News Update for 4/4/25
Sebring police have arrested a fugitive wanted for first-degree murder in the Florida Keys. 40-year-old Michael Patrick Stevens was taken into custody after failing to appear for his January trial in Monroe County. Stevens is accused of selling fentanyl-laced Percocet pills that led to the 2024 overdose death of 41-year-old Adam Halenza. After being released on bond, Stevens fled, prompting a judge to issue a warrant. Sebring officers tracked him down and arrested him on Kenilworth Boulevard. Stevens is now in Highlands County Jail awaiting transfer back to Monroe County for trial.
With The 7th Annual Sebring Soda Festival happening this weekend, drivers should be aware of road closures and parking restrictions taking place to accommodate the event. Several roads will be closed starting tonight at 6 p.m., including Circle Park Drive and sections of Ridgewood Drive, Commerce Avenue, and Center Avenue. Additional closures take effect Saturday morning. All roads will reopen by 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th. Detours will be in place to help traffic flow around the event.
A road rage incident in Polk County has landed a 22-year-old man behind bars. Authorities say Camden Davis, driving a white Mercedes Benz, brake-checked a work truck on State Road 37 before pulling alongside it, pointing a gun at the two men inside, and threatening to “blow [their] brains out.” Dashcam footage captured Davis leaning out of his window with a firearm. When confronted by deputies, he admitted to the crime. A black Taurus pistol was recovered, and Davis now faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Two suspects accused of “bank juggling” in Central Florida, are facing possible deportation. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has given the name to the case where the two suspects allegedly followed people from an ATM or bank to try and steal cash. Authorities received a call that a man was breaking into his car with a second driving a getaway vehicle. Investigators tracked down the two men who are reportedly in the country illegally. They are facing burglary charges and possible deportation.
Two South Florida State College (SFSC) students have earned a spot on the 2025 All-Florida Academic Team for their outstanding achievements. Ashley Dean and Myrlande Matine were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Dean, a dually enrolled Sebring High School student, maintains a 4.0 GPA and will graduate in May with an Associate in Arts degree. She plans to pursue nursing at SFSC. Matine is set to earn her Associate in Science in Nursing this May and hopes to become a pediatric nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. SFSC’s Tau Epsilon Chapter of PTK celebrates their success, calling the honor a testament to their dedication. Congrats to these future healthcare leaders!
The World Meteorological Organization is retiring Helene and Milton from its hurricane names list. Both storms badly affected Florida this past season. The names are being replaced with Holly and Miguel. Hurricane names are repeated every six years. Names are pulled from rotation if the storms cause mass destruction and/or casualties.
A dog is alive today thanks to its heroic owner. Tampa’s Kimberly Spencer was walking her dog, Kona, on Tuesday in Westwood Lakes when a six-foot gator attacked. The gator had Kona’s head in its mouth, and Spencer sprang into action. She says she stopped thinking and just jumped on the gator and pried its jaws open. The gator let go of Kona and ran back into the lake it came from. Spencer and Kona were cut and needed stitches, but they’re healing. Spencer took a big risk, but she tells Fox 13 News that Kona is her baby.
Lawmakers are considering making a change to Florida’s medical marijuana laws. A bill in a House committee would allow for more conditions to be added to their current list to be eligible for the drug. It would also allow physicians to issue a greater amount of medical marijuana. Additionally, the amount of time required between doctor’s visits would be increased.