News Update for 2/24/25

Highlands County Fire Rescue welcomed three new ambulances with a traditional wash-down ceremony at Fire Station 19 in Sebring on Friday. Built by Horton Emergency Vehicles, these $390,000 units replace aging models, some with over 300,000 miles due to manufacturing delays. The new ambulances will be stationed at Fire Stations 19, 10, and 41, joining a fleet of nine rescue and three reserve units. According to Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Fitch, county ambulances responded to over 21,000 calls last year and average 37,000 miles per rescue year on each unit.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help after a 22-year-old man was murdered in Frostproof on Sunday afternoon. The shooting happened around 5:08 p.m. on Washington Avenue, and investigators are working to identify the suspect.
Authorities urge anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers, where tips can remain anonymous, and a reward is available for information leading to an arrest.

A boy is dead after what police call a heartbreaking tragedy in Polk County. Davenport Police say four-year-old Chosen Morris died Saturday after accidentally shooting himself on Friday. He apparently found a gun in a car in his family’s garage. Police Chief Steve Parker says this is a tragic accident, and his prayers are with the Morris family.

Lake Placid High School Principal Kevin Tunning has been named a Florida TaxWatch 2024-2025 Principal Leadership Award winner for his impact on student success. The award, based on student performance data, recognizes principals leading at-risk schools.
As a recipient, Tunning can select an LPHS student for an Academic A-plus Challenge Scholarship. He credits the achievement to his staff and students, calling it a team effort. Florida TaxWatch will visit the school on March 26th to highlight his leadership. Tunning is one of just 15 principals statewide to receive this honor.

Sitework is underway for Sebring Parkway Townhomes, a new 35-acre development at 2200 Scenic Highway east of Bernie Little Distributors. The property, purchased in March 2024 for $2.1 million by RR Towns at Sebring, LLC, is backed by Rocklyn Homes, a Georgia-based builder with projects in Florida and Georgia. The development will feature 200 housing units with two entrances on Ben Eastman Road. Plans include a 4.29-acre pond, 1.61 acres of open space, and an 8-foot-wide multi-use trail. The project received county approval before Sebring annexed the land, and builders are now awaiting city permits to begin construction.

Lake Placid’s Chris Crow took top honors at the 2025 American Bass Anglers Professional League Florida South Division 7 tournament on Lake Okeechobee, held on February 22nd. Crow, fishing out of Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston, brought in five bass weighing a total of 27.13 pounds, including a 6.80-pound kicker, earning him a $3,200 prize. Crow, who fished primarily on the north end of the lake, caught all his fish using a frog lure. His victory was especially sweet as his wife and child were there to witness his win. The second-place finish went to Robert Branaugh, while Matt Wieteha took third.

A wild chase involving a stolen truck and multiple law enforcement agencies ended early Saturday morning in Polk County with the arrest of 41-year-old Danielle Gatch from Naples. The pursuit began in Hardee County after deputies tried to stop Gatch, who refused to pull over and led them into Polk County. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted by deploying an Aviation Unit, K-9s, and Stop Sticks. The chase ended in Bartow when Gatch’s truck hit the Stop Sticks, deflating all four tires. After refusing to exit the truck, Gatch was arrested, and a search revealed methamphetamine, marijuana, and Xanax. She faces several charges, including possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, drug possession, and resisting arrest. Hardee County deputies will also be filing charges related to the theft of the vehicle and fleeing to elude law enforcement.

A Lake Wales woman has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly stabbing and killing a 71-year-old man. Police responded to a stabbing at a home on Ashton Palms Drive around 6:19 a.m. Saturday. Officers found the victim with a stab wound to the chest and attempted life-saving measures before he was transported to Lake Wales Advent Health, where he later died. Detectives identified 49-year-old Mihaela Mallen as the suspect. She was taken into custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.