Elwell's Humor, Signage Finds A New Home

SEBRING - Although he feared otherwise, Heartland Idol host Don Elwell will remain in Highlands County.

The former hotel manager at Kenilworth Lodge will now work at Alan Jay Nissan as business/finance manager.

Elwell said he wrote his job "out of the Kenilworth budget" and although he actively considered a move to several other Florida counties, he is glad to live in Highlands County and still work in the "people business."

Elwell said on Friday that he might cut some of his emcee appearances and limit some work on seven local boards at least until he learns the intricacies of his new job.

The NBA-sized former hotelier considered a run for county commissioner in the upcoming election, but ruled it out on Friday.

"Alan (Wildstein, owner of Alan Jay Enterprises) and a couple of people who work under him showed a great leap of faith," said Elwell. "It's very rare for someone without car experience to work in finance."

Elwell was the man behind the regularly changing and sometimes humorous postings on the marquee at the Kenilworth.

"I intend to ask Alan to install a large electronic sign so I can program it and not have to climb a ladder," said Elwell.

Wildstein said on Friday that Elwell is a "real prince of a guy and has a great reputation."
"I've always looked up to him," said Wildstein.

Then the car dealer talked about Elwell publicly posting his daily musings. "We'll start with a chalk board."

Mark Stewart, co-owner of the Kenilworth, said he misses Elwell.

"His sense of humor is one of a kind," said Stewart. "He was instrumental in taking our business to the next level."