Tropical Storm Eta information: Highlands County
Ongoing updates from Highlands County as Tropical Storm Eta impacts Florida.
Highlands, Sarasota, Hardee Counties cancel school as Eta approaches Florida
Highlands, Sarasota and Hardee County schools will be closed on Monday, November 9 as Tropical Storm Eta makes its way across South Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico. The school districts decided to cancel class Sunday evening due to the potential for significant rain and winds gusts in the area.
88-year-old man critically injured after being attacked in Avon Park home
Deputies said the 88-year-old man suffered critical injuries and had to be airlifted to a trauma center following an attack in his Avon Park home.
'Staggering:' Highlands deputies seize enough fentanyl to kill 40,000 people
Deputies say they took a dangerous amount of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine off the streets of Highlands County in what they called “one of the largest drug seizures in recent memory.”
Sheriff: Highlands deputy's ballistic vest stops bullet shot by suspect; deputies returned fire, killing him
Officials in Highlands County say deputies were forced to return fire, killing a suspect after a fired a gun at a deputy, striking the law enforcement officer's ballistic vest.
Overdose awareness more important than ever as families struggle during pandemic
Ida Wyland knew Monday would be difficult, but she couldn’t be more driven to power through. The day marks International Overdose Awareness Day, and just five months ago she lost her son Jarred.
Sheriff: Highlands County man fatally shot by deputies after pointing weapon at them
The sheriff of Highlands County says deputies shot and killed a man after he pointed a gun at them Monday night.
Red Cross needs committed volunteers before a hurricane strikes
The Red Cross is recruiting volunteers who would be available to help in the case of a hurricane.
More than two dozen registered sex offenders arrested for improper online activity in Highlands County
More than two dozen registered sex offenders in Highlands County were arrested for using online accounts, according to the sheriff's office Special Victims Unit.
First day of school arrives for Highlands County students
Summer is officially over for students in Highlands County. On Monday, the first day of school began for students.
HCFR: 7 children, 4 adults escape house fire caused by burning candle
Seven children and four adults escaped an early morning house fire in Lake Placid Sunday morning, according to Highlands County Fire Rescue.
Highlands sheriff finds missing 5-year-old in Lake Lelia; 'uncooperative' mom faces charges
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman was the one who found 5-year-old Chance Peterkin’s body at Lake Lelia. After the boy and his mother were reported missing, Blackman took his own boat out on the lake to help with the search.
Crash in Highlands County kills motorcyclist
A 34- year-old man died on Saturday following a vehicle crash in Highlands County.
One found dead following mobile home fire in Highlands County
A mobile home fire led to the death of one person in Highlands County, according to fire officials.
Mama bear, 2 cubs spotted in Sebring neighborhood
A mama bear and two cubs were seen playing in the front yard of a Sebring neighborhood on Wednesday. Stacy Ann Shoop captured video of the trio from her son’s bedroom window around 10 a.m. in the Harder Hall subdivision.
Highlands County deputies find missing teen
Deputies in Highlands County safely located a teen who was reported missing Saturday afternoon.
'A good guy:' College classmate, coach remember George Floyd
George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died in police custody Monday, went to college at South Florida State College in Avon Park. According to the school, he was a student there from 1993 through 1995, and played on the basketball team, the Panthers.
Man arrested for Avon Park murder
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested in connection with the Thursday night shooting death of 20-year-old Christopher Reese in Avon Park.
20-year-old fatally shot in front of Avon Park home, deputies say
Highlands County deputies are investigating the murder of a 20-year-old man.
Deputies: Sebring man threatened mass shooting at Publix; upset people weren't wearing masks
Highlands County deputies said they arrested a 62-year-old man after he wrote in a Facebook post threatening a massing shooting at a Publix.