With hundreds of miles of roads that traverse neighborhoods and rural area, Highlands County is a mecca for bicycle enthusiasts. Children ride on streets near their homes while more experienced riders can be seen pedaling great distances. Most area residents … read more.

Florida’s citrus growers — a mainstay of the economy for much of central Florida — got a glimpse of hope this week in their battle against HLB, or citrus greening, that threatens to wipe out Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry … read more.

Open letter to Sheriff Benton addresses school violence Dear Sheriff Benton: In reading the Lake Placid Journal, published Wednesday, March 6, 2013, on page 4, entitled, “Looking for answers to school violence”, below is some information to consider: Bring the … read more.

The high school graduation season will soon be upon us, giving pause to parents of teenagers everywhere. Why? Because celebration paired with newfound freedom can trigger tragedy on our roads and highways. Indeed, young people themselves report that these times … read more.

Highlands County residents will have a great opportunity Saturday to clear out the medicine cabinets and safely discard old, outdated and unneeded prescription medications. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is teaming with police departments in Lake Placid and Sebring to … read more.

Yes, we got rainfall recently, but still, don’t ignore warnings from fire officials about the threat of wildfires. Now that spring is near we can expect more rain. But that does not mean we can relax when it comes to … read more.

NU-HOPE says ‘thanks’ for support Dear Editor: I am writing to express my gratitude to the community of Lake Placid for their support of NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, Inc. NU-HOPE, a private not-for-profit, is the designated lead agency for home … read more.

Highlands County could double its number of residents in coming years the Bureau of Economic and Business Research estimates. Where will we put all those people? The state’s coastal counties will continue to fill in, almost certainly, but other inland … read more.

In memoriam In loving memory of Beth “The Hat Lady” Norman who passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8:40 p.m. at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring. We will miss the kindness, friendship and wisdom you gave … read more.

Concerned for Swamp Hammock neighbors Dear Editor: I went to the Highlands County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday with high hope and confidence that an acceptable solution for the Swamp Hammock issue would be achieved. I left disappointed. In previous … read more.

Sometimes it’s the smallest voices that are heard the most clearly. When it comes to education and the needs of pre-school children and their families, the voices of children should be heeded. That will be demonstrated next week as pre-school … read more.

Lake Placid is making quite a name for itself. Between being named America’s Most Interesting Town and being featured in a segment of television’s Weird Florida, we’re about to hit the big time again. Last October, the Outdoor Channel filmed … read more.

Do you want  to please someone? Dear editor: Do you want to please someone and know you have? If your answer is “yes” to this question, come to the Church of Christ in Lake Placid and see if you do … read more.

Kudos to First Baptist Church of Placid Lakes for keeping alive the tradition of a Community Easter Egg Hunt in Lake Placid. The church will host children from toddler age through fifth grade Saturday at 10 a.m. on the church … read more.

It seems clear that Highlands County would benefit from an outdoor recreation venue such as the Swamp Hammock project that will be again debated at a Tuesday evening meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. What’s not clear is whether … read more.