Happy weekend, Sebring! In today’s happening-today edition: Fake Duke Energy workers, a lakeside small-town gem, and a fantasy book club + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Sebring protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Old-school sweet spots: Across Florida, classic dairy bars keep summer simple, from Port Orange’s The Dairy Bar to Dairy Joy and Dania Beach staple Jaxson’s, serving soft-serve cones, rotating sundaes, and nostalgia -- see why they still thrive.
Stay alert for imposters: On June 13, Highlands County’s sheriff warned Sebring-area residents about two men posing as Duke Energy workers to access properties. Real employees carry official ID and clearly state their purpose -- read the full warning.
A lakeside small-town gem: Sebring’s unique circular downtown and lakes shine, with 1920s Sebring Circle Historic District, Highlands Hammock’s wildlife, Sebring Soda Works’ over 200 sodas, and the charm of America’s Value Golf Capital -- discover what makes it special.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
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.*
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.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your wild backyard reset: Swap the endless to-do list for shady trails, bird peeps, and actual old-growth vibes at Highlands Hammock State Park. Huge and packed with wildlife plus camping options, it’s a low-lift way to recharge close to home, no road-trip theatrics required.
Swing without sunburn: OFF THE GREEN Indoor Golf is Sebring’s go-to when the forecast or your schedule says “nope,” with endlessly playable simulator golf across 1000+ courses, plus driving-range, par-3, scrambles and closest-to-the-pin modes. Bonus, Ideal Golf’s pro shop is inside... so tweaks and new grips are a swing away.
Local flavor upgrade: Craving something that tastes like home but with swagger, The Gator Shack does Gator Bites, Okeechobee catfish, hand-cut USDA Prime steaks, and The Larry, a fried bologna legend best chased with a Pickled Gator shot. Friendly faces, cold drinks, and portions made for real Highlands County hunger.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year, it's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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 conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
Get cash back on your gas, groceries, and dining: This is real cash, not points you have to convert like credit card rewards. There are no coupons to clip and no deals to hunt down, you just claim an offer, pay with your linked card, and the cash back lands automatically. You can set it up in minutes and start earning on your very next purchase. *Start earning → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
⛳ River Greens Scramble for Schools @ River Greens Golf Course (Avon Park) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – River Greens is hosting a charity scramble where your slice finally does some good, raising funds for Avon Park Elementary. Early shotgun, carts, and camaraderie. It is $80 per person or $320 a team, with hometown backing from Jarrett Ford Avon Park, and Nucor Florida.
🤝 Volunteer Day 2026 @ CudaBears Lair Animal Sanctuary | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Up for trading the AC for fresh air and a shovel? Head to Sebring for a hands-on volunteer day supporting local animal sanctuaries, where you can scoop, rake, and actually help, with lunch included. Wear boots, bring sunscreen and water, and sign the waiver.
📚 Beach House Books and More Fantasy Guild Book Club @ Beach House Books and More | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Beach House Books is summoning the Fantasy Guild Book Club on third Saturdays, for lively chat about dragons, court intrigue, and plot twists in blessed air conditioning. June’s quest is The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson, cloaks optional, reading glasses encouraged. New folks, old pros, all welcome.
🍝 Spaghetti Luncheon @ First United Methodist Church of Avon Park | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Open to all, this donation-based spaghetti lunch serves homemade sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and a beverage. Eat in or snag carry-out, then browse Second Blessings for clothing, jewelry, housewares, holiday finds, and dollar-store surprises. Because nothing says quality time like carbs and treasure hunting.
🌊 Sunday Funday @ Mosquito Creek Disc Golf Course | Sunday (6/21) at 8:00 AM – Sunday Funday is teeing off at Mosquito Creek with league play, random draw foursomes, and bag tags on the line. No handicaps, just straight scoring and bragging rights. Add a $1 ace fund, 100% to members, 50% to non, and bring bug spray. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Sebring report Weather forecastToday — High: 95°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 50% A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny. High near 95, with temperatures falling to around 91 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 104. West wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Heat index values as high as 98. West northwest wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 94°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 50% A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West southwest wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis spacious two-story home overlooks Deer Run Golf Course in Manor Hill and offers more than 2,700 square feet on just over a half-acre. Three bedrooms each have their own bath, including a main-level primary suite, while the oversized garage, wood-burning fireplace, bright living spaces, and screened porch with tongue-and-groove ceiling add plenty of charm.
Take a peek inside → | | |