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Search Continues for Missing Divers on Lake Jackson; Officials Urge Public to Check In

Allison
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Search Continues for Missing Divers on Lake Jackson; Officials Urge Public to Check In

FINAL UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2026

The Sebring Police Department has completed an extensive investigation involving a potential drowning on Lake Jackson.

On Sunday, April 26th, 2026, the Sebring Police Department received a call from dispatch at approximately 8:17 p.m. in reference to two potential swimmers in destress on Lake Jackson. Sebring Police Department, Sebring Fire Department and Highlands County Fire Rescue arrived on scene of a residence on Lakeview Drive and immediately made contact with the homeowner to identify the last known location of the swimmers.

The homeowner identified two individuals who appeared to be diving or snorkeling, due to the way they were moving through the water. Due to the lack of daylight, first responders were only able to have a slight visual of individuals in the water until all visibility was quickly lost. Rescue Boat 15 from Sebring Fire Department was immediately launched at the Veterans Beach Boat Ramp and proceeded to the last known area they were seen swimming on the east side of Lake Jackson.

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman and Highlands County Emergency Management responded to the scene to provide assistance with drone support. Sebring Fire Department, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, Highlands County Fire Rescue, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Frostproof Volunteer Fire Department all launched search and rescue boats in order to provide assistance with search efforts throughout the nearly 21-hour search.

Throughout the extensive search, no evidence was found of any missing swimmers. The search and rescue boats on Lake Jackson used high-tech sonar and underwater imaging along with extensive search patterns throughout the search, though they never recorded anything indicating anyone had drowned.

Detectives were made aware of a caller that saw the news reports of the search efforts and felt that they may be the potential swimmer in question. This individual discussed with detectives that they had been swimming in the area identified and once boats began to arrive on scene, they swam to the area of the Elks Lodge and exited the water. Detectives with Sebring Police Department were able to verify their account using security footage of nearby locations. Video ultimately showed that the person exited Lake Jackson at 9:11 p.m., which correlates with the last known visual of someone swimming at the time the call was reported.

Due to the swimmer reporting that they were alone, along with no evidence to support any other swimmers missing at this time, the Sebring Police Department has suspended any further search efforts.

We extend our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the many agencies that assisted with this search. Further, we appreciate all the assistance that the community provided by sharing information and helping with this incident. We are relieved that this outcome resulted in everyone returning home safe!

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4/27/26 at 11:26am Update – First responders remain on the water searching. There are no new updates to the active investigation.

We want to emphasize, if you were in the area swimming or diving last night, please call the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.
You are NOT in any trouble, our first responders only want to ensure that if these individuals left the water, that they are safe.

4/27/26 at 7:50am Update – First Responders are still on Lake Jackson continuing in search efforts. Sebring Fire Department, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman have been on the lake searching since the initial call last night.

Initial reports were that eye witnesses saw two swimmers who appeared to be diving/snorkeling and looked to be in distress in the area south of City Pier Beach.

First Responders will remain on scene and continue search efforts.

  • If you were on the east side of Lake Jackson between the Sebring Elks Lodge and the City of Sebring Pier, within the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm (swimming or diving) and have since exited the lake; please notify the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.

You can help by checking in on your family and friends. If your roommate or significant other was expected to return home but didn’t, or your coworker did not show up for work this morning, please contact us!

4/26/26 at 11:53pm (Update) – Search efforts are still ongoing in the area of City Pier Beach. Agencies aiding in search efforts are Sebring Police Department, Sebring Fire Department, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman, Highlands County Emergency Management, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Please avoid the area as first responders remain on scene. We will continue with updates as the investigation continues.

4/26/26 at 9:10pm (Update) – If you were on the east side of Lake Jackson between the Sebring Elks Lodge and the City of Sebring Pier, within the last 2 hours, swimming or diving and have exited the lake; please notify the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.

4/26/26 at 8:50pm (Original Post) – Sebring Police Department and Sebring Fire Department are currently on scene of Lake Jackson due to reports of missing divers in the water.

Please avoid the lake as first responders search the area. We have drones in the air searching, we ask that the public DOES NOT operate a drone at this time

*Info provided by Sebring Police Department

DOJ Revives Firing Squads in Major Federal Death Penalty Shakeup

Carl Fish
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DOJ Revives Firing Squads in Major Federal Death Penalty Shakeup

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday announced sweeping actions to strengthen the federal death penalty, including restoring a previously used pentobarbital lethal injection protocol and authorizing firing squads as an execution method in federal cases.  

