TAMPA – After starting the season in an offensive funk, the South Florida Community College baseball team has found its bats. The Panthers routed Tampa University 13-7 on Saturday to complete a two-game sweep. Leo Chang picked up the win by allowing three runs in five innings of work to go along with seven strikeouts. "Leo did a good job of throwing strikes and gave us a solid five innings of work," said SFCC coach Rick Hitt. ...more

February 4, 2008

AVON PARK — As South Florida Community College administrators unpacked boxes, they couldn't help but admire their new offices' views of Lake Glenada. "The view of the lake is spectacular," said Leana Revell, vice president for educational and student services. "I think we will all enjoy that every day." The new administrative suites are taking over the renovated building that formerly housed science classrooms and laboratories as part of a $3 million project to remodel four buildings on the Highlands campus. Norm Stephens, president of SFCC, said centralizing the offices of the college's vice presidents and president will lend itself to more teamwork. ...more

February 2, 2008

AVON PARK — Chaz Abeln was called on two days earlier than scheduled, but the Sebring graduate threw 5 2/3 strong innings on Thursday night to lead the South Florida Community College baseball team to its first victory of the season, an 11-8 win over Polk Community College. ...more

February 2, 2008

AVON PARK — The South Florida Community College baseball team continued its slow start on Wednesday, giving up five runs in the final two innings and falling 10-2 to Central Florida Community College at Panther Field. The Panthers (0-4) had the game within reach at 5-2 in the eighth, but the Patriots took advantage of late fielding errors to pull out the win. "We played a pretty decent ballgame for eight innings," said SFCC coach Rick Hitt. "We're still having trouble pitching out of our mistakes." ...more

February 1, 2008

It's no surprise that South Florida Community College's President Norman Stephens received a positive evaluation. He's as good as they come in his position anywhere in the nation. The fact is, our area is filled with leaders who do a fine job. Stephens has continued a tradition of excellence at SFCC. If anyone's been critical of his leadership, we haven't heard it. That's amazing because rarely does anyone in a position of power maintain such high regard from so many people. Even many outstanding leaders, due to the tough decisions they have to make every day, generate a few enemies along the way. City managers, county administrators, school superintendents and a number of other key positions are tasked with difficult jobs that require decision making that upsets some people. Often those jobs have a high turnover. A lot of city administrators around the country last about five years and move on, due to their inability to be effective. ...more

February 1, 2008

AVON PARK — The South Florida Community College baseball team had a lead as late as the sixth inning, but a Seminole grand slam and missed opportunities at the plate were enough for Seminole Community College to pull off a 7-2 victory over SFCC at Panther Field. The Panthers (0-3) pitched well most of the game, according to coach Rick Hitt, but timely hits were tough to find: SFCC left six baserunners stranded in the final three innings and nine runners on the night. ...more

January 30, 2008

AVON PARK — Former SFCC Panther and current Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Jesse Litsch returned to his old stomping grounds on Friday evening, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day against St. Petersburg College. Litsch, who graduated from SFCC and was named Florida Pitcher of the Year in 2004, signed autographs and took pictures with many of the same fans who came out to cheer him on when he was striking opposing batters out on a much smaller stage. "I loved my time here [at SFCC]," Listch said. "I've got a lot of memories of our team and the playoff run we had. This is one of the places I got to learn my craft." ...more

January 27, 2008

AVON PARK — There's a mock bomb somewhere in the lobby of the Public Service Academy headquarters, as teams of police cadets assigned to find it and document the search carefully carry out their duty. To protect and serve is more than a motto on some wall. It is an oath that far too often puts law enforcement officers' lives on the line. Yet, as law enforcement officers retire, are injured, quit or otherwise leave service, along come new recruits. South Florida Community College's Criminal Justice Academy, located at its Avon Park campus, prepares them for a career in law enforcement. ...more

January 27, 2008

AVON PARK – Nearly 300 wins and 10 years as the skipper of the South Florida Community College baseball team brings a smile to Rick Hitt's face. But the number 54 means more to him than any of the other accolades. ...more

January 23, 2008

I had the privilege of attending a concert at South Florida Community College last evening that was, in my opinion, excellent. The Highlands County Concert Band performed some of the most enjoyable music I have heard in a long time. I wish to thank Mr. Vic Anderson and the entire concert band for the entertainment they provided. ...more

January 17, 2008