Pulse of the Heartland #10 - August 2026

Tada' Wellness Brings a New Approach to Healing in Lake Placid

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

WHEN MOST PEOPLE

HEAR the name Tada', they immediately think of yoga. While yoga remains the foundation, Heather's vision has grown into something much larger.

Tada' is evolving into a health and wellness destination focused on helping people heal from the inside out. From massage therapy and nutrition to mental health support, retreats, and wellness education, the goal is simple. Create a place where people can breathe, recover, and find peace.

Located in Lake Placid, Tada' continues offering yoga classes for all experience levels, including paddleboard yoga, while expanding into services that focus on whole body wellness.

The wellness center now includes licensed massage therapy with specialties such as lymphatic drainage, facial services, nutrition guidance, registered dietitians, trauma recovery resources, and mental health counseling. The organization also works with an in house laboratory in Sebring, allowing clients to receive blood work for allergy testing and other health concerns.

Heather says the mission has always been about meeting people where they are. Whether someone is looking to

improve their physical health, reduce stress, recover from trauma, or simply slow down for a while, Tada' aims to provide those resources under one roof.

The organization also offers wellness retreats through Book Tada' Retreats. These retreats combine yoga, nutrition, mindfulness, outdoor recreation, and opportunities for personal growth in an environment designed to help guests disconnect from everyday stress and reconnect with themselves.

Accessibility is another important part of the program. Services are offered on a donation based and sliding scale model,

with hardship assistance available for those who need it. Transportation can also be arranged for retreat guests traveling into the area.

In addition to wellness services, visitors will find a boutique offering yoga and dance apparel along with natural and organic products that complement the studio's philosophy of healthy living.

As conversations surrounding mental health and preventative care continue to grow, Tada' is positioning itself as more than a yoga studio. It is becoming a place where people can focus on healing, wellness, and creating healthier lives in a supportive environment.

For Heather, that has always been the heart of the mission. Helping people find peace, one step at a time.

Learn More

Tada' Yoga Studio https://towerplazayoga.org

Book Tada' Retreats https://booktadaretreats.com

EACH MONTH I AM REMINDED THAT PULSE OF THE HEARTLAND is about so much more than ink on paper. It is about serving our communities, celebrating the people who make the Heartland special, and continuing to grow together.

This month, I am especially excited to introduce The B.E.A.T. of Heartland, our new youth section focused on helping young people Believe, Empower, Achieve, and Thrive. I hope it becomes a place where students and families can share accomplishments, talents, and stories that inspire others.

We’re growing in other ways, too. Be sure to visit our website for additional stories and community updates between each monthly issue. In September, we’ll also officially launch our Instagram page and welcome a dedicated Veterans Correspondent, allowing us to better serve those who have served our nation.

Behind the scenes, we’re also working on Red, White and Bows, and I can’t wait to share more details with you in the coming weeks.

As our communities head to the polls, my prayer is simple. I pray that every person elected leads with faith, integrity, humility, and a true servant’s heart. Public office is a calling to serve the people, and I pray those chosen never lose sight of that responsibility.

Thank you for continuing to support local journalism and for allowing us to tell the stories that matter most. We have so much more ahead, and I’m grateful you’re taking this journey with us.

Tiffanie Nicole

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Arr-gust is Sea Faring Time in Florida

By Barry Foster

THIS IS ARR-GUST , which also is known as International Pirate Month. It’s a monthlong, swashbuckling celebration observed every August, dedicated to pirate lore, fictional sea adventures, historical trivia of the Golden Age of Piracy, and all things "yo ho ho!”

Over the years, Arr-gust has become an unofficially observed global celebration embraced by communities, libraries, and pop-culture enthusiasts. It encourages people to dive into the lore of real-world figures like Blackbeard and Calico Jack, or classic tales like Treasure Island.

Here in Florida, our complex coastlines and heavily trafficked shipping channels made it a prime haven for pirates, privateers, and buccaneers between the 1500s and early 1800s. These outlaws constantly preyed on vulnerable Spanish treasure fleets sailing the Gulf Stream and navigating the Gulf Coast.

Haunting the Sunshine States shores were famous such as Sir Francis Drake, the famous English privateer famously raided and burned the early Spanish settlement of St. Augustine to the ground. Black Caesar, a legendary African chieftain turned pirate who operated from Caesar’s Rock near Elliott Key in the Florida Keys. He eventually joined forces with the infamous Blackbeard and was captured by the British navy.

Possibly the most famous of the privateers is José Gaspar who based his operations out of Charlotte Harbor. Though modern historians note he is largely a figure of folklore, his legend is celebrated annually at the massive Gasparilla Festival held annually in Tampa.

For those who want to celebrate the month, there are ample opportunities in the forms of sailing ships, museums and event golf outings. (August also is Golf Month – but more on that later.

For those who wish to set sail, you might try Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. Ported at the Clearwater Municipal Marina in Clearwater Beach, the Pirate’s Ransom is a 70-foot galleon replica. Built in 1993, they have a two-hour daytime family adventure. The trip features water gun

battles, treasure hunts, face painting and pirate stories.

It includes complimentary beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drinks.

There’s also a Sunset Champagne Cruise. A scenic Gulf of Mexico sunset sail that includes all the daytime pirate activities for families plus free champagne alongside beer and wine.

If you’re up near St. Augustine, Black Raven Adventures might be your ticket.

The Black Raven is described as a “floating pirate theater ship. This cruise provides a live theatrical performance featuring sword fights, cannon firings, sea shanties, and an interactive plot where kids battle Captain Blackbeard to reclaim stolen treasure.

They also feature a two hour “Tropical Sunset Cruise.” This consists of an allages, relaxed Caribbean-themed sunset cruise along Matanzas Bay with light games, music, and scenic coastal views. Additionally, for the adults, there’s the Rum Runner Cruise. It’s an adults-only "booze cruise" featuring crude pirate humor, adult games, live interactive performance, and a full bar.

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise sails out

of the Harbor Walk Village in Destin. This 100-foot, triple deck galleon replica give an interactive pirate cruise that also runs about two hours. This broad-deck family voyage sails through the Choctawhatchee Bay with sword fighting lessons, water cannon battles, treasure hunting, face painting, and dolphin spotting.

They also offer a Sunset Family Pirate Cruise which combines the full interactive kid-friendly pirate show with Emerald Coast sunset views and golden-hour photography.

A bit further south, is Salty Sam’s Pieces of Eight cruise, out of Salty Sam’s own marina in Fort Myers Beach. The Salty

Sam – a 65-foot Spanish galleon replica runs a 90-minute family pirate cruise which sails through Matanzas Pass into the Gulf of Mexico. There’s face, water cannon duels, possible dolphin sightings and even a mutiny (don’t worry, you’ll get back OK). For those who want it, there’s a full cash/card bar available onboard.

There’s also a saltier, "Pieces of Eight" Cruise. This is an adult-only, evening party cruise featuring adult-oriented pirate comedy, music, and drink specials.

If you cannot wait for the Gasparilla, the 60-foot Lost Pearl Pirate Ship sails out of downtown Tampa - departing near the Tampa Convention Center / Riverwalk. There’s an All-Ages Pirate Adventure Cruise which navigates the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. Passengers become ersatz crew members with interactive swab-the-deck training, water cannon battles against rival pirates, and games.

Watching the sun go down over the Gulf is easy with the Tampa Sunset Pirate Cruise This is an all-ages sunset sail across Tampa Bay featuring pirate games, music, and full cash bar for adults.

Not so very far away is The Royal Conquest. A 46-foot, two level vessel, she sails out of Madeira Beach / St. Petersburg at the John's Pass Boardwalk. This Pirate Adventure Cruise sails through Boca Ciega Bay. They feature limbo contests, treasure hunts, water gun fights, pirate stories, and dolphin viewing. It includes complimentary soft drinks and water, with optional all-you-can-drink adult beverage packages.

The Pirates of Marco Island are found on the The Black Pearl. It’s a 60-foot custom pirate vessel that sails out of the Rose

Marina. Unlike some of the others, this one runs about an hour, and is described as a high-energy, fast-paced 1-hour cruise tailored for younger children where they battle "Pirate Pete" with water cannons to retrieve a sunken key.

For something a bit more relaxing, there’s also the Black Pearl Sunset Cruise. That’s a scenic, relaxed evening sail into the Gulf of Mexico toward the 10,000 Islands, featuring music and a full onboard bar. It runs about 90 minutes.

With any and all of these tours, we suggest you look for sailing times, and special provisions for any of the cruises.

What’s that you say matey? You get seasick? Well Florida also features a wide variety of Pirate Outfitter Shops & Maritime Museums for landlubbers who

identify as privateers. For instance, there’s the Antilles Trading Company inHistoric Cocoa Village. Widely known as "The Pirate Store & Museum," this coastal staple caters to buccaneers of all stripes. It features curated historical weapons, period apparel, nautical antiques, and authentic artifacts alongside costume gear for pirate enthusiasts.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum in St. Augustine is situated directly across from the historic Castillo de San Marcos. This interactive museum houses over 800 authentic Golden Age pirate artifacts, including one of the world's only surviving original Jolly Roger flags and Thomas Tew's authentic treasure chest.