The changes were outlined in a Justice Department report titled Restoring and Strengthening the Federal Death Penalty, which officials say is intended to streamline capital punishment procedures and reinforce the federal government’s authority to carry out death sentences.  

According to the Justice Department, the move reinstates the single-drug pentobarbital protocol used during President Donald Trump’s first administration, when 13 federal executions were carried out after a nearly two-decade pause. Officials also announced federal protocols will be expanded to include firing squads, and potentially other execution methods permitted under certain state laws.  

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the policy changes are aimed at ensuring federal death sentences are carried out and that victims’ families receive justice. The department also signaled it intends to speed up reviews in capital cases and continue pursuing the death penalty in dozens of pending cases. Reports indicate federal prosecutors have been authorized to seek capital punishment in 44 cases, with several already approved.  

The move marks a dramatic shift from the Biden administration, which imposed a moratorium on federal executions and commuted most federal death row sentences to life without parole. Only three inmates remain on federal death row following those commutations, according to reports.  

Supporters say the changes restore tools needed to punish the most heinous crimes, while critics are expected to challenge the policy on constitutional and humanitarian grounds, particularly regarding firing squads and other alternative methods of execution.

The announcement is likely to intensify national debate over capital punishment, federal authority, and the limits of punishment under the Eighth Amendment.

More legal and political challenges surrounding the policy are expected in the weeks ahead.

This Day in History April 24, 1982: Jane Fonda’s First Workout Video Released

Allison
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This Day in History April 24, 1982: Jane Fonda’s First Workout Video Released

The following is an article from history.com

On April 24, 1982, Oscar-winning actress, anti-war activist and Hollywood royalty Jane Fonda adds a new title—exercise guru—as she extends her reach into the home-video market with the first release of her bestselling aerobic workout tapes.

Photo source Getty Images Paul Popper

Daughter of the celebrated actor Henry Fonda (star of 1940’s The Grapes of Wrath), Jane worked as a model before joining Lee Strasberg’s famed Actors Studio. She broke out in 1960 with a Tony-nominated performance in Broadway’s There Was a Little Girl and a starring role in the big-screen comedy Tall Story. She soon established a reputation as both sexpot (1968’s Barbarella) and serious actress, earning her first Oscar nomination for 1969’s They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and taking home the Best Actress statuette two years later for Klute. As an outspoken member of the opposition to the U.S. war in Vietnam, Fonda was famously photographed behind enemy lines next to an anti-aircraft gun during a visit to North Vietnam in 1972. (She later expressed regret about posing for the photograph.)

Fonda won her second Best Actress Oscar in 1979 for Coming Home. That same year, she opened her first workout studio, breaking into a gym industry previously dominated by male boxers and bodybuilders. A former ballet enthusiast, Fonda had begun practicing aerobics with her future business partner, Leni Cazden, to keep fit. In 1981, Fonda published Jane Fonda’s Workout Book, which remained at No. 1 on the nonfiction bestseller’s list for more than six months and in the top five for more than 16 months. The cover showed a grinning Fonda striking a pose in black tights and leg warmers.

With the phenomenal success of her exercise studios, books and videos, Fonda not only sparked the aerobics trend of the late 1970s and 1980s–she also popularized the concept of working out for women in general. Other instructors soon capitalized on the workout movement, including Richard Simmons and Judi Missett, creator of the aerobics spin-off known as Jazzercise. For the first time, millions of women (and a few men) were exercising together in groups, doing leg lifts, side bends and lifting dumbbells to the beat of peppy music. Aerobics also launched a fashion craze, with neon spandex, leg warmers and leotards becoming ubiquitous among health-conscious women. Fonda’s videos remained top sellers into the latter half of the 1980s, including Jane Fonda’s New Workout (1986) and Jane Fonda’s Low-Impact Aerobic Workout (1987).

The revenues from Fonda’s exercise empire financed the Campaign for Economic Democracy, a leftist political organization founded by her then-husband, the leading 1960s radical Tom Hayden. After divorcing Hayden in 1989, Fonda largely withdrew from the spotlight. She announced her retirement from acting in 1992, explaining her desire to spend more time with her third husband, the media mogul Ted Turner. The couple divorced in 2001. Fonda returned to the big screen in several movies, including Monster-In-Law (2005), Georgia Rule (2007), This is Where I Leave You (2014), Our Souls at Night (2017), and Book Club (2018).

