TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Fay Takes It Easy On Law Enforcement

NO STORM-RELATED ISSUES

ADVERTISEMENT

By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: August 19, 2008

Updated: 08/19/2008 10:00 am

SEBRING - Traffic lights were swinging and palm trees bent under sustained 25 mph winds that gusted to 42 mph while rain pounded on area roofs thanks to Tropical Storm Fay, according to Highlands County Emergency Management Director Bill Nichols.

"This should be the status quo for the duration of the event," Nichols said. "What's happening is we've got bands going through here with a potential for higher gusts. Then it drops down in between the bands."

Nichols reminded people the county is under a tornado watch, which means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornados. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted on the ground, he said.

As Tropical Storm Fay continued to deteriorate Capt. Paul Blackman with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Sebring Police Cmdr. Steve Carr and Lake Placid Police Chief Phil Williams all said they had nothing weather-related to report Tuesday morning.

Carr said his department was working with minimal staff. He had nothing to report crime related.

"Everyone is on standby," he added. "It's nothing more than a rain event, like any other rainy day."

Williams said crime-related he hadn't heard of anything more than a misdemeanor narcotics violation and a case of criminal mischief at the Lake Placid Beef O'Brady's restaurant at about 3:30 p.m. Monday.

"Over all I guess it's a pretty quiet time; almost enjoyable," he said. "It's not a time for fear. I guess it depends on your attitude."

He was glad the storm appeared to be weakening.

"You get the advantage of the storm without the intensity," he said.

Blackman said there was a robbery Monday evening, but did not have any details by the time this story was completed.

Avon Park Police were not available for comment this morning.

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT