Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Where calm meets convenience: A new list of 11 stress-free Florida cities spotlights Sebring for lakefront living and peaceful days, and notes Inverness for affordability, alongside picks like St. Augustine, Tampa, Miami, and DeLand -- explore the standout communities.

What officials advise now: Good news for Sebring neighbors, the water shortage warning has ended for Glades County and parts of Highlands County after heavy rains, though conservation and local irrigation rules still apply -- get all the details.

Experienced finance leaders ascend: Earlier this month, Sebring's HCA Florida Highlands Hospital promoted CFO Henry Capote to CEO. Prosser Memorial Health in Washington also elevated interim CFO Timothy Reed to CEO -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Make your own hat: Whether you're craving a closet refresh or just want to play with ribbons and feathers, Denim & Magnolias pairs easy-to-wear finds with a custom hat bar run by a mother and daughter. Indulge in quick creativity and leave with something that feels like you, no fuss, all flair.

Garden brunch vibes: Faded Bistro & Beer Garden turns slow mornings into a small celebration...think alfresco tables, seasonal plates, and a mellow coffee-to-cocktail glow. For catch-ups that feel simple yet special, Sebring’s favorite keeps it effortless, from sun-dappled seats to fresh bites and sips, without the try-hard fuss.

Cravings on the Circle: When you want a no-fuss, flavor-heavy meal that feels like a little victory lap around downtown, Havana Restaurant on The Circle delivers. Bring a friend, split something you’ll argue over later, and let the Sebring comfort vibes reset your week.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🌱 Plant Sale @ Sebring, Civic Center | Monday (4/27) at 11:30 AM – Swing by the Civic Center for the Garden Club of Sebring’s Spring plant sale, and let your yard finally outgrow its big-box blues. Friendly locals, Florida-hardy finds, and advice that beats Googling. Bring a tote, a little cash, and your best porch dreams.

🍷 Tastes of Highlands @ Journal Plaza (Lake Placid) | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:30 PM – If your Wednesday needs a lift, swing by for chef-made soups, dinners, and desserts, great drinks, live local music, and actual neighbors. Park-like setting with rotating vendors for produce, sourdough, honey, and jams. Fourth week is themed, and yes, no tag on the lawn.

🧠 Mayhem: Mental Health Awareness Symposium @ Sebring Civic Center | Friday (5/1) at 8:30 AM – Whether you love clean data or want straight talk on mental and maternal health, Sebring’s symposium keeps it useful, local, and grounded. Less slogans, more solutions. Co-hosted by Peace River Center and Heartland Core Wellness, it’s free with registration, plus a networking lunch for providers.

📚 Read for a Treat @ Avon Park Public Library | Friday (5/1) – Fridays at the Avon Park Library mean classic small-town parenting at its finest: kids or grandkids read a book to a friendly volunteer, then score a treat. You get air-conditioning, a few quiet minutes, and the smug glow of raising readers. Bribery, but wholesome.

🎨 Mini & Me: Paint, Plant & Fan Fun @ Unity of Sebring Life Enrichment Centre | Saturday (5/2) at 2:00 PM – If you’re banking Mother’s Day points, this Mini & Me delivers. Paint a tiny pot, plant fresh blooms, decorate a folding fan that earns its keep when the Sebring sun kicks in, then sip lemonade, share a treat. Real keepsakes, not glitter chaos.

🥂 Season Reveal Gala @ Highlands Lakeside Theatre | Saturday (5/2) at 6:30 PM – Snag a first peek at Highlands Lakeside Theatre’s Blackman Stage season at a polished little gala. 5 Live brings the tunes, and the heavy hors d’oeuvres basically are dinner. Cocktail attire, and a chance to back the arts without a pledge drive.

On nearly 10 cleared acres at a corner lot, this 5-bed, 4-bath, 2,912-square-foot home blends vintage charm with possibility. Two primary suites, one up and one down, offer flexibility. A pastel-tiled garage bath adds whimsy, and outbuildings including a 24x22 shed boost utility. There is no HOA or CDD. Updates include a 2019 roof, new water heater, and newer A/C.