News Cast October 2nd:
Intentionally set fire case resolved
An Okeechobee man avoided state prison after he set a mobile home on fire at 9317 South East 57th Drive in Okeechobee.
Justin Ludington claimed it was an accident but neighbors said the suspect and victims had problems in the past.
The mobile home was a total loss as was a small sedan and extended cab pickup parked nearby.
Another neighbor rushed into the trailer to save one of the residents on October 18, 2021.
Ludington was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of probation after he pled no contest to felony criminal mischief charges.
Arson related charges were dropped in the case.
Highlands County sheriff deputies shot and killed a man who refused to leave a group home in Avon Park last night.
28-year-old Alberto Rodriguez reportedly threatened a resident with a knife.
Sheriff Paul Blackmon said they tried to arrest Rodriguez with non-lethal force and tasers but he continued to resist and then started to throw heavy weights at deputies.
One of three deputies on scene opened fire.
Life saving efforts failed and Rodriguez died at the hospital.
The shooting is under investigation by the 10th judicial circuit Officer Involved shooting task force.
The number of Florida panther deaths are up in 2024.
Biologist Dave Onorato said there have been 23 reported deaths so far this year, with most of them on the roads. The state reported 13 panther deaths in 2023.
The FWC said mix breeding with Texas pumas has helped the panther population remain healthy.
Highlands County commissioners approved the rezoning and land use applications for the Cameron High Grove golf course project in Venus.
It will invest up to $60 million and create 60 new jobs on rural citrus land on US 27. Some 1314 acres could be developed while some of the property will remain in citrus production.
Palm Beach County fire rescue has been emphasizing more airboat rescues on Lake Okeechobee and in the Everglades.
Fire Chief Jeraldine Jaramillo also wants to offer more swim safety classes pointing to an SUV crash into a canal off Hatton Highway this summer that killed nine people.
“We encourage the community especially the children to take safety precautions in the canals. We advocate swimming classes to teach and guide them. Tragically that call affected a lot of people in the community, a very sad call, but it serves as a reminder that everyone take swimming classes.”