Sebring, Florida has been my home for 19 wonderful years. The small town in the heart of Florida is where I call home. Sebring is the type of place where when you're here, you envy the big city people and all of the things the big cities have to offer but when you're gone; you realize there's no place like home! People who live in Sebring know all of these to be true!

1. Lake Jackson is the heart of Sebring.

Sebring is basically centered around Lake Jackson. You have to drive by Lake Jackson to get into town from anywhere. Whether it's boating on Lake Jackson on a Saturday or hanging out on your friends dock on Sunday; Lake Jackson is a Sebring staple.

2. Almost everyone you know goes to church.

If you're looking for a church to attend in Sebring, you have millions of options! Almost everyone you know has attended a church in Sebring and can tell you all about their home church! If you're looking for a church, check out First Baptist Church in downtown Sebring; you won't regret it!

3. The bowling alley has become the new hangout spot.

Since the bowling alley has been revamped, it has gained much attraction. Whether it's a Thursday night for ladies night or Friday night for cheap bowling, everyone seems to love the bowling alley now! Now including a go-kart track, the bowling alley is now the spot to be at!

4. Restaurant workers know your order.

Every time I pull into the drive-thru at Dunkin' Donuts, whoever's working drive-thru already knows my order. By the sound of my voice, they know my medium iced mocha coffee needs to be made. When I go to Chili's, whoever's working always knows I want ranch with my chips and salsa. Small town perks y'all!

5. You'll always see someone you know at Publix.

Every time I go to Publix, no lie, I see someone I know. Just yesterday I saw two of my teachers from high school there and a friend I graduated with. Along with knowing or recognizing almost everyone who works there, it's just a plus that I get to see people I actually know!

6. "Pub Subs" over Subway.

Almost everyone I know will automatically choose Publix subs over Subway. Yes I enjoy Subway every now and then but when I can get to Publix I will always choose Publix. With so many options and quality ingredients, Publix will always be Sebring's top choice for subs.

7. Traffic gets so much worse during the races.

During those couple says in March every year, anyone who lives in Sebring knows that the traffic is going to increase because it's race week! We try and leave our houses as little as possible and try not to eat out because every place is usually always packed.

8. You've attended or had your birthday party at the Hammock.

Either you or one of your friends has had their birthday at Highland's Hammock State Park. With playgrounds, trails, and camp sites; the Hammock is a prime spot to have your birthday party at! You can bring food and your presents and have everything right there, you really can't go wrong.

9. "Snow Birds" are both a blessing and a curse.

Every winter, the "snow birds" flock back to town. Trying to escape the extreme cold from their hometowns, our older population grows. The bad part about this is that majority of them drive extremely slow and our accident number rises. The good part about this is that they're always so sweet and nice and give you more business at work!

10. Orange trees are the staple of Sebring.

Sebring, or Highland's County in general, produces a lot of oranges. You either live right by an orange grove or you have a friend who does. The perks of being surrounded by oranges is the smell of the blossoms when they are blooming!

11. The teenage population always has "nothing to do".

Anyone who's under the age of 25 in Sebring knows that there's not a lot of options for entertainment in Sebring. With that being said, we have to make up our own entertainment. One thing that's popular is truck meets (that I've never been to but hey). You'll always see them meeting in the Gold's Gym parking lot of Home Depot.

12. You always make a trip to the fair when it's in town.

Whether it's to see the pig show, the pageants, or to risk your life on the numerous fair rides; you always make a trip to the fair. The fair gives you something to do for a night where otherwise you might be stuck at home.

Although Sebring has its drawbacks, it is my home and has many positives to it. I love my hometown and (almost) everything it has to offer!