South Florida State College is now accepting applications for the Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 through mid-July. The program gives participants an inside look at the businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping Highlands County grow and thrive. Those interested can learn more and complete a quick application at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, Continue reading

South Florida State College is getting a boost for adult education. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded SFSC a $10,000 grant to support literacy programs through its Adult Education Department. The funding will help provide learning materials, educational software, and GED testing assistance for students. SFSC serves more than 1,000 adult learners annually through Continue reading

Fire crews responded Tuesday to a brush fire near Ballard Road and State Road 64 on the western edge of Highlands County. In an 8:10 p.m. update, Highlands County Fire Rescue said the blaze had grown to about 75 acres. The Florida Forest Service has established a firebreak around the fire as crews continue working Continue reading

Highlands County and Town of Lake Placid officials recently toured Amazon’s local delivery facility, getting an inside look at operations, workforce development programs, and the company’s impact on the local economy. During the visit, Amazon highlighted its Career Choice education program, which helps employees pursue degrees and job training. The company also presented a $10,000 Continue reading

A 21-month-old child has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at the Ramada Inn in Lake Placid. According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the toddler was discovered by a relative on May 27 and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Authorities have not released Continue reading

Sebring Police say multiple people are now facing charges following the chaotic May 23 incident outside Back Alley Bar & Grill that was captured in widely shared social media videos. Police say 20-year-old McKaeyla Hood will face three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault after investigators reviewed surveillance and cellphone footage Continue reading

A deadly crash in Lorida Tuesday evening left one person dead and both vehicles engulfed in flames. Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 6:49 p.m. on U.S. 98 near Dougherty Road when a Nissan Frontier crossed into the eastbound lane while attempting to pass traffic and collided with a Dodge Ram. Both trucks Continue reading