About Highlands County, FL

A tale of April Fool's at AM 1470 WWNN didn't go over well with morning drive hosts Steve Kane and Brian Craig of the "Steve Kane Show" in south Florida. From the radio waves to the telephone lines, an April Fool's prank played by fellow host Bill Lewis of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" didn't sit well with Steve and Brian. In a joke that spanned almost a week, it was only on April 2^nd that fellow hosts and listeners alike learned that Bill Lewis had not left the station and his long standing show on financial issues.

Although not a holiday in its own right, April Fool's Day or All Fools Day as it is called in several countries, is celebrated on April 1^st. It is a day that is marked by the commission of hoxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on family, friends, co-workers, enemies and neighbors. The aim of April Fool's is to embarrass the weak and gullible. In light of the April 1^st date itself, certain pranks require intense planning and cooperation of others to remain credible.

As the longtime host of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida, Bill Lewis has provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics for over five years. On occasion, Bill has hosted politicians such as Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Charlie Crist, Alex Sink, and Bill McCollum in addition to local politicians seeking election or retention in office. Throughout the years, Bill's show has strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In a scheme that involved station management, Bill Lewis sought to strengthen his listener base and to consolidate the topics hosted. If Bill's show was to evolve, the name had to be changed. Gone was the name "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour." Born was "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends and cutting edge issues. In contemplation of said change, Bill Lewis announced to his listeners a week in advance that the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" was voluntarily coming off the air on Tuesday, March 31^st and that an unknown host was replacing him. Lending credibility to the prank was a detailed on-air conversation with station manager Bob Morency on his "last day" in which Bill ridiculed Beasley Broadcasting and AM 1470 WWNN in general.

On April 1st, Bill Lewis was replaced by Liberal Barry and Nat Trayger of "Middle Ground" - a weekend show on AM 1470 WWNN that is considered polar opposite to the "Steve Kane Show." In fact, show hosts Barry Murray and Nat Trayger spend their entire existence dissecting the ramblings of Steve and Brian. What a way to pay tribute to the existing hosts of the Steve Kane Show! What a day for Steve and Brian thinking arch-rivals Liberal Barry and Nat Trayger had replaced Bill Lewis immediately following their show each and every morning. It would be a full 24 hours before the cat was out of the bag.

In an April Fool's joke that had everyone wondering why Bill was leaving the air, "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis was born on April 2^nd. Gone was the company name that no longer represented the true nature and intent of the show. Gone were the personal viewpoints that adversely impacted Bill's credit restoration business. Although disclaimers touted that the "personal viewpoints of the host, guests, and callers were not those of the station management" it may never be known how many listeners were turned off by Bill Lewis and his rude, arrogant, annoying and obnoxious viewpoints.

Have you grown tired of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour?" You can now tune into "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis weekdays at 9am and 9pm on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida. As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, your opinion matters. Talk lines are open at (888) 565-1470 and for those outside the local area, you can listen live at www.WWNNRadio.com.

This year is the 57th Mobil I 12 Hours of Sebring, International Race, and there are several special events leading up to day of the race. Crowds begin to draw near in excess of 200,000 fans several days prior to the race. However, this year John Hendrik, Sales Center Manager of Bernie Little Distributor, arranged for the magnificent Clydesdale's of Budweiser to open the race. The race begins, Saturday at 7 am, at the Sebring International Race Track, in Sebring, Florida.

The Clydesdale's were available for public viewing today at the LakeShore Mall, in Sebring, Florida: and young and old alike came out to see the spectacular Clydesdale's, in all their splendor, hitched to the famous red wagon, accompanied by their dalmatian mascot. Special care is given to these gentle giants as they travel throughout the country. They are transported in three large semi- trucks and have special handlers that travel with them throughout the country. To prepare for an event takes over 5 hours and they are carefully groomed and their main and tails are braided. They then decorate their main and tails with ribbons or flowers.

I remember first seeing these fantastic horses at Seaworld in Orlando Florida, and it was a memorable experience for myself and children. Pictures do not do these gorgeous animals justice you have to see them in person to appreciate how truly spectacular they are.

The Clydesdales originated from Europe and were known as the "great war horses" because of their incredible strength they were able plow and transport heavy loads.

The Clydesdales were first introduced to North America in 1842 and were utilized for assisting in transporting deliveries, prior to the introduction of the automobile and the gas engine. Known for their massive size exceeding a monstrous 2,000 lbs, and being an impressive 18 hands tall.

The end of the prohibition in the early 1930's was the beginning of the Budweiser Clydesdales tradition. August A. Busch Jr, gave his father a gift of a team of Clydesdales and a "bright red brewery wagon" and the Budweiser Clydesdale tradition was born.

One of my favorite Sebring restaurants is a small eatery called Roserio's. It is a charming and cheerful family run restaurant and from the time you walk in... you know that it is not your typical restaurant.

