News Update for 6/5/25
A Lake Placid man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly attacking a 79-year-old neighbor and then resisting arrest. Deputies say 35-year-old William Kip Newby assaulted the elderly victim during a dispute over a dog, punching him and kicking him after he fell. When officers attempted to arrest him, Newby, appearing intoxicated, fought back—grabbing a deputy’s vest and knocking off a body camera. He was ultimately subdued with a Taser and taken to jail. Newby faces up to 15 years in prison and $15,000 in fines if convicted.
Beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, Highlands County Road & Bridge will begin resurfacing Memorial Drive in Avon Park. Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is expected to take three to four days, weather permitting. A hard closure will be in place at the railroad crossing near 1063 S Memorial Drive and will remain closed overnight until work is complete. Temporary rotating daytime closures will also affect several side streets, including Bennett Street, South Carolina Avenue, Booker Street, and others. Detour routes will be posted for both northbound and southbound drivers. Emergency vehicles will be allowed through barricades during daytime operations, but the public is strongly encouraged to use the posted detours.
A warning for Highlands County residents: scammers posing as utility workers are knocking on doors, claiming to conduct “mandatory arsenic testing” in home water supplies. A Sebring couple recently reported a suspicious visit around 8:30 p.m., when a man in a safety vest approached their door, accompanied by two others in a large SUV. The group fled after the residents declined and called the sheriff’s office. Authorities confirmed no official inspections are done at night, and legitimate city employees always carry ID and wear uniforms. In a separate incident, another Sebring resident reported a fake road worker offering driveway repairs with no credentials. Officials urge the public: do not let unknown individuals into your home and report any suspicious activity.
The Florida Board of Education is welcoming its newest education commissioner. The board approved Governor DeSantis’ pick at its Wednesday meeting. Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas is a top aid to the governor. He will take over for Manny Diaz, Junior. Kamoutsas has played a key role in DeSantis’ education agenda, including school choice and parental rights.
Highlands County kids and teens can enjoy free, nutritious meals this summer through Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program. Open to all children 18 and under, no application is needed—just show up. Meals are served at local schools, libraries, churches, and community centers, including Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Placid schools, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Breakfasts, lunches, and snacks meet USDA nutrition standards. To find a nearby location, visit summerbreakspot.org or call 850-617-7170. Stay fed and fueled all summer long!
Several people face charges after animals were found in deplorable conditions in Polk County. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded last Sunday to a property on Poe Road in Lake Wales and found two horses that appeared to be malnourished. One of the horses was dead by the time detectives arrived. Detectives also found numerous environmental hazards, and several adults and children living in various structures on the property. The homeowner, Joemanuel Nunez-Suarez, was arrested for felony animal cruelty, while several other adults on the property were arrested for environmental crimes and resisting arrest.
A Kissimmee man is behind bars after a dangerous and erratic early morning drive in Winter Haven. Around 12:45 a.m. on June 4, a Polk County deputy witnessed 23-year-old Jonathan Rivera make reckless maneuvers, including a U-turn and running a stop sign. When pulled over, Rivera admitted the car was unregistered with the wrong plates. Deputies noted signs of drug impairment, and a sobriety test confirmed suspicions. Rivera now faces multiple charges, including DUI, aggravated assault with a vehicle, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Florida lawmakers are hashing out a state budget with a July 1st potential government shutdown looming if both sides can’t agree. Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie asked the Joint Legislative Budget Commission members this morning for an 850-million dollar transfer from the general revenue fund so it can pay Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton costs. The commission approved Guthrie’s request. Officials hope to have a budget heading to the Governor’s desk by June 16th.