Local News 8-28-24

The Sebring Police Department says they’re investigating two hit-and-run incidents – one involving a County ambulance – Monday afternoon. The Fire Rescue unit was transporting a patient with lights and sirens on Highway 27 about 4:30 – a red Dodge pickup truck crossed into the ambulance’s lane and sideswiped the vehicle, then turned on Bayview…

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News Update for 8/27/24

Closing statements were heard in the Virgil Lee West murder and attempted murder trial yesterday morning. West is charged with the murder of his former friend Shawn Zeigler and attempted first degree murder of Carrie Leaphart, tampering with evidence, and shooting into a conveyance. Jurors were read their instructions by presiding Judge Peter Estrada and…

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News Update for 8/26/24

A proposed housing project on Sparta Road will not come to fruition. The housing project was slated to have several facilities aiming to serve military veterans, aptly named Hero’s Village at Sebring. According to the City of Sebring, the Pensacola based Veteran’s Builder group that sought to complete the project never closed on the 365-acre…

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News Update for 8/23/24

The long-awaited trial for Virgil Lee West began Wednesday in Highlands County. West is charged with first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, shooting into a vehicle and tampering with evidence from an incident that occurred in Lorida on July 14th, 2015. Prosecutors say West was the shooter and his actions resulted in the death…

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News Update for 8/22/24

Improvements may be on the horizon for Arbuckle Creek Bridge in Sebring. On August 20th, County Commissioners voted to approve funding for a structural analysis of the aging bridge built in 1965. The bridge has caused trucks and trailers to bounce when travelling at high speeds. Project manager Richard Oujevolk told commissioners that there several…

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News Update for 8/21/24

With less than a 26% voter turnout in Highlands County yesterday, the unofficial election results are in. Sheriff Paul Blackman had an overwhelming lead over his opposition John Singha garnering 83.47% of votes and will be re-elected for a 3rd term as Highlands County Sheriff. Incumbent Brenda Longshore seems to have clinched another term as…

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News Update for 8/20/24

The Highlands County Supervisor of Elections will have polls open today from 7:00AM-7:00PM, at 25 precints in the county. Registered Voters are encouraged to check their voter registration card to vote at the precint assigned to them. Precint information can also be found online at VoteHighlands.gov or by visitng the Supervisor of Elections Office at…

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News Update for 8/19/24

A health alert has been issued for the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Glenada at the boat ramp in Avon Park. The alert was issued due to a water sample taken on August 13th. The public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure in and around Lake Glenada. This alert is the fifth…

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News Update for 8/16/24

A Sebring woman pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of DUI manslaughter and three counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, stemming from a deadly head on crash on the night of January 17, 2022. Zasha Colon was driving the wrong way on Sebring Parkway while drunk, resulting in the head on crash that killed…

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News Update for 8/15/24

There will soon be a new pet shelter option for residents in Highlands County. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office will soon construct a new air-conditioned building to safely house family pets during storms that require evacuation. The shelter will be at the Animal Services Complex off Haywood Taylor BLVD. in Sebring. When there are no…

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