Tampa Bay History Center at the Tampa Riverwalk offers extensive permanent exhibits detailing Florida's actual 17th- and 18th-century maritime history, privateers, and the legends surrounding Gulf Coast freebooters like José Gaspar.

If you’re a hungry bucanner, there’s Orlando’s Pirate Dinner Adventure. A largescale indoor theatrical show anchored by an 18th-century Spanish galleon inside a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon—complete with acrobatic sword fights, pyrotechnics, and cannon blasts.

And as we said earlier, August also is Golf Month. You can get a twofer by visiting any of the Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf locations statewide. A classic landlubber option featuring multi-level mini-golf courses built around waterfalls, pirate ships, and treasure caves.

In any event, Florida gives us multiple opportunities to celebrate Arr-gust, and Highlands County is uniquely situated in the center of the state, making it an easy drive to the Gulf or the Atlantic. Heck, make it an overnighter, and seek ye some buried treasure.

Small Airport Big Vision

VERO BEACH — Behind the relaxed atmosphere of Vero Beach Regional Airport is an operation that is quietly becoming one of Florida's most important transportation assets.

Thank you to the leadership and staff at Vero Beach Regional Airport for the invitation to tour the facility and discuss the exciting projects shaping its future. The opportunity provided valuable insight into the airport's growth, its impact on the local economy and the vision guiding its next chapter.

Congressional candidate Steve Rance recently toured the airport alongside airport leadership to gain a firsthand look at the facility's operations, current terminal renovations and long-term vision for expansion. Throughout the visit, airport officials highlighted how the airport has grown far beyond simply serving passengers, becoming an economic engine that supports tourism, healthcare, aviation training, small businesses and hundreds of local jobs.

The tour began with a look at the nearly completed terminal renovation project. Airport officials showcased new covered walkways, expanded passenger amenities, updated restroom facilities, improved traffic flow and a new service animal relief area designed to meet federal requirements. A courtyard concession area is also planned, giving travelers the opportunity to purchase food and beverages before boarding while creating a more welcoming experience for visitors. While the improvements enhance the

passenger experience today, airport officials emphasized they are also laying the groundwork for tomorrow. Later this year the airport plans to host public planning workshops where residents can review several concepts for future expansion, including maintaining the current footprint, expanding the terminal or constructing a larger passenger exit facility with an indoor baggage claim area. Airport leadership stressed that whatever direction is ultimately chosen, preserving the hometown character of Vero Beach Regional Airport remains a priority. Today the airport is served by Breeze Airways, American Airlines and JetBlue, providing convenient connections while maintaining the personal experience travelers appreciate.

According to airport officials, more than 138,000 passengers used the airport during the past year. Even more impressive, the airport recorded more than 300,000 aircraft operations, making it Florida's fourth busiest airport by aircraft operations and one of the busiest in the nation in that category.

Those numbers translate into significant economic opportunity. Officials pointed to aviation businesses located on airport property, a proposed Marriott hotel expected to create around 100 jobs, Breeze Airways' growing crew base and the positive impact on area hotels, rental car companies and tourism.

Healthcare has also benefited. Airport officials said commercial air service has become an important recruiting tool for Cleveland Clinic physicians and other

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medical professionals, allowing easier travel while strengthening healthcare services throughout the region.

Throughout the visit, Rance asked questions about infrastructure, federal grants and long-term sustainability. Airport leaders explained that Vero Beach Regional Airport operates as a self-sustaining enterprise while relying on competitive state and FAA grants for major capital improvements. Future terminal expansion is expected to require additional federal support.

The conversation also focused on inspiring the next generation. Officials highlighted programs such as Young Eagles, Civil Air Patrol and aviation training opportunities through Skyborne Airline Academy. Plans are also being explored for an aviation-themed playground where families can enjoy watching aircraft while introducing children to aviation careers.

As the tour concluded, one message stood out. Vero Beach Regional Airport is committed to growing responsibly while preserving the welcoming hometown atmosphere that makes it unique. With continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development and community partnerships, the airport is well positioned to remain a driving force for economic development across the Treasure Coast for years to come.

The Governor of the People

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

THERE ARE CAMPAIGN STOPS, and then there are conversations that stick with you long after they’re over.

When I sat down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Williams, I expected to ask about polling, fundraising, rural Florida and the issues facing our state. We talked about all of those things, but what surprised me was how often the conversation came back to the same point: people.

Our conversation began with the recent Pulse of the Heartland community poll.

More than 3,200 people participated in roughly 24 hours, with Williams receiving the majority of support from those who voted. It was never meant to be a scientific statewide poll. It was simply a way to hear from readers across the communities we serve.

Williams believes those results say something larger.

“The heartland people want somebody like me,” he said. “They want a good, godly person that’s going to fight for them, bring it back and be for the people.”

As we talked, it became clear that his campaign isn’t built around trying to win the biggest cities. He believes rural Florida has been forgotten.

“Florida is Florida because of the rural communities,” Williams said. “A lot of these people have moved four or five times trying to get away from what’s happening in the bigger cities. They want to keep old Florida.”

He said that’s why he spends so much of his time traveling to communities other candidates often overlook.

“I go to the people who are frustrated, aggravated and feel like they do not have a voice,” he said.

One part of our interview genuinely made me stop and think.

Williams talked about campaign fundraising in a way I had never really considered before.

“Would you rather have a candidate who can run a statewide campaign on around one hundred thousand dollars or somebody who needs millions? If it takes that much money to run a campaign, what are they going to do with your taxpayer money?”

I’ll be honest, that question stuck with me.

As journalists, we spend a lot of time reporting who raised the most money, who bought the most advertising and who has the biggest campaign account. I had never really stopped to think about it from the perspective Williams offered. If someone believes in tightening the belt during a campaign and making every dollar count, is that the same mindset they’d bring to Tallahassee? Whether you agree with him or not, it was a different way of looking at the conversation, and one I hadn’t considered before.

Faith was another part of our conversation that kept coming up.

“God told me to run for governor. He never told me I was going to be governor.”

Williams said he believes his responsibility is simply to be obedient to what he believes God called him to do.

“If we win, we keep going,” he said. “If we don’t, then I’ll ask God what He brought me this far to do next.”

He even laughed when talking about election night.

“I’m trusting God,” he said. “I’m not going to sit there dealing with all that anxiety.”

Before we wrapped up the interview, Williams asked if he could pray for me.

Afterward, he invited me to tour The Freedom Tour, the ministry he founded years before he ever became a candidate for governor.

Walking through the property, it didn’t feel like a campaign headquarters. There were shelves stocked with food, clothing, hygiene items and other necessities waiting to be distributed to families in need. Williams explained that The Freedom Tour started back in 2014 with nothing more than his truck and trailer.

“I started with my truck and trailer, riding around through different projects and neighborhoods, just helping people,” he said.

As we continued talking, I shared the story of After School Spot in Sebring and the work Regina Nicolois does every day to give local children a safe place to go. Like so many nonprofits, keeping snacks and basic necessities on the shelves isn’t always easy.

Williams didn’t hesitate.

“Send me the information,” he said. There wasn’t a conversation about publicity or campaign recognition. He simply wanted to know how he could help. That response brought our conversation full circle.

Throughout the interview, Williams talked about serving rural Florida, giving people a voice and putting faith into action. Standing inside The Freedom Tour, it became clear those weren’t just campaign talking points. They were the same principles he said led him to start the ministry years before he ever decided to run for governor.

After spending the day with Bobby Williams, I left with a better understanding of why so many people call him “The Governor of the People.”

A Legacy That Lives On

SOME PEOPLE BECOME

COACHES because they love the game. Heather Barnes became a coach because she fell in love with the people who taught her to play it.

Long before she was leading Avon Park High School's softball and weightlifting programs, Barnes was a little girl spending evenings on local ballfields beside her father and grandfather. They taught her how to throw, catch and compete, but the greatest lessons had nothing to do with athletics. They showed her what it meant to invest in children, encourage them through failure and celebrate them far beyond the final score. Those moments quietly shaped the course of her life.

"I watched the impact they had on kids in our community," Barnes recalled. "I remember thinking, 'I want to do that when I get older.'"

Years later, after her grandfather passed away, former players shared stories about the encouragement he had given them decades earlier. They remembered a coach who believed in them when confidence was hard to find and who expected the best from them because he knew they were capable of more. Listening to those memories confirmed what Barnes had always believed. Coaching was never just about winning games. It was about changing lives one relationship at a time.