The menu features a wide variety of comforting Italian foods, from the wide variety of pizza's that are homemade and hand tossed, and always piping hot...My favorite is a mushroom and onion combination pizza. Roger, the chef and Daryls' husband, knows that I like extra onions and I gotta tell you he always puts just the right amount of onions on my pizza. Now that may not seem like a big deal to most, but when you think about how many pizzas this man makes and he always remembers just the right amount.... My children love his pepperoni pizza and his wings. You can dine in or order out, whichever you prefer the food is just as good. If you order takeout on Friday night, I gotta warn you order ahead of time, because come 5:00 the place fills up quick. Of course it is well worth the wait! If you become a regular Daryl will eventually know everything about you, and she will always ask how you are, how are the kids, the husband, and if you miss a week, she will want to know where you were...She is truly a remarkable lady and her patrons love her dearly. Daryl, in many ways is the heart of Roserio's. I can't imagine anyone else answering the phone or greeting you at the door. They go away on vacation she will even send you a postcard to remind you when they are coming home.

If you want more of a meal they have a wide assortment of entrees from lasagna, baked ziti, fettucine alfredo; the dinners come with salad or soup and their fantastic garlic bread. They also have a wide variety of subs and sandwiches, from Philly cheese steaks, to a turkey club sub, either one I would highly recommend giving a try. Another favorite of my childrens is their large stuffed calzones, and again you can have them stuffed with whatever you like. In all the years that I have been a patron I have never made it to their dessert menu...but the one I hear the most about is their "Deep Fried Cheesecake." Of course they have the more traditional desserts from cannolis to pies if you have room for it after your meal.

So if you want to try a new place to eat ~ have great food, and even a good laugh, stop by Roserio's. Daryl will greet you and of course Michele, will be your waitress for the evening. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12- 9 pm. They are located 6132 US Highway 98 in Sebring Florida. Their phone number is 863-655-2202.

Enjoy!

Lake Jackson is approximately 4,000 acres wide, and at its deepest point is approximately 20 feet in depth, with sandy shores. There are two public swimming beaches, the most visited is Veterans beach. The beach provides, public parking and boat ramps, picnic grounds, and a play area for children. Lake Jackson originally named Rex Beach Lake, in honor of the memory of the novelist Rex Beach. Lake Jackson is a focal attraction for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Lake Jacksons evening skies light up on the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks displays.

It is also one of approximately 87 Lakes in Highlands County. The shores of Lake Jackson feature numerous homes and condominiums. The south side of the circular lake borders US HWY 27. There are sidewalks around the entire perimeter of the lake that many enjoy biking and walking. Highlands County hosts many community activities around Jackson's' shores. Highlands County Public Library, Community Center, Highlands Arts League, and Highlands Little Theatre. Lake Jackson is centrally located in the heart of the city of downtown Sebring. The city of Sebring is considered one of the oldest cities. The city of Sebring also referred to as "The City On The Circle," was founded by George Sebring, in 1911. Thus, its appearance remains much the same today as it did in the early 1920's. The city is known for the annual community activities around the popular downtown circle. Upcoming events March 7Th-8Th is the Arts Festival, the prior event February 14Th was the antique car show.

The circle is adorned by quaint shoppes, antique street lighting, and restaurants; adding to the cities charming ambiance. Highlands County Public library, Community Center, Highlands Arts League, and Highlands Little Theatre are nestled on Lake Jacksons shorelines. Probably the most famous of events for Sebring, Florida is the famous 12 Hours Of Sebring, held every year March 18th-21st. The race actually commences on the 21st of March.
Highlands County is know for its' agricultural products both citrus and caladiums.

Because a good portion of Highlands County is situated on the Ridge, it is known for its sandy soil, which allows for quick water drainage. Today there are numerous active groves and farms in Highlands County.
Highlands County continues to attract new residents because of its central location in Florida. Easily accessible to Tampa and Orlando, approximately one and a half hour trip by car. Highlands County, "Olde World Charm," is appealing to both residents and visitors alike.

Todays real estate economy is thriving with the bustle of many buyers, I am noticing new first time buyers taking advantage of todays affordable market! This is great news! I am also hearing about all of these "great deals" that can be had out there. The foreclosures and bank owned property. The only thing is, these properties have their issues too!!! Price is not the problem, it is the condition of the property that needs to be addressed. Many of these properties were homes to families that were told they can no longer live there. Thus creating anger, due to a slew of reasons steming all the way from predator lending to people just losing their jobs and no longer having the means to continue to pay for this property, either way, homes are being stripped, literally to the walls. I have seen some of these homes with out the guts of the air conditioner in place, without kitchen cabinets or a pump for water (well water, when that is all that is available for water) to home. But the perception of many buyers is that they are getting this great deal because of price. Whatever happened to location and condition? There are many, and I mean MANY, homes out there that are price right and they do not have these issues or concerns. Keep in mind when buying in Florida, if the home has not had air condition running there could be mold present. So with all of that in mind, what it would cost to bring these so called bargins up to living conditions before proceeding and maybe take a look at the right priced home in a great neighborhood that will give you a larger return on your value! You will be thankful in the long run and will see that return in the near future. In my market there are over 1700+ single family homes available, I am sure with the abundance of inventory you can find something that will fit your needs.

If looking in Highlands county, central state of Florida, look me up, Dawn Dell, Dell Realty, 863-381-0400, and remember to Buy or Sell, Call Dawn Dell.