SEBRING — When Howard Jenkins retired from the Air Force, he used his veteran benefits to go back to school and improve himself. From his experience, he saw the shortcomings of the military and wanted to help others. After starting as a veterans representative in Winter Haven, he transferred to Sebring in 1992 as a local veteran employment representative for Heartland Workforce. Jenkins enjoys helping the young, returning troops, showing them how to apply and get their earned benefits under the GI bill. ...more

December 17, 2007

I have been a snowbird for years and took up permanent residence in Sebring seven years ago. I love it! The best place in the states to live. ...more

November 28, 2007

SEBRING — Some of you already found your new phone book lying on the driveway, so now what are you going to do with your old one? If you're planning to throw it away, the schools and some homeowners associations around the county would rather you left it with one of them. And not with anyone else, either. "We have the telephone book challenge with the homeowner associations as well as the schools," said Sherri Cooper, the coordinator of Keep Highlands Beautiful which also runs the county's recycling program. ...more

November 26, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left (with "Reel Animals" partner Mike Anderson). ...more

November 9, 2007

The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds alike, has reopened for the season. ...more

November 1, 2007

A new property tax-cutting plan offered Sunday by Senate leaders is simpler, would provide less relief to some taxpayers and includes a scaled-down version of the House's assessment cap for businesses, snowbirds and landlords. ...more

October 29, 2007

It's sad that a recent effort to infuse more culture into Hernando County floundered. To their credit, organizers seeking to schedule concerts by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra are not giving up. ...more

October 26, 2007

SEBRING — Highlands County's topsy-turvey real estate market is causing Realtors, landlords and homeowners to reassess their decisions. ...more

October 10, 2007

For years, snowbirds have been complaining about higher taxes and rising insurance rates. Has this changed their living arrangements in Highlands County? Are they putting off decisions to buy a home here? Are they selling their Florida homes and returning north? ...more

October 3, 2007

While driving home from work one August evening, Terry Hunt frantically recounted the many pending errands, chores and projects on her plate. ...more

October 3, 2007