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Highlands Today

Condemned Buildings Are Dangerous Places

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By None Selected

Published: October 1, 2007

To most of us, boarded buildings and homes are an eyesore and a magnet for trouble.

To some, they represent opportunity. A chance to find a roof over their head for a night. A chance to do drugs. A chance to hide from a law.

Sometimes, it's even the chance to engage in weird high school rituals.

According to rumors, at least one boarded-up Sebring downtown building is attracting students who want their photos taken inside as a high school tradition that goes back to Harder Hall, during the time that building lacked security.

The Nan-Ces-O-Wee Hotel is a structurally unsound building, off limits to the public. Entering the building without permission is trespassing.

Those who are sneaking in are not only breaking the law but are also endangering themselves.

No students have been found to be entering the building, but school authorities have heard the rumors.
The Sebring Police Department, which has a police station close by, routinely finds an access window broken and plywood used to board up the back removed. Police officers think that many of those trespassing are homeless looking for a place to stay, along with teenagers.

If students are doing this for a lark, then school authorities need to make sure they understand the implications of their actions. Parents need to be concerned as well and communicate that to their children.

Friends should stop each other from sneaking in the building, for whatever reason. It would be really tragic if something were to happen because some students want to indulge in a whimsical tradition.
The Sebring police have pledged to keep a closer eye on the building but there is only so much law enforcement can do.

Our hope is that someday, the historical hotel becomes truly productive and has patrons entering through the front door rather than intruders sneaking in after breaking windows.
Until that happens, leave the Nan-Ces-O-Wee alone.

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