South Central Florida Life

Featured

Woman sentenced to four months plus probation after threatening to kill cops

An Okeechobee woman was sentenced this week to four months in county jail followed by two years...

Marker wins again

For the fourth year in a row Carol Marker has advanced to the Special Olympics Florida State Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.

Man faces multiple cruelty charges after puppy found with BB in spine

An Okeechobee man faces multiple animal abuse charges after allegedly starving three Pitbulls, one of them a puppy.

Detective exposed to fentanyl during arrest

A narcotics task force detective was treated and released after fentanyl exposure during a traffic stop last week.

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Community

Niagara Bottling’s support transforms lives for families

Niagara Bottling’s generous support is transforming the lives of families in Okeechobee.

Evan Neal returning to host second annual football camp

Former Okeechobee Brahman and current New York Giant Evan Neal is returning to his hometown on...

#25by2025 campaign to recruit foster homes kicks off with a Story Stroll

Communities Connected for Kids launched a community-wide foster-home recruitment campaign...

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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

A Few Clouds, 88 °F

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast 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

14.09 feet

Last year: 14.21 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

Torres returning to coach OHS Lady Brahman basketball

Former Okeechobee High School girls basketball coach Jovanny Torres is returning to coach the Lady Brahmans next season.

Chobee Smashers are runners up in Softball is Life Tournament

On Saturday, April 27, the Chobee Smashers played in the Softball for Life Tournament.

County plans to add sports complex entrance off U.S. 441

A entrance to the Darrell Enfinger Sports Complex is planned off U.S. 441.

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Human Interest

Gator alumni-led company recognized for decade of compassionate growth

Every year for the past 10 years, the University of Florida’s Gator100 program has honored the fastest-growing businesses...

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...

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.

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Schools

OHS rewards Exemplary Character

On Tuesday, April 30, Okeechobee High School recognized 185 students chosen by staff members for their Exemplary Character...

EES congratulates Tropicana Speech winners

Everglades Elementary School would like to congratulate its winners for the 2024 Tropican Speech Contest.

Sherry Burroughs inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Sherry Burroughs, of Okeechobee, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi...

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Wildlife & Environment

FWC to host public meeting May 6 in Sebring for input on captive wildlife regulations

These meetings are designed to give the public an opportunity to interact directly...

Applications for alligator harvest permits open today, including new Alligator Super Hunt

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers two alligator harvest opportunities...

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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

Woman charged with assault after nearly hitting neighbor's car

After nearly hitting her neighbor’s car as she drove her children to school, an Okeechobee woman came back later to finish the job.

Okeechobee Arrest Report

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

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Opinion

It’s time to go, Joe

The most kneejerk Democrats and Republicans will vote for whoever their party nominates, but millions...

Older husband and working wife seek guidance – Ask Rusty

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

Letter to the Editor: NALC “Enough is Enough” rally is Sunday, April 28, in Pt. St. Lucie

Letter carriers in the Palm Beach County and Martin County areas increasingly are targets of...

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Hurricane News

May 5-11 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best: “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.”

Alzheimer’s caregivers need special plan for hurricane season

As hurricane season approaches, caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s have to put a plan in place a bit different than others.

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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

Veteran coalition fights suicide

The Greater Lake Okeechobee Veterans Service Coalition formed in the fall of 2023,

Smart & Safe Florida announces statewide Veterans Coalition

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

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Agriculture

May 9 hybrid workshop explores tropical fruit production in Florida

What conditions are ideal for farmers to successfully grow tropical fruit in different regions of Florida?

Blackberries in Florida may become even more nutritious in the future

Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy...

Machine-harvestable tomatoes available from UF/IFAS

It’s painstaking work that might be made easier soon with machine-harvestable tomatoes...

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Health

May is Save Your Tooth Month

May is Save Your Tooth Month, an annual celebration of tooth-saving procedures...

Florida Retail Federation thanks DeSantis for HIV screening & treatment expansions

Governor Ron DeSantis signed into Florida law Friday, April26, House Bill 159, HIV Infection Prevention Drugs...

Understanding sunshine and its role in skin cancer

Certain individuals with lower risk factors might get away with greater periods of sun exposure.

Lung Association releases ‘State of the Air’ report

The Glades area south of Lake Okeechobee enjoys some of the best air quality in the country...

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Business

Better Business Bureau celebrates National Moving Month

Moving across town or the country requires time, patience, money, and, most importantly, trust.

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee News

Please join us for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Batteries Plus, a new addition...

BBB investigation: Virtual vehicle vendor scam rose in 2023

In 2023, virtual vehicle vendor scam reports to BBB increased as fraudsters targeted high-end classic car buyers...

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Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Florida gas prices are slightly lower than last week

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 …

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...

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State

Snakes almost on a plane: TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants

Airport security officers in Miami found a slithering surprise last week. It was a bag of snakes hidden in a passenger’s pants. According to an X post by the Transportation Security …

Boeing is on the verge of launching astronauts aboard new capsule, the newest entry to space travel

Boeing is finally poised to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA after years of delays and stumbles. It’s the first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on …

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National & World

- Begin preparing for hurricane season during Hurricane Preparedness Week
  
  The annual Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and it is important for all of us....
- 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...