News Update for 4/30/25
The Avon Park City Council voted 3-2 to eliminate the long-debated Sunday morning alcohol sales ban, previously restricting sales from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The change follows public pressure and a shift in stance from Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard. A second reading will be held May 12 at 6 p.m. to finalize the decision. Critics, like Councilwoman Brittany McGuire, cited concerns over increased crime and teen access. Supporters argue the move boosts business and personal freedom. The ordinance was amended with new language before approval, aiming to promote fairness and economic growth across the region.
A 14-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to murder and robbery in connection to a 2023 case that left three teens dead in Central Florida. Christopher Atkins of Marion County was just 12 when he, along with two older teens, allegedly shot and killed their friends following a robbery spree. As part of his plea deal, Atkins agreed to testify against the other suspects and now faces 40 years to life in prison, with parole eligibility after 25 years. The victims were found over the course of three days, including one inside a car submerged in a pond. Trials for the other two defendants are set for July.
In Arcadia, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Emily Hesters, who is accused of stealing an adult tricycle from a residence on Southeast Plum Drive. Surveillance footage captured the suspect wearing a tiger-print onesie during the incident. Authorities say social media led to her identification, but efforts to locate her have so far been unsuccessful- her voicemail is full, and she’s reportedly unwelcome at her last known address. The tricycle remains missing, and petit theft charges are being submitted to the State Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information is urged to contact the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at 863-993-4700.
In Polk County, a Mulberry man is in custody following a string of burglaries dating back to February. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Fermin Solomon Silas Gallegos on April 28th after locating him during a disturbance call on Badcock Boulevard. Gallegos, found hiding at the scene, was taken into custody without incident and was in possession of methamphetamine. He later confessed to three burglaries — two on March 21st and one on February 25th. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
An Arcadia man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the deadly shooting of a woman at a DeSoto County flea market. Emilio Gustavo Angel-Olalde, 49, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the January 2024 killing of Olivia Maldonado De Le Torre. The single mother was shot multiple times at the Windmill Flea Market, where she worked on weekends. Angel-Olalde fled the scene and evaded law enforcement for 12 days before being captured. He had previously been deported and was living under an alias. He remains in custody awaiting transfer to state prison.
DeSoto County residents will have one more chance to weigh in on proposed road improvements from US 17 to CR 761 or Lettuce Lake. FDOT will hold an in person open house Thursday, May 8th, from 4 to 6 p.m. to discuss plans aimed at easing traffic backups by adding U-turns. It will be held at the Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia. This follows a virtual listening only session that took place on Monday, April 28th.
Florida is set to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. The state House passed a wide-ranging agriculture bill Tuesday that prohibits water quality additives in public water systems. Republican State Representative Danny Alvarez sponsored the bill. The measure has already cleared the Senate — and Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it into law. The ban would go into effect on July 1st. Utah also has a ban on fluoride in public water that goes into effect next week.
A bill to create a statewide registry of animal abusers is working its way through the Florida Legislature. The state Senate today approved an amended version of the bill and sent it back to the House for consideration. The measure would require the FDLE to post on its website a searchable database of anyone convicted of violating the state’s animal cruelty laws. The legislation would also increase penalties for animal cruelty convictions.