News Update for 11/17/22

When it comes to new business, it appears the Sebring-Avon Park metro area is doing better than the national average. A new study by Hire-A-Helper shows that 4.6-percent of the workforce in Highlands County is being employed by new business – that makes for over 900 employees.
The local numbers beat the average of 3.9-percent of employees working for new businesses across the country. However, the share of new businesses here is below the national average. Our share of new businesses is just over eight percent, while the national average tops nine percent.

A Sebring man was arrested following a traffic stop by Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputies. 34-year-old Steven Robert Thomas first was spotted driving erratically – veering over the center line of Lakeview Drive on several occasions.
He was detained on traffic counts, but a subsequent alert by Sheriff’s K-9 Lady led them to a cookie box, containing crack cocaine, MDMA, fentanyl, and prescription drugs.
No cookies were found.
Deputies also found a .45 caliber pistol. Thomas was charged on numerous counts and booked into the Highlands County jail.

South Florida State College has a bit more cash for their Commercial Vehicle and Welding programs. Governor Ron Desantis yesterday presented the school with a check for over $600,000 to finance the schools.
In making the presentation, Desantis said the state had to have the right training to fill key positions in the state’s workforce.
SFSC President Tom Leitzel said the school will use the cash for scholarships, equipment and instructors.