News Update for 3/17/25
Get ready for a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Sebring! Gavaghan’s Irish Pub will host a block party later on today featuring live music, great food, and cold beer from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To accommodate the event, South Commerce Avenue from Circle Park Drive to Wall Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Detours will be in place, so plan for alternate routes. Expect a lively atmosphere with performances by The Highlands Celts, Dean Rodd, and Emily Pimperl Angel. If you’re heading downtown, be prepared for parking restrictions and road closures.
Sebring Fire Department rushed to a brush fire Sunday afternoon near 620 North Ridgewood Drive. Firefighters arrived to find flames spreading through a wooded area occupied by squatters. Crews from Station 14 sprang into action, dousing the blaze and ensuring it was fully extinguished. A reminder for residents: Highlands County remains under a Burn Ban through March 20th and outdoor burning should be avoided.
Highlands County deputies arrested Charleston Olen Ishmael in Avon Park after a traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs and cash in his pickup truck. A K9 search revealed over 75 grams of marijuana, 46 alprazolam pills, a scale, and $12,943 in cash. Ishmael, already on felony probation, denied selling drugs. He now faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to sell and probation violation.
The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause that Avon Park Mayor Garrett Anderson violated ethics laws, citing conflicts of interest in a city contract and inaccurate financial disclosures. The allegations stem from a roofing contract on the city’s wastewater plant and discrepancies in financial filings from 2018 to 2022. However, the Commission opted not to take further action, and an investigation into the controversial Brickell Building sale was deemed unnecessary. Anderson says he’s pleased with the decision, calling it a step toward closure.
A packed crowd of over 400 residents opposed a proposed sheep and chicken ranch at last Tuesday’s County Board of Adjustment hearing. The BOA unanimously denied property owner Leo Calligaro’s request for a special exception after hearing concerns about noise, pollution, and declining property values. Calligaro argued his farm would use sustainable practices, but residents insisted the location—surrounded by neighborhoods—was unsuitable. Despite an emotional debate, the board ruled the project had too many issues, siding with the community’s concerns.
Highlands County is restructuring its advisory committees, starting with the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC). Previously 17 members, RPAC now has five, each appointed by a commissioner from their district. The new structure aims to improve efficiency and ensure fair representation. Members will serve two-year terms, with the next appointments set for December 2026. County leaders say the changes will create a more functional and balanced approach to funding recreational projects.
Citrus Dental is expanding again, acquiring Dr. Joel Schroeder’s practice in Lake Placid—its fourth location in the region. Owners Dr. Tina Thomas and Isaac Durrance say growth wasn’t the goal, but opportunities arose. Dr. Jake Copenhaver will now see patients at the Lake Placid office, bringing his experience from Nebraska to Florida. Citrus emphasizes small, community-driven offices rather than large corporate models. With patient numbers growing from 1,000 to 6,000 post-pandemic, their focus remains on quality care and strong relationships.
The FBI is searching for a fugitive with ties to Central Florida. Thirty-six-year-old Ricky ‘Angel’ Vargas is wanted in connection to a deadly stabbing in New Jersey last month. Investigators say his last known address was in Pennsylvania, but he also has connections to Winter Park and Chicago. He’s considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding Vargas’ whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI. There’s a reward of up to 15-thousand-dollars being offered for information leading to his arrest.