News Update for 2/8/23

Highlands County Sheriff’s officials have the second of three shooting suspects in custody.
Joel Marroquin of Lake Placid has been arrested and charged with numerous counts including attempted second-degree murder, in connection with a shooting that took place last Saturday night.
Marroquin has been implicated in the shooting of 42-year-old Manuel Benitez Reyes Guzman. He was found shot in the head at the BP Gas station at US 27 and SR 70. At last report, he was listed in stable but guarded condition.
The 21-year-old Marroquin’s bond was set at $140,000.
Sherriff’s officials still are looking for 25-year-old Shavartae Makel Deloach for the murder of 57-year-old Arthur Scurry Jr.
He was found Sunday shot to death in the Highway Park neighborhood south of Lake Placid.
Deloach is a black male, 5’6″ tall, 130-pounds with brown hair and eyes. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Highlands County Fair continues this evening with a half-price gate admission. Among the local events will be a Pee Wee Show for small animals, as well as the poultry judging and showmanship.
At the Market Steer show last night, Hannah Sheffield from the Avon Park High FFA showed the Grand Champion while the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer was presented by Rae Lynn Owens of the Lorida Livestock 4H Club. Reagan Richards walked off with Grand Senior Showmanship honors.

A rally for local non-profit organizations will be held today at the Jack Stroup Civic Center in Sebring. The exposition will feature many of the non-profit groups in the area that provide a wide range of services throughout Highlands County.
In addition to the booths and displays, there will be classes on CPR, Tai-Chi and backstage tours of the nearby Lakeside Theater.
The program will run today from 10am until 2pm.

A safety change is coming after a Polk County teenager was struck and killed by a car.

Mayor Jack Hilligoss, says the city is working with Duke Energy to install a streetlight where Jadin Galindo was hit. Hilligoss says the city will also see if more lighting is needed at other bus stops.
The 13-year-old Jadin Galindo was waiting for the bu when the accident occurred. Police say it was dark and foggy in the alleyway where the McLaughlin Middle School eighth-grader was hit. No charges have been filed against the driver.

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