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Highlands Today

CRA Hopes To Bring Businesses Downtown

COMMISSIONER EXPECTS IDOL CROWDS TO DOUBLE

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: June 24, 2008

SEBRING — Expect twice as large an audience for Heartland Idol this year, and watch our downtown grow, Sebring CRA members suggested at their Monday night meeting.

At Commissioner Jim Rimer's suggestion, the Community Redevelopment Agency will interview all five firms that applied for the job to market Sebring's downtown.

"We don't have a clue as to the cost," complained Commissioner Lorrie Smith, who moved to add the cost of the campaign to the evaluation form for the five firms.

Commissioner Jim McCollum moved to also add the approach of the firm to the evaluation forms.
Pete Pollard, CRA executive director, is hoping the marketing firms will have ideas to attract businesses to the downtown area. He didn't want to compare Sebring to famous downtowns like Beale Street in Memphis, but he hoped that the circle will become Sebring's business center by day, and alive at night with restaurants, clubs and shopping.

One problem will be that laws will prevent alcohol from being served within 300 feet of the Salvation Army and storefront churches.

The five firms will be invited to present their ideas at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11

Heartland Idol
McCollum also suggested adding more loud speakers to Circle Park, and changing the Heartland Idol stage.

He said more groups will be involved in the 2008 version, including Highlands Little Theater.
"I anticipate we will need a much larger crowd," said McCollum, who is also on the Heartland Idol committee. "We're talking about moving the stage to Center Street. But we're concerned about the lack of speakers."

"We have eight speakers on the circle," Pollard said. "They're probably enough to reach across the lake."

"Would you have to block off the circle?" Chairman Gene Brenner asked.

"We have to consider it," McCollum replied.

Pollard was even more concerned about how other groups have added electrical wiring downtown, which isn't up to the city of Sebring's codes.

The CRA also considered buying a 15 by 20 foot gateway sign at the city limits that welcomes visitors and directs cars to the historic downtown. It could cost $128,000, however.

"If we spend that much money, we're going to come under a lot of criticism," Commissioner Art Harriman suggested.

Commissioners Smith and McCollum also balked at the price, and noted the sign has too many words to be read at 55 mph.

Brenner suggested that locals could fabricate the steel posts and frame for 40 percent of that price, as well as plant a hedge underneath it.

McCollum, seeking middle ground, advised the commissioners to wait until they hire the marketing firm. "Let's wait for the marketing people. You're paying them for advice. Let's hear it."

Gary Pinnell can be reached at 863 386-5828 or gpinnell@highlandstoday.com

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