AVON PARK — As Avon Park Police Chief Frank Mercurio steps down today, the officers under him say it will be "business as usual" as Cmdr. Michael Rowan becomes the acting chief. Seeing Mercurio leave, they said they were shocked, upset and still hurting over it. "As the week goes along, it doesn't get any better," APPD Detective Sgt. Jason Lister said Thursday. "You're not going to find a sworn member of this staff that's not going to give you the same feelings." Lister and six other APPD officers contacted by Highlands Today were almost monolithic in their sentiments, but they said that they would remain with the department despite the situation. ...more

September 28, 2007

AVON PARK — Outgoing Avon Park Police Chief Frank Mercurio said at a press conference late Wednesday morning that he will turn in his badge Friday, Sept. 28. As he announced his resignation, he also accused the city of "railroading" him at July's budget meeting. ...more

September 19, 2007

AVON PARK — Tom Macklin was cracking up over the truck traffic along Main Street, and his house on that street, according to him, was literally cracking up as well. Although other neighbors disputed whether truck vibrations created the crack along his stoop and the foundation of his house, several of them also notice delivery trucks, haulers and full-size tractor trailers heading right into downtown Avon Park. "We get semis coming through here," said another Main Street resident who did not wish to be identified. ...more

September 16, 2007