OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee Main Street would like to use the vacant lot south of the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse for festival vendor parking.

At the Sept. 6 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission Angie Griffin will make the request on behalf of Main Street.

According to the staff report: “Okeechobee Main Street, Inc., hosts the Speckled Perch, Labor Day, Christmas and Art Festivals each year. These events are held within the City downtown area with city parking being very limited. Main Street is looking for ways to alleviate some of the issues by finding alternative parking areas for their vendors. As such, are seeking permission to utilize the vacant lot south of the Historical Courthouse for Vendor parking. Main Street advises they have a loading area for the vendors at each event, and after loading and unloading, the vendor could move their vehicle to the county owned parking area at the vacant lot south of the Historic Courthouse. Vehicle types would be personal vehicles owned by the vendors, as well as their trucks and trailers used for transporting their goods they sell. There would be no RVs or campers. Trash clean-up will be provided, and there are no electrical or water expectations. Main Street does obtain a permit from the city for each event and can request a permit from the county for each event, if necessary. Main Street advises they can provide Liability insurance coverage at the location naming Okeechobee County as an additional insured party.
“Should the Board consider the request, a few discussion points the Board may consider:

• Requirement of liability insurance for each event,
• Time frame for clean-up and trash removal prior to operating hours of courthouse,
• Requirement of temporary use permit,
• Who is responsible for supplying trash cans/bags,
• Repair to any damages ground due to parking.”

The meeting will be held Sept. 6 in the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse, starting at 9 a.m.