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A Place to Learn, Record and Create: P2P Studio Academy Brings the Arts to Life in Lake Placid

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Lake Placid may be known for its murals, lakes and small-town charm, but inside P2P Studio Academy, another kind of creative energy is taking shape.

The studio is run by Geronimo and Betzaida Santana, a couple who came to Lake Placid expecting to retire. Opening a new business was not exactly the plan. But after settling into the community, they saw a need — and more than that, they saw possibility.

P2P Studio Academy is part music school, part recording studio, part creative workspace and part passion project.

Students can take vocal lessons, guitar lessons and piano lessons. They can learn music production, audio engineering, mixing and mastering, or artist development. Those interested in creating a professional podcast can use the on-site podcast center. Musicians who want to record an album can do that, too.

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New Dog Park Concept Approved Near Devane Park

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CRA Approved Lake Placid Dog Park Concept

CRA Approves Concept for Dog Park Near Devane Park

The Lake Placid Community Redevelopment Agency approved moving forward with a new dog park concept during Monday’s CRA meeting. The proposed dog park will be located on town-owned property next to First Insurance, across from Devane Park. The concept includes separate space for small dogs, seating areas, and water access for dogs. The drawing is still conceptual, but it gives residents a first look at how the space will be used.

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Faces of Lake Placid Sharion Hudson

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Sharion Hudson of The Purple Iris Tea Room

Sharion has been giving back to Lake Placid for as long as many of us can remember. From the Santa Claus that once brought Christmas cheer to Devane Park, to helping feed people after natural disasters, Sharion has always shown up with a generous heart and a willingness to serve.

A lifelong resident of Lake Placid, many know Sharion as the longtime owner of All Around Septic. These days, she is living out a lifelong dream as the owner of The Purple Iris Tea Room, a sweet and welcoming spot right here in town.

Stop by, say hello, and support someone who has spent years supporting Lake Placid.

What is your favorite word?

Fellowship.

What is your least favorite word?

Huh.

What is your favorite sound?

Harp.

What is your least favorite sound?

Loud radio in the car next to me.

What is your favorite curse word?

Son of a biscuit eater.

What occupation would you like to attempt?

Interior Decorator (spending someone else’s money!)

What occupation would you like to attempt?

Physician.

When you are greeted at the pearly gates, what would you like to hear God say?

Welcome, you made it.

Visit The Purple Iris Team Room, 340 E. Interlake Blvd. Lake Placid, FL

Open Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 3pm, open evenings 5 – 8 pm Thursday – Saturday

https://www.facebook.com/thepurpleiristearoom

Coaches Needed for Lake Placid High School

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Photo from LPHS website

Basketball, Track, Football and Tennis

The school currently has openings for a Boys Basketball Head Coach, Boys and Girls Track Head Coaches, three Football Assistant Coaches, and Boys and Girls Head Tennis Coaches.

Anyone interested in one of the open coaching positions must apply through the School Board’s official online employment system. Applicants will need to list three professional references and upload the required documentation, which may include proof of education, transcripts, certification information or other supporting materials.

Completed applications are reviewed by Human Resources, and candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the school or department.

New hires should also be aware that onboarding may include fingerprinting, drug screening, certification and related fees.

More information can be found on the School Board’s website: https://www.applitrack.com/highlandscounty/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackPostingSearch=location:%22Lake+Placid+High%22

Market Day at Museum Welcomes Sugar Express Back to Lake Placid

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Market Days at the Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum was a success Saturday, May 16, as the community welcomed the return of Sugar Express to Lake Placid.

There were 338 passengers on board the train, and many made their way through the museum and market during their visit. The day included live entertainment by Barney and Nancy Miesse, a variety of vendors, and plenty of activity around the Depot.

Vendors offered a little bit of everything, including locally made smoked fish dip, handmade bags, crocheted items, exotic snacks, antiques and more. It was a nice mix of local flavor, handmade goods and interesting finds.

The Lake Placid Historical Society thanks all of the vendors who participated, the volunteers who helped at the museum, and Sylvia Marine, who coordinated the vendors for the event.

