News Update for 4/17/25

32-year-old Fernando Jesus Sotolongo is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly stabbing 30-year-old Zachary Mackey to death at a Sebring home late Monday night. Police say the attack followed an argument between the roommates. A witness told investigators that Sotolongo, who was reportedly acting erratically, threatened Mackey before stabbing him in the chest. Mackey died shortly after at the hospital. Sotolongo was later found shirtless and arrested nearby. He denied the attack, claiming self-defense, but had no visible injuries. He now faces life in prison if convicted.

Via Dolorosa Production Inc. has been approved to host the Stations of the Cross re-enactment this Friday, April 18th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. which will cause some local road closures in Sebring. The procession begins at the Jack Stroup Civic Center and ends in Circle Park, with short stops along West Center Avenue for re-enactments. Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., including portions of Lakeview Drive, West Center Avenue, and Circle Park Drive. Minor traffic delays can be expected.

Good news for the Avon Park Shuffleboard Club even though it is still recovering after its roof was badly damaged during Hurricane Milton. FEMA ruled the damage was caused by structural failure, not hurricane winds—saving the club a potential $400,000 repair bill. Club president Chris Downie canceled this season’s events, with Sebring Shuffleboard Club stepping in to host tournaments. Repairs to the roof, bathrooms, and polishing room are underway, with hopes to reopen by November. Thanks to sponsors, the club stayed afloat with $1,200 in donations. Club officials remain hopeful for the upcoming season.

Environmentalists are criticizing a road project in Polk County that will use radioactive waste material. The Mosaic Company has requested that the EPA allow it to use phosphogypsum to build a test road in Mulberry. The trial run will last for 18-months and before being examined for its performance and environmental impacts. The director of the Mana-Sota-Eighty-Eight environmentalist group says using the material could also harm anyone working on it due to its low radioactivity. The EPA has maintained that the risk of harm is extremely low.