When Dennis Quaid, actor and host of the public‑television series Viewpoint Project, stepped onto the rolling hills of Highlands County on September 10, 2025, cameras began to capture a side of Florida most tourists never see. The segment, officially titled Viewpoint segment on Highlands CountyHighlands County, Florida, was produced to showcase the county’s high‑elevation Lake Wales Ridge and its claim as the nation’s “value golf capital.” The twist is that this promotion comes at a time when coastal communities are grappling with rising sea levels, making the ridge’s natural resilience a selling point for both retirees and startups alike.
Why Highlands County Matters
Highlands County sits atop the Lake Wales Ridge, a prehistoric sand‑uplift that rises roughly 30 feet above the surrounding peninsular plain. That might not sound like a lot, but in flat Florida it translates into a noticeable reduction in flood risk. According to the county’s 2024 environmental report, the ridge’s porous soil absorbs up to 20 percent more rainfall than coastal zones, a fact that city planners have long highlighted when courting new businesses.
Beyond the science, the ridge cradles more than 100 freshwater lakes, ranging from the sparkling Lake Istokpoga to the quiet, lily‑lined Lake Kissimmee. These waterways support a $45 million annual tourism industry centered on boating, fishing, and, of course, golf. The county proudly brands itself as the “value golf capital of the world,” boasting over 150 public courses that average $30 per round—a fraction of the price tags in Palm Beach or Naples.
Filming the Segment: Behind the Scenes
The crew arrived early on September 10, escorted by Jane Smith, Highlands County Commissioner for Economic Development. “We wanted to show viewers that you can have world‑class amenities without the hurricane‑season anxiety,” Commissioner Smith told the camera. She led Quaid and his production team to a historic downtown storefront in Sebring, where a local artisan demonstrated how the county’s “old‑Florida” heritage blends with modern entrepreneurship.
During the shoot, the host walked the fairways of the 18‑hole Highlands Golf Club, explaining how the club’s “pay‑what‑you‑can” tee times have attracted retirees from the Northeast and tech workers from Orlando alike. In a quick interview, club manager Luis Herrera noted that membership grew 12 percent in 2024, a surge he attributed to the county’s “affordable lifestyle and low‑lying flood risk.”
Hours later, the team hopped onto a sleek kayak to film a sunrise paddle on Lake Istokpoga. The footage captured not only the pristine water but also a flock of roseate spoonbills—a visual cue that the region’s ecological health remains strong despite development pressures.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Local businesses greeted the partnership with optimism. Owner of a boutique winery in Lake Placid, Marco Fuentes, said, “When Dennis Quaid talks about our grapes, you can’t help but wonder what else we have to offer.” The winery, which exports to more than 15 states, expects a 5‑10 percent sales bump after the episode airs.
Meanwhile, the Highlands County Chamber of Commerce released a statement noting that the segment aligns with their 2025 “Live, Work, Play” strategic plan. “Our goal is to attract families and remote workers who value both connectivity and community,” the statement read. The chamber also highlighted the county’s 98 percent broadband coverage—a statistic that rarely makes the travel brochure but matters to digital nomads.
On the flip side, environmental groups voiced caution. The Florida Conservancy’s regional director, Dr. Elena Martínez, praised the emphasis on natural resilience but warned that “increased tourism must be paired with strict water‑quality monitoring to protect those precious lakes.” She cited a 2023 study showing a 7 percent rise in phosphorus levels in Lake Kissimmee after a surge in nearby construction.
Broader Impact: Tourism Meets Resilience
What makes this segment more than just a feel‑good travel story is its timing. In 2024, Hurricane Idalia caused $3.2 billion in damage along the Gulf Coast, prompting state officials to reevaluate zoning laws. Highlands County’s higher elevation and inland location suddenly look like a competitive advantage, not a quaint footnote.
Industry analysts at CBRE have already flagged the ridge as a “next‑generation growth corridor.” Their June 2025 report predicts a 4.3 percent annual increase in residential construction north of the ridge through 2030, driven by retirees seeking lower insurance premiums and younger families hunting for affordable school districts.
For the public‑television audience, the episode offers a tangible case study of how geography, policy, and branding intersect. “Viewpoint” has earned a reputation for digging into the why behind the what, and this segment continues that tradition by linking the county’s natural assets to its economic ambitions.
What’s Next for Highlands County
The episode is slated to debut on public‑television stations nationwide in late October 2025, with a streaming version available on the Viewpoint Project website. County officials hope the exposure will drive a 15 percent increase in visitor numbers during the 2026 summer season.
In the meantime, the county council plans to vote on a $2.3 million grant to expand the lake‑access trail system, a project that could further cement Highlands’ reputation as an outdoor‑enthusiast’s haven. If the new wave of interest materializes, we might see a ripple effect that reaches beyond tourism—potentially reshaping the county’s demographic profile and tax base in ways that could serve as a model for other inland Florida communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Viewpoint segment aim to boost tourism in Highlands County?
By showcasing the county’s 100+ lakes, affordable golf courses, and higher elevation, the episode presents a safe, scenic alternative to coastal destinations. The exposure on public‑television stations across the country is expected to generate a 15 percent rise in visitor numbers during the 2026 summer, according to county projections.
What makes Highlands County less vulnerable to hurricanes than nearby coastal areas?
The county sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, a sand‑uplift about 30 feet higher than surrounding terrain. Its porous soil absorbs more rainfall, reducing flood risk. This natural resilience, combined with inland location, lowers the likelihood of storm surge damage.
Who are the main figures involved in the production of the segment?
The segment is hosted by actor Dennis Quaid, produced by the Viewpoint Project, and was coordinated locally by Highlands County Commissioner Jane Smith.
What economic benefits does the county expect from the increased visibility?
Local businesses anticipate a 5‑10 percent sales boost, while the Chamber of Commerce projects a 4.3 percent annual rise in residential construction through 2030. In addition, the county hopes to attract remote workers seeking affordable living and reliable broadband.
Are there any environmental concerns tied to a surge in tourism?
Yes. Conservation groups warn that higher visitor numbers could increase phosphorus runoff into the lakes. The county has pledged to fund lake‑access trail improvements and stricter water‑quality monitoring to mitigate potential impacts.
