News Update for 1/9/24

Officials in Highlands County and across the Sunshine State are warning residents to be prepared for some heavy weather.
Strong storms could hit Central Florida by this afternoon. The National Weather Service is warning about strong to severe thunderstorms that could even produce a few tornadoes.
A Wind Advisory has been put into effect for several areas of the state. The NWS warns that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result

It’s back to school today for students across Highlands County. Local officials say that classes and after school activities currently are scheduled to continue as usual, despite weather forecast warnings.
They say if there are any adjustments to the schedule, they will be announced.

Highlands County Commissioner Don Elwell is scheduled to host the latest in his series of Town Hall-style meetings tonight. It will be the 21st such session he has held since first being elected to the Highlands County commission.
In addition to giving updates on a number of current issues, Elwell will take questions from the audience. A number of county department heads will be in attendance as well.
Pizza will be served at the Sounth Florida State College University Center beginning at 5:30 with the meeting to commence at 6pm.

Highlands County’s Economic Development has suffered a blow. County officials have now announced that ED Executive Manager Jeff King submitted his resignation shortly before Christmas.
The ED Executive Manager position now is open, with staff maintaining functions of the department.

The Avon Park Depot Museum is planning a celebrity baseball game to help raise funds for their planned baseball museum. Organizers say they now are in search of celebrities who want to suit up for the January 20th competition.
so far, Avon Park native Thomas “Flash” Gordon and car dealer Bill Jarrett have signed up for the game, which is designed to be a re-creation of the April 1932 match-up between the St. Louis Cardinals and the House of David during spring training.
Those interested in participating may contact Doc Sevigny at 863-414-3850.