Today, Barnes is carrying that same legacy forward at Avon Park High School, where she serves as head softball coach and leads the girls weightlifting program. As another school year approaches, she isn't thinking only about practices and schedules. She's thinking about the students walking through the doors who may need someone to encourage them, challenge them and remind them they are capable of accomplishing far more than they imagine.

"As soon as one season ends, I'm already excited for the next one," she said. "I love seeing how much the girls have grown over the summer, and I'm always excited to meet the freshmen."

Barnes believes every successful program begins with relationships. Before athletes can believe in a coach, they have to know that coach genuinely cares about them. Trust is built through consistency, honesty and clear expectations.

Her athletes know there is a time to laugh together and enjoy the journey, but

they also understand when it's time to work. Establishing that culture early allows every new player to understand what the program stands for.

"We have fun," Barnes said. "But everyone also knows when it's time to go to work."

That philosophy reaches well beyond athletics. Barnes wants every athlete to leave Avon Park believing she can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to if she is willing to put in the effort. Whether that dream is playing college sports, earning a degree or building a career, confidence often begins with someone believing in you first.

"I want them to know they'll always have somebody in their corner," she said.

While championships create lasting memories, Barnes says the greatest rewards come years later. Hearing from former athletes who have graduated, earned scholarships, become successful professionals or started families reminds her why she chose this path. Those moments matter more than any trophy sitting in a display case.

She also reminds students that success begins in the classroom. Athletics can open doors, but grades, discipline and personal responsibility determine how many opportunities remain available after high school. She encourages athletes to think about their futures early and understand that every assignment, every practice and every decision helps shape tomorrow.

Barnes is quick to recognize that coaching is a partnership. Parents, teachers, administrators and the community all play important roles in helping young people succeed. Some students have strong support systems at home while others find that encouragement through a coach, mentor or teacher who simply refuses to give up on them. Barnes believes every caring adult has the ability to change a child's future.

Looking ahead, she is excited about the growth of both the softball and weightlifting programs. New leaders are emerging, younger athletes are stepping into larger roles and the future is filled with opportunity. She plans to challenge her softball team with stronger competition because she believes growth comes from embracing difficult moments rather than avoiding them.

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

Her advice for incoming freshmen is simple. Get involved. Try something new. Don't allow fear or uncertainty to keep you from experiences that could shape the rest of your life. High school passes quickly, and the friendships, lessons and memories often begin with taking that first step.

Watching Barnes coach, it becomes clear that she inherited far more than a love for sports. She inherited a commitment to people. The little girl who once admired her father and grandfather from the sidelines has become the mentor she hoped to be.

Years from now, many of her athletes may forget the final score of a game or the number of wins in a season. What they are far more likely to remember is the coach who encouraged them after a difficult day, challenged them to become stronger and reminded them they were capable of achieving more than they believed possible.

That is the kind of legacy no scoreboard can measure. It lives on in every student whose life is changed by someone willing to invest time, patience and heart into the next generation. For Heather Barnes, that has always been the greatest victory of all.

Classroom First: Andy Tuck Brings State Experience Home in Bid for Highlands County School Board

By Barry Foster

FOR ANDY TUCK, public education isn’t just a line item in a county budget or a political talking point—it’s a multi-generational family legacy. A lifelong resident of Highlands County and a 1987 graduate of Lake Placid High School, Tuck’s ties to the local school system run through his past, his home, and his family's future. Now, after years spent shaping education policy at both the local and state levels, Tuck is seeking a return to the Highlands County School Board with a clear focus: putting the classroom back at the center of every decision.

A Legacy of Governance and Service

Tuck, a private business owner who earned his degree from Florida Southern College in 1990, brings a deep reservoir of administrative experience back to the local dais. He previously served on the Highlands County School Board from 2006 to 2014, including a term as chairman in 2008.

His leadership soon expanded beyond county lines. Tuck served on the Florida Transportation Commission before being appointed to the Florida State Board of Education, where he served from 2014 to 2021 as both chairman and vice chairman. During his nearly eight years on the state board, he helped steer broad education policy and fiscal management across the entire state of Florida.

Yet, despite his time in state-level executive roles, Tuck’s daily perspective remains anchored firmly at home. He and his wife, Sandee, have been married for 35 years—over three decades of which Sandee has spent directly educating local students as a Highlands County teacher. The couple are also parents to State Representative Kaylee Tuck (District 83) and son Tanner, who, alongside his wife Jasmine, continues the family’s roots in the community.

"From the Classroom Out"

That 35-year insight from inside his own home drives Tuck’s core campaign philosophy.

"For too long the classroom has taken a backseat to everything else," Tuck stated. "My campaign is simple—we’re going to work from the classroom out. I will not make a vote that I think negatively impacts the classroom in any way."

At a recent campaign appearance, Tuck addressed the ongoing dynamics between local governance and district administration. When asked about the debate over an appointed versus an elected superintendent, he noted that while the final choice belongs to the voters, his stance is clear: he favors a hired superintendent, emphasizing that the district needs a strong administrator first and foremost.

Reflecting on recent tensions between the sitting board and the current administration, Tuck argued that the school board must reassert its authority to direct resources where they matter most— trimming overhead at the district office to deliver more funds directly to teachers and students.

Fiscal Responsibility & Pathways for Every Student

Tuck’s record on fiscal stewardship includes past initiatives aimed at cutting nearly $1 million from central district office budgets, opposing proposed local tax increases, and establishing a local vendor preference policy to keep taxpayer dollars working within Highlands County businesses.

As he looks toward a new term on the board, Tuck emphasizes both equity and practical preparation for all students.

"Every student deserves a quality education, regardless of their zip code," Tuck said, stressing that success looks different for everyone. "Our schools should

prepare students for success whether they choose college, military service, technical training, or entering the workforce directly after graduation."

Key Campaign Priorities

• Proven Board Leadership: Applying extensive local and state-level governance experience to guide district vision.

• Local Community Values: Anchoring decisions in a multi-generational tradition within Highlands County schools.

• Classroom-Centric Budgeting: Reducing district office overhead to increase funding for teachers, student resources, and classroom support.

• Diverse Student Pathways: Expanding focus on career, technical, military, and higher-education readiness.

A New Chapter on Lake Jackson The Landing Is Bringing Back a Highlands County Tradition

By

THERE ARE RESTAURANTS

where you go simply to eat, and then there are places that become part of a community’s story. For many Highlands County residents, The Landing is one of those places.

Long before it became Lake Jackson Landing, locals remember weekends filled with boats pulling up to the dock, seaplanes touching down on the lake, families gathering for dinner, and friends spending hours watching the sunset over Lake Jackson. Those memories are exactly what inspired the restaurant’s new owner to take on the challenge of bringing the landmark back to life.

“I missed my waterfront restaurant that I sold,” he said. “There’s something about working long hours with a beautiful water view to enjoy that makes it all worthwhile.”

That simple love for waterfront dining has become the driving force behind the transformation happening at The Landing.

Perched along the shoreline of Lake Jackson, the restaurant already had something many businesses spend years trying to create a location people naturally gravitate toward. The new ownership recognized that immediately, seeing not just a restaurant, but one of Highlands County’s greatest gathering places.

“The Landing has a unique position right on beautiful Lake Jackson,” he said. “It is naturally a top amenity for Sebring and Highlands County. Many memories were made here in the ’80s and ’90s when it was called The Landing. It was constantly busy with boaters and guests watching the seaplanes come and go.”

Rather than erase that history, the goal has been to build upon it.

One of the first noticeable additions is the large chickee hut overlooking the patio, instantly giving guests the feeling they’ve escaped to the Florida Keys without ever leaving Sebring. Even the decision to remove tablecloths was intentional, allowing the natural wood tables to complement the relaxed waterfront atmosphere.

Inside, local artistry now plays an important role in telling Highlands County’s story. Works from Alejandro Rivero, Tim

Vaughan and Crash Craft Metalworx decorate the restaurant, creating a space that feels distinctly local while celebrating the area’s creative talent.

But beautiful scenery alone isn’t enough to build a successful restaurant. The owner believes the experience begins the moment guests walk through the front door.

“To be greeted warmly and told, ‘Thanks for coming,’” he said. “Guests who choose to dine with us over the plethora of other restaurants should be treated like royalty.”

That philosophy extends throughout every part of the operation. The menu has already become a talking point among regulars, particularly one signature dish.

“Our clam chowder is better than any I have ever tried, even in my favorite seafood restaurants,” he said. “It’s a rich, creamy soup stuffed with twice the normal amount of ocean clams.”

Pair that with one of the restaurant’s handcrafted margaritas, made with Natalie’s fresh squeezed lime juice rather than concentrate, and it’s easy to understand why so many guests have been returning.

The improvements, however, are only just beginning.

Plans are already underway to expand live entertainment, turning the renovated lakeside patio into a destination for music lovers throughout the region. A monthly farmers market is also in the works, giving local growers and artisans an opportunity to showcase the very best of what Highlands County has to offer.

