Community

Gianni Trofibio is Tiny Mr. Speckled Perch 2025

Gianni Trofibio was named 2025 Tiny Mr. Speckled Perch.
OKEECHOBEE -- From 2001-2019, Gordie Peer hosted Cowboy Gatherings at his ranch in Okeechobee. [Photo courtesy Gordie Peer Cowboy Schoolhouse Facebook Page]

Gordie Peer was a cowboy and a showman

OKEECHOBEE -- Many in the Okeechobee community were saddened by news of the death of longtime resident Gordie Peer.

Lunar Eclipse over LaBelle

Lunar Eclipse over LaBelle at 3:22 a.m. on March 14 during the totality phase, with the stars...
Current conditions
Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
Partly Cloudy, 63 °F
Mostly clear, with a low around 49. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Get the full forecast
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Lake levels
12.98 feet
Last year: 15.59 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
Okeechobee resident Mary Kennedy has made it her mission in life to bring benches back to the local Walmart.
Honoring Jessica Lea – Community Leadership Award Recipient
An off-duty ER nurse credits God with saving a toddler from choking Sunday morning...
Schools
Friday, March 14, was pajama and wear your Crocs day at Country Oaks Elementary.
LaBelle Middle School celebrated Happy Pi Day.
On Thursday, March 13, fourth grade Wildcats of Eastside Elementary School enjoyed a trip to AH-TAH-THI-KI...
Wildlife & Environment
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings,
Topics discussed will include qualifications for permits to sell green iguanas collected...
Government
The Postal Service has one of largest fleets in the world, with more than 246,000 vehicles...
OpenGov is an interactive online portal that provides access to county financial records.
OKEECHOBEE – A new ordinance passed by Okeechobee County Commissioners at their March 13 meeting creates a buffer zone...
Police/Fire
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy William Jolly was dispatched to a field...
The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges...
Opinion
AMAC Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor answers questions about Social Security.
When Donald Trump assumed the presidency, two allies of the US, Israel and Ukraine were mired in bloody wars...
Pahokee held an election on March 11, 2025. The ballot consisted of one race that normally would have seen 3 of the 5 Commission seats up for voting.
Hurricane News
The SBA’s disaster loans offer immediate financial relief, allowing individuals and businesses...
Thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, LaBelle Middle School will be a more comfortable hurricane shelter in the future.
Veterans
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans will be held Feb. 25

DAV & RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment at the Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans...

Record-breaking turnout at IRSC Foundation Clay Shoot

The Indian River State College Foundation’s Annual Clay Shoot attracted 136 participants and generated $153,000...
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Agriculture
As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season – March through May -- growers are shipping...
University of Florida researchers have developed an app that will help farmers reduce the risk of over...
Florida 4-H Broward County delivered a groundbreaking pilot project where local students didn’t just learn about native plants...
Health

Advocates travel to Tallahasse to urge lawmakers to act on cancer related priorities

Advocates called for $3 million in recurring state funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer...

Help your child cope with seasonal allergies

Sniffles and sneezes are an inevitable part of growing up. But if your child has a lingering runny nose and cough...

Affordable Health Screenings coming to Okeechobee

Residents living in and around Okeechobee can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis...
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Cancer advocates urge lawmakers to prioritize funding for lifesaving early-detection programs

Advocates are calling for $3 million in recurring state funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program...
Business
Lakefront Estates will feature 1,000 homes …
The District’s talented team of procurement professionals establishes contractual relationships with businesses...
Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment ...
Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Florida’s average gas price is 3 cents more than last week

Florida gas prices averaged $3.10 per gallon on Monday, March 17.

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of March 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, March 16...

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of March 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, March 16...

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of March 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Glades County for the week beginning Sunday, March 16...
State

DeSantis warns he has 'tools' including suspending local officials if they don't cooperate with ICE

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his office has tools including suspending officials from office to compel local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in assisting in detentions …

Florida man faces execution for the killing of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother

A Florida man who pleaded guilty to killing an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother during a night of drinking and drug use is facing scheduled execution. Sixty-three-year-old Edward James is set to …
National & World

A month-old girl is pulled from the rubble in Gaza after an airstrike killed her parents

Rescuers have pulled a 25-day old baby girl alive from the rubble of her home in Gaza's Khan Younis after an airstrike killed her parents and brother. The girl, Ella Osama Abu Dagga, was born in the …

A nation in mourning, North Macedonia holds mass funerals for young victims of nightclub fire

KOCANI, North Macedonia (AP) — Funeral services are being held Thursday across North Macedonia for dozens of victims of last weekend’s devastating nightclub fire, as grieving communities gather …
HURRICANE NEWS
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