News Update for 8/28/25
A Winter Haven man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after a double stabbing at the Douglas Place Apartments in Sebring. Police say 26-year-old Lishael Benny Torres attacked two people Saturday night after an argument that began when he was told to leave an apartment. The dispute moved to the parking lot, where Torres allegedly stabbed both victims as he gathered his belongings. The victims suffered serious injuries and were taken to trauma centers, but are now reported to be in stable condition. Torres fled the scene but was later captured near Lake Jackson with help from the Highlands County Sheriff’s K-9 unit. He remains in custody.
The Spirit of Sebring Marching Band once again took center stage at Daytona International Speedway, performing for the third straight year during pre-race festivities at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Despite weather delays, nearly 100 student musicians proudly represented their school under the direction of Band Director Josh Vaughn. The group performed the Sebring fight song and “Gonna Fly Now” before thousands of cheering fans. The performance was broadcast on the jumbotron, and as the band looks ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2027, boosters are working to secure a new trailer to support future performances.
A Polk County couple is facing armed robbery charges. The US Justice Department announced yesterday Lakeland’s Andres Correa and Cassandra Kerr were arrested Tuesday. Correa allegedly robbed three businesses in Hillsborough County while Kerr was the lookout. There’s no word on their immigration status, but the DOJ says the arrests are part of Operation Take Back America. It’s described as a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
A 72-year-old surfer is hailed as a hero after he rescued a father and son from drowning in Central Florida. The two got caught in a rip current in New Smyrna Beach on Tuesday. David “Bean” Coffee paddled out to save them, rescuing the son first and then the dad. Despite his decades of surfing experience, Coffee described it as some of the toughest paddling he’s ever done. He calls it a life-changing experience. Both victims are okay.