Some of the best shooters in the world converged on Okeechobee County this week to compete in the lucrative Jack Link’s Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch.
Okeechobee County remains a sponsor of the event.
It is considered one of the premiere competitive clay shooting events in the world.
The event runs through February 16.
Organizers said they have guaranteed $300,000 in total prize money to the winners.
They also planned to give away over $50,000 in giveaways.
Florida is set to execute its first death row inmate of the year next week. Sixty-four-year-old James Ford is scheduled to die by lethal injection on February 13th after the Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected an appeal Friday. He is guilty of murdering Greg and Kimberly Malnory at Charlotte County sod farm in 1997. Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed off on the execution January 10th.
The President of the Glades County Youth Athletic Association and another board member have been arrested and charged with stealing from the association.
Glades County Sheriff Deputies said Chastity Glenn, 36, and Yaunah Burchell, 27, were both charged with one count of grand theft.
Lt. Gary Johnson said the two allegedly stole $1,740 from the organization.
Lt. Johnson said Hendry County also investigated the two suspects for alleged inappropriate use of credit cars.
Glenn was charged Feb. 3 in Hendry County with crimes that include illegal use of credit cards, three counts of grand theft, fraud and three counts of petit theft.
Lt. Johnson said the investigation began after a complaint was made by another board member.
Lt. Johnson said the two suspects could not provide receipts for the items they said they purchased for the organization.
Lt. Johnson said it is likely the funds were spent for personal use instead of benefiting the youth sports programs.
The Florida Department of Transportation began resurfacing and making safety improvements on another section of US 98 in Highlands County.
They have resurfaced all the way from route 70 in Okeechobee County to CR 621 in the past year.
This segment covers from CR 621 west through Lorida to Floral Drive.
The project will cover 9.88 miles and will cost an estimated $9.5 million.
They plan to resurface the road, widen the shoulders, install guardrails, improve drainage, update signs and pavement markings and improve the roads safety and durability.
They also will reconstruct the railroad crossing at Cow House Road.
The Florida Medal of Honor Park has already worked to bring tourists to Sebring.
Mike Borders told Highlands County Commissioners that over 500 people attended the grand opening ceremony in December.
They also plan to hold a Medal of Honor Day for Florida veterans on March 25th at 11:30 am.