Coming Attractions

AVON PARK - The world's largest retailer will be opening its Avon Park store later than originally expected, while the much anticipated opening of Olive Garden in Sebring might be a bit sooner than scheduled.

The Wal-Mart store and Olive Garden are among several businesses in Highlands County that will be opening or relocating in 2008.

Although it was originally believed that Wal-Mart would open early next year, the store is now scheduled to open during the summer, according to Michelle Azel, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart.

Azel said the delay involves road improvements. Azel said the city of Avon Park requested that changes in the turning lanes.

Wal-Mart will be hiring at least 350 workers for the store, and Azel said that will begin 60 to 90 days before it opens.

There likely will be businesses springing up near Wal-Mart. Ben Hill Griffin Inc. owns five outparcels there, according to Gene Mooney, executive vice president of the company.

Mooney said the company has several options and hasn't decided what it will do with those pieces of land. He added there has been a lot of interest from developers and real estate brokers in those properties.

Olive Garden is scheduled to open in May or June in front of The Shops at Shelby Crossing in Sebring. The Italian restaurant chain has opened stores earlier on occasion, but Mara Frazier, spokeswoman for Olive Garden, said Friday she didn't know if that will happen here.

Construction of the 7,441 square-foot building, located at 1696 U.S. 27 S., has proceeded quickly, but it will take time to hire and train the staff of approximately 150 employees.

There will be three large dining rooms, a bar and lounge and a family alcove that seats a dozen people.

The restaurant will seat 262 people.

Dressbarn and One Dollar Days are planning to open stores in Shelby Crossing early next year.

Plaza By The Mall behind Lakeshore Mall is completed and some of its tenants should also be moving in during 2008.

Just north of the mall is The Heacock Building at the corner of Sparrow Avenue and U.S. 27. It is expected to open in February.

At least 50 employees of Heacock Insurance, Heacock Financial Group and Heacock Employer Solutions will be moving to new offices, said the company's Wade Taveniere..

Heacock will occupy two-thirds of the 18,000-square building and lease the other third, Taveniere said.

In Lake Placid, the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union office there is scheduled to open during the first quarter of the year.

Located at the corner of Main Avenue and Interlake Boulevard, the office will have two drive-thru lanes and a drive-up ATM.

The Dollar General store in the Winn-Dixie shopping center is moving - albeit a short one - across U.S. 27 to a standalone building a hardware store had occupied. The store is expected to open in its new location in February.

Dollar General is going to need 24 people to help with the move beginning Jan. 14. Applications are available at the store.