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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Sebring, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
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The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Sebring, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Sebring, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Sebring, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Sebring, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Sebring, FL
Florida town selected by HGTV for 'Takeover.' 6 things to know before filming begins
Cheryl McCloudhttps://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2024/02/20/hgtv-home-town-takeover-selects-sebring-florida-for-season-3-renovations-ben-erin-napier/72671316007/
With the winner of the HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island winner yet to be announced, Florida has learned it will b...
With the winner of the HGTV Dream Home on Anastasia Island winner yet to be announced, Florida has learned it will be the scene of yet another HGTV TV show.
Erin and Ben Napier announced Sebring will be the site of season three of "Home Town Takeover."
He also shared that “someone from Home Town past” will be joining them to help with the renovations in the city.
Home Town Takeover has been renewed for a third season.
“We’re going to Sebring, Florida!” Ben Napier announced on the "The Jennifer Hudson Show" as his wife, Erin, cheered, adding Sebring is a "beautiful lake city."
What is 'Home Town Takeover'?
"Home Town Takeover" is an HGTV show hosted by Ben and Erin Napier of "Home Town."
The show has Ben and Erin Napier leading a team of renovation pros to breathe new life into a small town, including several homes and some locally grown businesses and historic treasures unique to that community, said HGTV of the spinoff show.
"It’s all elemental to the Napiers’ overarching mission of helping to establish and foster a town’s persona that draws on its roots, history, resources and traditions," said HGTV.
"Renovating one house at a time is an awesome experience. But the chance to support an entire town, where we help bring a community back to life — that's something we’ve always wanted to try," Ben Napier said.
"Ben and I often speak about our love of small-town living and what that lifestyle means to the people who live in one," said Erin when the announcement was made that Wetumptka, Alabama, had been chosen for the program's first season.
Courtship continues after marriage:'Home Town' star Ben Napier still courts wife Erin: 'I want her to fall in love with me'
Napiers' favorite episode:'Home Town' stars Erin and Ben Napier on their favorite episode: 'Our love story'
Who will be joining the Napiers in Sebring?
That hasn't been announced, although the couple hinted to Jennifer Hudson it will be a face that will recognized by viewers of "Home Town."
“The real 'Home Town' fans are going to be very excited to see someone who is a part of 'Takeover' season 3,” Erin Napier said.
"Home Town" is now in its seventh season and focuses on the couple's renovations in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. They recently aired their 100th episode.
What did Ben and Erin Napier have to say about Sebring?
“It’s a new location and you’ve probably never heard of it because it's not tourist Florida, which is our favorite Florida,” Ben Napier told Hudson.
“It’s off the beaten path. It’s not the beach. It’s not the amusement parks,” Erin Napier added.
The couple described Sebring as a “beautiful lake city” since it is right next to Lake Jackson. However, they also said the city needs of “a lot of work.”
“It’s a really interesting town that we are really excited — We are cautiously optimistic about it,” Ben Napier said.
“But this show is really hard to make and we have … a lot of special guests coming and a lot of people coming in to help, but there’s going to be a lot of work that’s going to go into it.”
He also shared that “someone from 'HomeTown' past” will be coming on board to help them with the renovations in the city.
“The real 'Home Town' fans are going to be very excited to see someone who is a part of 'Takeover' season 3,” Erin Napier said.
Sebring held rally to 'show hometown pride'
"Help Sebring get featured on HGTV," the city announced on its website earlier this week.
A rally was held on Presidents Day to "show hometown pride for the cameras. The city wanted to fill the downtown circle — the city calls itself the City On the Circle — "with a HUGE crowd of people to show them (HGTV) why they should pick our incredible hometown for this amazing opportunity!"
The result?
"Thank you Sebring for showing up and bringing your Hometown Pride. We could not have done it without you," the city announced on its Facebook page.
"We are so excited about the future of Sebring and the hometown makeover we will receive. Thank you HGTV for choosing Sebring and seeing potential in our Amazing city."
Where is Sebring, Florida?
Located in Central Florida, Sebring is located on the shore of Lake Jackson about 70 miles south of Orlando and about 70 miles southeast of Tampa. It's about 100 miles northwest of West Palm Beach.
Sebring has an estimated population of 11,379 as of July 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Where were the first two seasons of 'Home Town Takeover' filmed?
Season 1 of Home Town Takeover was filmed in Wetumptka, Alabama.
Season 2 of Home Town Takeover was filmed in Lake Morgan, Colorado.
