In Highlands County, BFAM Services Inc. stands out for more than its spotless work — it’s their heart for people. This faith-based, family-run company believes every job is an act of service to both God and community.
From local churches and government offices to Lakeview Memorial Gardens and veterans organizations, BFAM’s work blends professional excellence with purpose. Their name — By Faith And Motivation — says it all: integrity, reliability, and pride in serving others.
AS WE STEP I n TO THE C HRISTMAS
SEASO n, I’m thrilled to share my very first editorial for Pulse of the Heartland. Last month, my sister Tiffanie introduced you to how this little newspaper came to be. Now, I have the opportunity to add my voice and a bit of holiday spirit.
I’ve been part of this wonderful Highlands County community for about a decade now, but my love for community involvement goes all the way back to my own hometown days. That sense of community is something I know many of us especially our veterans cherish deeply. And while the greatest gift we can ever receive is the birth of Christ, which gives us the hope of heaven, one of the greatest earthly gifts is the warmth of community and the engagement we share with all of you.
So, as you read along this month, we’re here to celebrate that community spirit. We’re thankful for your readership, for the incredible Pulse team of writers and designers, and for the folks at Mother Roads who took a chance on this little newspaper. Let’s make this holiday season bright, joyful, and full of the hometown spirit that makes Highlands County such a special place.
Anthony Folkner
Our Writers
Tiffanie nicole General Manager, Editor, Journalist
Anthony Folkner Marketing Manager, Photographer, Journalist
Tray Folkner Sebring High School senior Youth Correspondent
Honoring Our Heroes: A Vibrant Veterans Day in Highlands County
By Anthony Folkner II
HIGHLA n DS C OU n TY came together in a meaningful way this Veterans Day, celebrating the men and women who served with a day full of community, remembrance, and appreciation. The morning began with an antique car show that brought together families, veterans, and classic car lovers from across the area. From there, the Veterans Day parade made its way around the Sebring Circle, passing the Medal of Honor Memorial before looping back so participants could easily return to their vehicles.
Veterans organizations from across the county showed up in strong support, including the DAV, VVA, DAVA, AVVA, the American Legion, the VFW, Medal of Honor representatives, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and even members of Battle of the Bands. Their presence gave the event a sense of unity and shared pride that was felt throughout the day.
The Sebring High School JROTC
carried the colors with honor and spent the morning volunteering, helping manage parking for the car show and assisting wherever needed. Thanks to Kevin DePuy of the VVA, the cadets were well-fed and cared for after their hard work.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to John Vincent and Ron Braley of the DAV for spearheading the parade and keeping the heart of the event focused on service and community. We also want to recognize
Ryan Hartwig from Battle of the Bands for providing sound and serving as MC bringing energy, clarity, and a steady voice to the entire celebration.
While the parade was taking place in Sebring, Lake Placid High School hosted a Veterans Day concert, adding even more depth and meaning to the day. The hope for next year is to bring the concert, the car show, and the parade together in Sebring, creating one unified celebration right in the heart of Highlands County.
This year’s events reflected what makes our community special: gratitude, togetherness, and a deep respect for those who have served. It was a day that honored our heroes and reminded us of the strength we share when we come together.
Serving Those Who Served: The Heart of the DAVA
In EVERY COMMU n ITY, there are groups quietly doing the kind of work that strengthens the fabric of a town. Here in Highlands County, one of those groups is the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA), a volunteer-driven organization rooted in compassion, service, and steadfast support for the men and women who served our nation.
Despite the name, the Auxiliary is far more inclusive than many realize. One of the biggest misconceptions is that only veterans can join. In truth, you do not have to be a veteran to be a member of the DAVA. The organization welcomes spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members of disabled veterans. Anyone with the heart to serve veterans and their families can be part of its mission.
For the members of DAVA Ridge 49, service is not just something they talk about. It is something they live. Volunteers spend countless hours organizing events, raising funds for veterans in need, preparing meals, supporting caregivers, and stepping in wherever help is needed. Their impact reaches beyond the veteran community and into the lives of families and neighbors throughout the Heartland.
Working alongside the Disabled American Veterans, the Auxiliary helps ensure no veteran feels overlooked or alone. Whether they are coordinating hospital visits, hosting holiday programs, supporting advocacy efforts, or backing community initiatives, the DAVA is often the behind the scenes team making sure everything comes together.
The heart of the Auxiliary is its sense of purpose. For some members, joining is a way to honor a loved one’s service. For others, it is a way to give back to the heroes who shaped their community. But for all, it provides a place where serving others truly feels like a calling.
Those interested in learning more or getting involved can connect directly with the local chapter.
DAVA Ridge 49 Contact Information
Mailing Address: 33565 Grand Prix Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872
Meetings: Third Thursday of each month
Meeting Location: 33565 Grand Prix Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872
For anyone looking for a meaningful way to support those who served, the DAVA is a powerful place to start. It is a reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues through the hearts and hands of those who choose to stand beside our veterans every day.
By Tiffanie Williams – Pulse of the Heartland
IWAS ASkED AbOUT my Christmas Youth from yesteryear to this year. I picked 1944. I was 9 years old, born November 4th, 1935. The World War II was almost over. Everything was rationed and hard to buy.
We started Christmas planning in the late fall. My Grandfather (Nane Gullote) was my mother’s father who lived downstairs and owned a vegetable farm right next to the City limits of Rockford, Illinois. We had no water or electric, just a barn water hand pump inside and lanterns for light. Tasks of cleaning vegetables etc. and a horse to plow the fields. We sold and canned we didn’t sell.
Our main crop was tomatoes to make spaghetti sauce for our own main dish at Christmas time and the rest of the year. In the fall we cooked the tomatoes outside at home with all the families in the back yards. We all used “BALL” jars because “MASON” jars were not allowed in the Catholic Community.
While the women were cooking outside, my Nane and I went to the train station and waited in line for the grapes from California
and sugar to be unloaded to make wine for Christmas.
The F.B.I. was there at the station to check your ration coupons to see if they were OK and not fake or stolen. Almost all items (sugar) were rationed during the war. The hardest time is catching the free range chickens at the farms in the winter. Bringing them home, cleaning them down in the basement before Christmas Eve.
Also being the oldest Grandson, watching my six (6) younger cousins was a full-time job. The worst was no toys, but a few clothes because of rations.
Our Christmas started on Christmas Eve. No meat at all! Just vegetables, bread, cookies, etc. At midnite all meats, mostly meatballs, sausage and spaghetti. Sandwiches made with home made bread with meatballs and sausages.
There were no toys Christmas morning. I got a new pair of shoes for school because we only had a coupon for one (1) pair of shoes. My Dad cut a piece of leather up to fit inside his pair of work shoes so mom could
buy me shoes for Christmas. We had no candy or nuts. First time I had Coke or candy was 1946.
My Nane made wine for all the grownups to toast the Birth of Christ.
It was the “Best Christmas for me because I had my father with me at this time. All my uncles were in the service. My Dad was fortyone (41) and being drafted next summer, but the War was over that Summer. Thank God for Pres. Harry Truman. I had a father growing up.
This Christmas (2025) and the last 30 years, my wife Carla and I have sailed the seas of the World. This trip will take us thru the Panama Canal, ocean to ocean. We will celebrate my birthday, 35th anniversary, Christmas and New Year.
No pressure, no work, just relax and enjoy our health, our children and retiring time together.
Joseph Fiorello Jr.