Market Days is a good example of what happens when the train, the museum, local vendors and volunteers all come together. It brings people downtown, gives visitors something extra to enjoy, and helps showcase Lake Placid in a simple, welcoming way.

Market Days will return Saturday, May 30, when Sugar Express makes its next visit to Lake Placid.

FDOT Updates US 27 Progress

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Tower strret Closure - Photo courtesy FDOT

Motorists traveling through Lake Placid should prepare for another major phase of construction along U.S. 27 later this month as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues work on two separate highway improvement projects running through town.

According to FDOT, a temporary closure of Tower Street at U.S. 27 will begin May 26, 2026, and is expected to last approximately 21 days as part of ongoing Phase 4 construction activities tied to the intersection reconstruction project.

The closure is connected to FDOT project FPID 442765-1, which covers U.S. 27 from south of Tower Street to north of Tower Street. Crews are continuing roadway reconstruction, drainage work, curb installation, paving operations, median construction, and traffic improvements throughout the corridor. The overall project remains on schedule for completion in mid-2026.

FDOT stated the timing of the closure was intentionally scheduled after the school year ends to help reduce impacts on school-related traffic.

During the closure, crews will complete:

  • Concrete pavement work at the Tower Street intersection
  • Median construction
  • Final paving operations
  • Roadway tie-ins along U.S. 27

Drivers should expect detours and periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures throughout the project area.

A second FDOT project, FPID 446207-1, also remains active along U.S. 27 from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road. The objective of the project is to extend the service life of the existing pavement and improve safety on S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis & Gaines Road. The estimated completion date for this project is late 2026. The improvements include:

• Milling and resurfacing the existing pavement. Inside paved shoulders will be added in the medians.
• A separate design project for the Tower Street intersection will be constructed with this project. The intersection will be fully reconstructed with concrete pavement.


• Bicycle keyhole lanes will be constructed at the right turn lanes.
• Proposed sidewalk improvements to increase pedestrian connectivity.
• Proposed guardrail and traffic signal replacement to meet current standards.
• Modify median openings to improve safety and meet current requirements.

Three full median openings will be converted to directional openings and two openings will be closed:
Proposed directional median openings at C.R. 29, S. Main Ave., and Heartland Blvd.
Proposed median closures at Old SR 8, and South of Lake McCoy (no side street).

Lake Placid Council to Consider Downtown Plan, Resiliency Grant and Caladium Festival Request

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Lake Placid Town Council has three action items on tonight’s agenda: a Chamber of Commerce request related to the Caladium Festival and Car Show, a Downtown Master Plan presentation, and approval of a state resiliency grant agreement for a town vulnerability assessment.

The Chamber of Commerce request is for fee waivers and road closures connected to the annual Caladium Festival and Car Show. According to the agenda packet, the request includes Public Works support, law enforcement services, deposits and rental fees. The packet lists $10,116 in budgeted services and $600 in additional fee and deposit waivers, for a total event request of $10,716.

The larger discussion item is expected to be the Downtown Master Plan, which will be presented by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council for council review and possible approval. The plan is described in the packet as a guide for future downtown economic development, beautification, infrastructure improvements, mobility, placemaking and redevelopment opportunities. Approval of the plan would not directly approve individual projects or spending, but would allow town staff to use the document for planning, project prioritization, grant applications and future implementation.

One detail in the plan is the possible pursuit of a Florida Main Street designation. Under Goal 1: Establish a Distinct Downtown Identity and Sense of Place, the first listed strategy is “Pursue the Local Florida Main Street designation.” The plan says downtown Lake Placid has potential to become a more cohesive, recognizable and active town center, and points to placemaking, downtown branding, and coordinated public and private investment as part of that effort.

That is the same program Avon Park reinstated on Oct. 1. Like a chamber of commerce, a Main Street program generally depends on local funding — memberships, sponsorships, events, donations, public support and grants. According to public comments from Avon Park Main Street leadership, the city provided $30,000 for the program under a city contract, paid quarterly in $7,500 installments, with spending documentation required. Avon Park Main Street also uses memberships and sponsorships as part of its local support model. Its listed levels include $50 individual memberships, $100 nonprofit memberships, $150 business memberships, $1,000+ partner sponsorships, and $3,000+ program investor sponsorships.

