Better Signage Would Help Visitors Find Downtown Sebring

Linda Kegley, owner of LK Artworks Gallery and Graphics, made an good point about getting visitors and even some residents to visit downtown Sebring. She suggested advertising on U.S. 27 to tell people how to find downtown, and also what it has to offer. It sounds simple, but makes a lot of sense.

Kegley has stirred the pot recently by offering her marketing experience to bring more life to Sebring's historic downtown. Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce president Dan Andrews said the chamber can provide those services, so there's no reason to hire someone else. Kegley said fine, as long as someone does it.

It's difficult for residents to imagine not knowing where downtown Sebring is located. But just imagine being a visitor to this area, driving down U.S. 27, looking for Sebring. Considering all the shopping along the highway, a lot of people might thing that's all there is. That's far from the truth. Unfortunately, if you don't know any better, that's what some believe.

Avon Park and Lake Placid have downtown districts immediately off of U.S. 27. Sebring's is not so easily found. It requires more navigation on side streets before entering the historic district. That's why good signage would better direct people downtown.

The second part of this, of course, is giving people reasons to go downtown. We have several good restaurants and stores down there, but a more diverse offering will attract more people. Convenient hours also would help, but it takes time to get people used to expanded hours.

We hope the chamber, downtown merchants or whomever make a big push to get people downtown. All the marketing in the world won't matter much if there's little to offer, but a great downtown can get lost if no one knows about it. With a little effort, we believe there's a lot of promise to Sebring's charming downtown district.