It's a sickening sight to see our local businesses struggle and some not make it. We all can count off numerous businesses that not so long ago seemed to be doing fine, and now their buildings are empty. ...more

November 14, 2008

They just kept coming. Every time Center Place executive director Darcy D'Onofrio expected the Halloween Horribles parade to end, another horde of Hulks, Hannah Montanas and hippies would turn the corner. ...more

November 5, 2008

It's that time of the year. Those tired of Highlands County's summer doldrums should get their planning calendars out. Longtime residents will attest that from October to April, the roads are not the only things that get busy. Bands rev up for their acts; crafts and art shows offer back-to-back fares for Christmas shopping; dance clubs get moving, and residents get something to do. This year, there will be some big and small changes in the events schedule. A longtime November arts and crafts festival has been replaced by a smaller one in March. The Highlands Art League, which sponsors this festival, has refocused its efforts with brand new art events for the community. The Sebring downtown Gallery Walk has been discontinued for now and may restart later in the season. The Sebring Carousel of Lights will be more amped up. At least one new Halloween spook-out awaits the young and the young-at-heart. A community "paint out" has been planned for next year, and a new dance club is in town. Here's a list of what to expect new this season: ...more

September 27, 2008

You can't beat these kids. The place is near the big mall. You might have driven past it on your way to Christmas shopping. ...more

August 13, 2008

In seven years of selling school supplies, Traci Torres cannot remember a back-to-school shopping season shaping up as gloomy as this one. ...more

August 1, 2008

Retail sales posted a surprising rebound in January following a dismal December, though much of the strength reflected rising gasoline prices. Economists saw the increase as a temporary blip rather than a sustained recovery. ...more

February 14, 2008

SEBRING — Go figure. You'd think that after the Christmas shopping rush, local retailers should be able to take a breather, but several store representatives said Wednesday that snowbirds will continue to keep workers busy for a little longer. Kathleen Trussell, store manager of Bealls, said operating hours will go back to normal starting today, but there will be no employee layoffs, in anticipation of continued heavy business. ...more

December 27, 2007

There is a look one's children cultivate that marks the delicate transition from respected parent to aging dolt. ...more

December 25, 2007

Just weeks ago, the holiday shopping season seemed headed for disaster. But in the waning hours before Christmas, the nation's retailers got their wish - a last-minute surge of shopping that helped meet their modest sales goals, according to data released late Monday by research firm ShopperTrak RCT Corp. ...more

December 25, 2007

Some people bake cookies. Some sing carols. On Christmas Eve, Melissa Gualario shops. ...more

December 25, 2007