Donations Needed for Sebring's Fourth of July Fireworks

Officials are working overtime to make this year's Fourth of July Fireworks display a reality. With less than a month before the event, which is scheduled for July 3 at 9:00 PM over Lake Jackson, funds are still desperately needed in order for the tradition to continue. The Downtown Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has committed $5,000 and a total of $9,000 has been pledged, but $6,000 is still needed to meet the $15,000 cost of the production. Anyone who would like to make a financial contribution in any amount is encouraged to do so immediately via the Sebring Chamber of Commerce. Donations can be made payable to Sebring Chamber of Commerce (227 U.S. 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870) with Fireworks Fund in the memo line. Cohan Radio Group has graciously offered to donate air time to help promote this important fundraising event. For more information, please contact the Sebring Chamber of Commerce at (863) 385-8448.
More Downtown Public Parking Available
On behalf of the City of Sebring, the CRA

purchased a parking lot that will now be available for public parking. Located on S. Ridgewood at the corner of Wall Street, the lot currently has 22 parking spots and will be undergoing improvements that will include signage indicating public parking available.
Streetscape #9 Update
Streetscape #9, north from Wall Street to Pine on North Ridgewood has begun. Please excuse any inconvenience this may temporarily cause. Officials are working quickly to ensure the least amount of impact as they work to beautify downtown.
July Gallery Walk to Celebrate the "Dog Days of Summer"

The Downtown Sebring merchants will celebrate the Dog Days of Summer and National Hot Dog Month during the July 8 Gallery Walk, which will be held from 5-8 PM. Events will include a Dog Fashion Show, Hot Dog Vendors, Pet Adoption, Live Entertainment, Pet-Related Vendors and more! Plan on bringing your four-legged friend to Downtown Sebring for this event. Merchants will provide water bowls for the pets. For more information, contact Event Coordinator Linda Tucker at (863) 382-2649.
Centennial Banners Coming Soon
To begin the Sebring Centennial Celebration,

the Downtown Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is purchasing Centennial Banners that will be displayed from the light poles in the downtown area. Be sure to watch for the new banners!
Will include photo
Entertainment District Update
On June 7, the Sebring City Council approved an amendment that will allow bars and nightclubs to open up next to churches in parts of downtown. The amendment now allows businesses within the newly created Downtown Entertainment Overlay District to sell alcohol without selling any food. What this means is that bars, pubs and clubs can now open within the small portion of the city's Community Redevelopment District.
The new entertainment district spans around the Circle going up West Center Avenue to Lakeview Drive; up North Commerce Avenue to Pomegranate Avenue; up North Ridgewood Drive to Pine Street; includes two properties on East Center Avenue and the Circle; goes up South Commerce Avenue to Pine Street; and up South Ridgewood Drive to Oak and Franklin avenues.
Summer Kids Camps Available in Downtown Sebring

Two Downtown Sebring organizations are currently offering summer camps for kids. The
Highlands Art League presents their Creative Kids Camp series (ages 5+) for this summer, which features two-hour art classes taught by professional artists. The cost is $60/week. For more information, call (863) 385-6682 or visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org. The
Children's Museum of the Highlands is presenting Discovery Camp 2011 with weeklong camp sessions during June, July & August. For dates, topics and registration information, call (863) 385-5437 or visit www.ChildrensMuseumHighlands.com.
July's What's Up Downtown? Meeting
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will host its next "What's Up Downtown" meeting on Tuesday, July 26 at 5:30 PM at Somo's Deli (209 Circle Park Drive). The meeting will provide updates on the proposed Entertainment District, Streetscape project, Downtown Sebring events, and CRA marketing initiatives. Please note there will NOT be a What's Up Downtown meeting in June.