News Update for 4/25/25

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can safely dispose of unused or expired medications at two locations: 400 S. Eucalyptus St. in Sebring and 304 W. Pleasant St. in Avon Park. Proper disposal helps prevent drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and protects the environment. Accepted items include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins. No syringes, please. If you can’t’ make the event, year-round drop boxes are available in both lobby locations.
The Highlands County Board of Adjustment has approved a special exception for a sand mine and landfill on Banta Street in Sebring. The site, owned by Calhoun Land Holdings, will be limited to clean, asbestos-free materials once mining wraps up. After addressing concerns about road access, the Calhoun family agreed to upgrade Tamarack Avenue to county standards. The board also required a gate at the mine entrance, limited operations to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and banned municipal waste. All operations must comply with local and state environmental regulations.
A recent audit of Highlands District Schools uncovered a material weakness in internal controls. Conducted by Sebring-based Wicks, Brown, Williams & Co., the review found missing student activity reports for five fundraisers totaling over $26,000. The issue stemmed from a lack of oversight—bookkeepers relied on teachers to submit reports without a follow-up process. The district agreed with the finding and plans to train staff to improve monitoring. Additionally, 15 school accounts showed negative balances, prompting the district to tighten procedures to prevent overspending without sufficient funds.
Highlands County deputies arrested Ketwana Lamar Starkey after he allegedly fired a gun during an Easter block party in Highlands Park, striking a car with an 8-month-old baby inside. Thankfully, no one was injured. Deputies, already patrolling the area, tracked a fleeing Toyota Camry seen by witnesses. Inside, they found three masked men and a 10mm Glock under the driver’s seat. A K9 unit also alerted to drugs near the vehicle. Starkey was identified as the shooter and taken into custody.
Sun ‘N Lake Elementary School received a $3,500 donation on April 21 from the Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring Improvement District, marking a new community effort to support local education. The funds were raised through special events at Island View Restaurant and Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club. Principal Jon Spencer says the money will go toward school projects and student activities. District leaders hope to continue similar partnerships, emphasizing their commitment to the children of Sun ‘N Lake and the future of Highlands County.
Highlands County is inviting residents to get creative and name Ponds 2 and 3 at the Sun ‘n Lake Preserve! These popular fishing spots are ready for more exciting names than just numbers. Submit your ideas online from April 23 to May 23, then vote for your favorites June 2–20. Winners will be announced at the July 1 Board meeting—just in time for National Parks & Rec Month! Winners get a UTV tour, photos with staff and commissioners, and unlimited bragging rights! Start your adventure at Gate 4, 5510 Balboa Blvd, and scan the signs at the ponds to enter! More information can be found at www.highlandsfl.gov.
SeaWorld Orlando is giving back to the veteran community in honor of Military Appreciation Month. The park is offering free one-day admission passes for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. This comes as a part of the United Parks & Resorts’ Waves of Honor program honoring active-duty military members, vets and their families. Veterans can register for the offer from now until May 11th and have until July 6th to use the tickets.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting a series of virtual public meetings to discuss proposed changes to modernize wildlife trapping regulations. Meetings will be held on May 6th, 8th, and 10th via Zoom. These changes aim to align with best practices for humane and efficient trapping. For more details, visit My-F-W-C-dot-com-slash-Trapping-Rules.