There are eight elements to a good neighborhood, said Debbie Love. Washington Heights used to have them all, but they've disappeared as this community has disintegrated over the years. ...more

July 21, 2008

The Depot Museum has exhibits on everything from local baseball legends to the history of the brown-and-serve roll that was invented in Avon Park. But Larry Levey, president of the Historical Society of Avon Park, acknowledges that the museum has almost nothing to show on the city's black history. ...more

July 18, 2008

SEBRING — Expect twice as large an audience for Heartland Idol this year, and watch our downtown grow, Sebring CRA members suggested at their Monday night meeting. At Commissioner Jim Rimer's suggestion, the Community Redevelopment Agency will interview all five firms that applied for the job to market Sebring's downtown. "We don't have a clue as to the cost," complained Commissioner Lorrie Smith, who moved to add the cost of the campaign to the evaluation form for the five firms. ...more

June 24, 2008

SEBRING — On Lemon Street, where drug dealers have ruled and crime has been present for decades, there are now faux red brick sidewalks, new blacktop, white concrete curbs, street lamps and palm trees. The ninth Juneteenth celebration, said Robert Saffold, turned out to be the best because Washington Heights has been restored. ...more

June 21, 2008

SEBRING — The city of Sebring will have to make do with $1.7 million less in revenues, but the city nevertheless has budgeted donations to the Children's Museum, Safe House, the Historical Preservation Commission, the Boys and Girls Clubs and the July 4 fireworks celebration. But about those fireworks. City Councilor Margie Rhoades isn't pleased that the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency has donated $5,000, and she wants the council to withdraw its planned $5,000 gift. "Instead of spending $10,000 on fireworks, I think we should spend more on the Children's Museum and the Boys and Girls Club," said Rhoades, in a budget hearing Wednesday. Another hearing is scheduled June 17. The city is planning to contribute $10,000 to the Children's Museum and $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club. ...more

June 13, 2008

SEBRING — The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency is proceeding with plans to beautify Circle Park. On Monday, commissioners met with Roger Statzer of Keith and Schnars engineering of Lakeland, and Marshall Whidden of Whidden Design Studio in Lake Wales. Without a vote, the commissioners agreed to see more advanced plans. Whidden would plant cathedral oaks, cabbage palms, shrubbery, metal picnic tables and benches, and place spotlights among the trees. ...more

June 10, 2008

SEBRING — Since Washington Heights got a $1.3-million sprucing-up, soaring expectations by some suggest a brighter future for the struggling neighborhood. Antoine Lenton, 27, was putting the finishing touches on the streetscapes project Monday. The lifelong Washington Heights resident said it felt good to work on the neighborhood project where he grew up. "I'm glad to be on the job and give back to the community," said Lenton. "You've got to start somewhere," said Lenton. "You've got to believe it's going to improve things. It looks good, feels good, but takes time to improve." ...more

June 9, 2008

If Dunedin economic development experts have their way, there will be no lack of scenic places to sit and relax downtown. Bob Ironsmith, economic development director, said there are "exciting plans in the works" to include clusters of quaint outdoor seating areas along Main Street. ...more

June 7, 2008

SEBRING — Nearly every week, the board of directors at the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce finds a new problem. ...more

June 6, 2008

AVON PARK — Incoming college freshmen wouldn't normally think of off-campus housing as a necessity unless they're heading to one of the larger state universities, but South Florida Community College actually has a need for it. The Jacaranda Hotel's women's dormitory was booked through the school year that ended in May, said Don Appelquist, the executive director of the SFCC Foundation. Even though 10 apartments were left for the men, he anticipates nearly all of the men's dorms will be booked as well before August. Jacaranda, operated by SFCC, houses 35 male and 35 female students who live outside of the Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, even though Appelquist said an occasional student from DeSoto might prefer taking courses at the main Avon Park campus without taking the commute. Most of the out-of-district students attend SFCC to join one of the athletic teams. ...more

June 5, 2008