Snowbirds Fly South

SEBRING - Would the last snowbird please close the door behind them?

According to local chamber of commerce directors, subdivision managers and snowbirds themselves, the number of Highlands County residents has nearly reached the annual peak.

While snowbirds still straggle in, most landed in the county in time to enjoy Florida sunshine and pleasant New Year's Day temperatures.

Three couples at Reflections On Silver Lake arrived separately on Jan. 1, and according to Brenda Richards, sales and office manager, the development is nearly full.

"If they're not here by now, there's no reason to come, and they should stay home and shovel snow," said Richards. Connie and David Allen drove from Portland, Maine, with a car packed full of seasonal clothing.

"It's just a mess in Maine," said Connie Allen, who was mostly thankful for the extreme weather change. "It was 85 degrees the first day here and we were useless - couldn't function- because of the heat."

Joe Evett, a cable Internet installer with Comcast and EMCI, visited the Allens on Wednesday to establish Internet access. He worked steadily following Christmas to connect snowbirds and expected to again be busy following New Year's, but then predicted a slow period until many snowbirds disconnect and leave in April.

Fran and Mike Church, of Coury, Pa., arrived on Tuesday with a car full of clothing and home-canned beans, spaghetti sauce, dill pickles and apple sauce.

Along with neighbors James and Nancy Schnur, the Churches enjoy many activities and events with friends offered seasonally in Highlands County and at Reflections. Both couples waited until after Christmas celebrations to leave the snowy north.

"We're always anxious to get back and see friends and play cards," said Fran Church. "We miss our friends at home, but we get to enjoy our friends here."

Nancy Schnur also said she misses her friends in Highlands County and husband James agreed.

"We miss our friends and have a ball," said Nancy.

"We pick up right where we left off,"said James.

Veronica Bethan, owner of Dale's Lakeside Resort, said she expects seasonal residents who book a year in advance to all arrive for two to three month visits by the end of the week.

"Who wouldn't want to be out of that snow?" said Bethan.

All three chamber of commerce directors agreed that most seasonal visitors have arrived.

"It's very difficult to find seasonal rentals, but there are some annual ones left," said David Greenslade, executive director of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce.

Eileen May, CEO and president of operations of the Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, and Dan Andrews, president/CEO of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, both said visits to the chambers have steadily increased.

"Traffic at the chamber has definitely picked up," said May. "It's great for our economy - most (snowbirds) are already here or certainly on their way, considering the weather up north."

Andrews said that traffic at the Sebring chamber is up so much that the is considering opening the U.S. 27 welcome center and chamber office on Saturdays through April, and possibly for a longer time period. "It's always a good thing when the snowbirds come back," said Andrews. "And its a great stimulus to the local economy."

Tourist tax revenues jump three times normal during the high season, said Andrews.

"Local businesses rely and count on (seasonal visitors) for the success of their year," said Andrews.

The Sebring CEO also said a strong exchange rate for Canadians might have a significant impact on both the local and Florida economy.