South Central Florida Life

Featured

Annual Torch run benefits Special Olympics

Okeechobee County Law Enforcement Torch Run 2024 was a great success.

Juvenile arrested on multiple charges including grand theft auto

Thieves have targeted the Basswood area, stealing cars and burglarizing vehicles over the past few weeks.

Inaugural Agape Gala celebrates locals for their service

Leah Suarez , Noel Stephen , Shirlene Graham-Stevens and Doris Corde (in no particular order) were honored Saturday night at the inaugural Agape Gala...

OCSO and GCSO locate fleeing suspects

Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office is currently assisting the Glades County Sheriff's Office s deputies who were pursuing...

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Community

Pictured left to right are: Kiwanis Past-President Roge Azcona, Kiwanis member Dowling Watford, Cindy Maynard and Robyn Gardner of the Pregnancy Center. [Photo courtesy Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee]

Kiwanis donates $2,200 to Pregnancy Center

The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee held its annual Baby Shower for the Pregnancy Center...

Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Vitunac visits Okeechobee

The Kiwanis Division 16 Lt. Governor Doug Vitunac made an official visit to the Kiwanis Club...

Kitten season is here

According to Best Friends, nearly three times the number of felines enter shelters...

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Lake Okeechobee

EAA STAs provide flood protection as well as water treatment

Lake water releases beneficial to Caloosahatchee River

FGCU to study Lake Okeechobee water issues

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Partly Cloudy, 55 °F

Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North northeast wind around 10 mph. Get the full forecast

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Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE - January 2023

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Lake levels

14.60 feet

Last year: 14.29 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

OHS Bass Club is Florida Team of the Year

- Okeechobee High School Bass Club was first established in 2016 and since then has been a competitive force that other teams across the state ...

Lady Brahmans win over Port St. Lucie 17-0

The Okeechobee High School Lady Brahman varsity softball team defeated the Port St Lucie Lady Jaguars 17-0

LaSala's Big "O" Dojo offers free self-defense class for women and girls

LaSala's Big "O" Dojo, located in the Cedar Plaza on Southwest Third Terrace, is owned and operated by Master Chris LaSala and offers Christ-centered martial arts.

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Human Interest

City hosts family of cyclists from Canada

The City of Okeechobee hosted the James Family Cyclists Monday morning before sending them off to Sebring on their long journey back to Canada.

Woman earns second Mary Kay car

A local woman has earned her second vehicle through the Mary Kay Company.

Veteran Wright is a hard working man with a sense of humor

Clyde James “Jim” Wright was known to everyone as Clyde growing up in Jacksonville.

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Schools

OHS Drama Club performs a classic

Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 were the two final nights the OHS Drama Club Troupe 7319 performed a classic...

EES competes in Battle of the Books

On Tuesday, April 16, students at Everglades Elementary School competed in Battle of the Books!

OHS JROTC cadets extend hand up to former cadet

Okeechobee High School Junior ROTC cadets gathered outside Winn Dixie last week in support of a former cadet who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

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Wildlife & Environment

Upgraded measuring standard improves accuracy of water level data

The upgrade will provide the public and stakeholders more scientifically accurate information...

Scientists host next ‘STEPS’ toward phosphorus sustainability

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for food security and human survival, and it is an element...

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Government

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Examining Democracy in America Coming to Okeechobee

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Florida Humanities Council, presents “Voices and Votes:

'Voices and Votes' Smithsonian exhibit to visit Okeechobee

A traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes: The Story of Democracy in America,” will be in the Okeechobee County Courthouse May 28 to July 12. At the April …

Hikers ask to park vehicles overnight at county facility

Outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend several days hiking may soon be able to leave their vehicles overnight ...

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Police/Fire

Okeechobee Arrest Report

The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges...

Man charged with misdemeanor after 'softly' striking girlfriend with shoe

An Okeechobee man was arrested after allegedly hitting his girlfriend with a shoe.