Sebring, Florida
SPEC. 4 U.S. ARMY - SPECIAL OP. U.S. NAVY
Even Heroes Have Holiday Wishes: A Highlands County Deputy’s Story of Courage, Family, and Christmas Spirit
By Anthony Folkner II
WHE n A CALL CAME across the radio about a house fire on Gobourne Street in Avon Park, Deputy Gage Massey of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office wasn’t assigned to that zone. He simply happened to be closest. That was all he needed to hear. According to information released by the Sheriff’s Office and video shared by WFLA News Channel 8, a 70-year-old woman was trapped inside the home. Smoke was already pouring from the structure when Gage arrived. In the body-camera footage, you can see the urgency of the moment as neighbors point him toward a side window where the woman was last seen.
Gage first tried the front door but quickly backed out when smoke and heat made it impossible to enter safely. “What good am I if I don’t make it back out,” he said. “If I get myself hurt, I can’t help her, and firefighters would have to rescue me too.” So he moved to the window, where he was able to pull the woman out and bring her to safety until fire crews arrived.
The rescue has been highlighted by several Florida news outlets, but behind that moment is a man with a family, holiday memories, and a sense of humility that often goes unseen. I sat down with Deputy Massey to talk about what happened, and also about who he is beyond the badge.
When I asked him what his favorite Christmas tradition is, he didn’t mention gifts, lights, or travel. He said it’s simply being with his family. “Both sides of my parents’ families get together,” he said. “We all come to one place. Everybody
likes each other, so it’s easy. It’s probably thirty to forty people when we’re all there. Breakfast on Christmas morning, opening gifts together… that’s my favorite thing.” It’s a picture many Highlands County residents can relate to: a full house, kids running around, relatives catching up over coffee, and the sound of wrapping paper everywhere.
When asked what gift he would give the world if he could pick one, he immediately answered, “I’d make sure everyone had the finances to buy something for the people they love. During the Christmas holidays, that would mean a lot.” When the question turned around to what he would want, he hesitated before laughing. “I don’t want for too much,” he said. “But probably a bunch of hunting land. I love being in the woods.” He hunts deer, hogs, and birds, and says he enjoys putting meat in the freezer the old-fashioned way.
Despite loving Christmas mornings with his big family, this year will look different. “I have to work Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day,” he said. And that’s when he shared what he hopes the community will remember. “Just thank first responders. Law enforcement officers and firefighters who have to be away from their families during the holidays. We’ll be out there.”
If you’d like to show your appreciation in practical ways this season, here are a few ideas that make a meaningful difference: drop off baked goods or snacks at stations; bring handwritten cards, especially from children; offer to cover a meal if you see a deputy or firefighter at a restaurant; donate
to local benevolence funds; drive safely; pray for their families; and encourage your children to wave when they see a first responder. Those simple gestures go further than most people realize.
There is courage in pulling someone from a burning home. There is strength in stepping into danger without hesitation. But there is also something just as important in the quiet parts of Deputy Massey’s life: a man who wants to be with his family, who loves the woods, who works holidays so others can stay safe, and who asks for nothing in return. This season, Highlands County can be proud of Deputy Gage Massey—not only for what he did, but for the kind of person he is.
Sources: Highlands County Sheriff’s Office; WFLA News Channel 8; personal interview with Deputy Gage Massey.
Bob’s Veterans
SI n CE 2017, bO b S V ETS has expanded from a simple idea into a respected Highlands County veterans-support community. In 2025, the organization scaled its mission with the launch of the Bobs Vets 5K Run (November 8, 2025), expanded sponsorship outreach, and a full suite of professional recognition materials for donors, volunteers, and partners.
Every project reflects the organization’s core values service, appreciation, and integrity and honors the veterans who sacrificed so much.
Rooted in Colonel Martin’s leadership and vision, Bobs Vets exist to remind every veteran. No matter what you’ve been through, tomorrow can still be your best day.
Bobs Vets of Highlands County, founded in 2017 by Robert Farabee USMC/ Retired and Brad Stuteville local business owner, is a faith-based, Florida nonprofit dedicated to restoring wellness, purpose, and community connection for America’s veterans. Built on Colonel Martin’s lifelong commitment to service and guided by Christian values of compassion, fellowship,
and hope, Bobs Vets provides meaningful support to former service members through outdoor therapeutic experiences and community driven programs. Since 2015 more than 40 military service men and women have participated in Bobs Vets outdoor adventures.
Faith, Fellowship, and the Healing Power of the Outdoors
At Bobs Vets, faith and nature work together to bring veterans a renewed sense of peace. The outdoors offers a powerful form of therapy quiet waters, fresh air, and the simplicity of God’s creation help calm the mind, strengthen the spirit, and open the heart.
Through kayak fishing, camping, hunting, and guided nature adventures across Central Florida, veterans rediscover
• Peace through time in God’s creation
• Brotherhood through shared fellowship with fellow veterans
• Strength through meaningful outdoor challenges
• Purpose as they reconnect with themselves, their faith, and their community
All experiences are provided at no cost,
ensuring every veteran has access to the healing power of faith and the outdoors. Since 2017, Bobs Vets has grown from a simple calling into a respected Highlands County nonprofit. In 2025, the mission expanded with the Bobs Vets 5K Run (November 8, 2025), increased community partnerships, and a full range of professional donor and volunteer recognition materials.
Whether on the water, in the woods, or within the community, Bobs Vets stands on its faith-based mission: to serve and uplift those who served our country.
Rooted in faith and strengthened by fellowship, Bobs Vets exists to remind every veteran No matter the struggle, God still has a purpose for your life and tomorrow can be your best day.
IChristmas in the Heartland: a 100-year Holiday Journey
F YOU STA n D O n THE S E b RI n G Circle on a cool December night, with lights shimmering across Lake Jackson and children laughing under the oaks, you may feel something unexpected like the air is carrying an echo from long ago, a memory not your own. Christmas in Highlands County has always had a certain magic to it, and if you close your eyes just long enough, you can almost fall backward into time.
A hundred years back, to Christmas Eve in 1925, Highlands County was still brand new. Only three years old. The roads were sandy. The nights were darker. The towns were smaller. But the feeling the unmistakable heart of this place was already alive.
On that Christmas Eve, Sebring’s Circle looked like a quiet postcard. Brick storefronts framed the round park, glowing not with electric lights, but with the soft amber of kerosene lamps. The smell of woodsmoke drifted over the lake. Just after dusk, a horse drawn wagon rattled onto the Circle. In the back sat a small pump organ tied down with rope, and climbing
aboard were the church ladies, young men, and children who made up Sebring’s caroling crew. They did it every year rolling slowly through the streets, singing hymns and carols over the soft clatter of hooves. Families stepped outside to listen, holding paper sacks of oranges and peppermint sticks. Neighbors waved from porches, bundled in shawls against the December chill. There were no lights strung across town, no synchronized displays, no amplified music yet the whole community glowed.
Just a few miles north, Avon Park’s Main Street was the heart of Christmas in 1925. As the oldest town in the county, it bustled with last-minute shoppers stepping in and out of stores still open under lanternlight. Wooden crates of oranges shared window space with homemade toys, Sunday dresses, and men’s hats. The railroad had delivered its winter visitors from up north, eager to trade snow for sunshine, and their laughter mixed with the crack of occasional firecrackers from local kids. Supper waited in warm kitchens smoked
By Tiffanie Nicole
ham or roast chicken, sweet potatoes from the yard, swamp cabbage, cornbread, and simple pies made with whatever fruit the season offered. Families gathered early, grateful for food, warmth, and each other.
