Highlands County father dead after holding children hostage in 18-hour standoff, firing at deputies: HCSO
A Highlands County man is dead after holding his two children hostage in an 18-hour standoff that ended in a burning home and shots fired at deputies.
Man charged with shooting, killing 21-year-old in Avon Park: Sheriff's Office
A man was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after authorities said he shot and killed a man following an altercation in Avon Park.
8 arrested in Highlands County after months-long investigation into fentanyl dealer
Eight people were arrested in Avon Park on Tuesday to cap a months-long investigation from the Highlands County Sheriff's Office and other agencies into a fentanyl dealer.
Two teenagers injured in Highlands County shooting, police say
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting in the Leisure Lakes area of Lake Placid that left two people injured on Saturday morning.
Delivery man helps save Highlands County woman stuck in window for 5 hours
A Highlands County woman says she owes her life to her neighborhood's newspaper delivery man.
Missing Highlands County teen draws statewide attention
A Florida Missing Child Alert has been issued for a Highlands County teenager.
Sebring man sentenced to 40 years for local sex crimes, child porn
On Monday, Billy Joe Gann was sentenced to 40 years for local charges. Gann told an undercover agent in 2021 that he molested a child and shared photos of children.
State Rep. Fred Hawkins selected as South Florida State College's next president by trustees
State Rep. Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, was selected Wednesday by South Florida State College trustees to succeed retiring school President Thomas Leitzel.
Armed fugitive sex offender killed, murder suspect arrested following standoff in Sebring: HCSO
Highlands County deputies say they shot and killed a fugitive sex offender after he raised a handgun at them following a standoff at a Sebring home, which also led a woman hiding in a closet to be arrested on second-degree murder charges.
World War II hero killed during Operation Tidal Wave laid to rest
On Saturday, a World War II hero was laid to rest.
Avon Park mayor works toward changes after 13-year-old hit, killed by Amtrak train
When a train passes through Avon Park at West Bell Street and South Feagin Avenue, a crossing gate arm goes down over the road.
13-year-old dead after being hit by Amtrak train in Avon Park, deputies say
Just 11 minutes after the school bell rang, Highlands County deputies responded to a deadly Amtrak passenger train crash involving a child.
Critics believe finalist for South Florida State College's next president was hand-picked by Gov. DeSantis
Rep. Fred Hawkins addressed Thursday the criticism he's received following the announcement he's the only finalist to be the next leader of South Florida State College in Highlands County.
State Rep. Fred Hawkins named sole finalist for South Florida State College’s new president
South Florida State College took a step toward selecting its next president Wednesday, naming state Rep. Fred Hawkins as the sole finalist for the position.
Five arrested in connection with Highlands shooting
At around 6:42 on Friday night, a 25-year-old man was critically injured in a shooting at the intersection of SR 66 and S. Orange Blossom Blvd.
Officials warn of wildfire season with dry conditions continuing across Florida
Dry conditions across the state has Florida Forest Service officials raising red flags over this wildfire season, which they said is already off to a hot and early start.
HCSO: Highlands County deputy arrested for altering doctor’s notes to take time off work
A Highlands County detention deputy is facing nine felony charges after investigators say he altered doctor’s notes to extend his medical leave on three different occasions.
Sebring bank shooter apologizes in handwritten note for 2019 murders, court records show
The gunman who pleaded guilty in the killings of five women inside a SunTrust Bank in Highlands County has apologized in a handwritten note, court records show.
Sebring bank shooting suspect pleads guilty to 2019 murders
More than four years after a gunman killed five women inside a SunTrust Bank in Highlands County, the man who pulled the trigger has changed his plea.
Sebring teen fatally shot after playing basketball at church, police say
Sebring police are searching for the shooter who killed a 17-year-old Friday night.


