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Opinion

Christians should tell people about Jesus Christ

I was praying this morning and had a lot of things going through my mind. One being that...

Can I claim Social Security and still work?

AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor answers questions about Social Security.

Reflections from the Pulpit: Who are you spending time with?

I remember as a young boy growing up in south Florida that my parents always warned...

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Hurricane News

It’s not luck! Don’t leave disaster preparedness to chance

As Spring approaches, so do hurricane and wildfire seasons, along with an increased threat...

UF/IFAS facilities rebuild from Hurricane Idalia with help

When Hurricane Idalia barreled through the Big Bend region of Florida...

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Adopt A Pet

Adopt a pet: Meet Casper

Monday, February 19

This Handsome boy is CASPER #2309129. He has been at the shelter for over six months.

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, January 22

This week’s Pets of the Week are a mix of adorable dogs and cats.

Adopt a Pet: Meet Max

Monday, January 8

I'm a handsome sweet boy looking and wishing for my forever home with you.

Fur-Tastic Pet Spa hosts visits with Santa

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

In case you missed it, here are some of the pictures from Saturday at Fur-Tastic Pet Spa LLC .

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Veterans

Inaugural Vietnam Veterans' Day breakfast is a success

Approximately 50 Vietnam veterans and their spouses were treated to a breakfast smorgasbord Friday in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans' Day.

Paul Hiott returns as Okeechobee Veterans Services Officer

The Okeechobee County Commission welcomed new Veterans Services Officer Paul Hiott at their March 28 meeting.

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Agriculture

UF/IFAS multi-state survey seeks to find out more about avocado disease management

There is no shortage of consumer appetite for avocados. Frequently incorporated into starters and desserts, demand for avocados...

UF experts gives tips to manage the eastern lubber grasshopper

They’re munching away on landscape plants, citrus and vegetable crops...

Survey opens for insights on usage of horse genetic testing tools

The goal of the survey is to get ideas and feedback from various sectors...

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Health

Ten questions to ask after being diagnosed with cancer

So many thoughts and questions run through your mind after doctors confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Hanley Foundation to provide emergency overdose boxes

Overdose emergency kits will be installed on county buildings thanks to the Hanley Foundation.

UF and Swedish researchers connect childhood microbiome with development of autism, ADHD

The researchers analyzed data from the first five years of life...

Alzheimer's Association offers virtual caregiver support group

The Alzheimer Association invites caregivers of those with Alzheimer disease and dementia to attend a virtual support group.

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Business

Batteries Plus opens new location in Okeechobee

Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading battery retailer, opens its newest location at 810 N Parrott Avenue...

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee News

Join us for an enriching afternoon at our upcoming Business Exchange Luncheon, hosted by the...

Florida gas prices dropped 12 cents last week

Florida gas prices are on a 9-day streak of declines, falling a total of 15 cents.

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Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Florida gas prices rise 13 cents; set new 2024 high

Florida gas prices rose 13 cents early last week. From there, the state average declined 6 cents through the weekend.

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week beginning April 21

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 21. Motorists are reminded...

Lofton Road improvements planned

Okeechobee County has begun the design and engineering phase for the Lofton Road Improvement Project …

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of April 14-20

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, April 14,...

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State

Trump called this visa 'very bad' for Americans. Truth Social applied for one

The social media company founded by former President Donald Trump applied for a business visa program that he sought to restrict. Many of his allies want him to curtail the H1-B program in a …

Brown & Brown: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) on Monday reported first-quarter profit of $293 million. The Daytona Beach, Florida-based company said it …

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National & World

- Okeechobee County continues to monitor Hurricane Storm Idalia
  
  Okeechobee County emergency officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia. Okeechobee County is currently...
- FWC reminds vessel owners to secure their boats and have a plan
  
  Taking time to prepare well in advance of an impending storm reduces risk to life and property.
- Okeechobee Waterway Lock operations during Hurricane Idalia preparations
  
  Safe harbor lockages began on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 to allow...