The Highlands County Clerk of Courts has received a national award for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The honor recognizes Highlands County’s Popular Annual Financial Report for the 2024 fiscal year, meeting high standards for clarity, presentation, and public accessibility. Officials say this marks the 19th consecutive year the Clerk’s Accounting and Finance Division has earned the distinction.
The groundbreaking for Sadie’s Place is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, at 139 N. Ridgewood Drive in Sebring, the former site of the Nan-ces-o-wee Hotel. The mixed-use plaza, developed by X-Urban Construction, will feature a restaurant, retail shops, a food truck, an Airstream trailer business, and outdoor seating, with direct access to Sadie Kahn Memorial Park. Following the ceremony, CRA Board Chair David Leidel will step down, with Vice Chair Rachel Lovett set to take over.
Firefly Tram Tours are now running nightly at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring for a limited time while firefly activity lasts. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Hammock Inn Camp Store the day before or day of the tour, or by phone, and are non-refundable. Boarding begins at 7 p.m., with tram departures between 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. Tram participants are urged to remember that no pets are allowed. Proceeds from the tours will support park improvements.
The Mason G. Smoak Foundation is now accepting applications for Youth Leadership Highlands Class Sixteen. Current 9th grade students in Highlands County are encouraged to apply for this program designed to build leadership skills, strengthen community connections, and provide hands-on, real-world experience. The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026, and applications are available for download online. Students interested in growing as future leaders in their community are urged to take advantage of this opportunity.