Sean Dolan

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

Nearly 200 people gathered at Lake Placid's Genesis Center in a growing movement to save the town’s iconic “Freedom Tower” Thursday night. Built in 1960, the landmark has fallen into disrepair over the last two decades, spurring a campaign by locals and owner Charles Svarik to rescue and renovate the tower and surrounding property. Among the speakers were Svarik and Mike Forsythe of the Highlands County Amateur Radio Club, which uses the tower for emergency communications.

The community was prompted to share tower memories, ask questions and offer ideas. Among suggestions pitched at the meeting and online were a heritage museum, reopening the restaurant and expanding the observation deck. Svarik, who has offered to donate the tower to the town, stressed that saving it would be a substantial undertaking requiring time, money and community support.

“It’s a dragon that needs to be fed,” Svarik said.
Read more about it in Tuesday's Highlands News-Sun.

08/20/2026

South Florida State College (SFSC) has made the difficult decision to permanently close the Jacaranda Restaurant within the The Hotel Jacaranda. The decision, approved by the District Board of Trustees, follows careful consideration of the restaurant’s ongoing financial losses and the College’s responsibility to use its resources and facilities effectively and efficiently.

We recognize that the Jacaranda Restaurant has held a special place in the community and that many residents and visitors have fond memories of dining there. We understand that this closure will be disappointing to many, and we are grateful for the support the Restaurant has received over the years.

.jacaranda

08/16/2026

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08/15/2026

Congratulations Green Dragons! Opening night win, 53-0

08/15/2026

We’re excited to introduce the School Resource Officer serving Woodlawn Elementary School — Officer Diego Serrano!

Officer Serrano began his law enforcement career with the Sebring Police Department in 2016 and has proudly served as Woodlawn’s SRO for the past five years. His dedication to building relationships with students, supporting staff, and keeping the school community safe makes him an important part of the Woodlawn family. 💙

As we wrap up our FIRST WEEK of school, we hope everyone had a fun, safe, and successful start to the new school year!

🚸 Remember: School zones are active! Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for students, families, and school staff as they travel to and from campus.

We’re grateful for Officer Serrano and his continued commitment to the safety, well-being, and success of the students and staff at Woodlawn Elementary!

Welcome back, students — let’s make it a great year! 📚🍎

08/15/2026

Congratulations!

🔥🐉 FIRST BIG WIN OF THE SEASON! 🐉🔥

That’s how you make a statement! 💪🏽💚

The Lake Placid Green Dragons came ready to battle and left it all on the field! The hard work, dedication, and brotherhood showed from the opening whistle to the final horn.

ONE TEAM. ONE FAMILY. ONE DRAGON. 🐉

This is only the beginning. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep building.

💚 DRAGONS WIN! 💚
🏈 Tradition • Pride • Loyalty 🏈

08/15/2026

The University of South Florida is taking steps to expand the state’s nursing pipeline with a major addition to its College of Nursing. The university has opened a 42,000-square-foot expansion supported in part by a $33 million state investment. http://specne.ws/2TPDYH

08/14/2026