Highlands County is moving forward with plans to expand the Multi-Sports Complex on Sheriffs Tower Road. County commissioners approved buying 43 acres of land for about $724,000, funded through the Tourism Development Council’s bed-tax trust fund. The property, which borders the current facility, will allow for more sports fields, lighting, new parking, and a playground, supporting major tournaments and boosting sports tourism. Officials say the expansion aims to draw more events, fill hotel rooms, and grow local business revenue. Closing on the property is planned for 2026.
Three groups toured the Sebring Municipal Golf Course this week as the city looks for a new operator. The city is accepting lease proposals for the course and Caddyshack Restaurant, with bids due January 12. Interested parties included the owners of Harder Hall, the Country Club of Sebring, and a private investment group aiming to keep golf affordable. The 123-acre property includes an 18-hole course, driving range, pro shop, cart barn, and restaurant — which will transfer to the new leaseholder through 2026.
The boat dock and swimming area at H.L. Bishop Park in Lake Placid will be closed December 5th through 8th as athletes gear up for the Last Paddler Standing endurance race. The competition kicks off December 6th on Lake June in Winter, where paddlers push through hourly laps that can stretch beyond 48 hours until only one remains. Sponsored by Visit Sebring, spectators are encouraged to come out, cheer on their favorites, and experience this extreme test of grit and endurance.
The Secret Service is working to locate credit card skimmers from about one-thousand stores in Central Florida. Seven skimmers had been found by Tuesday afternoon. Skimming is done by placing equipment on ATM or card machines that collect card data once it is swiped. Skimmers have been accused of stealing millions of dollars from Floridians each year.