I spent Saturday night relaxing at Highlands Hammock State Park with lots of other people, listening to the songs of the California Toe Jam Band. The weather was perfect (if not a bit too warm), the food was plentiful, and my $10 in raffle tickets supported someone else winning the 50/50 prize. It was a nice way to pass the evening, far from the crowds and lines at every store in my Christmas shopping lineup. My mother recently asked me what I want for Christmas. I think I was much easier to shop for as a kid. I knew what I wanted. I went meticulously through the Sears Wishbook, making a list for Santa, complete with catalog page numbers, item numbers, and prices. Give me a talking G.I. Joe with Kung Fu Grip, a Haunted Mansion 3-D board game, some books, candy to fill the stocking...and, oh, you can keep the underwear and socks. ...more

December 10, 2007

SEBRING — Doug Morton wasn't exactly in it to win it. The 36 year-old environmental analyst from Sebring, who competed last week in a half-Iron Man competition in Miami, outpaced two of Highlands County's top prep runners to capture the overall title at the 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K at Highlands Hammock State Park. "I'm really surprised to win it," said Morton, who finished the 3.2-mile course in 17 minutes, four seconds. "I expected [Sebring's Connor Bauer and Hardee's Gilberto Guiterriez] to be all over me at the end. They sprint a bit faster than I can." Bauer, Sebring's lone state cross-country qualifier this past season, took top honors among 15-to 19-year old men with a 17:06, two seconds behind Morton. Guiterriez, meanwhile, held off top female finisher Laura Woznicki with a 17:25. ...more

November 24, 2007

This year's Turkey Trot 5K event at Highlands Hammock State Park on Nov. 22 drew one of the largest crowds on record. ...more

November 24, 2007

SEBRING — Dorothy Harris, the Highlands Hammock State Park ranger, was describing all the artists and exhibitors at the CCC Festival when Nancy Dale, a local historian, walked up, a small, elderly man in tow. "This may have been the man who the statue was modeled after," she said, and started telling his story. In front of the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, there's a bronze of a CCC worker on a four-foot stone pedestal, shirtless, his right hand resting on an axe. He's about the same size as the man in front of her, wearing a floppy boonie hat all the CCC boys used back then. ...more

November 4, 2007

Southwest Zone Alafia River State Park 14326 South C.R. 39, Lithia 33547 (813) 672-5320 ...more

November 2, 2007

SEBRING — If you're in Highlands Hammock State Park and a fly lands on your nose, don't swat it. That might be Franki, who's flying to the rescue of bromeliads everywhere. ...more

October 24, 2007

That fly you're trying to swat just might be a big help in scientists efforts to eradicate a weevil that's killing wild bromeliad's living throughout the area. Then again, it might just be a house fly that's driving you crazy. It's difficult to tell. But just in case, chase it outside. ...more

October 24, 2007

SEBRING — A determined effort. That's what the Sebring High School cross country team put together in Thursday's 36th annual Avon Park Rotary Invitational at Highlands Hammock State Park. The Blue Streak girls won the six-team meet with a five-person team score of 45 points, while Walker Memorial Academy placed second with 54, and Hardee had 63. ...more

October 13, 2007

Welcome to our roost! Our report to readers, regarding our trip to the Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary, unfortunately, will not happen. ...more

September 30, 2007

SEBRING — Highlands Hammock Park Ranger Darrel Smith remains hospitalized at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center Sunday after his tricycle collided with a car Friday evening, according to a spokesman from the park. Smith, 60, was in critical condition when he was airlifted Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The staff at Lakeland Regional refused to provide any information on Smith's condition Sunday afternoon, declining to confirm if he was there, and not stating why. However, Park Ranger Steve Barrera from Highlands Hammock State Park said Smith had "multiple injuries" but was "stabilized" at the hospital. ...more

September 3, 2007