OKEECHOBEE — Brad Phares was the speaker for the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments (TCCLG) and Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities (TCRLC) joint meeting and BBQ held at the First Untied Methodist Church. Over 100 local officials and staff members from Indian River, St Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties, and staff members from: State Representatives Tuck, Trabulsy, and Overdof; State Senators Grall and Harrell; and U.S. Representatives Mast and Franklin attended. A local, eighth generation rancher, Brad spoke to the group on the history of the cattle industry in Florida, ranchers care for the land and wildlife, and the impacts of over-development on Lake Okeechobee. In addition to being a cattle rancher, Brad is an artist, cowboy poet, author, and podcaster. His website is cowhuntersunlimted.com.