News Update for 8/1/25

Highlands County Fire Rescue responded Thursday morning to a serious bee swarm incident in south Avon Park. A person trimming trees was stung multiple times and became stranded mid-air as the swarm intensified. Special Operations crews and Avon Park Fire’s Ladder 5 worked together to safely reach the victim and transport them to a local hospital. Officials remind the public to never disturb a hive or swarm. If attacked, seek shelter and call 911 immediately. For safety tips and resources, visit highlandsfl.gov.

The Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District in Sebring is installing 150 new streetlights as part of a $600,000 lighting project that began July 8 and is expected to wrap its first phase by August 9th. The lights, starting in the Deer Run HOA area, aim to improve visibility and reduce long-term costs. District officials say owning the lights will eliminate $20,000 in monthly rental fees—saving taxpayers in the long run while enhancing safety with solar-powered lighting. Phase two begins in late August.

A new place in Polk County is dedicated to providing hope and resources to women and children. That’s what Talbot House Ministries says about its Winter Haven Center for Women and Children on MLK Boulevard Northwest. The grand opening was yesterday. It comes after more than a year of renovations. The center can accommodate 62 women and their children, but it’s not clear if that’ll be enough to meet demand. Talbot House Executive Director Maria Cruz says the need is huge. She tells 10 Tampa Bay they’re getting 25 calls a week from women sleeping in cars, staying with family members or in motels.

Rick Scott is behind a bill designed to reduce food waste. Senator Scott introduced the Food Date Labeling Act yesterday. It calls for food to have two labels. One would read “Best if Used By,” and the other would read “Use By.” Scott says this would eliminate confusion around food expiration labels, avoid unnecessary food disposal and save consumers money. He adds the last thing hardworking families need to deal with are confusing food date labels that are leading to perfectly good food being thrown away.