The vision extends beyond food and entertainment. Future improvements include expanding the beach and dock area, creating additional waterfront recreation with ideas like volleyball, cornhole and even more ways for visitors arriving by boat to spend an afternoon along the lake.

The owner hopes The Landing becomes more than just another restaurant. “We are a showcase for all that makes Highlands County unique, with our locally sourced food and drinks,” he said. “We also seek

to be the top meeting place, showcasing Lake Jackson’s natural majestic beauty.”

That commitment includes supporting nonprofits, local organizations and the people working every day to strengthen the community. Judging by the early response, the community has embraced the changes.

“They have been wonderfully supportive in praising our improvements, and enjoying the food, margaritas and craft beers that we offer,” he said.

Looking toward the future, the vision is ambitious but grounded in something simple creating a place people genuinely want to return to.

By 2027, he hopes The Landing will be known as one of Central Florida’s premier waterfront destinations, attracting visitors from throughout the region who arrive by

boat, motorcycle, car or even seaplane to enjoy live music, great food and one of the best views in Highlands County. When asked what he hopes people say after leaving, his answer was refreshingly simple.

“That they had such a good time they cannot wait to come back.”

For a restaurant built on memories while creating new ones every day, that may be the greatest compliment of all. As he reflected on the warm welcome Highlands County has given both him and his team, he offered one final message to the community

“Thank you for being such a blessing to the staff and owners. We look forward to serving you for many years to come at Lake Jackson Landing.”

Community Roots, Classroom Focus: Reese Martin Seeks Reelection to Highlands County School Board

By Barry Foster

FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY SCHOOL Board member Reese

Martin, serving on the local school board is a direct extension of a lifetime spent in local agriculture, education, and community leadership. A lifelong resident of Highlands County, Martin is seeking reelection to his current seat to continue advocating for local teachers, parental rights, and fiscal accountability across the district.

Deep Roots in Local Agriculture and Education

Martin’s connection to the community is built on a strong foundation of service. Holding a degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, he currently works as an agricultural crop consultant. His understanding of local schools, however, was forged directly inside the classroom. Before his election to the board, Martin spent years as a Vocational Ag instructor, teaching local students at Hill-Gustat Middle School, Sebring Middle School, and Sebring High School.

Beyond the classroom, his commitment to local youth extends across multiple community organizations. Martin has dedicated years of service to the Highlands

County Junior Livestock Committee, the Farm Bureau Board, and served 12 years with the Ag Venture Board.

That perspective is equally personal at home. His wife, Annette, is a local teacher, and their children, Hannah and Holden, are both proud graduates of Lake Placid High School. Martin and his family are active members of South Oak Baptist Church, guided by his core belief that "today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders."

Tackling Systemic Challenges: Enrollment, Revenue, and Administration

As he looks ahead to a new term, Martin is clear-eyed about the critical headwinds facing the Highlands County Public School system—chief among them the pressures of declining student enrollment and the resulting drop in district revenues.

Looking forward to his next term, Martin

noted that reversing these trends requires a sharp focus on where district resources are actually being spent. He is actively seeking strategies to stem enrollment losses while scrutinizing the district's organizational structure.

Specifically, Martin is targeting a reduction in the abundance of administrative positions at the district level, aiming to shift those vital financial resources right back where they belong: into classroom instruction, teacher support, and direct student resources.

Key Campaign Priorities

• Reversing Enrollment Trends: Developing proactive strategies to address declining enrollment and safeguard district revenues.

• Streamlining District Administration: Reducing administrative overhead to reallocate funding directly to classrooms, students, and teachers.

• Teacher Support & Retention: Ensuring local educators receive competitive backing, proper resources, and the professional respect they deserve.

• Parental Rights & Local Values: Safeguarding the vital role of parents in their children's education while upholding strong community principles.

In What Way is the Church Like a Gallon of Milk?

By Jerry Boritzki

WHEN I GO TO PUBLIX for a gallon of milk, I go directly to the dairy section and look for and pick up the container capable of holding a gallon of milk. If milk was not in a container, you would soon hear over the PA system "clean up needed immediately in the dairy aisle please". At home, when I drink the last of the milk in that container, we rinse it out and take it to recycle. It would be silly to put it back in the refrigerator because someone else would see the container and think we had a gallon of milk when, in fact, we have nothing but an empty bottle.

As I travel around the world, I see buildings that once housed churches, now being recycled as craft shops, people's homes, antique stores, and historical tourist destinations. Milk is never a cardboard or plastic container, and the

church is never a building. Milk is that delicious, cold and refreshing drink that comes out of the container. The church is always the people meeting together inside a building. As the very word in the original Greek explains, the word we translate as "church" is ekklesia - a called out assembly. That assembly can meet in a home, office, building set aside for such a purpose, a rented conference room, or even a quiet garden area.

After seven trips to the Holy Land people ask me what location I enjoy the most while there. My answer is always the same: the Garden Tomb. Two beautiful quiet acres where people come from all around the world to pray, take the Lord's Supper, meditate and sing. Oh, the singing! I can sit in one area and hear groups of people - churches, from all around the world singing familiar hymns in languages that

mean nothing to me, yet the familiar tunes cause me to weep when I hear them. In one hour, you might hear Amazing Grace in Spanish, Korean, and Japanese. A building on the side of the road cannot sing praises to God, but that group from Africa, two thousand miles from their home, can raise goosebumps on your arms before they reach the first chorus.

In my recent articles about traveling to Sicily, I attempted to explain how wonderful it is, how great the food is, how to get there and how to get around once you are there, but until you get on a plane and visit, you are not in Sicily. Each month as I read through our great monthly paper, Pulse of the Heartland, I see a constant. Thoughtful, informative articles attempting to explain something to our readers to arouse you to action. Visit this eatery, this local tourist destination, vote for this sincere candidate, correct your thinking on this complex and controversial subject. This article is no different. I cannot bring the "church" to you. By definition you either are, or are not, in the "church".

There is no feeling like the feeling I have when I attend a large gathering of true believers, and the song leader asks us to open our hymnals and join in as we sing, How Great Thou Art, or The Old Rugged Cross. Or, of course, Amazing Grace. To do this alone, at home, would be like looking at a picture of the food at a local new restaurant and thinking you have eaten there. You have not. And you know you have not.

The Bible gives us a clear warning, Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Clearly, "the manner" of many today is not to attend church. According to a recent Gallup Poll, only about thirty percent of Americans claim to attend church on even a monthly basis. My assignment for this month was to "Bring the Church to the Press." Over the next couple of months, I will do my best to bring you a better understanding of God's Word right where you sit in the hope it might inspire you to find a good, Bible-teaching group to worship with.

Every Victory Matters

AS ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS , Avon Park Middle School ESE teacher

Guliana Valentin is preparing to welcome a new group of students with one simple goal, making sure every child who walks through her classroom door feels safe, supported, and confident in their own abilities.

For Valentin, education has never been just about academics. It is about helping students believe in themselves, celebrating every milestone, and reminding each child that success looks different for everyone.

"What excites me the most is being able to inspire more children and make a difference not only in the way they learn but in their lives," Valentin said. "I love showing them the different academic successes they can achieve throughout the school year."

Inside an Exceptional Student Education classroom, success rarely looks the same from one student to the next. That is exactly what makes the work so meaningful.

"Every student has their own path," Valentin said. "When you see a student discover that path, you can actually watch their confidence grow. Sometimes it is something as simple as a student who barely spoke becoming excited to tell you about their weekend or what they had for dinner the night before. Those moments mean just as much as any academic achievement."

Some of the most meaningful accomplishments are the ones many people never see.

"I have watched students celebrate making their first basketball shot or winning a race against a classmate," she said. "Those moments might seem small to others, but they are huge victories for the students. Success is not always measured by grades. Sometimes it is measured by confidence, determination, and believing in yourself."

When students walk through her classroom door, there is one feeling Valentin hopes they experience before anything else.

"I want every student to feel safe."

Creating that sense of security allows students to grow not only academically but personally. Throughout the school year, Valentin encourages her students to participate in sports, clubs, and other activities that help them build confidence, develop social skills, and discover strengths they may never have realized they had.

"When people hear ESE or IND classes, they often focus on disabilities," Valentin said. "I wish more people understood that these students simply see the world differently. Their unique perspectives are something we can all learn from."

Ask Valentin who inspires whom, and her answer comes without hesitation.

"My students inspire me to become a better

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

teacher every year," she said. "They truly are tomorrow's leaders. One day they may become teachers, business owners, first responders, nurses, CEOs, or even journalists. It would be an honor to watch each of them accomplish their dreams."

As another school year begins, her mission remains simple.

"My goal is to help every student achieve the goals they set for themselves this year and celebrate every success along the way."

For parents sending their child into an ESE classroom for the first time, Valentin hopes they know they are not alone.

"We are here to support both you and your child every step of the way," she said. "Together we will celebrate every achievement, work through every challenge, and help your child reach their fullest potential."

