South of Lake Placid, a private, environmental research center called the Archbold Biological Station conserves an unspoiled portion of south-central Florida that's known to biologists around the world, although to few Floridians. Good Sports Several tennis courts and clubs plus at least 15 golf courses are open to the public. Additionally, there's a golf and tennis resort and several private clubs where locals enjoy a set of tennis or a round of golf. But the biggest sport here in Highlands County is probably fishing on the many freshwater lakes or the Kissimmee River. Professional athletes don't play for pay here.
Folks enjoy watching high school players or maybe watching a big pro game on television.
Many social and cultural events emanate from the Allen C. Altvater Cultural Center on the shores of Sebring's Lake Jackson. In addition to the civic center and library, several arts institutions are headquartered here, including Lakeside Playhouse Theatre, Highlands Museum of Arts and the Highlands Art League. Another important player on the county's cultural stage is South Florida Community College in Avon Park, which sponsors a cultural series featuring performances by musicians, dancers and theatrical groups. If you like small towns, you'll love Lake Placid. In 1996, it was named Florida's Outstanding Rural Community of the Year by Enterprise Florida and the Department of Transportation.