Man shot, killed on Avon Park basketball court, deputies say

Highlands County deputies are investigating after a man was shot to death early Saturday morning in Avon Park.

Highlands County: Agriculture crops hit hard by Ian, most power restored to residents

"Coasts are typically affected worse than we are, but that doesn't mean that we don't suffer damage when hurricanes come through. Preparation is the key to success in any disaster like this. This needs to be that wake-up call, especially for those folks that liven the low-lying areas."

2 Highlands County kids safely located following Missing Child Alert

A 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl from Sebring have been safely located following a statewide Missing Child Alert. 

'Caladium Capital of the World' in Lake Placid hosting 31st annual festival

Caladiums are primarily grown in Lake Placid, described as the “Caladium Capital of the World.” You can see the massive fields and purchase some for your own garden during the 31st annual Caladium Festival this weekend.

Missing Child Alert canceled after 14-year-old Sebring girl found safe

The statewide Missing Child Alert for a 14-year-old girl from Sebring has been canceled. The girl was found safe, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Lakeland teen, woman die after crash in Highlands County Sunday evening

A teen girl and a woman are dead after a crash in rural Highlands County Sunday night. Two others were inured the crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Man wanted for murder of 16-year-old at Avon Park car wash arrested, deputies say

The family of a 16-year-old murder victim is still left searching for answers as investigators try and track down the killer. The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said Dresean Williams was shot and killed by his cousin at a local car wash more than a year ago.

19-year-old arrested for kidnapping child he met online, Highlands County deputies say

Anthony Joshua Borgesano, 19, from Orlando was identified as the suspect on April 12, according to Highlands County deputies. Investigators said they responded to a report of a kidnapping at about 8:10 p.m. on April 11 in Spring Lake.

Downed power lines, damages reported after hail falls in Highlands County, officials say

Severe weather moved through Highlands County early Monday evening. County officials reported damages to vehicles and downed power lines after hail fell in parts of the county.

Red Flag Warning issued as fire risk increases around Tampa Bay

Dry air and moderate to high winds are stoking concerns that brush fires could become a problem in Bay Area counties Wednesday.

Sex offender faces additional 21 felonies for registration violations, Highlands sheriff says

The Special Victims Unit of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office wants sex offenders to know it takes proper registration seriously. Deputies said registered sex offender Jorge Francisco Paz was warned, but appears not to have taken it seriously.

FHP: 1 killed, 1 charged with DUI manslaughter following wrong-way crash in Highlands County

A 28-year-old Sebring man is dead after an alleged intoxicated wrong-way driver fleeing from a crash hit him head-on in Highlands County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Drunk Florida man wanted for sexually battering a child passes out in McDonald’s drive-thru, deputies say

Luis Salinas, 35, who was wanted for sexual battery of a child, a capital felony, was arrested after he passed out in an Avon Park McDonald’s drive-thru lane, according to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. 

Avon Park Mowerplex hosting Snowbird Nationals lawnmower races

Once a month, a dirt track in Avon Park hosts some high-adrenaline racing, but it's not cars or motorcycles flying around this track. It's lawnmowers.