News Update for 8/12/25
A tragic accident in Sebring Sunday morning has left a 77-year-old man dead. Police say it happened just before eleven in the parking lot of the north Sebring Publix. Investigators say an 89-year-old driver, backing his Ford pickup, became confused and made a full circle in reverse — hitting the man and a store mobility scooter. The victim tried to step aside, but moved in the wrong direction. The truck then pulled forward, running over him. Bystanders and officers performed CPR, but he later died at AdventHealth Sebring. Police say there’s no sign of criminal intent at this time.
A Tampa man will spend the next 13 years in prison for luring and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Sebring. Prosecutors say 36-year-old Dario Manuel Cruz posed online as a 17-year-old, chatted with the victim for over a month, then drove to Sebring in February of 2023 to meet her. Deputies say he gave the girl alcohol and marijuana before taking her to a hotel and assaulting her. Cruz pled no contest to multiple felony charges, including lewd battery and using a computer to solicit a child. He’ll serve 13 years in prison, followed by 15 years’ probation, and must register as a sex offender for life.
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is calling on local photographers to help showcase the area’s natural beauty in the 2026 Florida Association of Counties calendar. This year’s theme, “Florida Flower Power,” will highlight wildflowers, garden blooms, and unique native plants from all 67 counties. The deadline to submit is this Friday, August 15. Photos must be high-resolution JPEGs with no watermarks, logos, or date stamps. Selected photographers will receive credit in the calendar. To submit, visit fl-counties.com/floridaflowerpower. Officials hope to feature local gems like the rare Scrub Morning Glory, found only in Central Florida, to put Highlands County in the spotlight once again.
Although school is officially underway in Central Florida, the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax holiday continues. Floridians will get a break on back-to-school items through the end of the month. Taxes will not be charged on clothes, shoes, and some accessories, but limits apply. School started in most Florida counties, including Orange County, today.