News Update for 4/21/25
Sebring High School is honoring one of its most distinguished alumni, Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr., with the dedication of its media center in his name. The public is invited to the ceremony this Tuesday, April 22nd, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. McGuire, a World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient, was the second-highest scoring ace in U.S. Army Air Corps history. A plaque highlighting his legacy will also be installed, supported by a community fundraising effort. Students will get a special preview during school hours.
The Sebring City Council has approved a new ordinance requiring council approval before properties outside city limits can connect to city utilities. Developer consultant Dana Riddell voiced concerns, saying it’s unclear what the city wants from future developments, making it hard to guide clients. Despite her plea to delay the vote, the ordinance passed unanimously. Council also approved a utility services agreement for Sparta Gardens—a 40-home development on Sparta Road. Officials say the change helps prevent confusion over service promises and ensures future projects align with city expectations.
A violent domestic dispute in Polk County ended in a deadly police shootout Friday evening. Authorities say 34-year-old Wayne Volz, who claimed to be “Jesus and God,” attacked his parents, pistol-whipping his mother and threatening his father before forcing them to stay at their home in Fort Meade. Volz later accompanied his father to a Lowe’s in Bartow, where staff hid the father and called 911. When officers arrived, Volz opened fire, injuring two law enforcement members, Deputy Ed Alexander and Bartow Police Officer Mark Sills. Deputies returned fire, fatally wounding Volz. Both injured officers are expected to recover and have been released from the hospital.
Five suspected illegal immigrants are facing charges in connection to a series of retail thefts across Central Florida. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the five are members or associates of a violent Venezuelan gang known as TdA. The suspects are linked to more than three-dozen retail thefts in five jurisdictions with losses of over 30-thousand dollars. Police are looking to charge all five with robbery, which is upgraded to a first-degree felony due to their alleged gang status.
A recent survey with 799 responses shows that 64% of the Avon Park community supports using portable metal detectors at Avon Park High School. Safety concerns, especially about weapons, topped the list. Most respondents believe metal detectors would improve student safety and deter weapons, though concerns about delays and school atmosphere remain. Over half felt detectors would create a more positive environment. The school district has already started using the “OpenGate” system at other locations and is still exploring implementation at APHS. The detectors cost $55,770, including training.
A Winter Haven man is back behind bars just weeks after his release. Deputies arrested 24-year-old Axel Mascorro-Taylor Friday night at Shipp Side Mobile Home Park on two outstanding felony warrants—robbery by sudden snatching and felony battery. The charges stem from an incident where he allegedly stole a victim’s phone and kicked them in the face. Due to a prior conviction, the battery charge was upgraded. Mascorro-Taylor was taken into custody without incident and returned to Polk County Jail for processing.
A Lakeland man with a long rap sheet is back behind bars after a recent crime spree. Michael David Reading, 50, was arrested by Polk County deputies for grand theft auto, burglary, and more—marking his 21st booking in the county jail. The investigation tied him to a stolen Ford Bronco and tools taken from a Winter Haven construction site. Detectives recovered both the vehicle and stolen equipment at his home. Sheriff Grady Judd says Reading “has shown no remorse” and believes jail is the only way to stop his crimes.
A man wanted on multiple charges was captured early Wednesday after a high-speed chase through Arcadia. DeSoto County deputies say Dequan Richardson fled a convenience store just after 1:40 a.m., leading law enforcement on a pursuit that ended in a crash and a foot chase. Inside the vehicle, deputies found narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Richardson was arrested hours later at a residence and booked into DeSoto County Jail. Sheriff Jim Potter praised the teamwork between deputies and Arcadia Police in bringing Richardson into custody.