HURRICANE NEWS

- FEMA helps 67K Florida households with housing needs
  
  FEMA has awarded grants to 63,000 households affected by Hurricane Ian for rental assistance or basic repairs...
- Hurricane Ian assistance exceeds $4.5 billion
  
  More than $4.5 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided...
- Less than two weeks to apply for an SBA Disaster Loan in Florida
  
  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations...

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Featured

LaBelle farm makes room for rescues

A 15-acre farm in LaBelle has become a haven for homeless animals. H&S Homestead began in 2020 as a Florida cracker ...

Angler says higher lake levels would destroy Lake O

“Holding the lake higher for longer will result in the death of Lake Okeechobee,” said Scott Martin.

Apartments sit vacant — awaiting their day in court

Despite Okeechobee’s desperate need for housing, one small housing complex remains empty, awaiting its day in court.

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Health

Health Care District holds ribbon cutting for new ambulances

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County invites the media to a ribbon cutting event next Friday, January 27...

IRSC Dental Hygiene Program- Dental hygienists work with dentists to help patients maintain and improve their oral health and quality of life. They examine the mouth; scale, root plane, clean and polish teeth; and expose and interpret x-rays.

Low-cost dental services available at Indian River State College

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental cleanings every six months, and recommends X-rays once a year.

You could be smoke-free in 2023

Attention turns to the annual tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Will you be smoke-free in 2023?

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Community News

Kiwanis Club meets with United Against Poverty

The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee welcomed Sean Howald form the organization United Against Poverty at a recent meeting.

Cayuga Center helps pair kids with foster families

Elene Lowden from the Cayuga Centers was the guest speaker last week at the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee meeting...

Student speakers Daniel Trejo, Kevin H, Liliana S and Lionisia were well received.

The Immokalee Foundation raises more than $1.8 million at their annual Charity Classic - The Dream Gala

For the first time in over three years, The Immokalee Foundation recently hosted its popular Charity Classic Gala . …

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Human Interest

Adopt a pet: Meet the cat with no name

Adopt a Pet: Meet Kicha

Farmworkers plan Build a New World March

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Current Conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Fair, 82 °F

Sunny, with a high near 81. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Get the full forecast

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E-edition

Read the latest Lake Okeechobee print edition here.

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Lake levels

16.03 feet

Last year: 15.08 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE - January 2023

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Okeechobee Arrest Report

The following individuals were charged with DUI or felonies last week.

UF/IFAS helps Floridians launch food business dreams

Starting a food business might seem intimidating, but UF/IFAS Extension courses can help make big dreams a reality.

Hendry County Arrest Report

The following individuals were arrested on felony or DUI charges by HCSO, CPD, FHP, FWC, DOC, Jan. 16 through Jan. 22.

Hendry County Superintendent of Schools Michael Swindle presents Upthegrove school teacher Wendy Anderson with a plaque of appreciation for her 17 years of service to the Hendry County School District during the Jan. 17 school board meeting. Anderson retired December 20, 2022.

Upthegrove Elementary School teacher retires

The Hendry County School District recognized 17 years of service from Upthegrove Elementary School teacher, Wendy Anderson, during its Jan. 17 board meeting.

Port Saint Lucie man killed in two-vehicle accident in Okeechobee County

A 75-year-old Port Saint Lucie man was killed early Wednesday morning, Jan. 25 after he reportedly hit an oncoming vehicle.

Lake Okeechobee

S-135 Boat Lock in Martin County closed Feb. 1 & 2

Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation complete

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Sports

Lady Brahmans win thriller over Heritage

The Okeechobee High School Lady Brahman varsity basketball team came away with a thrilling victory over the Heritage Lady Panthers on Jan. 23.

CHS wrestlers compete in Ray Worshan Duals

NORTH FORT MYERS -- Clewiston High School wrestlers competed in the Ray Worsham Duals on Jan. 14.

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Schools

Community rallies to help OHS auto shop win contest

The Okeechobee High School Brahman Auto Shop will be receiving some brand new shop equipment after winning a contest on Jan. 23.

Gladeview students attend MLK parade

Students from Gladview Elementary School attended the annual Martin Luther King Parade...

CES students have fun with Science

On Monday, Jan. 23, fifth grade students at Central Elementary School started a new unit in Science!

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Government

Hendry County approves zoning variance for Southwest Ag Service, Inc.

Southwest Ag Service, Inc., a land-clearing and excavation service in LaBelle, received approval from the Hendry County Board of ...

Harlem Academy to benefit from grant money

The Hendry County BOCC approved in a 5-0 several consent agenda items during its Jan. 24 meeting in LaBelle, including a ...

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Veterans

Paul Lynch joined the Army right out of high school at the age of 18.

Veteran Lynch is office manager for Total Roadside

Born up north, Veteran Paul Lynch and his family moved to Indiantown in 1980.

The Okeechobee Outsiders 4-H club donated gifts to veterans for the holidays. Pictured left to right are (back row) Thomas Crum, Gregg Maynard, William Crum and Matthew Hutson. (Second row) Jo'Navi Sewell, Gracie Hutson, Jessica Sewell, Betty Jo Campbell and Calleigh Teague. (Front row) Kaleb Rucker, Kamdyn Teague, Ricky Brown, Jacob Weeks and Grayson Elad.

4-H club donates Christmas gifts for veterans

On Monday, Dec. 20, the Okeechobee Outsiders 4-H Club presented veteran activist Gregg Maynard with gift baskets and gift cards to distribute to veterans …

The Seminole Tribe of Florida sponsored 14 veterans who participated in the Great Florida Cattle Drive. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Lake Okeechobee News]

Veterans take part in Great Florida Cattle Drive

“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill

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State

New College second-year student Sam Sharf gestures during an interview Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, in Sarasota, Fla. Your education. Your way. Be original. Be you. That's how New College of Florida describes its approach to higher education in an admission brochure. The state school of fewer than 1,000 students nestled along Sarasota Bay has long been known for its progressive thought and creative course offerings that don't use traditional grades. The school founded in 1960 is also a haven for marginalized students, especially from the LBGTQ community, said second-year student Sharf in a recent interview. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Trustees picked by DeSantis may change progressive college

“Your education. Your way. Be original. Be you.” That’s how New College of Florida describes its approach to higher education in an admission brochure. The state school of fewer than 1,000 …

Dreams become ‘reality’ at The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A new exhibit at The Dalí Museum is turning dreams into physical images. Literally. From ones centuries old to ones not yet realized, dreams are at the center of a …

Owen Glick gets ready to play pickle ball at Phelps Park, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Winter Park, Fla. Glick was among the 233,000 people who left a Western state for another U.S. state out of the region. The U.S. population center is on track this decade to take a southern swerve for the first time in history, and it's because of people like Glick, who moved from California to Florida more than a year ago. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

US population center trending toward South this decade

The U.S. population center is on track this decade to take a southern swerve for the first time in history. Last year, the South outgrew other U.S. regions by well over 1 million people. If the trend …

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Opinion