Farther south, the tiny lakeside settlement known then as Lake Stearns was its own quiet world. Two years before it would be renamed Lake Placid, Lake Stearns was promoted across northern states as a “health retreat,” a place where sunshine and fresh air restored the weary. Visitors stayed in wooden lodges that creaked gently in the wind, waking to mist rising off the water like a curtain of silver. Their Christmas trees came straight from the woods crooked pines decorated with hand strung popcorn, dried orange slices, scraps of ribbon, and a few precious ornaments brought from home. Some families clipped real candles onto the branches, keeping a bucket of water nearby just in case. It was simple. Humble. Peaceful. A Florida Christmas in its purest form.
Across the whole county, Christmas in 1925 felt like promise. The towns were
young. The future was unwritten. Families gathered under lamplight, children drifted to sleep listening to the fading echo of wagon carolers, and everyone, from Sebring to Avon Park to tiny Lake Stearns, believed that better days were ahead. Hope was the heartbeat of the Heartland and it still is.
Because just as quickly as you can slip backward a century, time brings you home again. The lanterns dissolve into LED strands. The wagon wheels turn into parade floats. The quiet brick storefronts give way to bustling streets lined with lights, music, and crowds. Suddenly it’s 2025, and Christmas in Highlands County looks different, brighter, louder but somehow still beautifully familiar.
The Sebring Circle, once lit by lanterns, now explodes with color during the Carousel of Lights. Children race between glowing displays, parents sip cocoa beneath the oaks, and downtown hums with holiday music. The parade rolls through with marching bands, sparkling floats, fire trucks, dancers, and Santa waving from atop a sleigh that would have felt like pure magic to a 1925 child. Yet beneath the lights, Lake Jackson still reflects the season the way it always has.
In Avon Park, the grand Hotel Jacaranda opened just one year after your flashback Christmas, shines like a jewel. A towering
tree fills the lobby, and families crowd onto its historic front porch to watch the Christmas Parade sweep down Main Street. The stores have changed, the lights are brighter, and the sounds are livelier, but the feeling? It’s exactly the same as a century ago: people coming together, celebrating the season, sharing community.
Lake Stearns, now Lake Placid, has grown into a mural covered town bursting with color and character. Its Christmas Parade lights up the boulevard with tractors wrapped in lights, floats handmade by local schools and businesses, smiling children waving from hay bales, and Santa making yet another appearance as only he can. The lakes, still and stunning, reflect every sparkle just as they did when
a handful of families decorated pine trees by candlelight.
A hundred Christmases later, Highlands County has changed in every imaginable way. We have parades in all three towns, boat parades on the lakes, holiday festivals, synchronized light displays, and events that would leave our 1925 neighbors speechless. And yet if those early residents walked among us today, they would recognize us instantly. They would see families gathering. Neighbors helping neighbors. Churches filled with singing. Children wiggling with excitement. Communities coming together not because they have to, but because that’s who we are.
The decorations may have changed. The roads may have changed. The buildings may have changed.
But the heart of this place? That has stayed exactly the same.
Christmas in the Heartland has always been about warmth, hope, faith, family, and community. That was true in 1925, when Highlands County was little more than a dream and it’s true today, in a county full of lights, life, and love.
A century has passed, but the magic remains. The heart remains.
And the story of Christmas in Highlands County is still being written year after beautiful year.
The People of 2025
Jasmine Fernandez
HCA F LORIDA H IGHLA n DS
H OSPITAL has recognized Jasmine Fernandez with the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for her compassion, skill, and dedication on the medical/ surgical unit. Nominated by a grateful patient, Jasmine was praised for her calm presence, uplifting attitude, and the comforting way she cares for others.
Rayleigh Respress
AVO n PAR k M IDDLE
S CHOOL student Rayleigh Respress has earned statewide recognition through Florida’s Art in the Capitol program. Her artwork was selected to represent Highlands County and will be displayed in the Florida State Capitol this March. Rayleigh
Gene Kissner
nAVY VETERA n G E n E
kISS n ER stood proudly along the curb in downtown Sebring during Friday night’s festivities, waving his U.S. Navy flag as the Sebring High School JROTC cadets marched by. Gene served from 1956 to 1978, and his quiet presence reflected a lifetime of honor and patriotism. When told he’d be
Leah Seitz
WE ARE PROUD TO FEATURE L EAH S EIT z , a United States Marine Corps veteran whose ten years of service reflect courage, discipline, and deep commitment. Leah served from June 2006 to April 2016, with assignments at Camp Lejeune, New River, and Camp Geiger, and deployed to Iraq in service
Hospital leadership surprised her with the award, celebrating the positive impact she makes on both patients and staff. Pulse of the Heartland congratulates Jasmine on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the exceptional care she brings to the Heartland community.
was honored at the recent School Board meeting alongside Principal Mrs. Riley and Art Teacher Mrs. Pierce, who praised her creativity and dedication. Her accomplishment brings pride to APMS and the entire Heartland community.
featured in the newspaper, Gene joked, “That would close the paper if people saw me,” but it’s veterans like him who keep the Heartland strong. His simple act of standing tall beneath the holiday lights served as a meaningful reminder that service and pride never fade.
to our nation.Now living in Sebring,Leah continues to serve her community through her work with the Social Security Administration, carrying forward the same strength and integrity that defined her military career. Her dedication both in uniform and at home, sets an outstanding example for the Heartland.
Photo Credit: HCA Florida Highlands Hospital
Photo Credit: The School Board of Highlands County
Photo by Pulse of the Heartland
Jessica Carlson
THE C ITY OF AVO n PAR k’ S CRA Economic Development Manager, Jessica Carlson, is bringing fresh energy, vision, and collaboration to the Heartland. With a diverse background in interior design, community development, and public engagement, Jessica is passionate about revitalizing spaces and supporting local growth. Originally from Hardee County,
she made Highlands County her home in 2020 and has quickly become a positive force within Avon Park’s efforts to build a vibrant, thriving community. Jessica looks forward to strengthening partnerships and helping shape the city’s future with creativity and purpose.
Lake Placid High School Swim Team
THE LAkE PLACID HIGH SCHOOL DRAGOnS delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Swim Regionals in Clearwater, with both the girls’ and boys’ teams earning recognition for their hard work and dedication. Competing against 31 schools, the Lady Dragons secured an impressive 17th-place overall finish a testament to their growth, teamwork, and season-long commitment. A standout moment came from Jamie Creel, who shattered her own school record in the
50-yard freestyle, lowering her time to 24.41 seconds. She also qualified for the State Championship in both the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, marking an exceptional achievement for the program. Coaches praised the team for their drive, heart, and personal bests throughout one of the toughest meets of the year. As they look ahead to State, the entire Heartland community celebrates their hard-earned success. Photo Courtesy: Lake Placid High School
Staff Sergeant Robert Farabee
UnITED STATES MARInE CORPS veteran Staff Sergeant Robert Farabee served our nation with honor for more than 22 years. From January 1988 to May 2010, he answered the call during some of America’s most defining moments, including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. His service carried him across the globe, leading Marines with integrity and unwavering dedication. Now retired and living
in Highlands County, Farabee continues to support his fellow veterans. Each Thursday at 8 a.m., he joins other local service members at Bob Evans in Sebring for the gathering known as “Bob’s Veterans,” a place of camaraderie, connection, and community support for veterans of all branches. We thank Staff Sergeant Farabee for his 22 years of service to our country and for the continued leadership he brings to the Heartland.