HGTV Stars Erin and Ben Napier Are Heading to Sebring, Florida for Another 'Home Town Takeover'
Maggie Hortonhttps://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a46905633/erin-ben-napier-home-town-takeover-florida/
Erin and Ben Napier are returning for another season of their fan-favorite HGTV series ...
Erin and Ben Napier are returning for another season of their fan-favorite HGTV series Home Town Takeover!
In seasons one and two, the Napiers transformed the small towns of Wetumpka, Alabama and Fort Morgan, Colorado, and now they're bringing their magic to a brand new state. The Napiers made a special announcement this week that they will be filming Home Town Takeover in Sebring, Florida for season three!
Sebring is in the center of southern Florida, due east of Sarasota and around 85 miles south of Orlando. Though the small town doesn't boast any beaches or amusement parks, it does sit on scenic Lake Jackson and have all the charming potential the Napiers look for.
"It's a new location and you've probably never heard of it because it's not tourist Florida, which is our favorite Florida," Ben explained on The Jennifer Hudson Show. "It's off the beaten path," Erin elaborated.
After being affected by hurricane Irma in 2017, Sebring has all the potential, but it is in need of a little refresh, and Erin and Ben Napier are just the people for the job. However, the Napiers can't do it all themselves, so they'll be bringing in surprise special guests and helpers throughout their time in Florida. "This show is really hard to make. There's gonna be a lot of special guests. A lot of people coming in to help," Ben said.
The six-episode season is slated to air early next year, but Erin and Ben are already on the ground kicking things off. "Day 3 filming #HomeTownTakeover S3 (we are eating all the Cuban food and wearing our sunscreen, thanks Florida)," Erin wrote on Instagram earlier this week.
We're a little jealous of the residents of Sebring, but we can't wait to see the transformations Erin and Ben pull off this season!
Associate News Editor
Maggie Horton is the Associate News Editor at Country Living. She covers all things entertainment from celebrity news to TV shows and movies. When she's not posting to social media, researching the latest celebrity gossip or binging the hottest new TV series, you can find her at a local concert or outside enjoying nature.
Erin and Ben Napier Reveal Home Town Takeover Is Heading to Sebring, Fla. for Season 3
Kimberlee Speakmanhttps://people.com/erin-ben-napier-reveal-home-town-takeover-filming-in-sebring-florida-season-3-8585079
Erin and Ben Napier are heading to the Sunshine State!The HGTV couple announced on ...
Erin and Ben Napier are heading to the Sunshine State!
The HGTV couple announced on The Jennifer Hudson Show that their spin-off series Home Town Takeover has been renewed for season 3, and that they will be taking their renovation expertise to a new location.
“We’re going to Sebring, Florida!,” Ben, 40, announced, as Erin, 38, cheered, “Woo!”
“Wow, that’s a new location for you guys,” host Jennifer Hudson, 42, exclaimed.
“That’s right. It’s a new location and you’ve probably never heard of it because it's not tourist Florida, which is our favorite Florida,” Ben explained, to which Erin added, “It’s off the beaten path. It’s not the beach. It’s not the amusement parks.”
The couple described Sebring, which is located about 92 miles east of Tampa, as a “beautiful lake city” since it is right next to Lake Jackson. However, they also noted that the place is in need of “a lot of work.”
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“It’s a really interesting town that we are really excited — We are cautiously optimistic about it,” Ben shared. “But this show is really hard to make and we have … a lot of special guests coming and a lot of people coming in to help, but there’s going to be a lot of work that’s going to go into it.”
He also shared that “someone from Home Town past” will be coming onboard to help them with the renovations in the city.
“The real Home Town fans are going to be very excited to see someone who is a part of Takeover season 3,” Erin teased.
Season 2 of Home Town Takeover saw the couple travel to the small town of Fort Morgan, Colo. in order to help revitalize the area, similar to what they did in Wetumpka, Ala. in season 1.
The pair previously told PEOPLE about Fort Morgan, "The town has a really fascinating history, a really diverse cultural background. And just like any small town across America, it has these really inherent charms about it. So we want to go and help them tell that story."
The latest season of the duo's original show Home Town is currently airing on HGTV and covers Ben’s recovery from rotator cuff surgery in early 2023, along with their 100th episode celebration.
Home Town airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV.
Erin And Ben Napier Head To Florida Town “You’ve Probably Never Heard Of” For ‘Home Town Takeover’ Season 3
Meghan Overdeephttps://www.southernliving.com/erin-ben-napier-home-town-takeover-season-3-8598102
The next season of Home Town Takeover will take viewers to a charming Southern town that doesn’t often make headlines.In a Tuesday appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, ...
