News Update for 12/8/22

There will be a changing of the guard at South Florida State College. Dr Thomas Leitzel has announced he is stepping down as president of the school, effective at the end of June next year.
During his tenure at SFSC, he promoted the growth of the College and community partnerships, both private and public. Several new programs were developed including the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing, construction technologies, and a complete restructure of the College’s commercial vehicle training and welding programs.

According to reports, there was a thrill seeker earlier this week in the Caladium Capital. Photos on social media show somebody making a base jump from the Lake Placid Tower.
A base jump is where someone climbs to the top of a tall structure, then jumps and parachutes to the ground. The post claims to know who the culprit was, but declines to identify them.
Also known as the Happiness Tower and the Tower of Peace, the 27-story structure has been closed to the public for decades. It was built and opened back in 1961.

Highlands County Sheriff’s investigators are working on an incident that reportedly spans a couple counties. Early indications are that a victim was stabbed in Hardee County, but was transported to Highlands.
Safety services responded to a Camphor Street address in Avon Park yesterday afternoon to render aid. There’s no indication on the condition of the victim. No names have been released.

Highlands County has made the upcoming Florida Association of Counties 2023 Calendar, a photo entitled “Keep Calm & Love Water,” will adorn the month of November on next year’s FAC Calendar. This shot is a tranquil capture of the shores of Lake Istokpoga.
Florida Association of Counties President, Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine said it was tough narrowing down the 500 entries that were submitted for this year’s publication.