Debra Lafave, the former Greco Middle School teacher currently serving house arrest for having sex with a 14-year-old student, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. today for a probation violation, according to jail records. ...more

December 4, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - A Powell Middle School teacher protested just before his arrest on a DUI charge that "everybody drinks and drives" and asked the deputy why he was giving him "such a hard time," according to a report. ...more

November 13, 2007

AVON PARK — With both major precincts counted, an unofficial count had Mayor Sharon Schuler almost 100 votes ahead of the next-highest candidate for mayor, while Avon Park Middle School teacher Al Hinson held a sizable lead in the council election Tuesday night. Schuler, with 329 votes, will likely remain mayor for another three years as she holds an insurmountable lead over former Gordon Marshall in the mayoral race. Marshall, with 223 votes, is a distant second, while Ed Dickerson had 159 votes and Gonzalo Lezama 47. Schuler said she wasn't expecting it. Truly. "Everyone has an opportunity to win," she said as she came to the supervisor of election's office to see the vote counting. "I'm very happy." Hinson, meanwhile, has 250 votes, holding a solid lead over Paul Miller's 202 backers, Michael Shirey's 177 and James Rahenkamp's 140. Hinson, reached by phone Tuesday evening, was cautiously optimistic that he would hold on to the lead. "I thought it would be close," he said. "I feel good... I guess the people went out and voted. Hopefully it's official but I am happy." ...more

November 6, 2007

AVON PARK — After nearly 100 voters climbed up the steps of City Hall for the early elections last week, Avon Park's two polls are now prepped for a combined crowd to reach into four figures as the city elects a mayor and a new councilman. Mayor Sharon Schuler will try to hold on to the mayor's office, facing challenges from RCMA Technology Director Ed Dickerson, Local Advocacy Council Chairman Gonzalo Lezama and former Mayor Gordon Marshall. Avon Park Air Force Range mechanic Paul Miller, retired pastor James Rahenkamp, middle school teacher Al Hinson and Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Michael Shirey are running for a council seat being vacated by Doug Eason, who chose not to seek re-election. ...more

November 6, 2007

AVON PARK — Early voting for Avon Park's mayor and for one council seat begins Monday, making it the first time in the city's history that it is holding early voting for local offices. Voters will pick between four mayoral candidates and four contestants for Councilman Doug Eason's seat, which he is vacating. Mayor Sharon Schuler is up against RCMA Technology Director Ed Dickerson, Local Advocacy Council Chairman Gonzalo Lezama and former Mayor Gordon Marshall. ...more

October 28, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Carmen Aguero fought hard for Webb Middle School, advocating for it when she felt it was getting an unfair shake, and seeing her work pay off when the school earned an A from the state and a visit from the governor. ...more

October 20, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Carmen Aguero fought hard for Webb Middle School, advocating for it when she felt it was getting an unfair shake, and seeing her work pay off when the school earned an A from the state and a visit from the governor. ...more

October 18, 2007

SEBRING — Sebring Skate Park, one of the most happening afternoon hangouts, will soon have an attendant watching over it. Skaters will pay an annual user fee of $30 to cover the costs of an attendant working from 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday – the park's busiest times. City council members approved the hiring of an attendant to best protect the city from potential lawsuits and to enforce the park's rules. Rob Ross, senior loss prevention consultant with Public Risk Management, said the state grants statutory immunity to cities with skateboard parks. Loopholes exist that leave the city open to potential lawsuits, Ross said, such as failure to obtain written consent from participants under 17. ...more

October 5, 2007