car accident on February 7th. The Lady Dragons softball team, along with visiting Inspiration Academy, paid tribute by wearing pink, flowers, and a heartfelt ceremony. A moment of silence was held, and Kaedince’s number 23 was displayed in center field. Tuesday marked not only the team’s first home game but also what would have been Kaedince’s 18th birthday. The team will carry her jersey throughout the season, playing in her honor.

A decades-old murder case in Central Florida is getting another look. DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger announced yesterday he has reopened an investigation into the death of Mellie Coger. She was 78 when she was beaten to death in her home on East Michigan Ave in 1981. Umberger says a person of interest has been identified. He wouldn’t say who it is, but he says he’s 64 and currently behind bars for a 1987 murder in Seminole County. He also says the Cold Case Unit is working hard to bring closure for the Coger family and let them know we have not forgotten about Mellie.

Drivers will soon notice a slight change on a busy interstate in Central Florida. State transportation officials say it will increase tolls on the I-4 Express lanes during times of high demand starting on Monday. The DOT says the adjustment was also part of the plan and is already in place for other toll roads in the state. The move is designed to reduce congestion, while keeping traffic moving. The tolls are expected to go up the most near downtown Orlando.

Florida is gearing up for a milestone anniversary. 2026 will mark the US’ 250th anniversary. In honor of what’s called the semi quincentennial, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of George Washington in the state capitol yesterday. The bronze statue was loaned by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. DeSantis says there are going to be things done throughout this year leading up the anniversary.