I don't cry easily. I'm not supposed to - I belong to the male gender. (Even though, it is as healthy to cry as a good laugh, under the right circumstances.) I cannot afford to - I deal with people during the worst crises of their lives, including death, day in and day out, and I'm expected to be strong and supportive. But I confess, I do get choked up many times. There are times when just emotion is not enough, one is compelled to follow with an action. ...more

July 27, 2008

SEBRING –– David Leidel takes his responsibility as a citizen seriously by getting involved and working within a group with similar goals to better Highlands County. Leidel received his bachelor's in business administration from Stetson University in 1998. Afterward, he moved to Sebring to open the Lake Placid office of the investment firm Edward Jones. In 2004, Leidel was hired by Highlands Independent Bank to open its trust and brokerage department. Each morning he can be heard on 105.7 FM doing a live market commentary. "Most people overreact to the bad economic news they hear, but if you step back and look at the big picture, there's lots of good news," he said. Leidel remains positive no matter what business cycle we're in. He believes there will always be issues, but right now is the best time to buy a home. Currently, Leidel is president of the Sebring Noon Rotary. When he sees bright students through their Interact Club at Sebring High School and Heartland Christian, he is rejuvenated because of their leadership potential. Although he knows some will graduate, go to college and find jobs elsewhere, some will stay here. Leidel believes in cultivating their leadership to benefit the community. ...more

December 10, 2007

Here I was at an exciting new school, meeting exciting new people, with an exciting new pile of homework sitting on my desk. ...more

October 3, 2007