Featured

Kenbeek was a River Rat

Veteran Jim Kenbeek was born in Michigan but does not claim that as home since his family moved to Florida when he was only 2 weeks old.

Battle of Okeechobee won’t be re-enacted this year

The Battle of Okeechobee won’t be re-enacted this year, due to concerns about COVID-19 virus transmission where large groups of people gather.

Argument ends in life-flight

After an argument with his girlfriend, a man was life-flighted to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.

There will be no early vote for the special city election

Although there will not be an early vote for the special election planned for the spring, City Clerk Lane Gamiotea said there will be vote-by-mail ballots available.

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Lake Okeechobee

Allapattah Ranch Wetland Reserve project ribbon cutting Jan. 21

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Lake Okeechobee

Allapattah Ranch Wetland Reserve project ribbon cutting Jan. 21

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Coronavirus

Florida now requires proof of state residency for COVID-19 vaccinations

Following weeks of complaints that scant vaccination supplies were being taken up by those from out of state, or even tourists...

Publix vaccination appointments fill up quickly; more appointments to be open Wednesday

Some Florida Publix pharmacies are now distribution points for the COVID-19 vaccine, and appointments fill up quickly.

Frustration grows for those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations

Area residents continue to be frustrated with problems securing COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Fair, NA °F

Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Get the full forecast

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Lake levels

15.58 feet

Last year: 12.83 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Community

Calling all blood donors to Raye’s Birthday Bash blood drive Jan. 30

“Raye’s Birthday Bash” blood drive will be held Saturday, Jan. 30...

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County News

Ribbon cutting - on Friday, Feb. 5 at noon celebrating the new location for “Our Village” at 205 NE 2nd Street (old Bass funeral home).

2021 Clewiston Sugar Festival canceled

Due to concerns about COVID-19, the annual Sugar Festival has been canceled.

Foundation contributes more than money, it delivers on dreams

The Kathryn A. Basile Foster a Dream Foundation contributed $10,000 to...

Christmas duo recognized for going the extra mile

Communities Connected for Kids congratulates Linda Beland and Christina Kaiser for winning the most recent Going the Extra Mile...

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Human Interest

Inspiring Okeechobee ... Family Dentistry truly is a family

Family Dentistry is always looking for new ways to support the community, but there are a few groups they regularly support...

How to Baby Bottle Boomerang

OKEECHOBEE – Baby Bottle Boomerang is a simple program, and a great way for kids and people of all ages to get involved in the life-saving ministry of the Pregnancy Center of …

Portrait artist is his own worst critic

When it comes to art, there are possibly as many reasons for the creations as there are creators.

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Weather

Eta was rare November surprise for South & SW Florida and the Keys

Now that the water has receded and the cleanup is underway, let’s take a closer look at Eta’s track as well as how rare of an event...

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Police/Fire

Woman charged with DUI with property damage

After reportedly rear-ending the vehicle in front of her, a local woman was charged with DUI with property damage.

Okeechobee arrests from Jan. 14 through Jan. 20

The following individuals were arrest for on felony and DUI charges. This column lists arrests and NOT convictions unless otherwise stated.

In the Courts in Okeechobee

The following felony cases have either been tried in a court of law or have been settled without trial and are considered closed.

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Government

Chartier honored by County Commission

On Jan. 14, the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners issued a Proclamation to County Administrator, Robbie Chartier in honor of her Retirement...

Glades County plans to lower speed on County Road 721

At their meeting, Glades County Commissioners discussed lowering the speed limit on County Road 721 to 30 mph from SR 78 to the Highlands County line.

Okeechobee County to allow church to host children’s program at Kiwanis Park

At their Jan. 14 meeting, Okeechobee County officials struggled with the desire to keep residents safe...

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Schools

Can sargassum seaweed’s brown pungent properties serve as a green solution to topsoil?

A pilot study, funded by Florida Sea Grant at UF/IFAS Extension, is underway to evaluate if the brown sargassum collected from beaches can eventually be used as compost.

