News Update for 2/25/25
An Avon Park High School student was arrested yesterday after a scuffle with staff and school resource deputies led to the discovery of a disassembled handgun in his backpack. Deputies were tipped off about the 16-year-old acting suspiciously off campus before he entered the school. When pulled from class for questioning, he resisted, forcing deputies to use a taser. A search of his backpack revealed the firearm parts, a loaded magazine, and suspected marijuana. The student now faces multiple charges, including possession of a weapon on school grounds. Sheriff Paul Blackman praised the quick action of staff and deputies, emphasizing the importance of “see something, say something.”
On Thursday, Feb. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Highlands County Road & Bridge will close the intersection of Grand Prix Drive and Ferrari Drive in Sebring for culvert replacement. Detour signs and flaggers will be in place to assist drivers. Please be aware that dates and times may change due to weather or unforeseen conditions. Use caution in the area and avoid the closure if possible.
A teenager is facing charges in connection to a Polk County murder. Police say a 15-year-old and another young suspect were involved in a botched drug deal in Frostproof Sunday night. The two kids had been communicating with a 22-year-old through social media before they all met up at a home off Washington Terrace. The 22-year-old was shot and killed shortly after arriving at the scene. The 15-year-old has been arrested on charges for attempted robbery, first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Authorities are still looking for a 16-year-old they believe was also involved in the incident.
The Highlands County School Board will discuss the proposed merger of Lake Placid High and Middle School in a workshop at 5:30 p.m. today. The plan aims to improve student success by aligning curriculum and easing the transition between middle and high school. However, School Board Chair Nicole Radonski acknowledges parent concerns about the speed of the announcement and wants to gather more data before moving forward. The workshop will address common misconceptions, including student placement, teacher assignments, and financial motives. The meeting will be held at the Garland Boggus Board Room in Sebring.
Another Miami-Dade County man wanted for stealing swans in Polk County is facing charges. The sheriff’s office announced yesterday Jordan Montoya surrendered Friday night. He’s the second suspect arrested for the theft two weeks ago. Montoya and Alfredo Casanova allegedly stole two black swans and six eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland. Casanova was booked last week. Deputies recovered the swans and eggs and returned them to their home last week.
A group of men are accused of trafficking guns around Central Florida. The U.S. Department of Justice broke the news yesterday, saying seven suspects have been arrested as part of a scheme in the Orlando area. Two of the men are accused of operating a trafficking ring involving hundreds of firearms since at least September of 2023. The weapons were allegedly sold to undocumented immigrants and convicted felons. A majority of the suspects are from Osceola County.
To celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, SFSC and Nucor Steel Florida teamed up to award scholarships to four students for the Nucor Florida Mechanical Technical Academy. Avon Park High seniors Dyston Benner and Carson Cloud will begin their training in August 2025, while Brian Hill Jr. and Mary Portwood started in August 2024. The two-year program combines SFSC’s Mechatronics coursework with paid, hands-on training at Nucor’s Frostproof mill. Nucor covers tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA and offers graduates a job upon completion. Nucor’s recruiting period runs September to December, with interviews in January.