Featured

City council votes down marijuana dispensaries in city limits

During the Dec. 5 meeting, the Okeechobee City Council voted not to allow marijuana dispensaries within the city limits.

Dog attacks child and grandmother

On Sunday, Dec. 4, Okeechobee Police Department responded to dog bite complainant.

OCT finishes up 2023 with a classic

Okeechobee Community Theatre finished up 2023 with a well-loved classic It’s a Wonderful Life .

Teens charged with burglary and criminal mischief

Two young teens were arrested this week after they were accused of burglary and felony criminal mischief.

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Community

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...

City offices to close for Christmas

The offices at City Hall, 55 SE Third Ave., the administrative offices of the Police Department....

Hay bale in Highlands County decorated to support the UF Peanut Butter Challenge.

Peanut Butter Challenge tops last year’s collection

For the second straight year, the winner of the statewide Peanut Butter Challenge is...

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Lake Okeechobee

Online exclusive

County coalition to meet Dec. 1

Heavy rainfall keeps Lake O above 16 feet

USACE receives approval to flow more water under Tamiami Trail

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Fair, 57 °F

Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Get the full forecast

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Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE - January 2023

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Lake levels

15.92 feet

Last year: 16.45 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

Brahman basketball team defeats Tradition Prep High School

The Okeechobee High School Brahman varsity basketball team opened their season with a win over Tradition Prep High School on Nov. 28.

FWC announces new Saltwater Fishing Record categories coming in 2024

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

Two Brahmans selected as All-District football players

Two Okeechobee Brahman football players earned All-District honors for their effort this season.

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Human Interest

Student plots to take over the school

It was a normal Wednesday when 8-year-old Claire came up with her plan to take over her school — one class at a time.

Tree-lighting ceremony has fantastic turnout

Okeechobee residents turned out in great number for the annual tree-lighting ceremony in City Hall Park.

Waldau resigns from Main Street Arts & Culture Alliance

Okeechobee Main Street Arts & Culture Alliance (ACA) experienced a great loss with the departure of Bridgette Waldau this week.

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Schools

OHS student places second at regional Incubate Debate tournament

On Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, students from Brevard, Saint Lucie, and Okeechobee counties...

City council recognizes FFA and 4-H youth

During its Dec. 5 Okeechobee City Council meeting, the council recognized the achievements of three local youths.

Okeechobee residents Christa Luna and Bert Culbreth honored by IRSC

Indian River State College (IRSC) is delighted to announce that Christa Culbreth Luna and Bert Culbreth are the first recipients of …

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Wildlife & Environment

FWC Commissioners review proposed rule revisions for wildlife rehabilitation

The proposed amendments will increase public safety, improve animal welfare...

Commentary on the C-44 Reservoir

We are fortunate to work with many stakeholders in Florida who passionately care about the environment …

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Government

Special Magistrate reduces county liens on two properties

During a November hearing, the Okeechobee Special Magistrate reduced the fines on two properties ...

Public input sought with Strategic Plan Survey

OKEECHOBEE – Take 5 minutes to help Okeechobee County plan the next 5 years.

Veterans offended by lack of banner display time

The Nov. 21 Okeechobee City Council meeting lasted a total of 24 minutes.

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Police/Fire

Semi-truck lands in ditch while attempting U-turn

Trying to avoid stalled traffic after a car accident proved to be a big mistake for a semi-truck driver yesterday.

Craig's List hire arrested on multiple charges

After hiring a man through Craig’s List, a local farm owner discovered the man was forging checks.

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Opinion

Reflections from the Pulpit: Far as the curse is found

“Is there hope?” “Is there healing for my soul condition?” “Is there forgiveness and purpose for me, personally?”

Operation Christmas Child volunteers send Christmas joy to children overseas

Although drop-off locations have closed, there is still time to share hope...

Jolly the Elf is returning to Okeechobee

Everyone knows that “Santa Claus is coming to town” and he’s checking his list for all...

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Hurricane News

UF/IFAS facilities rebuild from Hurricane Idalia with help

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

Okeechobee County continues to monitor Hurricane Storm Idalia

Okeechobee County emergency officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia. Okeechobee County is currently...

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Adopt A Pet

Fur-Tastic Pet Spa hosts visits with Santa

2 days ago

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

Adopt a pet: Just look at these faces

Tuesday, November 28

OKEECHOBEE — Just look at these faces.

Adopt a pet: You won't regret it if you take us home

Tuesday, November 21

We are all looking for homes. Are you looking for family?

Adopt a pet: We need homes!

Monday, November 20

OKEECHOBEE — We would be thankful if we found homes for Thanksgiving.

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Veterans

Veterans Day ceremony honors local heroes

The Okeechobee community honored area veterans on Nov. 11 with a special service at the Veterans Memorial in Flagler Park.

Operation Green Light honors veterans

Area buildings are lit up in green to show support for veterans ...

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Agriculture

New genetic finding could pave way for fall blueberries in Florida

Fall is not normally when you find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store.

Growing finger limes in Florida: Lessons learned so far

Finger lime, a distant relative of sweet orange and grapefruit, is a relatively new crop...

This holiday season, make the most of your food waste

Make this holiday season the start of your composting practices

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Health

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...

Clinics implement best practices for patient health

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States...

RSV cases increasing in Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County reported an increase in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) the first week in December ...

Yoga for Life: Tighten the abdominal muscles for the New Year

These wide-legged poses are an excellent “wake-up” call for the body.

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Business

Gov. DeSantis continues to support Children and Families

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

FEMA cautions holiday shoppers against online scams

The holiday shopping season is a prime time for hackers, scammers, and online thieves.

AAA: Drivers see lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in three years

Florida gas prices inched lower last week, even as millions of Americans hit the road...

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Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Gas prices declining again after rising 16 cents last week

Florida gas prices are declining again after an abrupt increase last week.

Partial lane closures planned for road project

Pine Ridge Park Area will have partial lane closures Dec. 5 through Dec. 21.

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of Dec. 9

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 25. Motorists are reminded...

Okeechobee Road Watch Report for Nov. 26 - Dec. 2

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, Sunday 26. Motorists are reminded...

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State

Suspended Florida prosecutor tells state Supreme Court that DeSantis exceeded his authority

A lawyer for a suspended Florida prosecutor told the state Supreme Court that Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his authority when he removed a Democratic state attorney from her elected office. The court …

AFTA calls for artists to submit work to All Florida Juried Exhibit

Categories for entry include: sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography...

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National & World

- 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...
- AAA tips to help residents prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia
  
  As Tropical Storm Idalia churns toward Florida, insurance experts at AAA...