In a community that cherishes its traditions - and in the midst of one of its favorite celebrations - a new Lutz Guv'na will be proclaimed Friday. ...more

July 2, 2008

An arson suspect who State Fire Marshal investigators say was badly burned at the Rancher's Restaurant fire remained in the Falkenburg Road Jail in Hillsborough County on Thursday, awaiting extradition to Highlands County. Rancher's Restaurant was located at 15765 State Road 70 E., about a quarter mile from the Okeechobee County border. The 40-foot wide by 120-foot long structure was destroyed and the damage was estimated at $178,000, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office. ...more

June 26, 2008

TAMPA - An Okeechobee man who set fire to a Highlands County restaurant got caught up in the blaze and was taken to Tampa General Hospital, according to the state fire marshal's office. ...more

June 25, 2008

HIGHLANDS COUNTY — A burn victim was charged Tuesday in connection with an arson fire that burned down the Rancher's Restaurant early Sunday morning, said Lt. Brandon Ball, with the State Fire Marshal's Office. Robert Lee Marcum, 34, of Okeechobee, was arrested after a warrant was issued for his arrest, prior to Marcum's release from a Tampa General Hospital burn unit and being charged with arson and burglary, Ball said. ...more

June 24, 2008

HIGHLANDS COUNTY — A fire that burned down the Rancher restaurant early Sunday morning was set deliberately, according to Sam Venzeio, State Fire Marshal spokesman. The 40-foot-wide-by-120-foot-long eatery was located at 15765 State Road 70, on the border of Highlands and Okeechobee counties, he said. The fire was called in at 1:12 a.m. Sunday. "We have developed a person of interest," Venzeio said Monday. "But, we're not releasing any name." One man, who is not a firefighter, was hospitalized at Okeechobee Hospital with serious burns and later was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. His condition was unknown. ...more

June 23, 2008

When Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station No. 24 is dedicated in honor of Leslie "Pete" Dennison on Monday, it will be a well-deserved accolade that would have touched Dennison, his admirers say. ...more

June 21, 2008

For years, allegations of incompetence have swirled around the band of retirees that make up High Point's volunteer fire department. ...more

June 5, 2008

Severe storms that downed power lines and trees across a large swath of the country Wednesday were blamed for three deaths. ...more

June 5, 2008

SEBRING — A small wildfire in the northeast part of Highlands Hammock State Park was extinguished Monday evening, causing no injuries or property damage. The rain helped firefighters and forestry officials put a quick end to the fire. Chief Scott Mann of the West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department said the fire affected about five acres before it was put out 7:30 p.m. ...more

June 3, 2008

AVON PARK — A smoke detector alerted an Avon Park family to a detached garage fire Wednesday night at 300 N. Lake Ave., in Avon Park. The fire was ruled accidental and electrical in origin, according to State Fire Marshal Investigator Brandon Ball. ...more

January 4, 2008