News Update for 8/29/25

Highlands County Fire Rescue has joined A Safe Haven for Newborns, a statewide program that gives parents in crisis a safe and anonymous option to surrender newborns. Seven staffed fire and EMS stations across Highlands County are now officially designated Safe Haven locations, marked with new signs. Under Florida law, parents may leave an unharmed infant up to 30 days old—no questions asked—and Fire Rescue will provide care and connect the baby with adoption services. Since 2001, the program has helped save more than 400 babies statewide.

A Polk County man is under arrest after claiming he had a bomb in his backpack near a Lakeland school. Deputies say 20-year-old Taylor Roca walked onto the grounds of the Achievement Academy Wednesday afternoon as students were being dismissed. When confronted by the principal and an off-duty deputy, Roca allegedly said he was carrying a bomb. The deputy quickly removed the backpack and detained him. Investigators say Roca resisted arrest, but deputies eventually secured him. The Tampa Bomb Squad later confirmed there was no explosive device.

The state of Florida is introducing robot rabbits in its efforts to control the invasive Burmese python population in the Everglades. The South Florida Water Management District collaborated with the University of Florida to deploy 120 of the innovative tools this summer, hoping to lure the elusive snakes from their hiding spots. The four-thousand-dollar mechanical decoys mimic the appearance, movement, and even scent of real marsh rabbits, which are a favorite prey of the pythons. Officials say the project is still in its early stages, but initial results are promising.

Triple-A is activating its “Tow to Go” program across Florida for the Labor Day weekend. The goal is to keep drunk drivers off the road. The free service offers a confidential tow and ride, within a ten-mile radius, to members and non-members. It will run from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Tuesday.