Reality TV show filmed in Highlands County

A production company for the reality TV show "Wife Swap" spent two weeks filming in Highlands County in October, but it is not known for sure if or when the program will air.

John Scherlacher, the county's tourism director, confirmed Thursday that the show, which airs on ABC and features two wives with different values exchange husbands and children for a couple of weeks, had filmed in several places in Sebring.

Scherlacher, who doesn't know the name of the local family that is involved, said he didn't know initially that the show was "Wife Swap." The information he had was that a documentary was being produced and that some filming was going to be done in Highlands.

Scherlacher said he was told there is a "90 percent chance" that it will be in the show's new season next year. He said he was also told that it could be the season finale.

Filming took place at Inn on the Lakes, the YMCA of Highlands County, Sunset Grille and Highlands Hammock State Park. Scherlacher added that a cemetery in Lake Placid was also used.

Scherlacher noted that the locations in the county that appear on the show likely will not be identified. Some might not even be shown.

An economic impact report is being prepared that Scherlacher will present to the Highlands County Tourist Development Council at its meeting next month. He said the crew from the production company - RFD Media - spent more than $10,000 on lodging and props, among other things.

Film Florida in Tallahassee was contacted by RFD Media for the TV show. The office referred the company to Scherlacher.

Scherlacher said an official from RFD told him that the TDC office was a great help because it was local and provided the company with a lot of options and information. Scherlacher's assistant, Dana Knight, was commended for her work.

"It was a great learning experience for us," he said.

As a result, the TDC office is planning to create a database to identify "film friendly" locations in the county.

FAST FACT

John Scherlacher, the county's tourism director, confirmed Thursday that the show, which airs on ABC and features two wives with different values exchange husbands and children for a couple of weeks, had filmed in several places in Sebring.