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From the Archives: City ordinance prohibits dancing in bars

From the Archives highlights weird, funny or interesting stories from the over 100 year history of the Okeechobee News, many of which have never been online before.

Corps stops releases from lake to St. Lucie River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will stop sending water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie on April 10.

Septuagenarian Couple flies sea to shining sea

On a wing and a prayer, a couple in their 70s flew from sea to shining sea in a 70-year-old airplane.

Corps to reduce releases to Caloosahatchee River starting April 3

The Army Corps of Engineers will reduce flows from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers on April 3.

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Lake Okeechobee

Lake O having good year for Snail Kites

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Lake Okeechobee

Lake O having good year for Snail Kites

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Coronavirus

Okeechobee County Schools' COVID-19 Update

The Okeechobee County Schools' COVID dashboard reports no new exclusions this week.

Six cases of covid variant reported in Okeechobee County

COVID-19 vaccinations in Okeechobee County are going well.

Okeechobee residents have seven options for covid vaccinations

Currently there are 7 locations providing COVID-19 vaccines in Okeechobee County. All require an appointment.

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Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE - April 2021

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Lake levels

14.16 feet

Last year: 11.49 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Community

Okeechobee County announces road closure at SW 28th Street and west side of SW 24th Avenue

Okeechobee County has scheduled a road closure at SW 28th Street at the west side of SW 24th Avenue,

Okeechobee County promotes tourism to international audience

Brand USA gave Okeechobee County a chance to reach an international audience.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners designated the month of April 2021 Child Abuse Prevention Month...

Rotary plans Wine & Chocolate Gala

Okeechobee Rotary Club plans a Wine and Chocolate Gala

Agri-Civer Center hosts food bank distribution

These pictures are from the April Treasure Coast Food Bank (TCFB) food distribution held at the Okeechobee Agri Civic Center.

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Human Interest

Missy needs a home

Wheelchair fundraiser exceeds goal by thousands, helps more special needs kids

With a goal of $4,000 in mind, Bernard Marker and Sheriff Stephen organized a barbecue fundraiser.

Okeechobee woman reportedly discovers husband is a bigamist

"I need the judicial system to wake up," said Audra Clemons.

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Weather

Tornado reported in Okeechobee County on April 1

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office shared this report: On the afternoon of April 1, on a small tornado touched down in the area of Okeechobee County known as Dark Hammock (NE 144th St.) No …

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Police/Fire

Multiple fire departments assist in three-vehicle accident

A three-vehicle accident on SR70 at CR721 North brought units from multiple agencies to the scene.

Man on roof is charged with possession of marijuana

After they convinced him to come down off the roof, he was charged.

Okeechobee Fire Report

Okeechobee firefighters responded to the following calls last week:

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Government

Average’ Atlantic hurricane season to reflect more storms

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will use 1991-2020 as the new 30-year period of record.

Okeechobee City Administrator receives award

Okeechobee City Administrator Marcos Montes de Oca was chosen as an outstanding young alumnus recipient.

Commissioners approve reductions in code enforcement fines

Six requests for reduction in code enforcement fines were on the consent agenda for the meeting.

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Schools

Mayor Watford instructs ROTC cadets

Army ROTC groups came to hear Mayor Watford speak on the Seminole Wars.

Everglades presents Students of the Week

Everglades Elementary School presents its Students of the Week for the week of April 5.

IRSC announces new leadership appointments

Indian River State College has made key leadership appointments to advance the areas of technology, finance, student success...

Glades Electric Educational Foundation awards $47,000 in scholarships

The Glades Electric Educational Foundation (GEEF) is awarding $47,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2021.

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Sports

Aubrie Libroth takes over as coach of Okeechobee Shockwaves

OKEECHOBEE- The Okeechobee Shockwaves are hitting the water again in 2021 and they have a new head coach leading the way.

Brahmans bounce back with win over Fort Pierce

The Okeechobee High School varsity baseball team snapped a two game losing streak with a win over the Fort Pierce Cobras April 1.

Freshwater license-free fishing Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4

Try your hand at freshwater fishing this weekend on Saturday, April. 3 and Sunday, April 4, without needing a freshwater fishing license.

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Veterans

The American Legion is not just a social club

The Okeechobee American Legion is more than just a social club. They are an integral part of the community.

Veteran Fisher is a bishop

While still in 11th grade, Michael Fisher joined the Army on the delayed entry program.

Veteran Kenbeek found his training useful after his discharge

Veteran John Kenbeek was born in Jacksonville while his dad, Jim Kenbeek, was stationed there

Veteran Snowden is a teacher

Veteran Tamecia Snowden teaches students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Opinion

Faith that moves tramcars

This week's Reflections from the Pulpit is written by Loy Mershimer of Okeechobee Presbyterian Church.

Can Social Security benefits be suspended?

National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, Russell Gloor, answers questions about Social Security benefits.

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Agriculture

With beginning of Florida blueberry season comes new UF/IFAS variety

As April starts this week, we’re getting into another Florida blueberry season and the sweet taste that comes with the fruit.

Scientists use AI technology to breed better-tasting strawberries

A tastier strawberry may come from a computer.

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Health

Rural health network offers programs on chronic disease management and health literacy

PALM BEACH GARDENS – The Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network (LORHN) will offer two free workshops for rural residents around Lake Okeechobee in April and May.

LORHN to host upcoming health workshops

As COVID-19 continues to impact the nation and our rural communities, it’s more important now than ever to

Upcoming Alzheimer’s Association program delves into potential of ocular biomarkers

On April 2, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue its virtual “Ask the Expert” series with “Seeing the Brain Through the Eyes,”...

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Business

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County News

Our April Chamber After Hours is being sponsored by our very own County Community Services departments.

PSC grants CenturyLink ETC Status, helping bridge digital divide

This approval means CenturyLink—with its affiliate Embarq Florida, Inc.—is a step closer to obtaining federal funding to help bridge the digital divide in Florida.

Florida PSC approves change in FPL’s fuel charge

On April 1, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a fuel factor increase for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) customers...

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Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch report for the week beginning Sunday, April 11

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 4. Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and...

FDOT won't narrow lanes on SR 70 East

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials brought good news to the Okeechobee commission's April 8 meeting.

Okeechobee County Road Watch report for the week beginning Monday, April 5

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Monday, April 5. Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and...

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State

Woman fatally struck by bullet as neighbor's gun discharges

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman was fatally shot in the head when her neighbor's gun discharged as he was cleaning it a short distance from her home, sheriff's officials said. The …

Teenager dies when electrocuted during Florida storm

SPRING HILL, Fla. (AP) — A 17-year-old girl died Sunday during a strong storm that swept through central Florida, damaging homes and businesses. The woman was driving in Spring Hill, north of …

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National & World

AP PHOTOS: From Moscow to Pacific, Russia glorifies Gagarin

MOSCOW (AP) — From a giant statue towering over Moscow to a more modest monument on the Sakhalin Island in the Pacific Ocean, dozens of memorials across Russia commemorate Yuri Gagarin, the …

Soviet cosmonaut made pioneering spaceflight 60 years ago

MOSCOW (AP) — Crushed into the pilot's seat by heavy G-forces, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin saw flames outside his spacecraft and prepared to die. His voice broke the tense silence at ground …

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