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Hi Sebring, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Gold and silver surge, Crazy Pepper Chili Cook-Off, Miles for Mimosas 5K, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Consumers gain stronger protections: New Florida laws that took effect Jan. 1 change healthcare refunds, require clearer pet insurance, and add a public animal-abuser database, with measures backed by Sebring Rep. Kaylee Tuck — get all the details.
Beachside living for less: FinanceBuzz found ten Florida waterfront towns where retirees can live on $2,000 or less a month, and Sebring made the list as America’s Value Golf Capital with rounds from $25 — see all the coastal picks.
Federal program fuels transformation: Florida will receive $209.9 million over five years to improve rural health care, with plans to expand primary care, train providers, and boost specialty access in communities like Highlands County — see how funds will be used.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
New neighborhoods come online: Comcast expanded its network across Florida, adding service to about 120,000 new addresses, including Avon Park, plus 16,400 in Charlotte County and more than 15,500 in Lehigh Acres. That means more options for homes and businesses near Sebring, with low cost Internet Essentials available to eligible households. See the new service areas.
Fresh cut, no fuss: Need a quick trim, straight-razor shave, or a color refresh in Sebring? The Barber Shop does men’s and women’s styles under one roof, with skilled, friendly locals. Expect clean cuts, neat fades, and polished finishes, and walk out looking sharp, no fuss.
Deep-breath reset: Need a quick nature recharge? Highlands Hammock State Park wraps you in ancient oaks, cypress-swamp boardwalk views, and nine shady trails where deer and birds do their thing, ideal for a pre-errands stroll or a mind-clearing afternoon wander.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏁 NASA at Sebring International Raceway @ Sebring International Raceway | Friday (1/16) – Swap the space helmets for helmets of a different kind. NASA is bringing HPDE for first-timers, Time Trials for the competitive, and full-on Road Racing to Sebring, so you can finally justify that tire fund, and scare the crumbs out of your cupholder.
🏆 Sebring Blue Streaks vs Winter Haven Blue Devils @ Sebring High School | Friday (1/16) – Grab your seat cushion and pick a side. Sebring Blue Streaks take on Winter Haven Blue Devils in a classic Polk-Highlands showdown, with small-town bragging rights, marching band flair, and concession-stand hot dogs that taste better when you’re winning.
🥕 Avon Park Farmer’s Market @ Jacaranda Hotel | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats a morning stroll through the Avon Park Farmer’s Market, where the citrus is bright, the tomatoes braggy, and the neighbors chattier than your group text. Stock up on local produce, honey, breads, and flowers, then linger with coffee, gossip, and small-town sunshine.
🍅 Winter/Spring Florida Vegetable Gardening Class @ Bert J Harris Jr. Agricultural Center, Sam Polston Auditorium | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats digging in the garden while the rest of the country shovels snow. UF/IFAS Extension’s winter and spring veggie class shows what actually grows here, with expert tips, local timing, and fewer sad seedlings, so your spring harvest survives heat, sand, and critters.
🌶 14th Annual Crazy Pepper Chili Cook-Off @ Downtown Sebring CRA | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Warm up your weekend at the 14th Annual Crazy Pepper Chili Cook Off, where pots bubble, egos simmer, and spoons stay busy. Sample your way from mild to what-were-they-thinking, cast a vote, then brag about discovering the winner before your mouth stops tingling.
🇺 3rd Annual Southwest Florida Honor Flight Cruise-In @ Sebring International Raceway | Sunday (1/18) at 10:00 AM – If your weekend could use some chrome, camaraderie, and a good cause, roll over to Sebring International Raceway for the third annual SWFL Honor Flight Cruise-In. Bring your classic, hot rod, or family favorite, then swap stories, salute heroes, and linger like locals do.
🌱 Gardening Masterclass @ Hephzibah Farm | Sunday (1/18) at 4:00 PM – Swap doomscrolling for dirt under your nails at this gardening masterclass with expert instructors. Beginners learn the basics, veterans sharpen their skills, everyone leaves with smarter plant habits, fewer casualties, and bragging rights. Think practical tips, local know-how, and the good kind of mulch talk.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Sebring locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Sebring report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 63°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 38%
A chance of rain showers before 1pm. Partly sunny. High near 63, with temperatures falling to around 58 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Clear, with a low around 31. Wind chill values as low as 26. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 63°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. North northeast wind around 3 mph.
This house is wild
Fully furnished lakefront home in the private gated community of The Bluffs on Red Beach Lake on a half acre plus an additional lot. The 3 bed, 2 bath layout has high ceilings and lake views. The living room opens to a covered porch with tongue and groove ceiling. The kitchen brings KitchenAid appliances, granite, an oversized island, and a walk in pantry.
Private primary suite includes porch access, dual closets, and a spa bath with soaking tub and glass shower. A 3 car epoxy floored garage with Gladiator cabinets, firepit, dock and boathouse, impact windows, and generator wiring add function. HOA maintains common areas in Sebring, recently featured on HGTV.
Take a peek inside →
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