Marion Noel has Lake Jackson in her living room. No, you can't actually step into the lake from her living room, but it sure seems like you could. ...more

January 12, 2009

The clearing of unwanted plant growth surrounding Lake Jackson has those driving by on U.S. 27 receiving a better look at one of Sebring's most pristine sights. To enhance the area around Lake Jackson, especially the south shore along U.S. 27, it might do well for a city endeavor to emulate what the town of Lake Placid has done. The entrance to Lake June Point in Lake Placid, as well as the entrance from U.S. 27 west on Interlake Boulevard, had sable (cabbage) palms planted to enhance the feel of our tropical Florida. The Lake June Point landscape also has monsteria planted around the palms that require a minimum of maintenance and enhance the beauty of the palms. ...more

January 3, 2008

Sitting here on this New Year's Eve morning it's early for me at 7 a.m., usually I have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper from my sitting area overlooking beautiful Lake Istokpoga and watching the birds and wildlife as the beautiful sunrise illuminates the woods. We who live on this lake do so because we choose to and are willing to deal with the bugs and the low water, high taxes and all the downsides that no one has control over. Last night I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. with the noise of airboats thumping and humming past the house until late into the night and waking me at 6:15 a.m. this morning. Having friends with airboats and enjoyed them myself years ago, I understand the fun and excitement they are to a lot of people, and feel that this being a big lake can be enjoyed by all the people if we all use it responsibly. ...more

January 3, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Having spent more than 3,000 nights in motels during his vast travels, Irving Baker thinks he knows what people like in overnight lodging. He was born and raised in New York, but ran away from home at age 16 and hitchhiked to Wauchula. He spent a year there picking cucumbers, oranges, and planting cabbages and then joined the Marine Corps. Loving to travel, he has been in every capital of the United States. He drove trucks, accumulating 2.5 million miles by the time he semi retired in 1994 as a teamster. It was then he settled down. For five years he owned a restaurant and a golf course in St. Paris, OH. ...more

November 4, 2007

As the sun rose over our beautiful Lake Placid last Sunday, everyone was there. The American Legion passing out flags in their crisp white shirts. The Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce with CEO Eileen May decked out in shimmering patriotic red. Our first responders, sheriffs, police officers, firemen and women and EMTs in their starched uniforms and shiny patent leather shoes. The fire trucks, squad cars and ambulances were all clean and shiny. The musicians were well rehearsed. The speakers all had carefully, thoughtfully prepared notes and messages. The bagpiper was ready for Amazing Grace. The bugler prepared for Taps. Even Stanford from The Heron's Garden was sporting a red, white and blue tie while setting out complimentary coffee and donuts. Yes, everyone was there. Everyone but you, our community. ...more

September 14, 2007