SEBRING — The CTLS drew Light-Sport Aircraft enthusiasts to it like a magnet as they walked through the gates of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo on Thursday at Sebring Regional Airport. Flight Design USA unveiled its newest plane at the fourth annual expo, which runs through Sunday at the airport. "This is the premier Light-Sport Aircraft show of the year," said Ken Godin, national sales director for Flight Design USA. "The timing was perfect for us to reveal our new product." Bob Wood, chairman of the expo, said the debut of this plane was a great way to kick off the expo. ...more

January 18, 2008

SEBRING – The U.S. Sport Aviation Expo was established to showcase Light Sport Aircraft, promote the industry and bring business to Sebring Regional Airport and Highlands County. It has accomplished those objectives and – hopefully – will continue to attract companies. A newcomer to the airport is Paradise USA, whose parent is a Brazilian company that has set up its Florida operation in Sebring after having a booth at last year's expo. "We had been looking for a place to establish our base in Florida," said Paulo Oliveira, general manager of Paradise USA. "Why Florida? Because of Florida weather and flying in paradise. The name of our company is Paradise, and I think that has a lot to do with Florida, so I think it fits right in there." A resident of Palm Beach, Oliveira initially looked for hangars in West Palm as well as along the coast. ...more

January 6, 2008

SEBRING — DayJet Corporation today announced the expansion of its "Per-Seat, On-Demand" service network to 28 new destinations, including Sebring Regional Airport. ...more

December 10, 2007

SEBRING — October was the best month in the 45-year history of the Humane Society of Highlands County. The 111 adoptions — of 58 dogs and 53 cats — jumped above the monthly average of 60 to 80 and the previous all-time high of 87. But the record-breaking month is cause for both celebration and concern. Expanding services is straining the non-profit organization's budget of just under $150,000, raised entirely through donations and community fundraising, said Marvine McPhee, executive director. "We're spending right now more than we are taking in in donations," said Barbara Shrewsbury, a volunteer who does everything from newsletters and data entry to cleaning out kennel cages. "We keep a reserve for times like this," she added. "But we can't keep drawing on it for very long. So, we're hoping that the more people see what is being done here, the more they can help, because we definitely need more funds." ...more

December 2, 2007

AVON PARK ? Shannon Peacock summed up in four words the reason small businesses may be hesitant about exporting their products: ?fear of the unknown.? Peacock?s fears were alleviated after he attended an exporting workshop earlier this month that was hosted by the Hardee County Economic Development Council, Hardee County Chamber of Commerce, Florida?s Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative and the Florida Foreign Trade Association ?It was informative,? said Peacock, the plant manager for Bowsmith Irrigation Inc. in Avon Park. ?They laid everything out in a way that I could understand.? ...more

October 28, 2007

AVON PARK — John Barben admits the Avon Park Executive Airport is troubled. As it bled more than $3.8 million in state grants since the 2005-2006 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, it generated only about $345,000 in business revenue. ...more

October 11, 2007

SEBRING – Some people might consider Sebring's location to be out of the way, but its proximity to four cities in Florida – plus a good rail system – were the key factors in a North Carolina manufacturing company's decision to choose Highlands County for its third plant. "I think the main thing is this is a good area for rail," said Jon Albert, plant manager for Funder America Inc.'s new Sebring facility. "We need rail access for our raw boards; all of our raw boards come in rail. "So we are completely fed by rail, and we send everything out by truck," Albert said. ...more

September 23, 2007

Highlands County commissioners this week committed county staff to assist the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in finishing land acquisition for a national wildlife refuge at Flamingo Villas. ...more

September 13, 2007

SEBRING — Residents in Victoria Park and businesses from Sebring Diner to Raintree Plaza along U.S. 27 were without water for about four hours after crews laying a gas pipe broke a water main. ...more

September 6, 2007