The Avon Park LULAC Civil Rights Council will be holding an Avon Park City Council debate for the four candidates running for the three council positions in November. ...more

October 12, 2009

Patricia Austin hopes the arrest of two Avon Park police officers in 2008 on charges of police misconduct will "open the door" for Hispanic residents to come forward if they are the victim of any type of crime. ...more

February 19, 2009

Patricia Austin, president of the Avon Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), thanked Avon Park Police Chief Matt Doughney at Monday's meeting for his quick response to allegations of Hispanic residents being mistreated by two Avon Park police officers. ...more

January 11, 2009

A written plea of not guilty was entered Monday for a second Avon Park police officer charged with police misconduct. ...more

January 6, 2009

Editor's note: This year Highlands Today is starting a Person of the Year that the newspaper will name in the new year. The criteria was choosing someone who makes a big difference for citizens in Highlands County and/or who has had a big impact on our area. Picking our first Person of the Year was difficult, with so many good nominees to consider. ...more

January 5, 2009

Patricia Austin's friends affectionately call her "Lady Pitbull." "I guess that's because once I grab hold of something, I don't let go," said Austin, a lifelong Avon Park resident. "I was brought up to stand up and fight for what you believe in. ...more

September 1, 2008

A dinner to raise money for the Jean-Claude Meus Defense Fund starts at 5 p.m. today at Homer's buffet, 1000 Sebring Square. ...more

July 26, 2008

A local civic activist will host a prayer vigil Sunday at the Avon Park Community Center to commemorate the second anniversary of a vote on a controversial ordinance that would have denied business licenses from the city to anyone that "aid and abets" illegal immigrants anywhere in the country. ...more

July 17, 2008

AVON PARK — Congressman Putnam's office has called Lucio Anaya Sr. and to say his passport will arrive soon. "He called me," said Patricia Austin, who wrote Putnam on Anaya's behalf. "He said they have approved his passport. "That's wonderful," said Austin. "Hopefully, he'll get it within two weeks." Anaya, an Avon Park vegetable stand operator who lives in Frostproof, has applied twice for a passport, but was sent a letter with requests for more documents. ...more

May 20, 2008