News Update for 5/8/23
Five people were arrested Friday after a shooting incident in Highlands County. An unidentified victim was shot near a Dollar General store at State Road 66 and South Orange Blossom Blvd. south of Sebring.
Within minutes, a red Ford 500, observed at the scene of the shooting, was located in Hardee County. Deputies there gave chase until the vehicle crashed in Wauchula.
Taken into custody were Trinton Alexander Lee, Junior Louis, Zikevious Knowles, and Daniel Mabry. Reportedly they face numerous charges including attempted murder. A fifth suspect, Jasiah Sison is being held on violation of probation.
The victim at last report was in critical condition at an unnamed trauma center. There’s no indication as to what sparked the shooting.
Units from West Sebring and Highlands Lakes were called out yesterday to put down a brush fire off Riverdale Road in the north end of Highlands County.
The flames consumed about three acres of vegitation before they finally got it knocked down.
There were no injuries reported and no structures were threatened. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents are reminded that a burn ban remains in effect for Highlands County until the summer rains cure the currently dry conditions.
Avon Park city council members will be planning for the future when they get together this evening in regular session. They’re scheduled to hear from Stephen Johnson of Renaissance Planning about a proposed project on Main Street that would slow traffic and provide for more parking.
The council also will look at awarding a bid for a firm to review fire assessment fees for the City of Charm. Only one firm responded to an ad – Stantec. They have been performing that duty for Avon Park since 2019.
Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies, local elected officials and interested citizens gathered this morning at the Highlands County Sheriff’s headquarters to honor the fallen.
Highlands County Chairman Chris Campbell was the keynote speaker. Honored were ten officers killed in the line of duty in 2022.
Locally, deputies paid tribute the memory of Deputy William Gentry jr. He died 5 years ago yesterday while going to investigate a neighborhood dispute.
This morning’s observance was held in front of the Highlands County Sheriff’s office.