Community
OKEECHOBEE -- Bruce and Maryann Swinford were honored by the Okeechobee County Commissioners at their April 25 meeting. This incredible husband and wife volunteer team go above and beyond to feed the homeless in the Okeechobee community. Their selfless dedication and compassion for over 30 years have made a real difference in the lives of those in need. Left to right are Mary Ann Swinford, Bruce Swinford, County Commission Chairman David Hazellief and Sheriff Noel Stephen. [Photo courtesy Okeechobee County Government]

Okeechobee commissioners honor Swinfords

Bruce and Maryann Swinford were honored by the Okeechobee County Commissioners at their April 25 meeting.

National Day of Prayer observance on May 2

The National Day of Prayer observance, sponsored by the Okeechobee Ministerial Association (OMA), will be Thursday, May 2

Help your USPS carrier ‘Stamp Out Hunger®’ on May 11

Saturday, May 11, will mark the 32nd anniversary of one of America’s greatest days of giving...
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Lake levels
14.28 feet
Last year: 14.31 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
Every year for the past 10 years, the University of Florida’s Gator100 program has honored the fastest-growing businesses...
Leah Suarez , Noel Stephen , Shirlene Graham-Stevens and Doris Corde (in no particular order) were honored Saturday night at the inaugural Agape Gala...
The City of Okeechobee hosted the James Family Cyclists Monday morning before sending them off to Sebring on their long journey back to Canada.
Schools
Sherry Burroughs, of Okeechobee, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi...
Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 were the two final nights the OHS Drama Club Troupe 7319 performed a classic...
On Tuesday, April 16, students at Everglades Elementary School competed in Battle of the Books!
Wildlife & Environment
Warm temperatures and little water movement continue to set the stage of algal blooms in Florida lakes, rivers and canals.
The South Florida Water Management District will provide an update on the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area project on May 2 at 1 p.m.
Government
The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Florida Humanities Council, presents “Voices and Votes:
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 …
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend several days hiking may soon be able to leave their vehicles overnight ...
Police/Fire
A 13-year-old student at Osceola Middle School reported hearing voices of Columbine shooters ...
Report after report after report from the Okeechobee City Police Department involve shoplifting from Walmart.
Opinion
Letter carriers in the Palm Beach County and Martin County areas increasingly are targets of...
Joe Biden loves to give away money, especially if it’s not his own. He has spent trillions of dollars...
In April I traveled back to my Seminary for a retreat with lifelong friends.
Hurricane News
As Spring approaches, so do hurricane and wildfire seasons, along with an increased threat...
When Hurricane Idalia barreled through the Big Bend region of Florida...
Veterans

Smart & Safe Florida announces statewide Veterans Coalition

On Tuesday, April 23, the Smart & Safe Florida campaign launched its “Vets Vote #YesOn3” statewide Veterans Coalition...

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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Agriculture
It’s painstaking work that might be made easier soon with machine-harvestable tomatoes...
There is no shortage of consumer appetite for avocados. Frequently incorporated into starters and desserts, demand for avocados...
They’re munching away on landscape plants, citrus and vegetable crops...
Health

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week

The week of May 6-12 is National Nurses Week in Okeechobee County.

HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week

This annual celebration highlights the selfless dedication of individuals...

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.
Business
TAMPA — Florida gas prices increased the past three days, erasing eight consecutive days of losses. The state average dropped from $3.64 per gallon to $3.48/g last week. It then rebounded nine …
Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading battery retailer, opens its newest location at 810 N Parrott Avenue...
Join us for an enriching afternoon at our upcoming Business Exchange Luncheon, hosted by the...
Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of April 28 - May 5

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, April 28,

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 …
State

Kforce: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kforce Inc. (KFRC) on Monday reported net income of $11 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Tampa, Florida-based company said it had …

Crown: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Crown Holdings Inc. (CCK) on Monday reported first-quarter net income of $67 million. On a per-share basis, the Tampa, Florida-based company said it had …
National & World

NATO chief chides members as Ukraine’s allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia

NATO's secretary general says the alliance's member countries have failed to deliver in time what they promised to Ukraine. Jens Stoltenberg said during a visit to Kyiv that “serious delays in …

At least 40 people die in western Kenya after a dam collapses

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A dam collapsed in western Kenya early Monday, killing at least 40 people after a wall of water swept through houses and cut off a major road, police said. The Old Kijabe …
HURRICANE NEWS
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