News Update for 4/6/23

A man has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting in Avon Park, and it didn’t take long for Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputies to locate a suspect. In fact, authorities say 39-year-old Alfred Maddox Golden was picked up within 15 minutes of an incident at a home on State Road 17 South.
Nobody was injured, however, a vehicle was struck by a round.
According to reports, the victim said Golden had accused him of theft.
A truck believed to belong to Golden subsequently was found on Highway 27 near College Drive, and he was taken into custody. Golden was charged with numerous counts, including attempted first degree murder, and booked into the Highlands County jail.

Motorists be aware, they’ll be shutting down the streets of Sebring on and around the Circle tomorrow for the fifth annual SodaFest. Although the festivities won’t begin until tomorrow afternoon, the streets will be shut down at 9:00 tomorrow morning to allow for vendor set-up and other preparations.
The SodaFest features samplings of soft drinks, live music, food vendors a kid’s fun zone and Sebring Soda Pop Pre-Teen and Princess pageants as well.
Some of the activities will be on the Circle, and the Champion for Children Foundation will even unlock the Circle Theatre for a number of activities.
The event will run Friday and Saturday.

Have you ever dialed 9-1-1 by accident? Authorities say if you do, DON’T HANG UP. Apparently hang-ups have become a problem, and officials say to minimize it, residents should remain on the line and just tell the operator it was a mistake.
9-1-1 call takers are trained to get the most important information as quickly as possible to get help on the way to an emergency situation. By holding on the line, it saves the call taker from having to call back and confirm there is no emergency or possibly sending police with lights and sirens to check your address for an emergency.