Her message to students is just as heartfelt.

"I want every student to feel safe and supported every day they walk into my classroom," Valentin said. "Whether it is reaching an IEP goal or accomplishing a personal goal they have shared with me, every achievement deserves to be celebrated."

For Guliana Valentin, the greatest reward is not found in a report card or a test score. It is found in the confidence of a student who discovers their own abilities, celebrates a personal victory, and realizes they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. In her classroom, every student matters, every journey is unique, and every victory deserves to be celebrated.

More Than Business James Jonsten Believes Strong Schools Begin with Strong Leadership

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

WHEN JAMES JONSTEN

TALKS about Highlands County, he isn’t focused on politics. He talks about community.

He talks about responsibility. He talks about leaving something better than he found it.

That perspective has been shaped over decades of owning businesses, managing commercial properties, coaching professionals and solving the kind of everyday problems that don’t always make headlines but still have to be solved. Those experiences, he believes, prepared him for the opportunity to serve on the Highlands County School Board.

At 65, Jonsten says this season of his life isn’t about building another career. It’s about giving back to the community he calls home.

“Our school system is the foundational bedrock of this community’s future,” Jonsten said. “I have the time, the energy and the business experience to dedicate myself fully to ensuring our schools are run efficiently and our children receive a high quality education.”

Unlike many candidates seeking public office, Jonsten’s resume wasn’t built inside government. His career has centered around construction, commercial property management, business coaching and corporate sales training. Throughout those roles he learned how to oversee budgets, manage facilities, negotiate contracts and help organizations operate more efficiently.

While those jobs may seem far removed from a classroom, Jonsten believes the principles behind them remain the same. Good leadership begins with accountability, careful planning and making decisions that serve the people depending on you.

That practical approach carries into the way he views public service.

Rather than focusing on politics, Jonsten talks about stewardship. He believes taxpayers deserve responsible financial oversight, teachers deserve the resources to do their jobs effectively and students deserve schools that prepare them for whatever path they choose after graduation.

Faith also plays a significant role in his life.

Having attended Bible college, Jonsten says those years helped shape not only his beliefs but also the way he approaches leadership and service today. He credits his Christian faith with teaching him integrity, discipline and the importance of placing service above personal ambition.

“My faith is the anchor of my character,” he said. “It reminds me that every decision should be guided by honesty and fairness.”

Throughout our conversation, those values surfaced repeatedly.

Whether discussing leadership, education or community, Jonsten consistently returned to the importance of doing what is right even when no one is watching. He believes trust is earned through consistency, transparency and a willingness to accept responsibility for difficult decisions.

Those same principles extend to how he hopes a school board should function.

Jonsten understands disagreements are part of serving on any governing board. Rather than viewing different opinions as obstacles, he believes productive conversations often lead to stronger decisions. Years spent working with contractors, business owners and clients from different backgrounds taught him the value of listening before responding and searching for practical solutions instead of unnecessary conflict.

“I focus on the objective data and our shared mission,” he said. “When disagreements arise, I listen to understand their perspective, present facts clearly and look for practical, common sense solutions.”

Looking ahead, Jonsten believes Highlands County schools have an opportunity to continue strengthening both academics and career preparation.

He supports maintaining a strong educational foundation while continuing to expand vocational and technical programs that prepare students for careers in the skilled trades and local workforce. At the same time, he believes resources should remain focused where they matter most, inside the classroom.

Transparency is another area Jonsten

believes cannot be overlooked.

He says parents and taxpayers should never feel disconnected from decisions affecting their schools. Budget priorities, curriculum decisions and board actions should be communicated clearly, allowing the community to understand not only what decisions are being made but why.

“Transparent leadership means having nothing to hide,” Jonsten said. “Budget allocations, curriculum choices and board decisions should be easily accessible, clearly explained and open to public scrutiny.”

Away from work and public meetings, life moves at a different pace.

Jonsten enjoys spending time with

his wife, restoring vehicles and baking traditional Einkorn sourdough bread from scratch. He also enjoys making homemade snacks with a food dehydrator and taking outings with their two corgis, interests that reflect someone who enjoys creating, learning and working with his hands.

Those hobbies may have little to do with education, but they offer a glimpse into the person behind the campaign.

Before our conversation ended, I asked Jonsten what he hoped voters would remember about him.

His answer wasn’t centered on politics or titles.

Instead, he hopes people see someone guided by faith, integrity and a desire to

serve. Someone who believes leadership begins with accountability and that every decision should ultimately benefit the next generation.

Whether voters agree with every position he holds will be decided at the ballot box. What cannot be overlooked is the opportunity to know the people asking to serve our community. Beyond campaign signs and candidate forums are individuals whose experiences, values and character shape the decisions they hope to make.

For James Jonsten, those experiences have been built over a lifetime of business, faith, family and service. He now hopes to bring those same lessons to the Highlands County School Board.

Faith, Family and Farming Shape Frank Youngman's Vision for Highlands County

By Tiffanie

FAMILY, FAITH AND FARMING.

Spend a few minutes with Highlands County Commission candidate Frank Youngman and those three things quickly become the foundation of nearly every answer he gives.

A sixth generation Floridian who has spent all 57 years of his life in Highlands County, Youngman says he isn't running because he has always wanted to be a politician. He says he is running because he believes it is time to give back to the community that has given so much to his family.

"I realized it is easy to say someone should do something," Youngman said. "Then one day you realize you are that someone."

That realization came during early morning drives to his family's agricultural business in Lake Placid. Morning after morning he watched a man in a wheelchair travel along U.S. 27 while traffic passed only a few feet away. It became a reminder that real change begins when someone decides to step forward instead of waiting for someone else.

Youngman and his wife own Florida Grove Hedgers, where they farm citrus and raise cattle. Agriculture has shaped much of his life. He has served as president of the Highlands County Farm Bureau and continues serving with the Highlands County Citrus Growers and the Highlands County Ag Coalition. He also serves on the county's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Those experiences, he says, have taught him that leadership is not about titles. It is about serving others.

"My relationship with Jesus Christ has always been the most important thing in my life," Youngman said. "A leader should always have a servant's heart."

If elected, Youngman says one of his first priorities would be bringing more state and federal funding back to Highlands County to help reduce the burden on local taxpayers. He also believes the county must continue attracting higher paying jobs while protecting agriculture, an industry he says has always been the backbone of the community.

"We have to support farming, but we also have to prepare for the future," he said.

Youngman believes Highlands County has an opportunity to grow without losing the qualities that make it special. Protecting natural resources, improving infrastructure, welcoming responsible businesses and preserving the county's rural identity are goals he believes can work together.

He also believes county government works best when residents are informed before major decisions ever reach the

commission.

"An educated public is not a bad thing," he said.

Having spent years making difficult business decisions and serving on Planning and Zoning, Youngman says leadership often means making decisions that not everyone will agree with.

"You make decisions based on the facts," he said. "Then you shake their hand and do not walk away angry."

Throughout the interview, Youngman returned often to the values he says have guided his life. Keeping your word. Respecting your parents and elders. Honoring veterans. Putting family first. Trusting God in every decision.

He also says he has no desire to make politics a lifelong career. If elected, he plans to serve no more than two terms.

"As farmers, we rotate crops," Youngman said. "Government can benefit from new ideas too."

For Youngman, this campaign is about more than winning an election. It is about helping ensure the Highlands County his grandchildren inherit still feels like the Highlands County he has always called home.

Diocese of Venice New Bishop Comes to Lake Placid

ONE WEEK AFTER HIS ORDINATION, Bishop

Emilio Biosca Aguero, O.F.M. Cap. came to Lake Placid visiting St. James and Mission Santiago Catholic Churches. Bishop Emilio is one of seven children and the first American born to Cuban immigrants Emilio Rodolfo Biosca and Carmen Aguero. His family moved to Colorado then Kansas City where Mr. Biosca graduated from the UMKC Dental School. They then settled in Virginia.

The Bishop graduated from Borromeo College of Ohio and continued his Capuchin Formation studies at Oblate College in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest in 1994 at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in D.C. He served as a Missionary in both Cuba and New Guinea and is fluent in Spanish, Melanesian Tok Pisin and English.

After con-celebrating an 8am Mass on July 17 at St. James, he watched a video about our city/county, St. James and Mission Santiago. He then heard from many parishioner Ministry Leaders about their work. Bishop Emilio graciously answered questions and made time to take photographs! Welcome to Florida, Bishop Emilio.

By Laurie

Meeting August 18th 6pm @

Rescue Is a Promise and CudaBears Lair Keeps It

MOST PEOPLE SEE A SANCTUARY filled with horses, goats, pigs, cats, and countless other animals living peacefully. What they do not see are the sleepless nights, emergency veterinary visits, endless feed bills, and the family behind it all who refuse to give up on animals everyone else already has.

That is the reality at CudaBears Lair Animal Sanctuary in Sebring where founder Doniele Disney has spent the past decade proving that compassion is more than a feeling. It is a commitment.

