News Update for 2/27/25
Lake Placid High, Middle, and Elementary Schools were put under a precautionary Controlled Campus lockdown yesterday due to a potential bomb threat made online. The measure remained in place for hours as law enforcement and school officials investigated the claims. The lockdown was later lifted and authorities confirmed that there was never any immediate danger to the campuses. Officials thanked The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and school leaders that responded swiftly to ensure safety.
Starting today, Thursday, February 27th, through Friday, February 28th, ECS Florida LLC will conduct core sampling on Arbuckle Creek Road as part of an upcoming improvement project. Drivers should expect temporary lane closures between the Arbuckle Creek Bridge and Riverdale Road. While minimal traffic impact is expected, motorists are urged to use caution in the area. For more information, contact Highlands County Engineering at 863-402-6877.
A Lake Wales woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly setting her dogs on Duke Energy workers and attacking a deputy. Police say 28-year-old Tiffany Perkins released her Great Danes on utility employees investigating possible electricity theft at her home on Sugar Pine Loop. When deputies arrived, she refused to cooperate and called 911. As they attempted to arrest her, one of the dogs attacked an officer, causing injuries. Investigators later confirmed Perkins was stealing power. She now faces charges including battery on law enforcement, utility theft, and animal cruelty. Both dogs have been removed from the property.
A Central Florida man is accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer in order to investigate illegal immigrants. Orange County police say Steven Donovan pretended to be with the Department of Homeland Security while at the Sabal Palm apartments in Orlando earlier this week. Court documents state that Donovan told an employee at the complex that he was investigating illegal immigrants and needed one of the units opened before allegedly flashing a gun. The suspect had his first court appearance yesterday, where a one-thousand-dollar bond was set.
More information is coming to light after The Avon Park City Council voted to launch a review into the sale of the Brickell Building after concerns were raised about proper procedures. Councilwoman Michelle “Shelly” Mercure, citing documents from a watchdog group “Clean Up Avon Park City Hall,” questions whether the sale to Daniel Sauls Real Estate, LLC, met all legal benchmarks. At issue, is a certificate of occupancy (CO) that was reportedly required for the full building but may have only covered part of it. Watchdog administrator Dolores Cox Miranda alleges the city council was misled, with key approvals happening outside formal agendas.
A Frostproof man has been arrested on felony charges after deputies uncovered an illegal cockfighting operation at his home. Investigators say 26-year-old Alex Galarza was taken into custody after deputies, responding to an unrelated tip, discovered roosters in cages with signs of cockfighting, along with a fighting ring, scales, and other related equipment at a McClellan Road residence. A search warrant revealed further evidence, including metal spurs and fight records. Galarza faces multiple felony charges, while his sister, 19-year-old Isela Garcia-Galarza, was also arrested for obstruction.
An organization is trying to combat deadly drug overdoses in Central Florida. Foundations to Freedom is going to add six more Narcan vending machines in Volusia County communities deemed high-risk. One machine is currently up and running in DeLand. Since it was installed in late January, it has dispensed at least 60 doses of Narcan. The nonprofit tells WFTV that the goal is to make the life-saving drug easily accessible for people who need it most.
Florida wildlife officials are supporting President Donald Trump’s move to rename the “Gulf of Mexico.” FWC Executive Director Roger Young says he has issued an executive order to comply with the renaming of the body of water to the “Gulf of America.” Young broke the news during a commission meeting in Tallahassee earlier today, saying staff will update all of the agency’s documents as soon as possible. State lawmakers will kick of the annual legislative session next week with a proposal that would also change references in state laws from the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.” Legislators are scheduled to reconvene in the state capital on Tuesday.