News Update for 5/23/25
The Highlands County School Board has voted 4-1 to enter a due diligence period for the potential purchase of a property at 710 W. Winthrop Street, directly across from Avon Elementary. The $199,900 property, which includes a house, has long been used for parent parking during school events. Board members cited the property’s continued utility for activities like awards days, parent nights, and holiday events. While some expressed concerns about budget constraints, the majority agreed on the property’s value. The vote allows for a 38-day review before a final decision is made.
More details have been released about a deadly domestic dispute in Polk County Wednesday night. Police say it happened in a Davenport neighborhood when a nine-year-old, upset over being punished for playing a video game, grabbed a gun from a drawer before his parents took it away. Moments later, the boy’s older brother Azareel Martinez argued with their stepfather, Kelly Garcia, who then allegedly shot Martinez multiple times. Garcia is now charged with second-degree murder and unlawful storage of a firearm.
Russian hackers say they’re behind a ransomware attack against a Central Florida medical group. Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Specialists or [[ FLASS ]] has offices in Orlando, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Poinciana, and Kissimmee. A Russian hacking group says it targeted the medical offices, stealing patients’ social security numbers, medical records, and passport information. It’s demanding 650-thousand dollars in Bitcoins. The group is the same one that targeted the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office last year.
A reminder for residents that Highlands County will commemorate Memorial Day with several local events honoring those who died in U.S. military service. On Monday, May 26th: The Lake Placid Elks Lodge will host a memorial at 1 p.m. with a meal for $10, and veterans eat free. The American Legion Post Number 69 in Avon Park will hold a 1 p.m. public ceremony with guest speakers and food. Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring begins its ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Island View Restaurant. The Military Sea Services Museum in Sebring will host a remembrance at 2 p.m. featuring Commissioner Kevin Roberts. The VFW Post Number 4300 and Lakeview Memorial Gardens will hold flag ceremonies and a special program with music, a cookout, and giveaways. The Highlands Ridge Golf Club is offering a Memorial Day Scramble at 8:30 a.m. as well. In addition, The Florida Medal of Honor Memorial will be open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Monday. Local government offices, including the Department of Health and Sun ‘N Lake, will be closed.
A new Chase Bank is under construction on U.S. 27 North in Sebring, located between Tidal Wave Auto Spa and Chick-fil-A. The project marks an expansion of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s U.S. banking operations, a global financial firm with $2.6 trillion in assets. Chase purchased the property in March 2025 from Sebring Plaza Partners for $1.96 million. The site, once home to a Ponderosa Steakhouse and later a Chinese buffet, was originally considered for a Sam’s Club. It is part of a larger 9.61-acre parcel now hosting several major businesses.