CudaBears Lair began in 2015 with one animal that needed help. Then another. Then another. Before long, Disney realized this was no longer simply a hobby. It had become a calling.

“I did not set out to build a sanctuary. I set out to stop watching animals fall through the cracks,” Disney said.

Today the sanctuary provides a safe haven for horses, donkeys, ponies, pigs, goats, emus, chickens, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons, and whatever unexpected animal arrives needing help. Many come carrying scars from neglect, abuse, abandonment, or illness. The animals many people consider too broken often become the ones that remind Disney why this work matters.

One rescue she will never forget is Koa.

When Koa arrived he had been burned, was battling a severe ear infection, and had a large wound along his side. He was frightened and in pain. Through medical care, patience, and compassion he slowly began to heal and trust again.

His recovery reminded Disney that even animals who have suffered the worst still have hope.

Life at the sanctuary is anything but quiet.

Every day includes feeding, cleaning, medical treatments, transporting animals to veterinary appointments, trapping community cats through TNVK efforts, answering emergency calls, repairing fences, and responding to whatever crisis comes next.

There are no paid employees. The work is carried by family and dedicated volunteers who simply believe every life matters.

Highlands County continues to face significant challenges including a growing community cat population, limited veterinary resources, and little funding for animal welfare. Without government support, private rescues often become the last safety net.

The financial responsibility never ends. Feed, hay, medications, veterinary care, farrier visits, fencing, cleaning supplies, enrichment, and specialized diets are constant expenses. Many sanctuary animals will spend the rest of their lives at CudaBears Lair which means their care never stops.

Disney says the community can make a tremendous difference by volunteering, donating supplies, sharing the sanctuary's mission, or contributing financially. Hay, feed, kitten chow, cleaning products,

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

and veterinary support remain among the greatest needs.

Being selected for Quarters for a Cause for the second consecutive year reminded Disney that the community believes in what they are building. The donations helped provide feed, medical care, supplies, support for three recently rescued horses, and Journey's ongoing FIP treatment.

Perhaps even more meaningful were the conversations with supporters who already knew the animals by name. They asked about Journey, Frieren, Peanut, the planned Cat House Cat Café in Downtown Sebring, and the sanctuary's newest rescues. Those moments confirmed that people are following the mission because they genuinely care.

Looking ahead, CudaBears Lair hopes to open The Cat House Cat Café, expand community cat programs, and build stronger partnerships with veterinarians willing to help address Highlands County's overwhelming cat population.

Disney also hopes people remember that animals are not accessories. They are lifelong commitments deserving of love, patience, and responsible care.

For fellow rescuers her advice is simple. Protect your heart while remembering that although no one can save every animal, every animal you do save experiences a completely different life because you chose to help.

The mission at CudaBears Lair has never changed. Show up when animals have nowhere else to go. Fight for those who have been forgotten. Offer safety, compassion, and a second chance.

Because rescue is not about perfection. It is about compassion. It is about keeping a promise. Every day at CudaBears Lair that promise is kept.

How You Can Help

CudaBears Lair Animal Sanctuary welcomes volunteers, donations, and community support throughout the year. Current needs include hay, feed, kitten chow, cleaning supplies, veterinary assistance, and financial support for emergency medical care and community cat programs.

Learn more at www. cudabearslairanimalsanctuary.com or visit linktr.ee/Cudabearslair for donation links, wish lists, and social media.

History Almanac August 31, 1890

By Nancy Fisk

ON THIS DAY IN 1890, a few people gathered in the little blue school house at the corner of South Florida Avenue and Main Street to hear the Rev. J. N. Lee conduct the first religious service in Avon Park. Prior to that time, there had been no official services held, as there were no churches in the first four years of the city’s existence. Rev. Lee came from Christ Church in Fort Meade to lead the Episcopal service and may have made regular trips until an Episcopal church was built four years later.

Soon after that first service, interested community members began meeting to formulate a plan to erect a community church building. Oliver Crosby, founder of Avon Park, and his wife advocated for the church and donated a large tract of land for the purpose. Mr. Crosby suggested that the church must have a tower and that it should be named the Union Evangelical Church. His one stipulation in donating the land was that if intoxicating liquors were ever made or sold on the property, the land would revert back to the original owners.

An architect was identified, sufficient funds to begin the project were raised, and work on the church began in November, 1890. It took nearly three years for the project to be complete enough to be of use. In May of 1893, the church society was officially incorporated and in October of that year, the Rev. F. R. Rood began his tenure as the first pastor of the Union Evangelical Church. Over the years, alterations and additions have been made as the church has grown. In 1911, a bell donated Mr. & Mrs. W.S. Butler, was added to the church tower. The original windows were plain glass and have gradually been replaced by memorial windows of stained glass. In 1926, the name Union Evangelical Church, as suggested by Mr. Crosby, was changed to the present name – The Union Congregational Church of Avon Park. When the church was established, the population of Avon Park was about 100. As the city has grown so has the church and it continues to be a

cornerstone of faith in this community. By 1894, a number of Avon Park residents were communicants of the Church of England and desired to have their own church. They were encouraged by the Episcopal Diocese of Florida and identified a parcel of land on the corner of Pleasant Street and N. Verona owned by a John Davies who had returned to his native home in Wales. Mr. King, the first permanent settler of Avon Park, wrote to Mr. Davies asking his selling price so that a church could be built on his lots. Mr. Davies responded from Wales with a warranty deed for $1 and the site was secured.

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Avon Park, was established in 1894 and is one of the earliest Episcopal congregations in central Florida. Prominent landowners and local settlers raised the necessary funds to begin the construction of the original church building at 20 East Pleasant Street. Support also came from Episcopal missionaries dispatched by the national church. From its earliest beginnings, the church has played a vital role in serving Avon Park's population, hosting early Sunday services, baptisms, and communal gatherings fostering social cohesion. The building was completed and opened for worship in late 1894, underscoring its significance as a pioneer Episcopal site, symbolizing the church's commitment to spiritual and civic development in central Florida. The

Florida Diocese operated the Episcopal Camp Wing-Mann until 1979. It was named for church rectors Cameron Mann and John D. Wing.

There were residents in Avon Park who had been raised as Baptists and prayed that one day they would have a church of their own. Two Baptist ministers, Rev. Elmer Albritton and Rev. Sam Durrance, held a number of revival services in the Union Church and were instrumental in organizing the effort to create a Baptist Church. It began with a small group holding Baptist services in the old school on South Forest Avenue beginning in 1913. The small group attracted new members rapidly and soon out grew the school as a meeting place. They needed a real church building but did not have the funds for such a project. They began with donations of land, materials and labor from the members. The first church, which was later torn down to make way for a new sanctuary, was built in 1918.

In 1914, the Methodists organized with only 11 charter members. They worshipped in an old school building until that building was sold. For three years there was no Methodist church in Avon Park. In 1918, a minister was appointed, and services resumed in an old skating rink and later in an old theatre building. In 1919, Charles Lanier and Chesley Skipper donated land and two years later, a church was completed. Membership continued to increase from the original 11 members to over 360 by 1955 – what began in an abandoned school building has evolved into the impressive set of buildings in use today.

This is just a brief history of the earliest Avon Park churches. There is no exact official count, but local directories list over 30 active churches in Avon Park, each has an interesting history of its own. The different denominations like Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, Catholic, and non-denominational groups continue to play a vital role in our city. These churches have, without a doubt, contributed to the friendliness and benevolence of our community.

Back to School Brings More Than New Backpacks

By Tiffanie Nicole – Pulse of the Heartland

IT SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY

PARENTS were celebrating the last day of school, and now they’re wondering where the summer went.

Across Highlands County, families are getting ready for another school year. Whether your child is walking into kindergarten for the very first time, starting middle school, entering high school, or preparing for their final first day as a senior, this week marks the beginning of another chapter.

For some, it’s the excitement of buying a new backpack and picking out that perfect first day outfit. For others, it’s realizing this is the last year they’ll pack a lunch, attend a football game as a student, or watch their child climb onto the school bus. Those moments go by faster than we ever expect.

Whether your family has chosen a public school, a private school, or another educational path, every student begins this year with something in common. A clean slate. New teachers. New classmates. New opportunities. A chance to learn,

to grow, and to discover something new about themselves.

The school year is about so much more than grades and homework. It is Friday night football games, school plays, science fairs, field trips, band concerts, art shows, homecoming, prom, and graduation. It is friendships that may last a lifetime and teachers who will leave an impact long after the school year ends.

Parents, don’t forget to take the pictures, even if your kids roll their eyes. Cheer a little louder at the games. Show up for the concerts. Celebrate the good report cards, encourage them through the difficult ones, and remind them that doing their best will always matter more than being perfect.

To our teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria teams, custodians, school resource officers, and every person who helps make our schools successful, thank you. Your work reaches far beyond the classroom, and our community is stronger because of it.