A Brave Little Girl With a Bright Halloween Smile
THIS SWEET EIGHT- YEAR -
OLD Sebring girl couldn’t join the trick-or-treating fun this year because she depends on oxygen and must remain indoors — but that didn’t dim her excitement for her favorite holiday. Dressed in her Halloween costume and full of joy, she lit up her home with the same bright smile she shares every day. Her mother, Patricia Dianna Loftis, simply hoped to bring her daughter a few moments of Halloween happiness. What
she didn’t expect was the outpouring of kindness that followed neighbors waving hello, families stopping by in costume, and strangers taking a moment to make her feel included. But at the heart of it all was one little girl whose strength, courage, and spirit brought a community together. Her smile reminded everyone who met her that even on a quiet doorstep, magic can still happen.
Photos courtesy of the Loftis family
Photo Credit: City of Avon Park
Anthony “Tray” Folkner III
An THO n Y “T RAY ” F OL kn ER
III is one of Highlands County’s youngest and brightest examples of service in action. A dedicated JROTC cadet, volunteer, musician, and church servant, Tray has built a reputation far beyond his years through quiet, consistent leadership. You’ll find Tray everywhere service is needed supporting veterans at banquets, fundraisers, raffles, and community events assisting seniors at bingo nights and charity drives; and stepping up at church to set up, tear down, and lend his musical talent
Rita Graham
MS . G RAHAM IS A n EDUCATOR who makes a lasting impact through her kindness, patience, and genuine care for every student. Her classroom is a welcoming space where students feel safe, respected, and confident enough to ask questions and grow. She listens without judgment, explains with clarity, and ensures everyone has the support they need to succeed.
Colleagues admire Ms. Graham for her
when needed. He even joined veterans on Everglades fishing trips alongside his father and great grandfather, continuing a family legacy of giving back.
Through Sebring High’s JROTC, Tray has competed, posted colors at major events, and proven himself a dependable leader who shows up early, stays late, and does the work without ever asking for recognition.
Ask anyone in the community, and you’ll hear the same words: dependable, honorable, trustworthy a young man whose servant’s heart is evident in everything he
does. Highlands County is better because of young leaders like Tray, who remind us that real service is quiet, steady, and offered with heart.
reliability, honesty, and calm presence. She’s the person who steps in when others need help, works collaboratively, and brings steady positivity to even the busiest days. Her compassion and professionalism make her someone people trust and respect.
Ms. Graham’s influence reaches far beyond academics she inspires others simply by how she treats people. Her dedication and heart make a meaningful difference in her school community,
earning her a well-deserved place in our Heartland Spotlight.
Florida Flywheeler Parking Lot
Volunteers Needed
Florida Flywheelers Show
We are looking for volunteers to help with parking cars at the upcoming Florida Flywheelers January and February Shows.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form, and Philip will contact you with more details.
Thank you for your support!
7000 Avon Park Cutoff RoadFort Mead,FL 33841,US
Starts: Wed Jan 14 2026, 8:00am EST Ends: Fri Feb 27 2026, 4:00pm EST
By Paige Folkner-Pulse of the Heartland
Faith and Freedom Run – First Annual 5K Honors Veterans and Community
On nOVEM b ER 8, 2025, during Veterans Day weekend, the community came together for the inaugural Faith and Freedom Run hosted by Bob’s Vets of Highlands County. The event marked the beginning of a new tradition centered around gratitude, remembrance, and unity.
The morning opened with a stirring a cappella performance of the National Anthem by the Sebring High School JROTC, setting a patriotic and heartfelt tone for the
day. The Avon Park High School JROTC followed with a dignified presentation of colors, adding to the reverence and respect of the event.
Pastor Tony Folkner delivered an invocation that connected faith, freedom, and service, grounding the event in both purpose and gratitude.
Runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages participated with enthusiasm and heart.
The final finishers — including Karen Osgood, a member of Bob’s Vets, along
with Tony and Katrina Folkner — crossed the line with smiles and determination. Their steady, casual walking pace demonstrated the spirit of the event perfectly: that this 5K was not just a race, but a community effort where every participant mattered.
The first annual Faith and Freedom Run reflected the very best of Highlands County — honoring veterans, strengthening community bonds, and celebrating the shared values of faith, service, and freedom.
The Power of Faith and Touch
nOTHI n G b RI n GS MORE JOY in life than the birth of a child. That was certainly true when my third son came into the world several weeks premature. His first breath and his first cry offered a moment of hope that everything might be perfect. But that hope was quickly overshadowed by the concern on the doctor’s face.
Within seconds, a team of medical staff rushed to work on him before whisking him away, leaving me stunned and filled with fear.
2Seven weeks later, I stood in the neonatal intensive care unit listening to doctors lay out a grim picture: “If he survives…”
My son weighed barely over four pounds. His chest was sunken where his lungs had not properly developed. He had endured critically low oxygen levels for weeks. The doctors explained that even if he lived, he would likely never walk, talk, see, or do any of the things most of us take for granted.
I had never even been able to hold him. He lay naked in an incubator no blanket, no warmth, no touch from his parents. Alone and isolated.
Accepting that the medical team had done everything they could, I agreed to remove the tubes, wires, oxygen, and special lights. My only requests were simple a blanket to wrap him in, and a moment to fall to my knees and speak the name of Jesus over my son.
There I was a 6-foot, 250-pound, muscled-up lumberjack of a man kneeling over a fragile 4-pound infant fighting for his next breath. Doctors and nurses stood
By Anthony Folkner 1st | The Pulse of the Heartland
silently around us.
I placed my hands on my son’s tiny body. Tears streamed down my face as I prayed with all the strength my heart could muster. In that moment, I truly felt the presence of the Lord. I surrendered my son to God’s will, trusting that whatever happened would be in His hands.
And then, right in front of everyone in the room, my Savior went to work.
As I continued praying, my son’s lungs filled with air. His breathing eased. His skin turned a healthy pink. He let out a loud, strong cry music to my ears. His arms and legs thrashed, even knocking out the last of the tubes. Praise be to God, he no longer needed them.
Nurses wept. Doctors stood speechless. What we witnessed was nothing short of a miracle, healing through faith and touch. Today, that once-fragile baby is an adult with no disabilities at all. God is good. Amazing things happen when He chooses to show His grace. He rewarded obedience through faith and touch.
025 FLEW b Y, seemingly faster than ever. Like our great nation, Highlands County has faced many challenges this year, but our citizens have emerged even stronger as the year comes to a close. For 2026, your
Highlands County commissioners promise to stay focused on making decisions that will help improve our county’s quality of life while keeping costs as low as possible for our residents. Happy New Year to all – we hope 2026 is the best year ever, for
both you AND our county!
Don Elwell Board Chair Commissioner
SFSC Highlands Campus Launches Multiple Holiday Donation Drives to Support Local Families and Children
THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT is in full swing at South Florida State College’s Highlands Campus, where students, staff, and community members are coming together to support several charitable projects benefiting families, foster children, and individuals in need across the Heartland.
This year, the campus has organized four donation initiatives, each represented by brightly decorated collection boxes placed throughout campus buildings. The drives give students and faculty a meaningful way to give back during the Christmas season while supporting local partners who serve Highlands County year round.
The Avon Park Fire Department Toy Drive, represented by the festive red box in Building B, is collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children. Donations will be delivered to area families to help ensure every child has something special to open on Christmas morning. The toy box will remain open for contributions until Wednesday, December 10.
