News Update for 6/25/25

Plans to rezone 38 acres along Scenic Highway in Sebring for commercial development have been paused following public outcry. Nearby residents voiced strong concerns over transforming the residential corridor into a business zone, citing past promises to limit commercial creep beyond the Bernie Little facility. Speakers urged the city to preserve the area’s residential character, with suggestions to push commercial zoning closer to U.S. 27. In response, Gapway Groves and city council members agreed to revisit the proposal, with further discussions and site planning expected before any decisions are made.

A vandalism spree in northern Frostproof has ended with the arrest of 20-year-old Leonel Bocanegra, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Between June 12th and June 23rd, multiple properties were defaced with graffiti, signage was damaged, and vehicle tires were slashed— all within one block of the suspect’s home. Detectives recovered key evidence during a search of his residence, linking him to multiple incidents. Bocanegra was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail

Placid Lakes property owners will see their special assessment rise to $50 starting October 1—the final step in a three-year plan of $10 annual increases. The Highlands County Commission approved the hike on June 17, expected to bring in over $81,000 for the community’s upkeep. The funds help cover costs like street lighting, sidewalk repairs, lawn care, and upgrades to Tobler Park and the community center. Leaders say the increase is needed to balance the budget and fund future projects like a new neighborhood park with grills, playgrounds, and sports courts.

Florida detectives in a multi-agency task force have made a series of fentanyl seizures involving two Mexican drug cartels. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the traffickers had an unusual delivery method,-car batteries, and also says those car batteries could still crank a car with as much as five kilos of fentanyl inside. Judd says the joint operation with FDLE, Homeland Security and other agencies seized a total of 64 pounds, enough to kill 14 and a half million people. Judd says at least eight people are facing charges in what’s being called the largest fentanyl seizure ever, in his county.