The next season of Home Town Takeover will take viewers to a charming Southern town that doesn’t often make headlines.
In a Tuesday appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Ben and Erin Napier announced that season three of their popular Home Town spinoff would take place in Sebring, Florida.
“We’re going to Sebring, Florida!” Ben proclaimed, earning a “woo!” from Erin.
“It’s a new location and you’ve probably never heard of it because it's not tourist Florida, which is our favorite Florida,” Ben explained.
“It’s off the beaten path,” Erin added. “It’s not the beach. It’s not the amusement parks.”
The couple described the Highlands County seat, located about 86 miles south of Orlando on Lake Jackson, as a “beautiful lake city.” They called it “really interesting” while noting that it needs “a lot of work.”
“This show is really hard to make,” Ben told Hudson. “There's gonna be a lot of special guests. A lot of people coming in to help.”
While they didn’t divulge much about what’s to come, Erin and Ben went on to share that the Sebring season will feature an appearance by “someone from Home Town past” to help them with the renovations.
“The real Home Town fans are going to be very excited to see someone who is a part of Takeover season three,” Erin teased.
According to HGTV, the couple will tackle several renovation projects across homes, local businesses, and public spaces in the historic lakeside town. The goal of the projects will be to "amplify the town's charm, build community pride, and make Sebring a must-visit destination."
Season three of Home Town Takeover is slated to premiere on HGTV early next year.
The early glory days of Harder Hall
MELISSA MAIN Correspondenthttps://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/highlands_news-sun/the-early-glory-days-of-harder-hall/article_cae35660-d66a-11ee-a85a-3322b931b6d5.html
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a three-part series to focus on the history and memories created in Harder Hall located in Sebring.Harder Hall, a former five-star hotel which opened on Jan. 21, 1928, once presented a striking silhouette in Sebring with its Spanish architecture, large arches, 108-foot tower and views of Little Lake Jackson, enticing patrons from the northeastern United States to stay weeks and months on end soaking up the warm Florida sunshine.These extremely wealthy patrons even bought their ...
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a three-part series to focus on the history and memories created in Harder Hall located in Sebring.
Harder Hall, a former five-star hotel which opened on Jan. 21, 1928, once presented a striking silhouette in Sebring with its Spanish architecture, large arches, 108-foot tower and views of Little Lake Jackson, enticing patrons from the northeastern United States to stay weeks and months on end soaking up the warm Florida sunshine.
These extremely wealthy patrons even bought their servants with them, and the hotel offered safe boxes for their cash and other belongings, according to Jim Pollard, director of operations at the Sebring Historical Society.
The opulence of the hotel was always part of the plan. However, the original owners and developers, Lewis Harder and Vincent Hall, developed a slightly different design from the one people view today. Their plans were derailed when Hall filed for personal bankruptcy. The land changed hands, but it was later purchased by Charles N. Thompson, who actually completed Harder Hall. Harder and Hall’s design called for “chandeliers and gingerbread trimming for the tower but [Thompson] was a Quaker and disapproved of such rich trappings,” an article from the former Sebring News stated.
When the hotel opened, each room was equipped with a Bell telephone, and the hotel offered numerous amenities, such as a “barber shop, hair dresser, news stand, gift shop, resident nurse, and public stenographer,” The Latch-String of Harder Hall, a promotional booklet for hotel guests, stated.
Guests were taken to church and on group outings. They were kept informed of the latest recreational opportunities by a daily newsletter published by Harder Hall called the Harder Hall Herald.
Patrons were offered fine dining in a luxurious atmosphere, but alcohol was not available at Harder Hall until after the 18th amendment was repealed. According to The Latch-String of Harder Hall, the hotel stood “squarely upon [their] duty to recognize and enforce the law.”
Even after the building was finished, recreation and entertainment options continued to grow. Originally, Thompson asked the city to enlarge its golf course, but eventually, Harder Hall had its own 18-hole golf course, which was designed by Dick Wilson. Besides golfing, Harder Hall also had tennis, which guests could play day or night on their 12 courts. For swimming and boating enthusiasts, Little Lake Jackson and Lake Jackson offered ample opportunities, and guests could also swim or lounge by the pool.
Harder Hall’s spacious Royal Palm Dining Room also offered room for dancing. Guests could enjoy live music and after-dinner cocktails in the Tropical Lounge, an area added after the Prohibition was over.
Unfortunately, after Harder Hall closed in 1986, its opulence turned into decay. However, with the current renovation by the Blackmon family of St. Petersburg, Harder Hall may once again return to its early glory days.
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