Featured

Multiple arrests made by agencies working together

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office Uniformed Patrol and Narcotics Task Force...

Okeechobee officials oppose plan for stormwater treatment area

Okeechobee County officials and residents voiced their opposition to the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area ...

OCSO works with Highlands County to stop suspect

OCSO releases more information on U.S. 98 crash. …

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health

Yoga for Life: Rejuvenating life in Highlands Hammock State Park

It is a White Christmas all the time walking through the wooded trails on “sugar sand” at the park.

Nancy Peterson, Inni Whitmill, Elizabeth Barrios and Elvis Gronoff demonstrate the downward dog position.

Yoga for Life: Initiating self-healing through yoga postures

The mind uses intuition for a keener awareness into the body.

Six tips on how to discuss your mental health with others

It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family...

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Partly Cloudy, 63 °F

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Get the full forecast

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Human Interest

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Community

FWC offers technical assistance sessions for Boating Grants Programs

The FWC works to improve boating access by evaluating potential sites for new boating access ...

Timberline Glamping opens with new location in Kissimmee Prairie State Park

Timberline Glamping announces its newest location for its unique, one-of-a-kind glamping...

Older Driver Safety Awareness Weeks is Dec. 4-8

What is even more exciting is Safe Mobility for Life Coalition will be hosting an inaugural Older Driver...

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Lake Okeechobee

SFWMD plans above ground reservoir in Highlands County

USACE announces hybrid meeting and opens comment on EIS for LOCAR

Signs to warn of hazards in Kissimmee River

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Police/Fire

New study reveals common chargeback misconceptions among consumers

Chargebacks911 , an international chargeback management and prevention company, on Tuesday released the highly-anticipated findings of their 2024 Cardholder Dispute Index .

FWC Division of Law Enforcement receives 5th accreditation from the CFA

The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) assessors have recommended...

FLHSMV, FHP launch annual ‘Stuff The Charger’ food drive to help feed Floridians in need

Help support Florida families in need this holiday season by donating non-perishable foods.

Lake Placid man killed in single-vehicle crash

DESOTO COUNTY -- A Lake Placid driver was killed and a passenger seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on SR 70 ...

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Opinion

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

In 1875, Congress took a historic step in the fight against human trafficking by ...

Florida's anti-trafficking maze: navigating corporate accountability and complex impacts

In recent times, heightened awareness of human trafficking has led to legal ...

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Weather

Haze over Florida blamed on fires in Canada

The haze over Central Florida on Tuesday was the result of wildfires more than 1,000 miles away, according to the National Weather Service.

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Schools

Rep. Franklin hosts youth cyber Capture the Flag event

A CTF tournament is a computer security competition, like a hackathon.

AAA urges drivers to stay alert as students return to school

Florida roads are about to get more crowded - and hazardous - as 2.8 million students prepare to return to school.

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Sports

FWC announces new Saltwater Fishing Record categories coming in 2024

Catch a Florida Memory, will begin accepting applications for three new record categories...

Enjoy the dark sky on SFWMD-managed lands

From camping to stargazing to hiking and more, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy...

New hunting and fishing opportunities announced

Tthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Oct. 27 that 48 new distinct hunting and fishing ....

50% discount for state park passes, hunting and fishing licenses

The 50% discount began Oct. 14, 2023, and will extend three months ...

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory announces the winner of Triple Threat Throwdown

The Triple Threat Throwdown brought a record-breaking year to...

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Government

New year brings new laws in Florida

Several new laws take effect Jan. 1 in the state of Florida. Ethics Requirements ...

U.S. Postal Service announces Holiday Operating Schedule

In observance of the two holidays, Post Offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1.

Gov. DeSantis strengthens Florida’s commitment to abused and neglected children

Funding for the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office in Governor DeSantis’ Focus on....

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Health

Six reasons why you should take your mental health seriously

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual...

Keep bed bugs from hitchhiking to your homes

With recent media exposure of bed bug activity impacting travelers worldwide....

How to help children and parents cope with stress during the holidays

It’s considered the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be one of the most...

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Business

BBB Scam Alert: How to spot an out-of-stock scam before it’s too late

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, BBB Scam Tracker has gotten dozens of reports...

Gov. DeSantis continues to support Children and Families

This funding includes investments to enhance prevention services, increase access and availability of...

Shop safe and smart this holiday season

Better Business Bureau® is the trusted source for all things online shopping this holiday season.

BBB® launches Scam Prevention Guide

The BBB Scam Prevention Guide provides a wide range of resources such as motion...

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Veterans

Over 4,225 wreaths were placed across the U.S. on National Wreaths Across America Day

Wreaths Across America would like to thank the communities, dedicated volunteers...

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Opinion

Guest Commentary: The high cost of unlimited illegal immigration

Governor Katie Hobbs has had a change of heart over the immigration crisis on Arizona’s southern border.

Guest Commentary: Florida’s future needs our support

The numbers don’t lie: child poverty rates more than doubled from 2021 to 2022 and...

Guest Commentary: Time to quit both political parties?

A critic once referred to our two major political parties as “Tweedledum and Tweedledumber.”

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Traffic & Road Work

Highlands County Road Watch Report for week of Dec. 30

The following column is the Road Watch report for Highlands County for the week beginning Sunday, Dec. 30...

AAA activates ‘Tow to Go’ for year-end holidays

AAA is working to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday season.

Floridians will Travel in record numbers for holidays

AAA projects a record-setting 6.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more...

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Entertainment

Malachi Jaggers concert at Highlands Hammock

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Agriculture

Researchers focus on reducing the amount of methane cows produce

These researchers hope to reduce a minimum of 25% of U.S. methane emissions ...

Florida-grown holiday mocktails make the day merry and bright

The holiday festivities are always more fun with something warm or bubbly in your hand,

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Wildlife & Environment

Ranger Blake Lewis birding October 2018.

Highlands Hammock announces winter nature walks

Highlands Hammock will hold a series of guided nature walks during the busy winter...

Wildfires increasing across eastern U.S., new study reveals

Their findings indicated increasing wildfire risk across the southern and eastern portions...

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Samuel “Sam” Allard Allison, Sr.

Samuel “Sam”, age 70, of Starke, Florida passed away on June 8, 2023, in Newberry. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 19, 1953, to the late Milus Allison and Margaret Isabel Fowler …

Help for parents of children who stutter is as close as your library

Thanks to some generous donations, the Stuttering Foundation has donated a DVD, entitled Kids Who Stutter...

State News

Florida's Bob Graham remembered as a governor, senator of the people

Former Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham has been remembered by Republicans and Democrats alike as a man whose love for the state and people transcended politics. Graham was a two-term governor …

AutoNation: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Roper Technologies: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

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National and World

Pro-Palestinian students have peacefully evacuated prestigious Paris university campus building

Students in Paris inspired by Gaza solidarity encampments at campuses in the United States have peacefully evacuated a campus building at a prestigious French university after days of tensions. The …

Hamas is reviewing an Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, as possible Rafah offensive looms

Russia renews attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector as Kyiv launches drones at southern Russia

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