This Highlands County community in South Central Florida was founded in 1886 by Oliver Marvin Crosby. The city is rich in history with the 1920s Jacaranda Hotel, antique shops, old buildings, an 1897 bandstand and old Railroad Station built in 1912 which now serves as a museum. Avon Park has much to offer the visitor. As with any Central Florida community, a large number of lakes offer excellent sport fishing and other recreational opportunities. Golf courses, too numerous to count, exist in the area or within a short driving distance. Located on US 27 just north of Sebring (city of 24 Hours of Sebring fame), Avon Park hosts its own 7 Hours of Avon Park. The roar of lawn-mowers racing around the track at that meet is something else. It's a friendly, fun-loving town, steeped in history and tradition, but also with its feet firmly planted in the Twenty First Century. by editor funk