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A r e a I n c l u d i n g S e b r i n g Sebring is a charming city in the geographical center of the Florida peninsula and is an ideal place to retire. There is another Florida, away from neon lights, crowded expressways and hustle bustle. A Florida of palm and bougainvillea, old-fashioned street lights, a historic business district, and tree lined streets...a unique blend of past and present, on the lake. Sebring is situated amid the rolling hills of central Florida and is surrounded by citrus groves and grazing lands. Much of Highlands County is still covered by virgin growth and efforts are being made to preserve its unique environmental character. In 1912 founder George E. Sebring conceived the unique circular plan as the focal point of this new lakeside city. Sebring's vision for an Eden in Florida sprang from a central park with radiating spokes centralizing the heart of the community around its governmental and business core. His aspiration dictated that all roads would lead to the center of Sebring. A great place to call home, Sebring is 163 feet above sea level. The city comprises 10 square miles with an average temperature of 73 degrees and a year round population of 39,600 people. There is a nice feeling to this lovely community—a feeling of "hometown USA" with a balanced economy based on tourism, commerce, industry and agriculture. |
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C h u r c h e s More than 80 churches of various denominations serve the area. Clubs and Organizations Social, fraternal and service organizations in the Sebring area range from The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to the VFW Auxiliary, Moose Lodge, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and the Shrine Club, plus Kiwanis, Lions, an Rotary. The Allen Atwater Cultural Center is named after one of our city's pioneers. This complex includes the public library, Lakeside Playhouse, Highlands Museum of the Arts, Civic Center and the city Pier. The archives of the Sebring Historical Society are housed in the lower section of the library. The library houses 37,000 volumes. The Highlands Little Theatre, formed in 1974, offers a variety of productions including dramas and Broadway musicals in a dinner theatre setting. The holiday season is highlighted by a gala Christmas show. The group welcomes participation both "on stage" and behind the scenes. South Florida Community College takes a learner-centered approach to provide the highest quality academic programs and services. The College provides student services that meet students at their ability and interest levels and that encourage them to achieve academic, career, and personal goals. Highlands Hammock State Park, the pride of the area, has facilities including campsites, a wildlife sanctuary, and a recreation area. Many trees in the park are thought to be 1,000 years old. Florida's largest oak with a girth of 28.5 feet is near, and is the nation's tallest Sable palm whose 90-foot stature towers over everything. A tram ride enables visitors to have a safe and comfortable view of park wildlife. Alligators, deer, raccoons, wild hogs, otters, armadillos, and over 200 species of birds are common. Now and then a bald eagle or Florida panther can be see moving about. Eight nature trails provide hikers with a close-up view of the flora and fauna of the area. |
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H e a l t h C a r e Sebring is very fortunate in that health care is among one of our major assets. Included are two hospitals, six medical clinics, a blood bank, and over 100 physicians and dentists. Highlands Regional Medical Center, a full service 126 bed facility offers emergency care, in and outpatient care, an new outpatient surgical center, and many other programs. Florida Heartland Medical Center, opened in the fall of 1997, is Sebring's newest facility. It has an intensive care cardiac unit, surgical suites, micro and laser capabilities, comprehensive diagnostic and treatment facilities including a CT scanner, MRI, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a stroke and cardiac rehabilitation center. All of this is located just to the north of Tanglewood. |
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S h o p p i n g Department stores, specialty boutiques, malls and charming mini malls offer everything you could ever want or need. The casual atmosphere and laid back, friendly personnel, who are genuinely interested in each shopper, add to the pleasure of browsing and buying. Depending on the season, citrus products are abundant here. A satisfying selection of fruits, juices, and jellies are all reasonably priced. After all, you are in the very heart of citrus country. The Lakeshore Mall, a 650,000 sq. ft. shopping complex, is located just three miles south of Tanglewood. It includes three major anchor shops — Belks, Penneys and Sears — restaurants, the cinema and nearly 45 specialty shops. The new, one million sq. ft. Eagle Ridge Mall is just a 25-minute drive north of Tanglewood and features five major anchor stores, approximately 75 specialty shops, restaurants, a food court and state-of-the-art cinemas. Handy national retailers currently have sites on property near Tanglewood. Albertson's, a Wal-Mart "Super Store", Walgreens, Home Depot, Office Max and Ruby Tuesdays now offer residents the opportunity to shop and dine without leaving the neighborhood. Or if you prefer the hustle and bustle of either coast or Orlando, they are just 90 minutes away. Which makes for easy day trips. When the season is right you can often buy fruit and vegetables right here in the community. |
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T h e S p o r t i n g L i f e Through the year many activities are held, highlighted by the most popular event...The 12 Hours of Sebring Grand Prix Endurance Race, this country's oldest auto race. The course is the longest and fastest in the country. The event is held in March each year. Click here for more info on the race track. Any spot in Sebring is within a few miles of one of the twenty-nine freshwater lakes or canals. Anglers cast for bass, use pole and line while relaxing on a bank or drift boats "trolling" for crappie and catfish. Area waters are noted for black bass, chain pickerel, bream, speckled perch, red finned pike, bluegill, sunshine bass and large-mouth bass. This area is a golfer's paradise with 15 courses in the area ranging from executive courses to many championship level courses. Local pros are available to assist in sharpening one's skills and most offer clubhouse facilities at the 19th Hole. All courses in the area are happy to accommodate all your needs. Since we are located next to Sun 'N Lake Country Club, our residents are entitled to special rates and can drive their cart to the first tee |