Nearby, the SFSC Rotaract Club has
created a standout Snoopy-themed box to collect essential items for homeless shelters in the community. Donations of clothing, linens, hygiene items, children’s toys, dish soap, and books are all welcomed. This box will remain available throughout the year, allowing students and staff to support homeless individuals long after the holiday season ends.
The Who I Am Foundation has placed a white collection box in Building B to gather
new children’s pajamas for foster youth. The initiative supports the Heartland for Children foster care program in cooperation with ECHO Ministries, the ACE Project, and the Worthy & Known Family Project. Pajama donations will be accepted until Wednesday, December 10, helping ensure children in foster care receive warm and comforting sleepwear this winter.
Additionally, SFSC’s Nursing students are leading a toy drive of their own, partnering with Heartland for Children to collect new toys for local foster families. These wrapped donation boxes are located in the HSEC and Building H near Adult Education and will be accepting donations until Wednesday, December 3. Across campus, students have embraced the effort with creativity and enthusiasm decorating boxes, spreading awareness, and organizing items with pride. The initiative reflects SFSC’s mission to serve the community not only through education, but through compassion and meaningful action.
As the giving season continues, SFSC invites the community to join them in supporting these worthy causes. Each donation whether a toy, pajamas, or essential everyday items helps brighten the holidays for a child or family in need.
As Always…
Pulse of the Heartland is proud to highlight the programs, people, and partnerships that strengthen our community. If your school, organization, or charity has a story you’d like featured, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: tiffaniepulsepublications@gmail.com
*High-resolution photos welcome.
By Tiffanie Nicole • Photos Courtesy of South Florida State College
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
By Carlos Folkner | National Adoption Month Reflection
nb ER WAS nATIO n AL
A DOPTIO n AWARE n ESS
M O n TH , and for me, it carried a weight that’s hard to explain. As a child, I used to hope that one day I would be adopted that someone would want me for me. I came from a family that believed in “tough love,” but it was a kind of tough love where the “love” part never actually showed up.
When I was at my lowest and completely alone, a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. I felt like God gave me a choice: keep letting fate have its way with me, or reach for faith a forgotten faith that was restored through a community that chose to call me friend, and a family that still chooses to call me brother, son, and grandson.
For a long time, I thought I understood how the world worked. I believed every person was out to get me, that nobody wanted me to succeed. Everything felt like
a constant negative. That was the truth I lived in until my foster parents introduced me to their world.
A world filled with God. Unconditional love.
Respect for others and for myself. I’ll never forget the day I accidentally drove through the house and garage door. I was hurt, scared, and overwhelmed. I had destroyed their house, and in my mind, that meant I was about to be thrown away again. So I packed my bags and prepared to leave.
But instead of anger, I was met at the door by my mom and dad, tears in their eyes not because of what I had done, but because they were heartbroken that I believed so little in their love. They were relieved I was safe. They hugged me. And for the first time in my life, I realized that consequences didn’t have to mean rejection.
My consequences were responsibility: Owning what I did.
Understanding where I went wrong. And learning how to make it right. In the process, I learned how to properly repair a wall and match it to the rest of the house. And even more importantly, I learned what family really means.
My parents got me re-enrolled in school and helped me complete 8th through 12th grade through an accelerated program. My dad and I had time to bond through his
veteran meetings, appointments, events, and church. I watched my siblings call me “brother” and mean it. They wanted to be around me, to learn with me, to laugh with me. They showed me what family feels like.
I had to learn how to be a son before I could ever dream of being a father. I had to learn emotional regulation and selfcontrol. I had to learn how to love and how to let myself be loved.
Today, I know I’m a better person because of everything my parents taught me. People tell me I’m like my dad, and that means more than they know. It feels good to have a father figure who inspires me and makes me want to be better.
I know I’m a better person because of them, because even on my worst days when I feel lost or unsure of who I am they remind me. They encourage me. They are a constant, positive force, something strong enough that now I can give that same strength back to others.
I watched my dad form connections everywhere he went. I watched my mom feel what other people felt and release their sadness through her own tears. I watched my brother grow into a miniature Einstein. I watched my sisters always in motion, smiling, laughing, running circles around the world like only children who feel safe and loved can.
I love my foster family. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I don’t know what my life would’ve looked like without them, and honestly… I don’t care. Because the life I have now this family, this love, this future is more than I ever believed possible.
OVEM
Spotlight on Quiet Faith: Dee’s Restaurant’s Role in Our Community
By Anthony Folkner II
In THE HEART OF DOW n TOW n S E b RI n G sits a place that might look like just another cozy diner on the outside, but inside, Dee’s Restaurant is something truly special. It’s not just a place to grab a meal; it’s a quiet, faith-filled hub where the community comes together in ways that might not make headlines, but absolutely make a difference.
Dee’s has opened its doors for countless Bible studies and gospel concerts, offering a welcoming space where faith and fellowship can flourish. They’ve played a vital role in community events like the annual turkey giveaway organized by Joy FM, a major Christian radio station. Dee’s quietly steps up to help families in need during the holidays, showing that faith is often lived out in simple acts of service.
What makes Dee’s Restaurant stand out is that they’re not a church or a formal ministry, yet they’re one of the most faith-filled places in Highlands County. They’ve become a steadfast, quiet beacon of hope and hospitality. They just show up, support, and create space for faith to thrive in everyday life.
In a season when we often look for big, flashy examples of faith, Dee’s reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful expressions are found in the quiet, consistent acts of love. For our December Spotlight on Faith, we’re honored to highlight Dee’s Restaurant as a place where faith isn’t just spoken, but lived out in the heart of our community.
What It’s Like to Get an Older Sibling
By Paige Folkner
In H O n OR OF nATIO n AL A DOPTIO n M O n TH
When Mom and Dad first brought CJ home, I was 8 years old and he was 16. There was a pretty big age gap, but I already knew him a little because he went to church with us. At first, I honestly thought he was just spending the night. Then he stayed for a few more days, then a week. That’s when my parents told us he was going to live with us.
I was excited.
CJ shared a room with my brother, and we would always go in there to mess with him or just hang out. One of my favorite things was when CJ and I would sit together and watch TV shows. It was simple, but it was our thing. When CJ moved to Indiana, I missed him. Even though he isn’t my brother by blood, he’s still my bubby and he always will be. Having siblings who aren’t biologically related doesn’t change anything. The emotional bond, the love, the memories it’s all the same. Family is family, no matter how it forms.
As I’m writing this, it’s CJ’s birthday November 18th and I want him to know I love him, no matter what happens. He’s stuck with me forever.
Happy birthday, weirdo. Love you.
Sheriff’s Office Helps Serve Holiday Warmth at NU-HOPE Thanksgiving Dinner
FOR MORE THA n FOUR DECADES , the NUHOPE Elder Care Services Thanksgiving Dinner has brought the Heartland together in the spirit of gratitude, community, and compassion. This year marked at least the 45th annual celebration, and once again, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office stepped forward to serve.
The room was filled wall-to-wall with seniors, volunteers, first responders, and community leaders proof that even in a fast-moving world, Highlands County still knows how to slow down and take
care of one another. Long tables were decorated with bright fall centerpieces, and conversation bubbled across the room as plates were filled and friendships renewed.
Major Darin Hood opened the afternoon with an invocation, offering a heartfelt prayer before the meal. With heads bowed and hands folded, the guests paused to reflect on their blessings both big and small. Moments later, Sheriff Paul Blackman, members of the command staff, deputies, and volunteers began serving heaping plates of Thanksgiving favorites, moving through the packed dining hall
with smiles, trays, and genuine kindness.
