SEBRING — Copper, the metal used to make pennies, has become a valuable commodity to thieves. Across the country, copper and brass theft has become an epidemic because of the money that can be made off selling the metals to scrap yards. And while copper theft from abandoned buildings, homes and businesses may take place in Highlands County, it hasn't become a trend, according to local authorities. "It's an ongoing problem, and every once in a while you see a rash in cases," said Maj. Mark Schrader, of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. "I wouldn't say that we have a large number of cases involving it, though." ...more

October 26, 2007

SEBRING — A 93-year-old driver rear-ended a Highlands County school bus with six children on board, bound for Hopewell Academy Tuesday morning. No one was injured. The children were ages 11 to 13. Hopewell Principal Kevin Dewberry was glad none of the fourth-and-fifth-graders were hurt. ...more

October 17, 2007

AVON PARK — The police chief's position was frozen until the council voted unanimously to thaw it Monday, but also tacked a residency requirement so that Frank Mercurio's successor must live within 10 driving miles of the city limit. ...more

October 10, 2007

AVON PARK — Police Cmdr. Michael J. Rowan, now serving as interim Avon Park police chief after the forced resignation of former chief Frank Mercurio, said Wednesday that he plans to apply for the open position. City Manager C.B. Shirey said he's already received 13 applications for the position. The new acting chief has been busy adjusting to the transition and wants to take his time to submit an application. ...more

October 5, 2007

The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing boat captain this morning, according to a news release. The Coast Guard had been searching for Lindsay Forde, 56, of Hollywood since it received a call Friday evening from Michael Swindle, 56, of Tampa, who hired Forde to captain his 46-foot vessel, Extra Labor. ...more

October 2, 2007

AVON PARK — Jose Gonzales doesn't know who could have spray painted racial slurs on his house and set fire to his garage and car. "I can't sleep," he said Monday afternoon. "I don't know who did this." State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Kevin Shireman said the fire was intentionally set and a cash reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information. A Folk-Nation gang sign was sprayed painted on the garage. ...more

October 2, 2007

AVON PARK — As Avon Park Police Chief Frank Mercurio steps down today, the officers under him say it will be "business as usual" as Cmdr. Michael Rowan becomes the acting chief. Seeing Mercurio leave, they said they were shocked, upset and still hurting over it. "As the week goes along, it doesn't get any better," APPD Detective Sgt. Jason Lister said Thursday. "You're not going to find a sworn member of this staff that's not going to give you the same feelings." Lister and six other APPD officers contacted by Highlands Today were almost monolithic in their sentiments, but they said that they would remain with the department despite the situation. ...more

September 28, 2007

SEBRING — Taking money out of an automated teller machine (ATM) is a convenience many people take advantage of these days, but as a 62-year-old Sebring woman learned Wednesday evening, staying alert is important. ...more

September 27, 2007

Although entering the building is a misdemeanor offense, the condemned Nan-Ces-O-Wee Hotel has become a hotbed for activity lately. ...more

September 27, 2007

SEBRING — Over the past week and a half, the city of Sebring Police Department has investigated more than a dozen burglary and theft complaints. ...more

September 26, 2007