OKEECHOBEE – Plans for Bass Pro to turn the Okee-Tantie Recreation Area into a world class fishing resort continue to move forward, according to information shared at the April 8 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission.

County Attorney Wade Vose said a virtual meeting with officials from Bass Pro and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers went well.

“We are proceeding forward at this time,” he said.

Bass Pro’s plan for Okee-Tantie includes adding a second marina, which will be exclusive to resort guests. Access to the existing marina will remain open to the public. That plan means dredging which requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Okee-Tantie project will be part of Big Cedar Lodge, the resort arm of Bass Pro. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, created Big Cedar Lodge as a destination for families and friends to connect in the great outdoors

In related business at the April 8 commission meeting, Sharie Turgeon of the Tourist Development Council said the March 13 Bass Pro Shop Tournament on Lake Okeechobee and the Bass Pro-sponsored family fun event at the Scott Driver Recreation area were well attended.

“They seemed very happy with the event,” she said. Turgeon thanked county staff from Okeechobee County Parks & Recreation, Road Department, Fire/Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office and Mosquito Control as well as the interim county administrator for their help.

“It was a great event,” she said.

“None of the other events in town suffered at all,” Turgeon added. The fishing tournament shared the same Saturday with the first day of the Speckled Perch Festival and the Cowtown Rodeo. She said the festival had a good turnout and the rodeo had the largest audience in years.