For the seniors who attended, this wasn’t just a meal it was connection. Many of them look forward to this gathering all year, and the presence of local law enforcement, civic leaders, and community partners made the day feel even more special.
The Sheriff’s Office didn’t just serve food they served joy, comfort, and a reminder that community is strongest when people show up for one another. Laughter echoed across the room, stories were swapped, and volunteers made sure every guest felt seen and cared for.
Events like this are exactly why Highlands County remains such a remarkable place to call home. NU-HOPE, along with the Sheriff’s Office and countless volunteers, continues to prove that compassion is a powerful force and one that only grows when shared.
As another Thanksgiving Dinner comes to a close, the message is clear in the Heartland, neighbors still take care of neighbors, and kindness remains our most treasured tradition.
By Tiffanie Nicole • Photos courtesy of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
Celebrating churches, faith, and fellowship across our community
The Gift that Changes Everything Faith in the Heartland
A Pulse of the Heartland
Devotional
DECEM b ER IS A SEASO n
FULL OF GIVI n G wrapped packages, warm meals, shared moments, and unexpected kindness. All of it reminds us that giving is one of the purest expressions of love.
But long before our traditions… Before stockings and ribbons… Before Christmas trees and holiday meals…
God showed us what true gift-giving looks like.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”
— John 3:16
Everything we celebrate this month began with that one decision from the heart of God, Love gives.
Jesus came not as a decoration, not as a seasonal symbol, not as a cultural tradition but as the greatest gift humanity would ever receive.
A gift of hope.
A gift of peace.
A gift of redemption.
A gift that cost Him everything… and offered us everything.
So as we celebrate this season with our families, our churches, and our community, let every gift we give from the smallest act of kindness to the most heartfelt gesture point back to Him.
Jesus is the gift that changes how we give, why we give, and Who we give for. Let this month be more than exchanging boxes.
Let it be a month of giving like Christ gave with love, humility, kindness, and
purpose.
And together, let’s keep the heart of Christmas alive every day.
December Daily Giving Challenge
A simple task each day to reflect Jesus the greatest gift.
• Dec 1: Give a sincere compliment to someone.
• Dec 2: Pray for someone by name today.
• Dec 3: Write a thank you note to someone who usually goes unnoticed.
• Dec 4: Donate one item you no longer need.
• Dec 5: Text a Bible verse of encouragement to a friend.
• Dec 6: Hold the door for someone today intentionally.
• Dec 7: Let someone go ahead of you in line.
• Dec 8: Bake or buy a treat for a neighbor.
• Dec 9: Give someone your full, undistracted attention for five minutes.
• Dec 10: Leave a positive review for a local business.
• Dec 11: Tell a family member one thing you appreciate about them.
• Dec 12: Pray for a teacher, pastor, or leader in your life.
• Dec 13: Share a meal with someone who could use company.
• Dec 14: Pay for someone’s coffee or
meal, even anonymously.
• Dec 15: Read the story of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1–20).
• Dec 16: Give grace today respond softer than the moment deserves.
• Dec 17: Encourage a child or teen with uplifting words.
• Dec 18: Forgive someone you’ve been holding in your heart.
• Dec 19: Invite someone to church or a Christmas service.
• Dec 20: Volunteer 15 minutes for someone anything counts.
• Dec 21: Share your testimony or a short story of God’s goodness.
• Dec 22: Pray for someone who has hurt you.
• Dec 23: Clean up a mess no one asked you to clean.
• Dec 24: Read the Christmas story again this time slowly (Luke 1–2).
• Dec 25: Celebrate the gift of Jesus. Thank Him openly.
• Dec 26: Give away something new, not old.
• Dec 27: Send a message of appreciation to a veteran or first responder.
• Dec 28: Offer to help someone with a chore or errand.
• Dec 29: Give out one genuine smile to a stranger.
• Dec 30: Pray for your community businesses, leaders, families.
• Dec 31: Thank God for His faithfulness this past year, and ask Him to lead you into the next.
Highlands County,
AS WE GATHER WITH FAMILY, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Christmas, I am reminded of how important it is to care for one another. I’m always inspired by the kindness and strength I see throughout our county, whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor, supporting local charities, or simply spreading some holiday cheer.
I want to give a special thank you to our fantastic deputies, dispatchers, and civilian staff, as well as all first responders, who will be on duty during the holidays, taking time away from their families to
keep us safe. Their commitment is a true gift that benefits us all.
I hope you get everything you want for Christmas, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't remind you to protect those new gifts. Please make sure you don't leave any valuables in your vehicles, and always double-check that you are locked up every night and any time you plan to be away.
On behalf of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and peaceful Christmas. May your homes be filled with warmth and joy this season, and may the new year bring you health, happiness, and hope.
Merry Christmas, Highlands County! Thanks for letting us serve you.
Paul
Sheriff Paul Blackman
Highlands County Sheriff's Office 400 S. Eucalyptus St. Sebring, Florida 33870 (863) 402-7244 office (863) 402-7296 fax
pblackman@highlandssheriff.org
Heartland Welcomes Its Newest (and Cutest) Deputy: K-9 Tripoli
HIGHLA n DS C OU n TY just gained a new deputy one with long ears, oversized paws, and a future dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.
K-9 Tripoli, an eight-week-old bloodhound, arrived this week from Kentucky and is already winning hearts across the Heartland. His new handler, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran now serving with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, picked him up personally and wasted no time getting the new recruit home to begin the first steps of his training.
The puppy’s name carries deep meaning. Inspired by the Marine Corps Hymn’s line “from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli,” the name honors the First Barbary War and the 1805 Battle of Derna where U.S. Marines raised the American flag over a captured fortress for the first time in history. It’s a fitting tribute for a pup whose future role will involve tracking, searching, and bringing people home safely.
K-9 Tripoli joins the unit as the younger “brother” of veteran bloodhound K-9
still has a few tricks left to teach the eager rookie before he hangs up his harness.
Tripoli’s arrival was made possible through the generosity of the Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction, a nonprofit organization that donates bloodhounds to law enforcement agencies nationwide. These dogs play a critical role in search-and-rescue missions where every minute counts.
For now, Tripoli is learning the basics bonding with his handler, exploring his new surroundings, and getting used to the big world ahead. But soon, this floppy-eared deputy will grow into a powerful tracker, ready to serve and protect the Heartland.
As one deputy put it during pickup day, “He may be little now, but he’s going to make a big difference.”
Pulse of the Heartland will follow K-9 Tripoli’s training journey in the months ahead. Welcome to Highlands County, Deputy Tripoli you’ve already captured the community’s hearts.
Hooch, who is nearing retirement after years of dedicated service locating missing children, vulnerable adults, and endangered residents throughout Highlands County. Deputies say Hooch
Photograph Curiosity of Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
The Final Season: Senior Athlete Highlights
Celebrating Avon Park High School Girls’ Weightlifting Seniors
AT P ULSE OF THE H EARTLA n D , we love shining a light on the incredible students who make our community proud. This month, we reached out to a local coach to highlight a few of our standout senior athletes, sharing their accomplishments, goals, and the impact they’ve made on their teams.
If you’re a coach and would like your team or athletes featured in an upcoming issue, we’d love to help share their stories with the Heartland community. Send your highlights, stats, or spotlights
Senior Spotlight: Kamya Brassell
Written by Coach Heather Barnes
Now in her third year of Girls’ Weightlifting, senior Kamya Brassell continues to shine as one of the strongest leaders on the team both on the platform and off. Kamya will be attending Polk State College next year on a softball scholarship, showcasing her incredible dedication as a multi-sport athlete.
