Palms of Sebring celebrating 50 years

By Special to Highlands Today
Published: June 07, 2009

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SEBRING --

With the stroke of a pen Judge Clifton Kelly incorporated the Palms of Sebring on June 16, 1959.

A banquet to celebrate those 50 years will be held for residents and invited guests on June 16.

Its first property was 23 acres on the shore of Lake Istokpoga, in Lorida.

It all began in 1950 when members from the Sebring and Lorida Church of the Brethren met and envisioned a retirement community similar to the ones that had already been established in the north.

Their vision was further expanded with the purchase of the Sebring Hotel in 1961, according to Janice Roberts, Palms' marketing director.

"With the acquisition of the hotel it widened the options and offered sheltered living arrangements," she stated. "In 1965 a 24-bed health care center was constructed adjacent to the hotel. Thus you have the Palms of Sebring Retirement Community."