Featured Article: Highlands Independent Bank

#HistoryTuesday - Tuesday March 10TH 2026

This full-page ad appeared on Page 3 of the Premiere Issue of "Heartland Today" during the Fall of 1987. It was a short-lived quarterly publication that promoted "Southcentral Florida" and honored its history. Its Editor was Audrey Vickers.

40 years ago - Highlands Independent Bank was brand-new and growing here in Sebring serving as a unique community-based banking institution - with local roots governed by local decisions and based on local banking needs.

During the Fall of 1987 they moved into their brand-new 2-story / 10,400 square-foot colonial brick headquarters that began building in March 1987.

Highlands Independent Bank lasted almost 30 years until a series of mergers and acquisitions began in 2014. Nowadays at 2600 U.S. Highway 27 North (across the street from Aldi) - SouthState Bank operates it as their North Sebring Branch.