Kamya had an exceptional junior season, finishing as the 1A District 13 District Champion in both Olympic and Traditional lifts. She was also the only lifter from our team to qualify for the State Weightlifting Meet last year.
At Regionals, she earned 3rd Place in both Olympic and Traditional, heading into the State Series ranked 6th in Olympic and 10th in Traditional statewide. Although she didn’t medal at state, the experience fueled her determination for this season. She has returned even stronger currently undefeated in her weight class and working hard for another trip to the State Series.
Kamya leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit set the tone for our team, and we are proud to highlight her as one of our senior standouts this year.
Presented by Pulse of the Heartland
to tiffaniepulsepublications@gmail.com or message the Pulse of the Heartland Facebook page.
For this issue, we are proud to feature the Avon Park High School Girls’ Weightlifting senior class, recognizing their achievements on the platform and their contributions to the program. Each senior’s story has been shared with us by Coach Heather Barnes, giving an inside look into the commitment, character, and heart behind these athletes.
Senior Spotlight: Kamila Watt
Written by Coach Heather Barnes
Kamila Watt is now in her third year competing in Girls’ Weightlifting, and coaching her has truly been a joy. Kamila is a naturally gifted athlete with a strong competitive drive, and her consistency over the years has made her a standout on our team.
Last season, Kamila finished 6th in Olympic and 12th in Traditional, qualifying for Regionals in both events. Although lastminute scheduling conflicts kept her from attending Regionals, she still recorded an outstanding season regularly finishing 1st through 3rd in nearly every meet she competed in.
As graduation approaches, Kamila plans to attend a four-year university and major in Business. While she hasn’t made her final decision yet, there is no doubt she will excel wherever she goes.
Kamila’s dedication, talent, and strong work ethic have left a lasting impact on our team, and we are proud to highlight her as one of our senior leaders this year.
Senior Spotlight: Janely Ayala
Written by Coach Heather Barnes
This season marks Janely Ayala’s first year competing in Girls’ Weightlifting and what an impact she has made already. A dedicated multi-sport athlete and member of the softball team, Janely decided to give weightlifting a try, and she has quickly proven to be a natural.
Janely has been an incredible addition to our program. She brings impressive strength to our smaller weight classes and has shown confidence and determination from day one. So far this season, she has earned multiple 1st and 2nd place finishes, and I am genuinely excited to see how far she’ll go as the competition year continues.
After graduation, Janely hopes to continue her softball career at the collegiate level. She currently has several offers on the table and is thoughtfully considering her next steps. Academically, she plans to major in Elementary Special Education, a field that reflects her heart, patience, and passion for helping others.
Janely’s enthusiasm, athletic ability, and team first attitude have made her a standout newcomer, and we are proud to recognize her as one of our senior highlights this year.
A Taste of the Tropics in the Heartland
How a Family With Big Dreams Put Lake Placid on Florida’s Wine Map
By
ALO n G THE STEADY HUM
OF U.S. 27 in Lake Placid sits a hidden slice of paradise Tropical Winery, a vibrant, family owned gem where tropical fruit, Florida sunshine, and community spirit blend into something unforgettable. For owners Milton and Adriana Montañez, what began as a dream rooted in heritage and hard work has grown into one of Highlands County’s most welcoming gathering places.
Founded in 2018, Tropical Winery didn’t follow the traditional vineyard blueprint. Instead of rows of grapes and rolling hills, the Montañez family leaned into Florida’s natural strengths sun ripened tropical fruits, warm breezes, and cultural flavors that you can taste in every bottle. They wanted to create a winery that felt like home, not just to travelers, but to locals who longed for something fresh, fun, and filled with flavor. What makes this winery truly special isn’t only the wine it’s the family behind it. Milton and Adriana, along with their four boys David, Nico, Javi, and Adrian, put their heart into every part of the business. From crafting tropical blends to hosting weekly events, they’ve built a place where everyone feels welcome. Visitors often mention that the first thing they notice before the pineapple, mango, or key lime aromas is the warmth of the owners’ hospitality.
As a certified Florida Farm Winery, Tropical Winery showcases fruit wines inspired by the Caribbean and the Sunshine State. The flavors dance outside
the boundaries of traditional winemaking bright, bold, and unexpected. Whether you enjoy sweet, semi-dry, or something with a little zing, their tastings offer something for every palate. They’ve built a reputation on quality, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
But Tropical Winery is more than a tasting room it has become a Heartland destination. Every week, locals gather for live music on Saturdays, wine-dancing on Thursday evenings, and seasonal events that fill the patio with laughter. Inside, shelves display more than wine: local honey, homemade jams and jellies, unique gifts, charcuterie boards, and craft beers for those seeking something different. It’s the kind of place you stop in “just for a minute” and end up leaving two hours later with new friends and a new favorite bottle.
Their story is also one of community connection. When you walk through the doors at Tropical Winery, you’re supporting a family that pours back into Highlands County opening their space for celebrations, partnering with musicians, and becoming a staple stop for visitors exploring Lake Placid’s murals and small town charm.
Milton and Adriana are proof that you don’t need to be born into a vineyard legacy to create something extraordinary. You need passion. You need purpose. And you need the courage to build something that reflects your family’s story.
And in Tropical Winery’s case? You need a love for flavors that make people smile one tropical sip at a time.
As 2025 comes to a close, Tropical Winery stands as a reminder of what makes our Heartland so special family run dreams, local pride, and businesses built on connection. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply someone craving a warm place to unwind, Tropical Winery is a must visit experience that captures the spirit of Lake Placid perfectly.
If you haven’t stopped in yet, trust us you’re missing out on a taste of paradise right here at home.
Tiffanie Williams – Pulse of the Heartland
Stirring Up Christmas in the Heartland
Old-Fashioned Florida Orange Cake (1920s Style)
A citrus dessert inspired by early Highlands County groves.
Ingredients
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
Orange Glaze
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsp orange juice
• ½ tsp zest
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt or 9x13 pan.
2. Mix cake mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, vanilla, and zest until smooth.
3. Pour into pan and bake 28–32 minutes.
4. Whisk glaze ingredients.
5. Pour over warm cake so it soaks in. Tastes like a Florida grove at Christmas.
Lake Placid Caladium Cookies
Pretty, colorful sugar cookies inspired by Lake Placid’s famous caladiums.
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Gel food coloring (pink, green, red)
Directions
1. Cream butter + sugar. Add eggs.
2. Mix dry ingredients and combine.
3. Separate dough into 3 bowls; tint each a different color.
4. Roll small pieces from each color together to form marbled balls.
5. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Festive and perfect for kids.
Creamy Florida Corn Casserole
A vegetable dish that works like a side AND comfort food.
Ingredients
• 1 can whole-kernel corn
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 box Jiffy mix
• Optional: jalapeños, cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Pour into a greased casserole dish.
3. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes. Fluffy, creamy, and lightly sweet.
Avon Park Red Devil Chocolate Fudge
A nod to the Avon Park Red Devils rich and bold.
Ingredients
• 3 cups sugar
• ¾ cup butter
• ⅔ cup evaporated milk
• 12 oz chocolate chips
• 1 jar marshmallow fluff
• 1 tsp vanilla
Directions
1. Bring sugar, milk & butter to a boil.
2. Boil 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat; add chocolate chips and stir until melted.
4. Add marshmallow fluff & vanilla.
5. Pour into a greased 9x13. Cool before cutting. Perfect for gifts or holiday tins.
Classic Southern Hashbrown Casserole
Perfect for breakfast or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped onion
• Salt, pepper
• Optional: crushed cornflakes or Ritz topping
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Stir everything together.
