SEBRING — Lloyd Gadd, of Lake Placid, bragged that he'd already pocketed a quick and easy $7.50 after outbidding 40 others during a public auction a week ago. Gadd bought a scuba tank and gear for $12.50. Moments later he sold the equipment to another auction-goer for $20. Gadd has never scuba dived, nor does he intend to explore the crystal clear waters of Lake Denton anytime soon. The gear was not purchased for personal use, but as a money maker. ...more

June 29, 2008

AVON PARK — Behind the auditorium stage at South Florida Community College, there's the chatter of 186 voices. "Are you nervous?" "Oh my God! How am I supposed to get this thing on my head?" Two steps away, a girl solved the problem with two clear barrettes. The senior standing beside her offered to help. "Where do you want these?" ...more

May 31, 2008

SEBRING — In the bleachers, Ruth Mendez waited to hear her daughter's name, Ibelissa Roque. "It's kind of hard to see them become adults," Mendez said. Then "Pomp and Circumstance" started playing, and everyone stood up. Mary Midence and Amy Hart gave the salutatory and valedictory addresses. But an hour earlier, before they stepped across the stage and accepted their diplomas on Saturday morning, the Sebring High School graduates gathered in the fieldhouse at Firemen's Field to receive final instructions. And a few threats. "Turn off your cell phones. Turn off your cell phones!" shouted one administrator. "If your cell phone goes off during the ceremony, you will be removed." "Get in line. Get in line," yelled another woman. ...more

May 31, 2008

AVON PARK — Looking confident and excited, the Avon Park High School Class of 2008, 199 strong, proudly accepted their diplomas at Friday night's graduation ceremony. Parents, relatives, teachers and administrators, applauded the accomplishment of the seniors at the commencement exercises at the South Florida Community College Auditorium. Principal Stu Guthrie said "I would like to thank the Class of 2008 for their hard work and dedication that they have shown over the past 13 years. They've faced adversity, trials and tribulations on their way to the top and their graduation here tonight — so we are extremely proud." Salutatorian Casey Lynn McKibben used his absence, due to participation in a national ATV competition, to his advantage with a cleverly produced video. ...more

May 31, 2008