Press Releases

Press Releases are listed in reverse chronological order.

Questions? Call Robin Hinote at 863-471-5104 or email her here.

4-12-12  CRA Board Names Hinote Acting Executive Director
On April 9, the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board unanimously named Robin Hinote as acting executive director until a new director is selected by the search committee and approved by the CRA board.  Read Full Release

2-22-12 Pilates in the Park Series to be held Monthly in Downtown Sebring
The Sebring Gold’s Gym is partnering with the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to host “Pilates in the Park.”  Read Full Release

12-8-11 – Buy Downtown This Holiday Season & Help Local Economy
With the holidays here and gift shopping on everyone’s mind, it is just as important to remember how your money is spent in addition to what you buy. How much money do you plan to spend at a local, independent business for the holidays?  Read Full Release

12-7-11 Downtown Sebring Celebrates the Holiday Season Dec. 9
Downtown Sebring will celebrate the holidays with entertainment, special events, special shopping offers and dining during this month’s Destination Downtown event from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9 in and around Downtown Sebring’s Circle Park.  Read Full Release

12-1-11 – Sebring’s Carousel of Lights Illuminates Downtown Sebring
The area’s largest Christmas lighting display can be seen at Sebring’s Christmas Carousel of Lights located on the Circle in Downtown Sebring from 6-9 PM starting Dec. 3 and continuing through Christmas. Nightly visits with Santa are featured along with shows and other activities for the kids. Admission is free.  Read Full Release

11-4-11 – Downtown Sebring To Host Veterans Appreciation Event on Nov. 11
November is a time to honor America’s Veterans, and this month’s Destination Downtown will celebrate with a special Veterans Appreciation event from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11 in Downtown Sebring’s Circle Park following the Downtown Veterans Parade & Ceremony.  Read Full Release

9-28-11 Downtown Sebring “Cooking” Up Some Spooktakular Family Fun at Halloween Bash
It’s a Halloween Bash in Downtown Sebring as the October 14 Destination Downtown “cooks” up some spooktacular family fun from 5-8 p.m. It’s fun for the whole family with the following activities:
• ‘All Things Pumpkin’ Bake Off – Local Celebrity Chef Judges (pre-registration info and rules posted at www.DestinationDowntownSebring.com) • Costume Contests – Several Prize Categories, Including Pets • Ghost Stories in Sadie Kahn Park – Presented by Highlands Little Theatre • Games for Kids Throughout Downtown • Meal Specials at Mae Lee’s, Somo’s, Siriano’s, El Ranchero & Old San Juan • Five Object Challenge at Highlands Art League’s Yellow House  Read Full Release

9-7-11 Sebring’s Destination Downtown Presents: Grandparents Appreciation Night
Downtown Sebring’s Destination Downtown is hosting Grandparents Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5:00-8:00 PM in Historic Downtown Sebring. The event will feature music on the Circle, hotdog and snow cone vendors, discounts offered with your ‘Buy Downtown Sebring’ card and pet friendly merchants. For the grandparents, the event will provide free prize drawings by visiting participating merchants.  Read Full Release

8-15-11 Downtown Sebring Announces Return of Downtown Community Sidewalk Garage Sales
Downtown Sebring is thrilled to announce the return of the fun and exciting Downtown Community Sidewalk Garage Sales, which will be held one Saturday a month September-December from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM. During these events, space will be available for vendors to reserve in order to sell merchandise in Downtown Sebring. Read Full Release

8-9-11 Guest Speaker Provides Tourism & Business Development Information for Downtowns
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will host its next “What’s Up Downtown?” meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5:30 PM at the Sebring Civic Center on Lake Jackson starting promptly at 5:30 PM. Guest speaker Marjorie Ferrer, executive director of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DBDDA), will give a presentation, Positioning Downtown as a Destination for Visitors & Residents. This topic will provide valuable information to the community on how to take advantage of Sebring’s charming and historic downtown for tourists, part-time and year-round residents.  Read Full Release

8-1-11 Celebrate “Kids Night” During August’s Destination Downtown
It’s Kids Night in Downtown Sebring on Aug. 12 from 5-8 PM and you can bring your parents too! It’s fun for the whole family with the following activities… Read Full Release

7-1-11 Celebrate “Dog Days of Summer” During July’s Destination Downtown
SEBRING, Fla. (July 1, 2011) – Don’t let your summer go to the dogs….bring them to Downtown Sebring and help celebrate the “Dog Days of Summer” on July 8 from 5-8 PM. Bring your pooch downtown to enjoy a Doggie Fashion Show, special pet treats, pet-related exhibitors and more! Several Downtown Sebring merchants are offering incredible deals and discounts during this Destination Downtown Sebring event, which used to be referred to as Gallery Walk.  Read Full Press Release

6-27-11 Monthly Downtown Sebring Event Gets New Name
SEBRING, Fla. (June 27, 2011) – The Downtown Sebring Gallery Walk has a new name. The purpose of the newly-created Entertainment District is to make Downtown Sebring a destination point for residents and visitors. A core group of merchants, who have participated in what has been known as Gallery Walk, have decided to change the name of the monthly event to coincide with the new destination theme.  Read Full Press Release

4-8-11 Chalk Walk Art Competition to “Paint” Downtown Sebring on April 8
SEBRING, Fla. (April 4, 2011) – The Sebring High School Art Students will be competing in a Chalk Walk Art Competition on Friday, April 8 in Historic Downtown Sebring. The chalk art will take place on the sidewalks from 5:00-7:45 p.m. as 12 teams, comprised of four students each, create themed art for the public to enjoy. Read Full Press Release