3. Pour into 9x13 dish.
4. Add crushed Ritz or cornflakes on top.
5. Bake 40–45 minutes. A true crowd favorite.
Sebring Lemon Icebox Squares
No-bake, refreshing, classic Southern dessert.
Ingredients
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tub Cool Whip or whipped cream
Directions
1. Crush wafers; press into bottom of an 8x8 pan.
2. Mix condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Fold in Cool Whip.
4. Spread over crust and refrigerate 3–4 hours. Bright, tangy, and easy.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John and Gena Watson and family 2025 Jesus is the reason for the season
Christmas on a Budget: Bringing Hope, Warmth, and Community to Highlands County
By Michele Ahrendt
AS THE HOLIDAY SEASO n APPROACHES , many seniors and families in Highlands County are facing a difficult reality: the rising costs of groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials are making Christmas feel out of reach. But here in our community, hope doesn’t depend on how much we spend — it grows from how deeply we care.
Across Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Placid, local residents, churches, volunteers, and neighborhood groups are finding meaningful ways to create a joyful season without breaking the budget. Christmas, after all, has never been about price tags. It’s about connection, compassion, and the simple miracles that happen when a community comes together.
Finding Christmas in the Simple Things
For many Highlands County seniors, the holidays can feel lonely, especially for those living alone or on fixed incomes. But small acts of kindness go a long way:
• Handwritten holiday cards delivered by volunteers
• Phone calls and check-ins from neighbors
• Homemade treats from local families
• Front porch visits to share stories and a smile
These gestures cost very little — but their impact is priceless.
Families are also redefining what Christmas looks like on a budget. Thrift stores, church swaps, and low-cost craft
stations allow parents and children to create gifts together. Local thrift shops often set out affordable décor, tree trimmings, and gently used toys. Many families are choosing gifts-from-the-heart traditions: framed photos, handwritten letters, homemade ornaments, or baking days where everyone contributes what they can.
How to Spend Less and Still Give More to Our Community
Here in Highlands County, generosity doesn’t have to drain a wallet. These budget-friendly, community-centered ideas help stretch holiday dollars while increasing the impact of giving:
1. Give Your Time Instead of Money
Volunteer at local nursing homes, shelters, or community centers. Reading to seniors, helping with light decorating, serving meals, or visiting homebound neighbors costs nothing but means everything.
2. Participate in Skill Sharing
Offer what you already know: sewing repairs, hair trims, tutoring, cooking meals, or light handyman help. These simple gestures are often more valuable than store-bought gifts.
3. Create “blessing bags” on a budget
Use dollar-store items to make small kits with socks, snacks, wipes, and toiletries. These can be delivered to seniors, veterans, or struggling families.
4. Organize a Community Swap Day
Neighbors bring gently used décor, toys, books, and household items to trade. No money spent — but everyone leaves with something useful.
5. Give Homemade Gifts with Heart Baking, crafting, painting ornaments, or assembling cocoa jars costs only a few dollars but carries deep meaning.
6. Adopt a Senior
Many seniors request simple items:
slippers, blankets, puzzles, calendars, or lotion. Small purchases can brighten an entire season.
7. Use Your Creativity for Community Good
Make holiday cards, crochet lap blankets, or fold paper ornaments for nursing homes. Children love helping with these kinds of projects.
8. Host a Potluck Instead of buying Everything
Instead of one family shouldering the cost, everyone brings a dish. Seniors can bring something simple and still participate in the holiday fun.
9. Give the Gift of Presence
Attend local events with someone who might otherwise go alone — a parade, tree lighting, or church program. Being together matters more than spending.
10. Support Local with Small Purchases
Buying even one small item from a local baker, crafter, or family-owned shop helps keep dollars in Highlands County.
11. Check on Shut-Ins in Your neighborhood
A simple knock on the door, a warm hello, or a small holiday treat can mean the world to someone who rarely leaves their home.
12. Share a Plate of Cookies with a Veteran
Many local veterans appreciate being remembered and honored during the holidays.
13. Sponsor a Child
Through local churches and community
groups, you can sponsor a child with a small gift, book, or holiday goodie bag.
14. Walk Around and Enjoy Christmas Lights Together
This free tradition brings families closer and reminds us of the beauty already glowing in our neighborhoods. 15. Let the kids Help Decorate Children love being included — let them hang ornaments, place stockings, or help with simple crafts.
16. Add Popcorn Strings to the Tree
A classic, budget-friendly activity that
creates memories while decorating the home.
Community Resources Making a Difference
Highlands County is filled with organizations ready to help lighten the load this season. Churches host toy drives, food pantries, and community dinners. Local schools often adopt senior centers or collect gifts for children in need. Residents are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for connections to food assistance, financial help, and holiday programs.
Celebrating What Truly Matters
In a time when everything seems to cost more, Highlands County is rediscovering the heart of Christmas: connection, compassion, and community support. Seniors feel remembered. Families feel seen. Children feel joy. And every resident who gives — even in the smallest way — becomes part of a ripple effect of hope.
Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean “less.” Here in Highlands County, it means more love, more community, and more of what truly matters.
Finding Light in the Hard Seasons: Choosing Positivity During the Holidays
By Haley Stough
THE HOLIDAYS OFTE n ARRIVE wrapped in bright colors and big expectations. Everywhere we turn storefronts, social media, commercials we’re reminded that this is supposed to be “the most joyful time of the year.” Yet for many people, the season brings a mix of emotions. Joy and warmth can sit right beside stress, grief, anxiety, or memories that weigh heavily on the heart.
Even in those difficult seasons, people often discover small ways to hold onto hope. Not a forced cheerfulness or a pretend smile, but a quiet, steady positivity that helps them keep moving. This kind of positivity isn’t about ignoring pain; it’s about noticing the good that still exists alongside it and allowing simple moments to matter a warm meal, a familiar song, or the comfort of knowing someone truly sees you. For some, holiday struggles come from grief missing someone who isn’t at the table this year. For others, the
stress shows up in financial pressure, complicated family dynamics, or loneliness that seems louder during a season built around togetherness. Yet even in those moments, many people find strength in the small things that anchor them.
It’s important to remember that it is okay not to be okay during this season. Acknowledging our emotions, instead of burying them, creates space for healing. Naming what hurts doesn’t make us weak it makes us honest. And once we acknowledge how we feel even if it’s heavy we can gently shift our focus toward moments of comfort or goodness without dismissing the real emotions underneath. In tough times, positivity becomes more of a practice than a feeling. Some people begin by noticing small joys they can control: a quiet morning, a lit candle, or a slow drive to look at Christmas lights. Others find healing by creating new traditions when the old ones are painful, or by leaning on trusted friends, family
members, or faith communities to help carry the weight. And sometimes the healthiest thing anyone can do during the holidays is simply to slow down and rest.
For those who are struggling deeply, one small shift in perspective can make a difference. Pause long enough to look for one good thing in the moment. It doesn’t have to be big just something that reminds you there is still goodness in the world. That tiny shift won’t erase the hard parts, but it can gently interrupt the heaviness and let in a bit of light. Over time, these small moments of noticing can steady the heart in surprising ways.
Positivity does not erase the hard parts of life, but it can make them easier to walk through. Hope often grows through faith as well, reminding us that even in our hardest seasons, we are never walking alone. The holidays do not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the most beautiful seasons are the ones where we choose to keep going, one small moment of hope at a time.
