Local News in Highlands County
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Highlands County 15 storiesWiden to Greater Sebring
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Published September 04News Update for 09/04/26
U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds made a campaign stop in Sebring Thursday, speaking to a packed crowd at Dee’s Place. Donalds highlighted growth, jobs, workforce training and lowering insurance costs, while urging voters to support his campaign for governor. The Sebring stop was…
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Published September 03News Update for 09/03/26
Drivers in Sebring will need to find an alternate route around Ben Eastman Road. The northern section between Sebring Parkway and Panther Parkway is now closed for construction. Highlands County Engineering and Hickey Excavation are building a new paved roadway and sidewalk, with…
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Published September 02News Update for 09/02/26
The West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, honoring the 2,974 people who lost their lives in the attacks, including hundreds of first responders. The community is invited to gather and remember the sacrifices made and the lasting…
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Published September 01News Update for 09/01/26
The City of Sebring is pursuing another commercial property through a lien foreclosure lawsuit. The latest case involves a convenience store and gas station on Frontage Road, where the owner faces thousands of dollars in fines tied to unresolved code violations. The city has…
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Published August 31News Update for 08/31/26
The Sebring chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association is asking for community support after its former treasurer, Thomas Justin Smith, allegedly stole more than 65-thousand dollars from the organization. Smith was arrested August first and faces three felony charges. The…
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Published August 28News Update for 08/28/26
Sun ’n Lake residents will be watching Tuesday’s Highlands County Commission meeting, where commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the improvement district’s elections and oversight. The ordinance would allow all registered voters—not just property…
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Published August 27News Update for 08/27/26
Avon Park City Council will appoint someone to fill the vacant seat left by Michelle Mercure’s resignation. City Attorney Gerald Buhr says the position cannot be placed on the November ballot because the resignation came after the qualifying period. Council will accept…
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Published August 26News Update for 08/26/27
Highlands County officials now have a plan to address some of the county’s most flood-prone areas. A new vulnerability assessment identifies Sebring Parkway, downtown Sebring and the area around Little Lake Jackson as top priorities. Proposed improvements could cost millions, but…
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Published August 25News Update for 08/25/26
Sebring Police are investigating a shooting that happened Monday night near Sebring Parkway and North Ridgewood Drive. Police say one person suffered a gunshot wound. Both directions of Sebring Parkway were temporarily closed between North Ridgewood and Grapefruit Avenue while…
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Published August 21News Update for 08/21/26
A 24-year-old Miami man is facing multiple felony charges after Highlands County detectives say he traveled to Lake Placid to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex. Investigators say Franklin Leonel Uriarte communicated with the girl through a dating app after she told him she was…
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Published August 20News Update for 082026
>>> Lakeshore Mall Sold The Lakeshore Mall has been officially sold. ICA Properties, Inc. out of Odessa, Texas, bought the facility with hopes to modernize it and use some of the vacant space inside. The company owns hotels, radio stations, retail strip centers, manufactured…
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Published August 19News Update for 081926
>>Election Results Yesterday was primary election day in Highlands County and around the state, and the results are in. In a tight race, Board of Adjustment Chair Frank Youngman beat incumbent Arlene Tuck for the County Commission District Four seat. Youngman received just over…