Local News 12-17-21

Christmas lights are in full array all over the region this weekend, from the Sebring Downtown Circle to neighborhoods and subdivisions around the area, many of whom have contests for the best displays. Circle Park will be lit with the Carousel of Lights and Santa on board, along with games and activities. The Circle Theatre will have an encore performance of Director Harry Havery’s Christmas show tonight for folks who might have missed last week’s show during the parades. And up in Lake Wales, the Florida Flywheelers are decorating their park full of vintage power equipment and running Christmas in the Village – a Charity event with the village is fully lit up with Christmas lights. Admission is either canned goods, unwrapped toys, or a monetary donation. Gates open there from 6pm-9pm.

The Highlands County School Board named its Teacher of the Year this week – Linda Freeland from The Kindergarten Learning Center was named Highlands County Teacher of The Year – Freeland has been teaching kindergarten for 48 years. School Related Employee of the Year was Martha Acevedo, from Lake Placid Elementary School. Acevedo has 22 years of service to the schools and students.

Highlands County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputies have a new level of protection as of yesterday, courtesy of Coastal Protective Products and the Vested Interest in K9’s program. The company delivered protective ballistic vests for each of the department’s K9 officers – the Vested Interests group donates thousands of items to protect four-legged cops through contributions, grants and fundraising efforts.

If you live in Lake Placid and drop by what you THINK is the Town Hall to do some business soon, you may be greeted by an insurance agent. The Town’s government center has moved up to the north end of town on Highway 27, and the old Town Hall building was sold this week to First Insurance of Lake Placid. Good-faith payment to purchase the building was delivered to the town this week, and accepted by the Town Council. Formal closing of the sale will take place later.