Highlands County commissioners yesterday took the first steps to raise the fire assessment here. Following a lengthy report, commissioners discussed whether or not to extend a cap on the percentage of increase that could be charged to some residences. Highlands Safety Services Chief Marc Bashoor indicated increasing such caps and ranges would bring in nearly […]Continue reading The post News Update for 5/5/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

Today is OJ Day, and Highlands County commissioners approved a resolution to that effect when they met in regular session this morning. When it comes to citrus production – despite recent problems with greening – Highlands remains a big dog. Highlands county is second in the state when it comes to citrus production, putting out […]Continue reading The post News Update for 5/4/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

Following the departure of Kim Gay, Avon Park has an interim city clerk. Finance Director Danielle Phillips has taken over clerk duties until a permanent replacement can be found. The Frostproof city council will have their eye on Independence Day when they meet in regular session. The town, known for its special events, will be […]Continue reading The post News Update for 5/3/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

Self-described Highlands County government watchdog Preston Colby has passed away. He reportedly died early yesterday morning at the Good Shepard Hospice in Sebring after a long illness. He was 78. In the 1990s, Colby had been involved in a series of lawsuits involving Highlands County, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Highlands County clerk […]Continue reading The post News Update for 4/30/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

It was a long night for Highlands County sheriff’s deputies last night. They chased a speeding motorist all around the Sebring area then up to the north end of the county. Apparently, it revolved around a domestic disturbance with a 19-year-old Sebring man taking a car with his victim in it. She apparently began screaming […]Continue reading The post News Update for 4/29/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

There has been another fatal fire in Highlands County – this one yesterday in the Caladium Capital. Units from Highlands Park, Lake Placid and Sun ‘N Lakes south responded to the home on Copperhead drive in the Lake Placid Campground Resort. Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies were first on the scene, where they found the unit […]Continue reading The post News Update for 4/28/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.

It was a long couple of days, but the landfill fire now has been declared officially as “out.” Highlands County fire authorities say there’s no telling what started it – or how much trash actually was burned up in the blaze. At it’s peak, the flames covered the top of the giant garbage pile and […]Continue reading The post News Update for 2/26/21 appeared first on NewsTalk 730 AM.