News Update for 4/29/25
A routine traffic stop in Fort Meade on Saturday led to a serious drug-related arrest for an Avon Park woman. Deputies pulled over 42-year-old Heather Darlene Rimes for a window tint violation. During the stop, they discovered her license had been revoked and observed signs of impairment. A search of the vehicle uncovered suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl beneath the driver’s seat. Adding to the concern, a child was also in the car. Rimes was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail, where further testing was ordered to determine substance impairment.
A Florida judge has recommended a four-year suspension and $1,000 fine for former school principal Chris Doty following findings of unprofessional conduct and workplace policy violations. An investigation determined Doty contributed to a negative work environment at Avon Park Middle through inappropriate comments, boundary-crossing behavior, and intimidation. Administrative Law Judge Brandice Dickson found Doty “not credible,” with several witnesses supporting the claims. Doty resigned in early 2024 after a brief role in Glades County and an unsuccessful bid for Highlands County superintendent. The Education Practices Commission will decide the final outcome regarding his certification.
To improve drinking water quality, the Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring Improvement District is installing automated flushers in low-use areas of the water system. These devices keep water flowing to prevent stagnation, especially on dead-end streets and spots far from the treatment plant. The flushers run three times a week between 1 and 3 a.m., releasing small amounts of water to keep it fresh. Officials say this is a normal process and part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe, clean water for all residents. Expansion of the program is already underway.
A pair of Polk County siblings have made history at Southeastern University in Lakeland. Sixteen-year-old Kaitlyn Ostergaard became one of the youngest students to earn a bachelor’s degree, breaking the record previously held by her brother, Joshua Ostergaard. At just 18, Joshua also set a new milestone as one of the youngest to earn a master’s degree from SEU. Both credit their success to strong family support—especially their mom, a marketing professor at the university. Joshua is heading to law school, while Kaitlyn plans to follow in her mother’s academic footsteps.
The Big Red Bus is heading to South Florida State College’s Highlands Campus on Wednesday, April 30th, for a community blood drive. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the OneBlood bloodmobile will be parked in front of the campus library (Building Y). All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, a T-shirt, and a free wellness checkup. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged at oneblood.org— in which you can use sponsor code 9786. OneBlood reports that: blood is needed every two seconds, yet only 3% of eligible donors give. and that donations save lives.
An AI company is trying to get a wrongful death lawsuit filed by a Central Florida mother dismissed. Megan Garcia claims her 14-year-old son died by suicide after he got addicted to chatbot app called Character.AI. Garcia alleges the chatbot emotionally abused her son and exposed him to sexually explicit material. The company, Character Technologies, Inc., is denying any wrongdoing. They’re asking a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
A former special needs teacher at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary is facing charges after witnesses reported abusive behavior toward a 5-year-old student. Deputies say Stephanie Arnott was seen forcefully grabbing the child’s head and later wrapping the student tightly in a blanket while yelling. The child cried out in pain during the incidents. Arnott was arrested last week and taken to the Sumter County Detention Center. School officials say she is no longer employed with the district.
Nearly eight-hundred illegal immigrants have been arrested in the past week across the state of Florida as part of President Trump’s immigration policy. That’s according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which reports that most of the arrests occurred in major cities in Florida through what’s dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave.” This is a partnership between state and federal officials, ICE Miami and local law enforcement agencies.