News Update for 2/3/26

Highlands County deputies, with the help of K-9 Waylon, arrested a Sebring man Sunday after he ran from investigators. Authorities say Micah Gregory Brown fled while deputies attempted to question him about a battery case but was tracked to a wooded area off South Egret Street, where he was found hiding. Deputies say Brown was also found in possession of marijuana packaged for sale and now faces multiple charges, including battery, drug offenses, and resisting arrest.

An update from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office confirms Christopher Alan Phillips of Zolfo Springs was sentenced Monday, February 2nd to 30 years in prison, the maximum sentence, and designated a sexual predator. Phillips was originally arrested in October 2022 after investigators determined he sexually assaulted an adult woman who lacked the mental capacity to legally consent. The case stems from an incident in 2021, and authorities say the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the protection of vulnerable victims.

Heartland Christian Academy in Sebring is planning for future growth after acquiring a 42-acre property on Basket Lake Road. School leaders say the land will allow the K–12 academy to eventually relocate and expand beyond its current campus, which has reached capacity. Enrollment currently stands at about 325 students, with long-term plans to grow to as many as 600. While no construction timeline has been set, officials say site planning and funding will determine when development of the new campus begins.

The School Board of Highlands County celebrated the grand opening of its new employee health clinic recently in Sebring. The CareATC Health Center, located at Heartland Professional Plaza, will provide convenient and accessible healthcare services for district employees. District leaders say the clinic represents a major investment in staff wellness, reducing barriers to care and supporting the employees who keep local schools running every day.