Everglades Elementary School presents Students of the Week

Everglades Elementary would like to congratulate its Students of the Week for the week of Jan. 18:

South Elementary presents Students of the Week

South Elementary School would like to congratulate its Students of the Week for the week of Jan. 11...

Treasure Coast Food Bank’s winter Culinary Training Academy begins Feb. 8

Students learn principles of cooking, but also emerge from the course with an understanding...

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Sports

Big O Teen Anglers wrap up their 2020 season

Dinner found all of the family, friends, and captains enjoying a vast array of potluck dishes, casseroles, and wonderful pulled pork.

Local children participate in Elks Soccer Shoot

Photos of competitors and winners of the Elks State Soccer Shoot held in Umatilla.

Lake Apopka Fish Tag Challenge has $5,000 prize

The angler who catches Jim Thomas during the contest period and returns the tag to the FWC will be awarded...

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Veterans

Veteran Ackland enjoys working indoors and playing outdoors

Graduating from Cooper City High School in Fort Lauderdale in 1975, veteran Bryan Ackland joined the Air Force when he was 18 years old.

Ramps for Veterans seeking next deserving veteran

Ramps for Veterans was founded by Wade Hunt and helps Veterans in need in the community who cannot afford to build their own ramps.

Veteran Whitlock calls himself a motivational specialist for students

Veteran Jeff Whitlock was born and raised in Okeechobee. He was one of the last babies born in the old hospital...

Ramps for Veterans makes 18th free ramp

OKEECHOBEE — Wade Hunt, with Ramps for Veterans advertised recently asking if any local veterans needed a ramp built free of charge. He and his crew try to do one ramp per month for a veteran …

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Opinion

Reflections from the Pulpit

Today I thought I would give you all a word of encouragement. With all of the uncertainty in our world there is one thing that is certain.

UF scientists study shopping trends

There are nearly 300 crops produced in Florida, most of which come in vast array of varieties.

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Agriculture

Global gardeners help UF tomato breeding program

Normally, University of Florida scientists such as Harry Klee gauge the taste and aroma of their new tomatoes by letting volunteers them...

Insect dormancy discovery offers clues to flipping the hibernation switch

Can the biological impulse that prompts a dormancy period in some living beings be activated in other organisms, including humans?

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Health

VA’s Veterans Health Administration celebrates 75 years

This year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) commemorates 75 years of...

New Horizons announces new CEO William Wims joins the team as chief executive officer

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is pleased to announce William Wims has assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer and President.

Visitors are not allowed at Raulerson Hospital due to COVID-19

For the safety of their patients, visitors, physicians, colleagues and community there will be no visitors allowed at Raulerson Hospital.

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Business

WaWa Corporation finally releases tentative opening date

After months and months of speculation, Okeechobee City Administrator Marcos Montes de Oca said WaWa...

Businesswomen’s Referral Network hosts its monthly meeting

The Businesswomen's Referral Network will host it's monthly meeting on Friday, Jan. 15.

FPL ends coal-fired power generation in Florida

After the clock struck midnight on Dec. 31, Florida Power & Light Company formally closed its last coal-fired plant in Florida...

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Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of Jan. 24

Crews are working in the manholes between southeast Second Street and southwest Park Street.

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of Jan. 17

Okeechobee County Road Watch for the week beginning Sunday, Jan. 17.

Okeechobee County Roadwatch Report for week of Jan. 10

Okeechobee Road Watch for the week beginning Sunday, Jan. 10. Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution.

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State

Sheriff: Boy was handcuffed, left in closet; couple arrested

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A man and woman are accused of handcuffing a young boy and locking him in a closet for hours each day as a form of punishment, authorities said. The Hillsborough County …

Coast Guard searching for small plane that crashed in ocean

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The United States Coast Guard continued to search early Monday for a small plane that reportedly crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off of the South Florida coast. Petty …

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National & World

EU urges Navalny's release but no talk of Russia sanctions

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's foreign ministers on Monday condemned the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the detention of thousands during protests backing the most …

Kerry: US will make up for 4 years of lost action on climate

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The world must take decisive action to build resilience to the devastating effects of climate change, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry told a global virtual summit …

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