As another school year begins, remember that every great accomplishment starts

with a first day. Before we know it, these hallways will once again be filled with graduation gowns, proud families, and memories that seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.

Here’s to a safe school year, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the opportunities waiting for every student across Highlands County. Welcome back, and good luck to every student from kindergarten through senior year. Make this one count.

St. Augustine, a must-go

By John Beyer

DURING THIS WONDERFUL

YEAR of celebrations across the United States, celebrating the semiquincentennial of its founding, we all enjoyed the fireworks, cookouts, family time, and, of course, the FIFA games that just so happened to coincide with our 250th birthday.

The enthusiasm of the millions of foreign visitors experiencing America for the first time was infectious. Hundreds of online reels of those guests discussing the awesomeness of this great country were overwhelming.

Who would have thought that Buckee's, Costco, McDonald's, and the like would elicit such profound sayings as; This drink is the size of my head. How do they ever run out of items in Costco? I will be back in this country many more times. We Europeans have been lied to about this wonderful country for decades

And as Americans, we want all the visitors who enjoyed the World Cup of Futbol to return anytime they would like. And thus, we tip our hats to the winner of the 2026 World Cup, Spain.

And speaking of Spain, even though it was the 250th anniversary for We the People of this great land, it must not be forgotten that a mere 211 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, another group had founded and built the oldest continuously inhabited town in what would later be known as the United States.

Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles happened to be sailing around the Atlantic Ocean when he sighted land on the 28th of August of 1565; it was the Feast of St. Augustin. Eleven days later, he landed on the north-eastern section of what would later be Florida and founded the town of St. Augustin, in honor of the patron saint of printers, theologians, and brewers.

The spelling was changed to St. Augustine by Great Britain in 1763. They loved their breweries and believed it was a proper English thing to do.

“I say, Chap,” one English Lord may have said to another. “It is right proper to give the town its correct spelling after a Saint who loved brewers.”

“But, what of the printers and theologians?”

“Pish, Old Boy. Have another pint.”

St. Augustine is in St. Johns County, a mere 40 miles south of Jacksonville along the gorgeous coastline of the Atlantic.

As with many things in the history of the United States, St. Augustine is no stranger; it could actually be referred to as the O.G. of international ownership in this wonderful country.

It began as the home of the Timucua peoples, then as a Spanish discovery in 1565, then as the British East Florida area in 1763, and then moved into being ceded to the United States in 1819 by Spain. So, folks there spoke a now-extinct Indigenous people's tongue, Spanish, American English, and British English (the one with the funny accent).

Also, a lot of piratey talking, since this area of the Atlantic was home to some of the most ruthless and dashing (thanks Disney) pirates who ever walked a plank.

The swashbuckling likes of Robert Searle, Andrew Ranson, and Sir Francis Drake patrolled these waters during the 16th through the 18th centuries.

Their exploits, along with many others, can be seen at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum in St. Augustine.

Visiting this stretch of land in northern Florida is like visiting a time that has stopped in the middle periods of the development of America.

Starting with the Spanish Colonial rule, the architecture is simply gorgeous, with coquina stone and natural cedar to build homes and buildings. Large flat roofs allowed owners to step out and enjoy beautiful views while enjoying enclosed courtyards for cooling.

Wonderful examples can be seen at the Llambiass House as well as many other locales around this city.

In the 19th century, many new homes and buildings received a new appearance; the Spanish Renaissance struck, leaving behind structures with smooth stucco sides and red cotta tiled roofs. It was referred to as Fantasy architecture by industrialist Henry Flagler.

A perfect example is Flagler College and the Lightner Museum

It is easy to wander this oldest community in the United States and just marvel at the stunning and eclectic architecture that is on each and every street.

The town has gone through many junctures to ensure it celebrates its founding, with entire blocks being reconstructed to appear as they did during each time period.

Details for each building were meticulously followed by contractors and

architects by the use of original plans, written records, oral histories, and later by photographs.

A must-do is to simply wander the historic downtown and marvel at the multitude of stylish buildings and wonderful shops to visit.

Have a bite. Have a drink. Have a good time taking in the sights while walking by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Leisurely cross over the Bridge of Lions and come across the imposing facade of the Castillo de Sand Marcus - the oldest masonry fort in the United States, used to ward off those nasty folks trying to edge their way into the Florida and Atlantic Trade Route.

With so much history, St. Augustine is a place that no one should miss and never forget the adventure had there.

And, to revisit when wanting to engage the entirety of American history.

For more information:

https://staughs.com/the-fernandezllambias-house/

https://www.flagler.edu/

https://www.thepiratemuseum.com/

John can be reached at: beyersbyways@gmail.com

Teamwork, Planning Lead Avon Park to Balanced Budget

ACITY BUDGET ISN'T BUILT by one person sitting behind a desk. It takes months of planning, countless conversations and input from employees at every level of city government.

From frontline workers identifying equipment needs to department directors preparing requests, the Finance Department reviewing the numbers and the City Council making final decisions, this year's balanced budget was the result of a collaborative effort focused on keeping Avon Park financially strong while continuing to invest in the community.

"Our City operates in a conservative manner, and we do our best to maximize our resources," City Manager Jason Atkinson said. "My goal is to provide a budget to the Council that satisfies the needs of the community and allows us to operate the City effectively with future planning in mind."

Long before the budget reached the Council chambers, the work had already begun.

The Finance Director and City Manager met with every department head and members of their teams to review requests, examine supporting data and determine what would best serve residents while protecting the City's long-term financial health. Some departments returned for multiple meetings to provide additional quotes and justify proposed expenditures.

When the preliminary budget showed General Fund expenses exceeding revenues, adjustments were made before the proposal moved forward.

One of those decisions involved delaying the purchase of a street sweeper. While City leaders agreed cleanliness remains a priority, purchasing the equipment would have required more than $400,000 before considering staffing, fuel, insurance and maintenance costs. Instead, officials chose to continue contracting the service while increasing funding to improve the

level of service residents receive.

Rather than spending every available dollar, City officials focused on maintaining reserve funds that provide financial stability during emergencies, major equipment purchases and future infrastructure needs.

"I preach that everyone should be a part of the budgeting process," Atkinson said. "The best source of information in our City comes from the end-users, and that is our field staff and front-line personnel."

He also credited the Finance Department for providing accurate financial information and praised department directors, supervisors and frontline employees for helping build a responsible budget.

Several multimillion-dollar projects are expected to begin soon, while numerous grant-funded improvements have already been completed. Residents can expect continued investments in parks, roads, downtown improvements, street lighting, parking, water system technology and infrastructure.

For Avon Park, this year's budget reflects more than balanced numbers. It reflects a City Council, administration, Finance Department, department heads and employees working together with a shared goal of protecting taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the community.

Everything Positive Avon Park

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JULY POSITIVE CITIZEN of the Month, Adam Mooney!

If you’ve ever visited the Avon Park Post Office, chances are you’ve been greeted by Adam’s friendly smile, positive attitude, and genuine willingness to help. Whether he’s answering questions, assisting customers, or simply making someone’s day a little brighter, Adam consistently goes above and beyond with kindness and professionalism.

Back on June 9th, we shared a post recognizing Adam for always being so helpful, friendly, and kind. The response from our community was incredible 16.8K views, 441 reactions, and 124 comments! That overwhelming support made one thing very clear: Adam’s positivity has touched the lives of so many people throughout our community. At Everything Positive Avon Park, we believe that positivity deserves

By Jenny Tullo

to be recognized, and Adam is a perfect example of someone who quietly makes Avon Park a better place every single day.

Please join us in congratulating Adam Mooney by leaving a positive comment below and thanking him for the outstanding customer service and kindness he shows

our community. Small acts of kindness have a big impact, and Adam proves that every day.

A special thank you to our July Positive Citizen of the Month sponsors Jenny Tullo, Realtor – Century 21 Advanced All Service Realty, Special T’s Services

Highlands District Schools Are Losing Students; What's the Story?

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

SCHOOL DISTRICT officials are projecting an enrollment decline of approximately 400 students for the upcoming academic year. While the final headcounts won't be determined until at least a few weeks after the actual school year starts , the predicted drop has reignited local conversation about where families are choosing to educate their children.

What has become abundantly clear is that Highlands County families now navigate an educational landscape with more options for their students than ever before. Beyond the traditional public school system, parents can choose from a robust collection of private and parochial academies, active homeschooling networks, emerging micro-schools, and flexible virtual education models. Driven in large part by Florida’s historic expansion of school-choice scholarship programs, the barrier to tailored education has never been lower.

Private & Parochial Options Across Highlands County

For families seeking smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, or faith-based instruction, Highlands County hosts approximately a dozen established private institutions across Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Placid.

AVON PARK

Walker Memorial Academy

Established in 1947, this Seventh-day Adventist school emphasizes a holistic approach to student development— focusing on spiritual growth, academic excellence, and physical wellness. Operating on a 75+ year tradition, WMA prepares students for higher education while fostering community service and Christian core values.