1-11-2011 – Destination Centennial: Downtown Sebring To Host Business Opportunity Seminar
Ever thought about starting or re-locating your own business?  Have a Downtown Sebring business you’d like to improve?  Then plan to attend the Destination Centennial: Downtown Sebring Business Opportunity Seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 5:00-9:00 PM at the Kenilworth Lodge.  Read Full Press Release

12-1-2010 – Buy Downtown Sebring Helps Consumers Save Money & Keeps More Money in Local Economy
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has launched a new consumer incentive program designed to spur economic activity in Downtown Sebring and help consumers save money this holiday shopping season.  This program, called Buy Downtown Sebring, officially launched on Dec. 1, 2010. Buy Downtown

11-22-2010 -   CRA Budgets $50,000 To Attract New Restaurants to Downtown Sebring
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has budgeted $50,000 in the 2010-2011 budget for its new Restaurant Incentive Program, which is designed to assist new restaurants in starting in the Downtown Sebring district.  Restaurant Incentive

11-15-2010 – Downtown Sebring Offers Businesses More Incentives
The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted to re-instate the Downtown Advantage Program, which was used in the early 1990s.  This is just one more incentive-based program to make Downtown Sebring properties competitive with other retail and professional space.  The program provides financial assistance with the interior leasehold improvements new tenants need to build out the stores for their needs.   Downtown Advantage

8-16-2010 – Save Money in Historic Downtown Sebring During the 2010 Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 13-15
SEBRING, Fla. (August 2, 2010) – The 2010 Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Aug. 13-15 and Historic Downtown Sebring merchants are open for business.  Shoppers looking to save money during this tax-free weekend are encouraged to visit Historic Downtown Sebring for great savings on books, clothing, footwear, accessories and school supplies.  Read Full Press Release

6-28-2010 – Downtown Sebring to Celebrate 4th of July on July 3
SEBRING, Fla. (June 28, 2010) - The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce will host Downtown Sebring’s  Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 3.
Read July 4th Press Release

6-24-2010 – Historic Downtown Sebring’s Monthly Gallery Walk Scheduled for June 11
SEBRING, Fla. (June 7, 2010) – Historic Downtown Sebring’s monthly Gallery Walk on Friday, June 11 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  During this event, many of the stores will offer extended hours to provide downtown residents and visitors a chance to shop in Sebring’s charming boutiques and art galleries all while enjoying music on the Circle.  Register to win the
Gallery Walk Gift Basket, with gifts from area merchants, at any participating Gallery Walk merchant. GW June Press Release (PDF)

5-11-2010 – Downtown Sebring Launches New Web site: www.DowntownSebring.org
SEBRING, Fla. (May 11, 2010) – Sebring’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently announced the launch of its brand new website for Downtown Sebring, www.DowntownSebring.org.  The website is designed to improve overall communications between the Downtown Sebring area and residents and visitors. Full CRA Website Press Release (PDF)

5-6-2010  Sebring CRA to Host Marketing Seminar for Downtown Businesses
SEBRING, Fla. (May 6, 2010) – Sebring’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will host a Marketing Seminar for merchants, businesses and organizations within the CRA District on Wednesday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. – noon at the Kenilworth Lodge. The seminar is free to anyone who owns or works for a business in Downtown Sebring. Full Marketing Seminar Press Release (PDF)

4-28-2010 Enjoy May’s Spring Flowers at Historic Downtown Sebring’s Monthly Gallery Walk
SEBRING, Fla. (April 28, 2010) – The month of May brings spring flowers and Historic Downtown Sebring’s monthly Gallery Walk on Friday, May 14 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  During this event, many of the stores will offer extended hours to provide downtown residents and visitors a chance to shop in Sebring’s charming boutiques and art galleries all while enjoying music on the Circle.  Register to win the Gallery Walk Gift Basket, with gifts from area merchants, at any participating Gallery Walk merchant. Get PDF of Full Press Release Here

4-12–2010 “Historic Downtown Sebring Goes Social”
SEBRING, Fla. (April 12, 2010) – Downtown Sebring has gone social…social media that is.  Through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)’s marketing initiatives, Downtown Sebring now has a Facebook Fan Page, Twitter Page and its own YouTube Channel. Get PDF of Full Press Release

3-22-2010  “What’s Up Downtown” Meeting Provides Informal Discussion Opportunity
SEBRING, Fla. (March 22, 2010) – The first “What’s Up Downtown” meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 31 at 8:30 a.m. at Charlie’s Steak & Seafood (113 S. Commerce Ave; 863-382-2983). The meeting will serve as an informal discussion on what’s happening in Downtown Sebring.  Get PDF of Full Press Release

2-26-2010 “Taste of the Race” Provides Gastronomic Tour of Downtown Sebring
SEBRING, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2010) – The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Sebring will host the “Taste of the Race” on Thursday, March 18 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Each year, nearly 2,000 people help kick off the annual 12 Hours of Sebring with this gastronomic tour of Downtown Sebring.  The historic sports cars will arrive downtown from the track via police escort around 11:00 a.m.  Vendors will be on site with food, beverages and fun activities.  Get PDF of Full Press Release

2-4-2010 Downtown Sebring to Host a “Roaring” Good Time
SEBRING, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2010) – Downtown Sebring will be having a “roaring” good time on Sat., Feb. 13 as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) hosts the 27th annual Roaring Twenties Arts and Crafts Festival from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., which will be followed at 6 p.m. by the Saturday Night Cruise.   Get PDF of Full Press Release