News Update for 3/12/25
Drivers in Highlands County should be aware of two upcoming road closures. On Tuesday, March 18, the retail center entrance on Bayview Street (at U.S. 27) in Sebring will be closed during daytime hours for underground construction at a future Century Bayview Storage site. Motorists should use the U.S. 27 entrance next to Chick-Fil-A instead. Then, on Wednesday, March 26, West Cornell Street in Avon Park will be closed between South Anoka Avenue and South Florida Avenue for a concrete pour by Marmer Construction. This closure will last from early morning through daytime hours. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect delays.
The Sebring Fire Department is getting a major upgrade in emergency response thanks to an $11,000 donation from the Thakkar Family Foundation. The contribution covers half the cost of a LUCAS CPR machine, which delivers automated, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac emergencies. Dr. Thakkar and his team were honored recently at Fire Station 14, where the department expressed their gratitude. The state-of-the-art CPR device will improve survival rates, reduce strain on responders, and enhance emergency care. This is the second LUCAS device for the department, with the new unit set to be placed on Engine 15.
The School Board has approved its five-year facility plan with the Florida Department of Education, but some members are raising concerns over the recommended renovation costs. One major change includes shifting Sebring Pre-K Center students to their zoned schools next year. In its place, the campus will house The Academy at Youth Care Lane, serving as an alternative and virtual education school. While this plan was approved in October, some Board members expressed surprise at the student population shift. Concerns also arose over costly renovation recommendations, including $3.52 million for Sebring Pre-K, $17.5 million for Memorial Elementary—mostly for painting and new flooring, and $4.88 million for Sun ‘n Lake Elementary, which includes new restrooms and kitchen expansion. The Board ultimately approved the facility plan in a 4-1 vote, with Vice Chair Reese Martin dissenting, questioning the high price tags for some projects.
A motorcyclist is dead after crashing into a FedEx truck in Lakeland. That’s according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. First responders arrived to the scene on Monday afternoon to find 28-year-old Brandon Bailey unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. Evidence and witness statements indicate Bailey was driving his motorcycle behind the FedEx truck at a high speed when the truck tried to make a turn. The motorcycle hit the truck’s rear-passenger side. The truck driver, 35-year-old Juan Cruz Rivera, was not hurt. No charges have been filed.
A former substitute teacher at Kathleen Middle School in Lakeland is facing charges after allegedly allowing students to fight in his classroom. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, 24-year-old Kelan Durn failed to stop a fight between four girls, laughing instead of intervening. Shockingly, three of the students weren’t even assigned to the class but reportedly knew Durn would let them fight. Durn was arrested and charged with felony negligent child abuse. He has since been banned from working in Polk County schools. Durn was released on a $5,000 bond, and authorities confirm video footage exists but has not been made public.
A man is accused of molesting a child at Central Florida resort. Rhode Island’s William Chatel was arrested Monday at the Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Orange County. The sheriff’s office says a woman called to report the 72-year-old grabbed and tickled her 12-year-old daughter twice in the lazy river. He’s charged with lewd and lascivious molestation. The resort says Chatel is no longer welcome at any of their properties.
The governor is ensuring a local lawmaker is honored for her service. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday flags will fly at half-staff tomorrow for Orlando’s Geraldine Thompson. The Democratic state senator and former state rep passed away last month at 76. Thompson served in the legislature for almost two decades, and DeSantis says she will be remembered for her dedication to improving her community. He ordered US and Florida flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow. The directive applies to flags at the State Capitol and all local and state buildings, installations and grounds in Orange County.
Breeze Airways will soon offer a new nonstop flight from Key West to Orlando. The service will start in June with a starting fare of 39-dollars one-way, according to the airline. It’ll fly four times a week — Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.