SEBRING — Three law enforcement agencies teamed up to lockdown Hill Gustat Middle School in a routine sweep Friday morning to search for drugs and weapons. ...more

February 8, 2008

SEBRING — A countywide underage alcohol sale sting operation conducted this weekend showed that of 38 businesses checked, 26 did not sell alcohol to minors, said Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton in a press release Tuesday. An underage operative was used to enter the businesses and try to buy alcohol. Most didn't take the bait. "We congratulate these companies and their staffs for helping us work toward the vision of a 'Safer Highlands County' supporting our youth by reducing the availability of alcohol," she added. Investigators have submitted affidavits to the state attorney's office on charges of sale of alcohol to underage persons on the 12 employees who reportedly sold to the minors. Each could potentially face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. The mission of the Highlands County Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse, is to organize, inform, educate, and unite our community in its efforts to reduce substance abuse, Benton wrote. ...more

February 8, 2008

The following armed robberies were reported in Highlands County between Friday and Monday night: ...more

January 8, 2008

About 25,000 people are expected to converge on this north Pinellas County city today for the 102nd Epiphany celebration. ...more

January 6, 2008

AVON PARK — A Lake Placid man was arrested Tuesday, accused of trying to kill his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend during an argument, while she was holding their baby girl. Coy Lee Bellamy Jr., 20, of 109 Bonnie Road, was charged by Avon Park police with attempted murder (with a knife) domestic violence related. Between 2:05 and 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the Avon Park home of the victim in the 1300 block of Tulane Avenue after she had reportedly been slashed severely by Bellamy Jr., according to Det. Daniel Burke. ...more

December 27, 2007

A pilot was slightly injured in a helicopter crash Dec. 12 near Plant City Stadium. ...more

December 19, 2007

PLANT CITY - Authorities are continuing to investigate a helicopter crash near Plant City Stadium that slightly injured a pilot. ...more

December 13, 2007

AVON PARK — An Avon Park man received three jolts from a Taser on Sunday before he gave in to police commands to show his hands after a domestic squabble at his home, according to Avon Park police. ...more

December 6, 2007

AVON PARK — Traffic was snarled Monday evening approaching the downtown area after the railroad crossing closed along Main Street near the Depot Museum. Pleasant Street saw several more cars while Bell Street and Museum Avenue were congested at times with traffic going around the crossing. Avon Park Police Cmdr. Michael Rowan said delays should be expected through those two detours during the time school lets out. And when a freight train comes through, save the gas and turn off the car for a bit. ...more

December 5, 2007

Tampa police are investigating a body found in a ditch alongside North Dale Mabry Highway. ...more

November 27, 2007