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Lake Placid CRA to Discuss Park Repairs, Downtown Improvements and Meeting Schedule

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Devane Park Gazebo

The Lake Placid Community Redevelopment Agency meets Monday, and the agenda packet includes a project summary for the 2025–2026 fiscal year showing $597,005 in total CRA project funding. As of the report, $18,288 had been spent, $25,000 had been transferred, and $553,717 remained.

One project that is moving ahead is Waldo Aliff Road paving. The packet lists the project as active and states that Excavation Point Inc. has been issued a purchase order. The contractor is expected to contact the town with an estimated start date.

DeVane Park is also expected to remain part of the discussion. At the April CRA meeting, staff presented updates on planned improvements, including gazebo rehabilitation, replacement of deteriorating railings, updated lighting, benches and workout equipment. The CRA board authorized staff to obtain quotes or issue an RFP for the DeVane Park rehabilitation project.

The May project summary lists $75,000 for DeVane Park gazebo structural rehabilitation. Staff notes that the gazebo rail work alone could cost an estimated $40,000 to $50,000, and that a specific railing style needs to be chosen before the project can go out for bid. The preferred material listed is steel or thick-gauge aluminum, painted white or black.

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Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Renner Returns to Lake Placid

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Former Florida House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner returned to Lake Placid this week for his second appearance in the community, a Tuesday evening meet and greet at Owl and Otter at Journal Plaza.

Discussion during the event focused on issues affecting Florida residents and smaller communities, including housing affordability, municipalities, property taxes, growth, infrastructure, water concerns and data centers. Renner made clear he opposes data centers.

Conversation surrounding housing included concerns about out-of-state investment groups purchasing residential properties, rising rents and whether Floridians will continue to be able to afford to remain in their communities.

Residents also questioned Renner about the ongoing statewide discussion surrounding property taxes and what eliminating them could mean for municipalities and local services. Renner said he has a plan to address the issue.

Throughout the discussion, Renner repeatedly returned to concerns about preserving the quality of life for Floridians and ensuring Florida’s growth does not come at the expense of the people already living here.

“I don’t want to see Florida change so much more that people don’t want to live here,” Renner told attendees.

Renner’s return visit to Lake Placid comes as Florida’s 2026 governor’s race continues to develop. The Highlands County Republican Party organized the gathering and has also hosted other gubernatorial candidates, including Jay Collins and Bobby Williams. James Fishback recently appeared in Sebring. Highlands County Republican Party Chair Lauren Bush has also repeatedly invited Byron Donalds to the area, though those requests have gone unanswered.

For more information about Renner’s campaign: https://voterenner.com/

For more information about Highlands County Republican Party: https://highlands.gop/

Summer Swim Program Begins at Lake Placid High School Pool

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Summer swimming at Lake Placid High School Pool

Families looking for a way to beat the heat this summer can once again head to the pool at Lake Placid High School, where open swim and swim lessons are returning for the 2026 season.

Open swim begins May 11 and continues through July 25. Through May 22, the pool will be open weekday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Beginning May 26, public swim hours expand to Monday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., along with evening swim Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Admission is $4 per session. Season passes are also available for families planning to swim regularly throughout the summer. Passes are $125 for the first family member and $80 for each additional family member.

The pool will be closed Memorial Day, May 25, and Independence Day, July 4. During evening swim sessions, lanes may also be available for lap swimming when possible.

The Summer Swim Program will offer one-week swim lesson sessions beginning June 8 and continuing through July 17. Lessons are $45 per child, per week.

Instruction will be offered for multiple skill levels, including preschool aquatics, beginner swim instruction, stroke development, stroke refinement, diving, fitness swimming, and lifeguard readiness. Adult instruction will also be available for novice and experienced swimmers looking to improve technique.

Parents may begin registering students May 11 at the LPHS pool. Registration is first come, first served and continues throughout the summer until classes are full.

For additional information, residents may contact Kari Lambert at 441-0309.

Swim ScheduleDownload
Swim LessonsDownload
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