Newsw Update for 3/15/19

The Sebring Strong GoFundMe page set up to benefit the families of the five victims shot and killed this past January in the Suntrust Bank shooting continues to inch upwards.
The last total stood at just over $325,000. The goal has been set for a half million.

Fans continue to pour in at the Sebring International Raceway in what has been predicted to be the largest crowd ever for the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring. Even during night practice last night, traffic continued to be stacked up down Heywood Taylor Boulevard to Airport Road.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials say it has been a well-behaved group, with no serious incidents to report.
Race officials, fans and well-wishers turned out last night to see the Gallery of Legends named in honor of Don Panoz. Longtime Sebring race promoter and racing innovator, Panoz is responsible for many improvements at the Sebring Raceway including the iconic pit structure and the hotel located at turn seven.
Three of his most famous experimental cars, the “Delta Wing,” the “Batmobile” and the front-engined LMP-1 are on display in the gallery this year.
Racing on track today includes the Alan Jay 120 for Michelin Pilot Series cars and the World Endurance Championship’s 1,000 mile race.

Somebody is going to get a decked-out race car at Sebring for just $100. Officials at Mazda say they plan to present the 200th Mazda Global MX-5 Cup car as part of a promotion with “Lemons of Love.” The organization has distributed nearly 10,000 care packages to those undergoing treatment for Cancer.
The winner can race the car in a number of different series. Tickets for the drawing are just $100 bucks. All the proceeds go to Lemons of Love. The drawing will be held tomorrow at the Sebring International Raceway.

The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce has developed a bold new plan to work with the municipal government in an effort to promote the City of Charm. Chamber Executive Director George Karos appeared before the city council to talk about the plan, which is designed to assist the city and its community redevelopment agency, re-build the Main Street area and create increased tourism.
The bottom line is a $27,000 shot in the arm for the Chamber, which would be used to hire additional staff. Council said they wanted more time to study the proposal and agreed to bring it back again next month.