Hurricane Milton Damage Repair Approved for Circle B Bar Reserve

Allison
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Hurricane Milton Damage Repair Approved for Circle B Bar Reserve

Hurricane Milton Damage Repair Approved for Circle B Bar Reserve

by James Coulter

To restore the site to pre-Hurricane Milton conditions, repairs have been approved for Circle B Bar Reserve near Lakeland.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Apr. 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an agreement for engineering services for repairs at Circle B Bar Reserve.

The proposed project will include “repairs to historic berms constructed in the early 1900s and improvements to drainage infrastructure along the existing trail system,” wrote Brad Howard, Sr. Procurement Analyst.

“The scope also includes investigating opportunities to enhance the functionality of the wetland system and its hydraulic capacity to improve water conveyance to Lake Hancock and ultimately the Peace River,” he wrote.

The agreement is with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for the repairs. The duration of the agreement will be either until the project’s completion or until Dec. 31, 2027.

The project is expected not to exceed $1,149,927.44. Funding is budgeted and available in the 5-year Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund.

Circle B Bar Reserve, a wildlife reserve consisting of 1,267 acres near Lakeland, received significant storm damage from Hurricane Milton in 2024. The park was completely closed after the storm because major portions of the property were underwater, as reported by Fox 13 Tampa Bay.

Specifically, “the trail leading to Alligator Alley and the driveway approaching the visitor center was underwater a week after the hurricane,” wrote Carla Bayron on Fox 13 Tampa Bay. Furthermore, sections of the Alligator Alley trail were “undermined or washed away” during Hurricane Milton, requiring county crews to repair them, as reported by the Fighting Irish Wire.

The damage was exacerbated due to Circle B Bar Reserve sitting on a marsh and floodplain connected to Lake Hancock. As such, stormwater from Milton continued draining into the reserve long after the hurricane passed. The County is seeking planning, design, environmental permitting, and construction specifically to repair Hurricane Milton damage, as reported by BidNet Direct.

The damage most likely to be addressed through this agreement will include washed-out and undermined trails (especially along Alligator Alley and possibly Marsh Rabbit Run), along with flood-damaged infrastructure like boardwalks and foot bridges, impacted access roads and parking areas, and storm debris and vegetation damage.

Photo source Circle B Bar Reserve

Polk County Detectives Investigating Deadly ATV Crash

Allison
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Polk County Detectives Investigating Deadly ATV Crash


A Polk City man was killed early Thursday morning, April 23, 2026, after crashing his Polaris Sportsman 400 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

At approximately 3:01 am, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash on Fussell Road, about a ¼ mile east of Commonwealth Avenue, and about two miles north of Polk City.

Upon the arrival of first responders, the lone victim, 39-year-old Brandon Roy Moran of Polk City was found deceased, with severe head trauma.

From the preliminary investigation, the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide investigators believe the ATV driver lost control of the vehicle and was ejected, causing him to impact his head on the pavement.

The victim remained on the ground for an unknown period of time before his head was struck by an unknown passing vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle did not stop, and may not have known the vehicle struck the victim.

Fussell Road was closed for about four hours.

The investigation is ongoing.

Fictitious Name Public Notice

Staff Reporter
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Fictitious Name Public Notice

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to House of Friends LLC the fictitious name The Greenhouse Collective in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Keri Grant & Noah Grant

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
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ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May 13th at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Bridget Maddox Unit 1076

Ashley Bane Unit 303

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.

Christina Park in Lakeland Offers Family-Friendly Amenities and Recreation

Allison
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Christina Park in Lakeland Offers Family-Friendly Amenities and Recreation

Residents in Lakeland continue to praise Christina Park as a go-to destination for outdoor fun, relaxation, and community activities.

Operated by Polk County Parks and Recreation, the park is especially popular for its well-designed playground area. Families highlight the kid-friendly climbing features and ample shade, making it a comfortable and engaging space for children to play. Nearby benches allow parents and guardians to relax while keeping a close eye on their kids.

Photo courtesy of Polk County Parks and Rec

Beyond the playground, Christina Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages. ADA-accessible trails provide inclusive opportunities to explore the outdoors, while picnic tables and pavilions make it easy to enjoy a meal in the park. Several picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a large screened-in pavilion can be reserved for gatherings and special events.

For sports enthusiasts, the park also features a five-field softball complex, making it a hub for local leagues and recreational play.

Conveniently located at 625 County Road 540-A in Lakeland, Christina Park continues to be a valued community space where residents can stay active, connect with nature, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Pedal Into Fun: Free Bicycle Rodeo Returns to Mulberry April 25

Allison
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Pedal Into Fun: Free Bicycle Rodeo Returns to Mulberry April 25

Polk County families are invited to “giddy up and get rollin’” as the popular Bicycle Rodeo returns this weekend, offering a fun and educational morning for young riders.

Hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation, the free event will feature a variety of hands-on activities designed to help kids build confidence and improve their biking skills. Participants can take part in an obstacle course, receive bicycle inspections, get minor bike repairs, and test their abilities at interactive skills stations. Prizes will be awarded, and each child will receive a completion certificate.

The Bicycle Rodeo is geared toward children ages 6 to 12. All participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet, and they should already know how to ride or have training wheels installed. For safety, a parent or guardian is required to accompany each child.

The event will take place Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Loyce E. Harpe Park (500 W Carter Rd in Mulberry).

For more information, residents can contact Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 534-6911.

Luck of the Irish Runs Dry as Seminoles Rally to Sweep 

Ethan Jones
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Luck of the Irish Runs Dry as Seminoles Rally to Sweep 
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By Ethan Jones

The No. 8 Florida State Seminoles (27-11, 11-6 ACC) were able to successfully close out the series against Notre Dame (17-17, 7-13 ACC) and get the Sweep. The Seminoles heading into game were able to build off their momentum from Saturdays 9-7 win and improve their record in conference play heading into the end of the season. For Sunday’s matchup Cooper Whited will get the start on the rubber in his junior season; he has a 2-2 record with a 3.04 ERA. 

Florida State threatened early in the second inning when John Stuetzer belted a double down the left field line. However, the opportunity slipped away when he was thrown out attempting to steal third, followed by a pop-up from Cal Fisher to end the inning. 

The Fighting Irish were able to strike first in the top of the third inning as Mark Quatrani hit a double to center field bringing in Drew Berkland for the score making it a 1-0 game for the Fighting Irish. 

In the bottom of the Fourth inning, life was brought back into stadium as the Seminoles were able to respond and even up the ball game when Brody DeLamielleure crushed a home run to right field bringing in himself and Chase Williams for score making it a 2-2 ball game. 

The Fighting Irish were able reclaim the lead in the top of the fifth inning when Jaime Zee hit a single to left center field bringing in Bino Watters and Brandon Logan for the score making it a 4-2 game.   

The Seminoles defining moment came in the seventh inning during a decisive offensive surge. Chase Williams started the rally with an RBI double, scoring Brayden Dowd to cut the deficit to 4–3. Moments later, Nathan Cmeyla delivered the go-ahead blow with a triple to left-center field, bringing in Williams and Hunter Carns. DeLamielleure followed with an RBI double, scoring Cmeyla and extending the lead to 6–4. 

In the following inning in the bottom of the eighth the Seminoles were able to make a quick stop on defense as it was a 1-2-3 inning where Dylan Passo struck out swinging, Jaime Zee grounded out to short stop and Drew Berkland flied out to left center field. 

The Seminoles followed suit as the also had a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the eighth where Gabe Fraiser struck out, Eli Putnam grounded out to third base, and Will Bavaro struck out swinging. 

The lead proved to be enough for the Seminoles as they were able to get the win 6-4. Brodie Purcell was given the win and Chris Knier and was recorded with the save.  

Florida State now heads on the road, beginning with a matchup against North Florida Ospreys on April 21 before continuing west for a series at Stanford Cardinal starting April 26. 

Top performers for the Seminoles included Nathan Cmeyla, who notched the go-ahead hit with two RBIs, Chase Williams, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and Brody DeLamielleure, who finished 2-for-3 with a game-tying home run and an RBI double. 

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After the game me and other members of the media had the opportunity to ask players and coaches about the game. When I asked coach Link Jarret about having a rough start to the game and the resilience that his team showed by coming back late in the game and getting the win and what that says about his team, this is what he had to say. “My concern was can we climb back and get a lead and make this thing something that needs to be closed and finished and we did so the resilience, the toughness of the group especially in that last hour late in the game is a great trait and really displays your toughness and your ability to focus over the long haul of these weekends.” 

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After asking questions to Link Jarret I ended my questions by asking Nathan Cmeyla what his approach was heading to the plate before hitting the go ahead triple that ultimately won the Seminoles the game. This was his response. “Just staying on the heater and adjusting from there and just be on time I think that’s when I am best, I don’t like to think too much about secondaries if I am on time for the heater I can adjust and buy myself time.” 

The victory underscores Florida State’s capacity for late-game execution and adaptability. Overcoming an early deficit, the team demonstrated resilience and effective situational hitting. As the Seminoles transition into an extended road stretch, maintaining these performance characteristics will be essential for continued success as the season is coming to end and eyes become set on the ultimate prize a trip to Omaha. 

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