One by one at just past dawn, five vibrantly colored balloons poked through a rapidly clearing fog, during the start of a 12 mile hour-long journey. ...more

November 7, 2008

SEBRING — Twenty two balloons went up, up and away last Saturday, and in turn, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Highlands County was able to pull down more than $7,000. Fifty riders paid for the privilege to ride with balloonists from all over Florida. The event will benefit the general budget of the local club and help defray the cost of scholarships for many of more than 160 participants at the club's summer children's program. Pam Mooney, of Ridge Florist, and the event manager, said that the second annual balloon festival was huge or "two and a half times bigger than last year's – which attracted 14 balloons – and is only going to get bigger." More than 500 people on Friday night turned out at Saturday's launch site, at Sebring International Raceway, for "Friday Glow." ...more

June 6, 2008

For some residents, it's the image of Stowers Funeral Home on Brandon Boulevard, built in 1876 by James Brandon, the son of the community's founder, John Brandon. ...more

January 2, 2008