News Update for 5/19/25
Big news for Avon Park! A 2.5-acre property at U.S. 27 and County Road 17A has been sold for $1.7 million to a developer for Wawa, Inc., marking the fourth Wawa in Highlands County. The new location will break ground soon, replacing a former eye clinic and bringing jobs, tax revenue, and convenience to the north side of town. City and Chamber officials say it’s a welcome boost to local development, connecting the area to Main Street.
A Frostproof man is in jail after allegedly attacking three people with a knife early Saturday morning. Deputies say 30-year-old Corey Ahearn was arrested around 3:30 a.m. after causing a disturbance at a home on Queens Court. Witnesses say he was yelling about the government while swinging an 8-inch knife at people and a window. Two men and a woman suffered minor cuts. Ahearn faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon.
A Sebring woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing from a 74-year-old man who asked her to buy him food. According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, 28-year-old Kadesha Majestic Johnson faces charges including theft over $300 from a person over 65, fraudulent use of personal information, and use of a communications device to commit a felony. Authorities say Johnson used the victim’s debit card to withdraw $500 from local ATMs, despite only being asked to purchase an IHOP meal. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the transactions.
A Polk County man is accused of driving drunk with a child in the car. FHP says Daniel Ira Niles Alvarez was driving recklessly Saturday on I-4 near mile marker 35 with his eight-year-old nephew in the car. Two troopers tried to pull him over, but he refused to and took off before stopping a couple miles later. The troopers say they could smell alcohol, Alvarez failed a field sobriety test, and he was arrested. A blood alcohol test later showed he was over the legal limit. News Channel 8 reports he’s charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and child neglect.
A massive undercover operation in Polk County has led to 255 arrests, including former NFL player Adarius Taylor. Dubbed “Operation Fool Around and Find Out,” the nine-day sting targeted human trafficking, prostitution, and child predators. Authorities say 386 charges were filed, with suspects ranging in age from 17 to 70. Eleven were accused of trying to meet minors for sex, and four possible trafficking victims were identified. Sheriff Grady Judd called it the largest sting in county history—adding that 15% of those arrested were in the U.S. illegally.
Highlands County has unanimously rejected a proposal to establish a 243-acre sand mine near the Archbold Biological Station in Venus. Residents raised strong concerns about groundwater contamination, flooding, and increased truck traffic. The project, proposed by Hicoria Mine I LLC, lacked critical technical details—such as digging depth and drainage impact—which ultimately led to its denial. Despite planning staff recommending approval, the Board of Adjustment cited environmental sensitivity and unanswered questions as key reasons for the rejection. A future countywide review or potential moratorium on sand mining is now under discussion.