LAKELAND — It took a couple of innings for the Sebring hitters to adjust to the soft tosses of East Lakeland right-hander Zach Malvasia in Saturday's opening round of the Dixie AAA (ages 9-10) state tournament in Lakeland. But once the boys in black and blue got dialed in, it became a game of chuck-and-duck for Malvasia and the rest of the East Lakeland pitching staff as Sebring, led by Seth Cannady's three RBI, banged out 13 hits en route to a 16-2 romp over the host team. "It took us awhile to adjust to the speed of the East Lakeland pitcher because he just kind of loops it in there," said Sebring coach Bobby Cannon. "Slow pitchers give us trouble because we aren't patient at the plate. ...more

July 6, 2008

OKEECHOBEE — Seth Abeln can get under the skin of any pitcher in Dixie baseball when he gets on base, as he is famous for turning a single into a run. ...more

July 3, 2008

TORNADO WARNING ISSUED ...more

July 2, 2008

OKEECHOBEE — After waiting almost two hours to play against Okeechobee in the Dixie 13-year-old District 8 tournament because of storms on Monday night, the Sebring All-Stars ran into a home team that was ready to play. ...more

July 1, 2008

AVON PARK — The rain storms that soaked the Heartland on Thursday interrupted play in the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour's event at Highlands Ridge South. ...more

June 27, 2008

HIGHLANDS COUNTY — A fire that burned down the Rancher restaurant early Sunday morning was set deliberately, according to Sam Venzeio, State Fire Marshal spokesman. The 40-foot-wide-by-120-foot-long eatery was located at 15765 State Road 70, on the border of Highlands and Okeechobee counties, he said. The fire was called in at 1:12 a.m. Sunday. "We have developed a person of interest," Venzeio said Monday. "But, we're not releasing any name." One man, who is not a firefighter, was hospitalized at Okeechobee Hospital with serious burns and later was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. His condition was unknown. ...more

June 23, 2008

Dixie Youth League Baseball AAA Minors District 6 Tournament ...more

June 17, 2008

The body was found among the short trees and prickly underbrush that border a desolate stretch of dirt road. ...more

June 13, 2008

The body was found among the short trees and prickly underbrush that border a desolate stretch of dirt road. ...more

June 12, 2008

AVON PARK — Rocky Khara has played the River Greens Golf Course countless times in his youth. The 16-year-old Sebring resident took advantage of his vast knowledge of the tight and demanding 6,100-yard layout by shooting a sizzling 6-under 66 on Saturday to seize the first round lead of the 39th annual Bagwell Junior Invitational. The prestigious junior golf tournament, which is for ages 12-18, has attracted a talented field of 58 boys and five girls from across the state. Khara's fine 66 gave him a two-stroke lead over 13-year-old Connor Lynch, who carded a 4-under 68. Mike Gillooley is in third place after a 71, Katsu Yuki Sakuri is at 72 and Greg Gentry of Avon Park, Drew Guffey and defending champion Cory Meade are at 73. ...more

June 8, 2008