News Update for 2/6/20

Highlands County commissioners Tueday voted to OK $175,000 in tourist tax money for a three year deal to bring a bicycling event here. Organizers from New York promise as many as 1,000 cyclists – about the same as the annual Tri-athalon in Sebring.
Lie the Sebring 12/24 held in April, organizers say they will bring nationwide publicity to the area, as well as down into South America.
Under the plan, the county will guarantee up to $65,000 the first year, then up to $55,000 in each of the consecutive two years.

All is in readiness for the kickoff to the 2020 version of the Highlands County Fair. Gates will open at 5:00. It’s Armed Forces Day with militarty personell getting in for just $4 – with ID.
Along with Dr. Magical Balooins and the Grisly Experience, tonight at 7:00 will be the Junior Miss Highlands County Pageant.
Of course there’s plenty of booths, exhibits and displays, the Livestock Pavilion is crammed with agricultural activities and Reithoffer Shows has the bluegrass area packed with rides.
The fair runs through next Monday.

Motorists are urged to use caution tomorrow as Bike Sebring comes to town. It’s a combination 12 and 24 Hour bicycling event that will have competitors racing around the local roads.
It will start Saturday morning with a couple laps around the Sebring International Raceway. followed by a large loop that will take competitors as far north as Frostproof. Later, they will settle into a smaller loop that will include Highway 98 and Arbuckle Creek Road.
Cyclists from Europe, Asia as well as central and South America are due in. For the past two decades, the event has been a fund raiser for the Highlands County Rotary Club.