Florida Hospital's Sebring fitness center to close

Florida Hospital Heartland Division is closing its Sebring fitness center April 25 and will expand its outpatient services in the space the fitness center occupies.

The fitness center that Florida Hospital Lake Placid operates will continue to be open.

The Sebring hospital's Chief Operating Officer Isaac Palmer sent a letter Tuesday, informing the center's 800 members of its closure.

"We regret that we have to close the center that has been a great benefit to the community for years," the letter stated. "But we have noticed the growing number of fitness centers in the area that offer additional amenities we cannot, and the attrition of our members to them."

Members have been offered a two-week trial at three area gyms: Anytime Fitness in Avon Park, Gold's Gym in Sebring and YMCA in Sebring.

The trial period is available between Feb. 25 and April 25, the letter states.

Florida Hospital Heartland Division Marketing Director Cathy Albritton said the hospital's sponsorship with the Heartland Triathlon and other 5K races will continue.

Meanwhile, the Sun 'n Lake Improvement District is exploring the opportunity of acquiring some of the equipment for a possible fitness center in the district.

"We are committed to a fitness center if we can find a suitable building for it or if the board of supervisors wants to build one in the next phase of the recreation center," said Al Grieshaber, Sun 'n Lake general manager.

He said the district has been talking to Florida Hospital, and the district's board of supervisors will likely discuss the issue at the Feb. 27 board meeting.