Grades: Pre-K

Avon Blvd, Avon Park, FL 33825 Phone: (863) 453-3131

Parkview Prep Academy

Founded in 2008 and overlooking Lake Verona, Parkview Prep pairs strong biblical principles with individualized learning strategies. The family-operated academy features small class settings, modern technology integration (including classroom webcams for parent peace of mind), and a credentialed faculty dedicated to early childhood through high school preparation.

Grades: Pre-K – 12th | Address: 107 Miracle Ave, Avon Park, FL 33825 Phone: (863) 212-8000

Cornerstone Christian Academy

Providing a Baptist-affiliated environment, Cornerstone focuses on traditional academic fundamentals interwoven with biblical discipline, character training, and spiritual mentorship. It is a private, Christcentered school serving preschool through 12th grade. It features an enrollment of about 145 students, a small student-toteacher ratio of roughly 12:1, and a Biblebased learning.

Grades: Kindergarten – 12th | Address: 2600 N Highlands Blvd, Avon Park, FL 33825 | Phone: (863) 453-0894

Life Christian Academy

Serving primary grade learners, Life Christian Academy offers a supportive earlychildhood and elementary setting designed to instill foundational literacy, math, and Christian values in young students.

Grades: Pre-K – 5th | Address: 910 W Martin Rd, Avon Park, FL 33825 | Phone: (863) 453-8700

By Barry Foster

Often locally referred to as Heartland Christian Academy, Heartland Christian School provides a comprehensive nondenominational Christian education. The school prioritizes a biblical worldview, college-preparatory academics, and student character building from kindergarten through graduation.

Grades: Kindergarten – 12th | Address: 1160 Persimmon Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 | Phone: (863) 385-3850

St. Catherine Catholic School

Accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, St. Catherine offers a Classical Catholic educational model across two campuses. Students engage in rigorous academics—including the great books, history, sciences, and a string orchestra program—while cultivating faith, daily prayer, and moral character.

Grades: Pre-K – 8th | Address: 2835 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870 | Phone: (863) 385-7300

Divine Academy of the Arts (State listing: Divine Academy Inc.)

Combining academic rigor with creative expression, Divine Academy integrates a biblical worldview across seven key

developmental pathways—cognitive, language, physical, moral, social, emotional, and spiritual. The school places a heavy emphasis on critical thinking, character training, hands-on learning, and fine arts enrichment.

Grades: Kindergarten – 12th | Address: 449 Park St, Sebring, FL 33870 | Phone: (863) 451-5071

Independent Baptist Academy

The mission of Independent Baptist Academy is to assist the family and church by providing a Christ-centered curriculum, equipping students with a Biblical worldview, and encouraging a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Their stated goal is to help parents raise up their children to be strong spiritually, mentally, physically and socially so they can live out God’s calling for them.

Utilizing structured Christian curriculum frameworks (such as Abeka), Independent Baptist Academy fosters spiritual, academic, and personal growth in a disciplined, traditional classroom setting.

Grades: Kindergarten – 12th | Address: 5704 County Road 17 S, Sebring, FL 33876 | Phone: (863) 658-2335

LAKE PLACID

Lakeview Christian School

Serving pre-school through middle school families, Lakeview Christian focuses on nurturing spiritual development and core academic competencies in a close-knit, community-oriented setting.

Grades: Pre-K – 8th | Address: 496 Kent Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852 | Phone: (863) 465-0313

Oasis Adonai Academy

Providing a non-denominational Christian learning environment, Oasis Adonai tailors its curriculum to support student mentorship, small-group learning, and foundational academic growth.

Grades: Kindergarten – 10th | Address: 975 County Road 621 E, Lake Placid, FL 33852 | Phone: (863) 699-2193

Lake Placid Montessori

Academy

Offering child-centered, handson learning, Lake Placid Montessori emphasizes self-directed activity, collaborative play, and practical life skills tailored to individual student paces.

Lake Placid Christian School

Serving local families in Lake Placid, this faith-focused alternative delivers smallclassroom instruction grounded in Christian values and individualized attention.

Beyond the Brick-and-Mortar: NonTraditional Frontiers

But the shift in enrollment isn't merely a transfer from public desks to private ones. Educational alternatives outside the traditional campus structure have experienced surge growth in recent years:

1. Mainstream Homeschooling & Cooperatives

Homeschooling is no longer an isolated or niche path. In Highlands County, homeschooling families regularly collaborate through organized learning cooperatives (co-ops). These groups pool resources to offer shared laboratory science labs, group physical education, field trips, musical ensembles, and competitive athletic teams—combining the flexibility of home study with rich social experiences.

2. The Rise of Microschools

A burgeoning trend across Florida, microschools typically serve small cohorts of 10 to 30 students. Often operating out of community centers, commercial spaces, or dedicated learning hubs, microschools leverage multi-age classrooms and projectbased learning. They offer an appealing middle ground for parents who want small class sizes without the administrative overhead of larger institutions.

At the moment, Highlands County has very few schools that openly identify themselves as “microschools.” However, there are several programs that fit the microschool or hybrid-learning model.

The most notable is Academy at The PARC in Sebring. This is probably the closest thing to a true microschool in Highlands County. It operates on a 40-acre nature campus and combines small class sizes, hands-on learning, practical arts, outdoor education, and a hybrid homeschool option. It emphasizes individualized instruction over the traditional classroom model. It is one of the more innovative educational models in the county.

Additionally, there’s the Legibee Learning Academy. This is a very small educational program in Sebring. It appears to offer personalized instruction, although it markets itself more as a learning academy than as a microschool.

3.

Flexible Virtual Education

Digital learning models continue to evolve. Some Highlands County students remain connected to the public system via district-sponsored virtual franchises, while others utilize private online academies or hybrid programs that pair home-

based coursework with part-time physical instruction or tutoring centers.

The Catalyst: Florida’s Expanding Scholarship Programs

The driving engine behind much of this expansion is Florida's historic legislative shift toward universal school choice. Programs like the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) have effectively decoupled state education funding from geographical boundaries, allowing state dollars to follow the individual student.

The biggest impact seems to be that scholarships now cover tuition and educational expenses for private schooling, specialized therapies, or approved homeschool curriculums. That means for thousands of working- and middleclass families in Highlands County who previously viewed private education as financially out of reach, these programs have turned choice into a reality.

Big Questions Facing Highlands County

As the district adjusts its operational budget and staffing projections to accommodate a potential drop of 400 students, several critical questions have not been asked nor answered.

1. Where are the students actually going?

How many of these 400 students represent families moving out of Highlands County altogether due to economic or housing factors, versus families staying locally but choosing private academies, homeschool co-ops, or online options?

2. What factors are influencing parental decisions?

Why are parents pulling their children out of local government public schools? Are they seeking specific religious foundations, smaller student-to-teacher ratios, alternative discipline frameworks, or perhaps specialized programs that traditional public schools may not provide?

3. How will public schools adapt?

With state funding tied directly to student attendance, how will the Highlands County School District innovate its offerings—such as magnet programs, career academies, or specialized arts tracks—to retain and attract local families in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

Highlands is not the only district facing these problems, the question remains why are the students leaving local public schools and what will the administration do about it?

August 2026 Community Calendar

WHERE VETERANS ARE HONORED YEAR-ROUND

Highlands County & Okeechobee

At Pulse of the Heartland, we want our veterans to know where they are honored in our community. The following businesses currently offer recurring discounts to veterans and Active Duty service members. This is not a complete list and will continue to grow. Please confirm details directly with each business, as policies may change.

• Village Inn — 10%

• Denny’s — 10% (AARP 15%)

• Bob Evans — 10%

• IHOP — 10%

• Fairmount Café (Veteran-Owned) — 10%

• Dee’s Place — 10%

• Chili’s — 10% (Must ask)

• Applebee’s — 10%

• Beef O’Brady’s — 10%

• Tabby’s Bar & Grill — 10% (Military & First Responders)

• Lowe’s — Military Discount (Registration required)

• Ace Hardware (Avon Park) — 15%

• Triple B’s Car Wash — $5 off washes; $10 off memberships; $10 off oil changes

• Flo Vape (Veteran-Owned) — Veteran Discounts Available

• Freedom Lawn Care & Landscaping — 10%

• Back Alley Bar & Grill — 10%

• Oscar’s — 10% (Veterans only)

• Demetri’s Restaurant — 10% Market 27 — 10% (Veterans & Active Duty)

• Pure Grit Boot Company — Discount on full-priced items (ID required)

• Boot Barn — Military & Veteran Discount (Registration required)

• Home Depot — Military Discount (Registration required)

• THN Sebring (Thankful Hearts Nutrition) — 10%

If your business offers a discount to veterans, Active Duty service members, or first responders — now or in the future — we welcome you to contact Pulse of the Heartland to be included.