Highlands News-Sun

10/29/2025

Lane closures on State Road 66 from Fox Road to Markland Lane
Road maintenance will be conducted on S.R. 66 from Fox Road to Markland Lane in Sebring on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Crews will be cleaning roadside ditches using heavy equipment. Motorists should expect lane closures and flagging operations throughout the work area.
Motorists are advised to use caution, follow flagger instructions, and expect brief delays. Please allow extra travel time and watch for workers and equipment in the area.

10/24/2025

Road closures expected
The Sebring Post Office will hold a dedication ceremony on Friday, Oct. 24. The event will take place at the Sebring Post Office located at 518 North Ridgewood Drive. The event time is 12:30-1:30 p.m. North Orange Street will be closed from North Ridgewood Drive to Grapefruit Avenue until 2 p.m. There will be no detours established during this event.

10/23/2025

2:30pm // Search has been suspended. Please report any suspocious activity in the area or persons matching the description to 863-773-4144.

Search Update

Law enforcement is searching for 28 year old, Austin Smeal. He was last seen in the area of Ten Mile Grade/Crewsville Road and Johnston Road. He fled from law enforcement on foot wearing a grey hoodie, red shorts, and boots at approximately 10:00am on 10/23/2025. It is unknown if he is armed.

If you are in the surrounding areas, please be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity immediately to 863-773-4144. As always, anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward.

10/23/2025

Avoid the area if you're headed to Hardee County.

Update 2:30pm // the device has been deemed safe. The scene is clearing and traffic patterns are normal.

Immediate Road Closure

US Hwy 17 at State Road 64 in Zolfo springs is closed IN ALL DIRECTIONS for an unknown amount of time due to a suspicious device located near the fuel pumps at Circle K.

Detours are being established. Please avoid this area to eliminate congested detour routes. We will update as changes are available.

10/14/2025

Live music fans in Lake Placid and Highlands County, check out our 2026 concert calendar!

10/09/2025

Overnight Bridge Work on US 98 over the Kissimmee River

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct overnight bridge work on US 98 over the Kissimmee River beginning Thursday night, Oct. 9.
Detour signs and traffic control devices for eastbound and westbound lanes will be in place, with additional signage before the bridge to alert drivers in advance of the closure. Crews will work overnight to replace sections of the bridge grid deck.
The detour will be removed, and all lanes will reopen for daytime traffic by 6 a.m. Friday. The same maintenance of traffic plan will be repeated nightly beginning at 7 p.m. as long as needed to complete the final installation of the replacement grid deck.
Motorists are advised to use caution in the area, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra travel time.
For real-time traffic updates, visit FL511.com.

10/06/2025

Avoid the area.

10/03/2025

☔Rain or shine, we’re still on—just moving indoors!
It's a hard decision but we feel the right one. Due to predicted rain and windy weather for Sunday, we are moving to the Sebring Civic Center. Join us with over 50 kids business ready to show you their amazing products, ideas and creative arts! Activities to still include Fun Fall Crafts, Putt Putt course and live entertainment with Magic by Nelson and YouTube Young Kids entertainer Rebbie Rye. Hot Dog Lunch Meal Kit available for $5

10/03/2025

🎀✨ Light the Circle PINK is almost here! ✨🎀

📍 Downtown Sebring
📅 This Saturday, October 4th
⏰ 4:00–8:00 PM

💗 From the Car & Truck Show to the Pink Strut, from inflatable races to the Circle Parade of Lights—there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event!

🛍️ Plus, check out our incredible lineup of local vendors bringing shopping, treats, activities, and more to Circle Park Drive.

This event kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supports Knotty Girl’s mission of Racing to Educate & Save Lives. 🏁🎀

✨ Wear your pink, bring the family, and let’s light the circle together! ✨

10/02/2025

Looking for spook-tacular to do with the family? Join us at the Heartland Family Fall Festival🧡 October 18th at Lakeshore Mall start at 1pm.

09/26/2025

Major Darin Hood named 2025 Champion for Children

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is proud to share that Major Darin Hood has received the 2025 Champion for Children Award. This important award recognizes people who have shown a strong commitment to helping kids, going above and beyond what is expected of them, and inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Major Hood is the first law enforcement officer to win the coveted award since 2003, when the late Monica Sauls was named the Champion for Children.
For over 26 years, Major Hood has dedicated his career to protecting and supporting children in Highlands County. His journey began as a college student at the University of Florida, where he volunteered in programs aimed at helping youth. He further earned the respect and trust of students while serving as a school resource officer at Sebring High School.
Major Hood has done so much more than his regular duties in law enforcement. He has coached youth sports, volunteered at various school and community events, and served on the board of AMIkids, an organization that helps troubled youth. He also plays a vital role in the Highlands County Junior Livestock Program and is a co-founder of the Blue Jean Ball, an annual fundraiser that gives scholarships and supports programs for young people throughout the county.
This award acknowledges not only his past and ongoing efforts but also the positive impact of his leadership, which improves the lives of children and families in Highlands County.
Let's all take a moment to congratulate Major Darin Hood on this wonderful achievement.