News Update for 11/4/24
Zephen Xaver will once again be in a Highlands County court this morning and Tuesday, for a Spencer Hearing. A Spencer Hearing is required before Judge Angela Cowden hands down a final sentence for the mass killing of five women in a SunTrust Bank branch in January of 2019. In June, a jury recommended the death penalty for Xaver, after he pled guilty and was convicted for the shooting deaths. During the hearing, the defense will have the opportunity to present mitigating evidence to the judge before the final judgement is passed.
The City of Sebring is seeking bids for the demolition and removal of the City’s Water tower behind Sebring Fire Station 15 on US 27. The tower, built in the 1980’s, is now described as obsolete. Sebring Utilities Director Bob Boggus said that ongoing maintenance costs, and the development of new ways to control water flow, make the tower unnecessary. The City has set the bidding deadline for December 2nd and is instructing bidders to list recent projects exceeding $160,000 dollars.
A UCF student is dead after a shooting in Orlando. Police on Saturday identified the two people killed in Friday morning’s shooting at Central Boulevard and Orange Ave. One of the victims was 19-year-old UCF freshman Timothy Schmidt, Jr. The other who died was 25-year-old Tyrek Hill. Seven others were hurt. Two are in critical condition. Seventeen-year-old Jaylen Edgar was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Veterans and job seekers are invited to attend the upcoming Fall Veteran and Community Job Fair in Polk County. CareerSource Polk is hosting the event at the Bartow Civic Center on November 14th. Over two dozen employers from various fields are set to participate. That includes employers in industries such as healthcare, education, government, hospitality, manufacturing, and more.
Beer and wine sales may be in the future for some performances at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. The SFSC Board of Trustees recently agreed to have staff draft a revision to the college’s strict alcohol policy that would allow the sales. Hopes are that the revision will help the venue to entice more ticket buyers as well as provide a better social experience, resulting in greater revenue, retention, and the ability to better compete with local bars and restaurants.
A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday morning, November 3rd, in Davenport, causing the southbound lanes of US 27 to be closed for several hours. Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s office deputies, were dispatched to the deadly crash scene on US 27 at Poitras Road Two. An 84-year old male driver of a 2021 Ford EcoSport SUV suffered blunt force trauma and internal injuries from the crash after he reportedly travelled into oncoming southbound traffic while navigating a left turn. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Osceola County, but later passed away during emergency surgery. The other driver, a 27-year old male, was treated at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
A search is underway to find a woman who took her kids without permission. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says it’s looking for Lachina Cropes and her 10-year-old and eight-year-old sons. The 40-year-old Cropes was last seen with the kids leaving a home in Bradenton on Rye Wilderness Trail yesterday. Deputies say she does not have custodial rights to the kids and took them without approval. Photos of Cropes and the children can be seen at Facebook.com/ManateeSheriff.
Videos showing police beating college football fans in Florida is circulating on X. A couple of fans got into a fight at the Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs game which ended up with police getting involved and allegedly beating the two men. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Division released a statement saying they have opened “administrative reviews” of the incident. It is unknown if anyone was arrested, charged or injured.