News Update for 10/10/22

Things continue to return to normal today as students head back to South Florida State College. The school did sustain some window and roof damage from Hurricane Ian, but class will resume.
While there still is NO FEMA office open in Highlands County, a FEMA office has opened in Hardee County. That one is in the Civic Center in Wauchula.
Those needing federal assistance still can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

Avon Park city council members will hear from Small Business Administration representative Sandra Lawson when they meet in regular session this evening. She’ll be talking about resources for recovery and mitigation after the big storm.
In other action, the council will look at taking the next steps toward hardening the Avon Park Fire Station, updating regulations for home-based businesses in the City of Charm and will discuss a number of planned, upcoming events.

A Lake Placid man was killed Saturday evening when his motorcycle collided with a car. Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate the 21-year-old biker was southbound on Crestmore Drive, when a car turned in front of him.
The biker was taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital where he expired. Troopers say he WAS wearing a helmet. No charges have yet been filed.

A Frostproof man reportedly was killed in a weekend traffic crash. According to reports, 28-year-old Evelio Hernandez Ramos had just purchased a case of beer and was walking across Highway 27 when he was struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old Fort Meade girl.
Reports indicate Ramos was talking on his cell phone and may not have seen the car – he died at the scene.
The roadway was closed for about three hours while deputies investigated the incident.