News Update for 6/13/25
By a 2-1 vote Monday night, the Avon Park City Council approved spending $64,000 to hire The Gilchrist Law Firm to investigate possible fraud in the sale of the Brickell Building. Councilwomen Berniece Taylor and Michelle “Shelly” Mercure voted yes; Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard opposed, and two members abstained. Council also voted 3-0 to guarantee City Manager Dr. Danielle Kelly’s job security throughout the probe, unless she breaches her contract. Mercure praised Gilchrist’s real estate expertise, military ties, and independence from local counties. The investigation aims to confirm whether the building’s transfer was free of fraud.
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency is once again reviewing ideas for the old Nan-Ces-O-Wee Hotel site downtown. Three new proposals are on the table for the nearly half-acre property at 139 N. Ridgewood Drive. The Sebring Historical Society wants to build a museum. Retired eye doctor Fred Keiber envisions retail space, condos, and a rooftop restaurant. Developer Roi Mengelgrein proposes an outdoor street market with live entertainment and small business incubation. The CRA Board unanimously agreed to accept proposals for 30 days and will interview applicants before making a decision.
A Sebring man has been sentenced to just over 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. 52-year-old Luther Trovian Jones was given 121 months behind bars for distributing methamphetamine and possessing it with intent to sell. A joint investigation by the DEA and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office found Jones was involved in a meth distribution scheme, selling or holding large amounts of drugs multiple times. In total, he was tied to nearly 266 grams of meth — at least 80% pure — and almost 30 grams of fentanyl. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
One person is dead and another is hurt after a stabbing in Polk County. It happened yesterday afternoon in Lake Wales at a home on West Sessoms Ave. Lake Wales Police say one person died at the scene. The other was taken to the hospital, but there’s no word on their condition. No arrest has been announced, and there’s no word on a motive.
The University of Central Florida’s football stadium is getting a new name. The school announced yesterday FBC Mortgage Stadium will be renamed Acrisure Bounce House. The change will take effect July First. The change reflects FBC Mortgage’s name change to Acrisure Mortgage. Athletic Director Terry Mohajir says the Bounce House is a place of pride, energy and unforgettable moments, and this new name reflects both our vibrant identity and a dynamic, forward-thinking partner.
Rick Scott is pushing to reform the National Flood Insurance Program. Senator Scott announced yesterday he’s introducing three bills that’ll lower the cost of flood insurance. He says since its inception, the NFIP has been unfair to Florida policyholders. Scott says his bills will increase transparency, encourage more private sector participation and allow for a robust and affordable flood insurance market that gives homeowners flexibility.