Florence, S.C. resident Nachenga Robinson was taking her three children and a friend of her father's to a Pinellas Park Wal-Mart when she was killed when her car was struck by a person police said was fleeing from an undercover drug sting. ...more

July 19, 2008

SEBRING - The six candidates for county commissioner kept it civil during their hour Tuesday at the candidate forum, but Ron Grimming and Mike Rowan were sharply critical of incumbent Sheriff Susan Benton. ...more

July 16, 2008

The Florida Highway Patrol is at the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash involving a 20-year-old rider, authorities said. ...more

July 14, 2008

AVON PARK — Putting a temporary license tag in the rear window or anywhere other than the bracket provided for a license tag could result in a non-moving violation in the state of Florida, since a new law took effect July 1. The law is supposed to help law enforcement officers make a quick and easy identification during routine traffic stops. ...more

July 5, 2008

SEBRING — With more riders hitting the long, lonesome highway, those who want a ticket to ride and don't already have a motorcycle endorsement now have to successfully complete a "Basic Rider Course" before being allowed to ride on public roads. ...more

July 3, 2008

As they say, a little courtesy goes a long way, especially in community policing. These days, Avon Park police officers are doing routine business and residential property checks, and leaving behind "courtesy cards" that provide residents important phone numbers and tips for making their properties safer. It's part of the new police chief's initiative to "have a more active role in the community as well as more awareness of criminal activity." ...more

June 29, 2008

PINELLAS PARK Police officers responded to a call of gunfire early this morning, but witnesses said it was just teens setting off fireworks. An hour later a man showed up at an area hospital with gunshot wound he said he got at the initial location. ...more

June 29, 2008

AVON PARK — Graduation night shooting victim Dwight Hankerson, 18, of Sebring, and his shooting suspect, Antwan Leon Jones, 18, of Avon Park, had been friends in the months prior to the shooting, according to Amina Mathis, the victim's mother. "He's been at my house before as a friend of Dwight," Mathis said late Monday. Hankerson used to date Jones' sister, Mathis said. "They broke up or something. I don't know any details," she added. Mathis said she didn't understand the motive behind the alleged shooting. ...more

June 4, 2008

AVON PARK — A 49-year-old Avon Park man was recovering from a self-inflicted and accidental gunshot wound Monday, after his .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun went off while he was cleaning it Friday night. Avon Park Police Cmdr. Michael J. Rowan said that police investigators were called to the Florida Hospital of Sebring emergency room shortly after 8:30 p.m. Friday, in response to a report of a man with a gunshot wound. "He apparently was cleaning his firearm and thought he had emptied it when the firearm discharged," Rowan said. "The bullet struck the inside left forearm and the exit wound was above the wrist. It was a non life-threatening injury." ...more

June 2, 2008

AVON PARK — "It's not like they have been collecting dust," Avon Park Police Cmdr. Mike Rowan said, but the department's four bicycles haven't seen much use outside of special events and odd assignments. They've been sitting inside the station since the last Christmas parade. The last time they were used for catching crooks was several months ago while Rowan and three other officers were looking for a cat burglar. ...more

June 2, 2008