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Hey Sebring, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Free dog training, a cat cafe with adoptable cats, and Florida’s new budget + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Forecast stays calm: Sebring can expect quiet tropics this week, the hurricane center says. Three tropical waves are being watched with no threat, though Saharan dust could haze skies and irritate sensitive lungs -- track the tropics outlook.
Quintessential neighborhoods highlighted: Old Town Key West was voted the most “Florida” place to live in a survey, citing maritime history and Bahamian influence. Coral Gables was recognized for its Mediterranean Revival look -- check the Florida rankings.
Fiscal plan takes shape: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a $117.6 billion Florida budget after nearly $810 million in vetoes, touting record education, infrastructure, public safety, environmental, and economic investments -- see the budget vetoes.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local fairway escape: Pinecrest Golf Club brings classic Florida golf as an Official Partner of the Florida Historic Golf Trail, with a fully stocked pro shop plus practice range, putting and chipping greens. Cap it off at Sandhill Grill, which claims the best hamburgers in Highlands County and backs it up with steaks, seafood and more this week.
Your passport to Friday: International nightlife in the heart of Sebring? Yes, please. Central Night Club promises a globally flavored vibe right here at home, perfect when you want your Friday to feel like a quick trip abroad without the TSA pat-down. Keep an eye on their socials for updates and when table reservations go live.
Where cuddles meet coffee: Swing by Purrfectly Brewed Cat Cafe for a low-stress hang with friendly, adoptable cats while you sip something warm and delicious. It’s equal parts cozy cafe and heart-melting rescue room, so you can decompress, make a furry friend, and maybe find your next roommate.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐕 Free Dog Training @ Stuart Park (Lake Placid) | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:00 PM – Stuart Park’s going to the dogs, in the best way, with a free training class that teaches your four-legged sled team to stop dragging you through Lake Placid. Bring your pup, your patience, and those aching shoulders. Your walks, and rotator cuffs, will thank you.
🃏 High Stax Poker every Wednesday Night @ Tipsy Hen (Winter Haven) | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:30 PM – If your Wednesday needs a hobby that is not reorganizing the garage, Tipsy Hen deals free poker every Wednesday. Roll in a bit early for extra chips, then bluff your way to gift certificates, bragging rights, and the smug satisfaction of funding your tab.
🎶 Okeechobee Main Street | Summer Concert Series @ Settler's Square | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – Round two of three in Main Street's summer concert series is landing at Settler's Square, and yes, it is free, neighborly, and low key. Bring the good lawn chair, the not embarrassing cooler, and your best small talk. Same charm, new setlist, zero fuss.
🤝 Okeechobee Women’s Business Networking August Luncheon @ Lakeside Grill | Friday (8/21) at 11:30 AM – Okeechobee’s women in biz are taking over Lakeside Grill for a monthly lunch, free to join, you just buy your meal. Bring business cards, and toss a buck, or six for five, into the 50/50 that splits between one lucky winner and the hardworking waitstaff.
🏛 Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting @ Sebring Regional Airport (SEF/KSEF) | Thursday (8/27) at 2:00 PM – Skip yelling at the TV and sit in on the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, where neighbors appointed by the HRTPO Board kick the tires on transportation proposals. Expect plain talk, polite debates, and the occasional reality check, all for the common good.
🐶 Barktoberfest Pet Adoptions and Family Fun Day @ Stuart Park (Lake Placid) | Saturday (10/3) at 9:00 AM – Make room for dog hair and good karma, because Barktoberfest is a free, pet-friendly adoption day with local rescues and adoptable dogs and cats. Expect vendors, demos, microchipping, nail trims, a photo booth, pet blessings, raffles, and food trucks. Meet your next couch hog.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Sebring report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 62%
Scattered showers and thunderstorms between noon and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 88, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 97. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 72%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. This house is wildBuilt in 2021 and still looking brand new, this 4-bedroom, 4-bath home pairs crisp modern style with a smart split floor plan. Charcoal paver driveways, a covered front porch, walk-in pantry, and spacious laundry room add function, while the covered lanai, outdoor kitchen, and fenced backyard bring the fun. Deeded Lake Jackson access seals the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
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