Polk County emergency workers responded to a call about an explosion in Bartow this morning. The alarm came in just before 10:30 a.m. at the 1705 Mann Road industrial complex, authorities said. The complex includes Peace River Citrus and Ethanol of Florida. ...more

April 24, 2009

The countywide burn ban, which had been in place for the past five weeks, has been rescinded. ...more

April 22, 2009

With blustery winds forecast to continue through this week, the Highlands County commissioners voted Tuesday to extend the county-wide burn ban into its fourth week. ...more

April 9, 2009

TBO.com: This morning's anthrax scare, which started at Florida Hospital Heartland Division, has spread to at least 30 locations, according to Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton. Deputies are talking to several people now in connection with this case. ...more

April 2, 2009

With Highlands County rated among the driest counties in the state, the county commissioners met Tuesday in emergency session and extended the countywide burn ban for another seven days. ...more

March 25, 2009

In a surprise phone call this week, Uncle Sam remembered and made good on a grant pledge made three years ago to Highlands County. ...more

March 25, 2009

ATLANTA (AP) - One person was killed and at least 16 were injured when fierce thunderstorms swept Georgia and Alabama with tornadoes, hail and lightning, downing trees and power lines, authorities said Thursday. ...more

February 20, 2009

The worst nightmare for many West Pasco residents could be surviving a devastating hurricane or other disaster. So imagine the challenges a person who is blind or has some other disability would face trying to recover from an emergency. Pasco leaders are starting to walk a mile in the shoes of disabled people while putting together an Emergency Preparedness Conference for residents with special needs later this spring. ...more

February 11, 2009

Manatee's 911 system is back up. ...more

January 9, 2009

Authorities are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash at interstates 75 and 275 in Palmetto that closed one southbound lane of I-275 ramp. ...more

December 26, 2008