HURRICANE NEWS
Community

USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warn public about romance scams

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service...
BRIGHTON -- Seminole princesses wave at the opening of Brighton Bay Hotel and Casino on Feb. 6. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Lake Okeechobee News]

New Brighton Bay Casino and Hotel opens in Glades County

Photos from the opening of Brighton Bay Casino and Hotel.

Immokalee Water and Sewer District breaks ground on new master lift station

Immokalee Water and Sewer District broke ground January 29 on a new master lift station
Current conditions
Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
Fog/Mist, 63 °F
Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light south southeast wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the … Get the full forecast
Read Lake Okeechobee News

E-newspaper

Read the latest print edition here.

View this issue

Browse other issues

Lake levels
14.11 feet
Last year: 16.35 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
Four little girls were treated to the opportunity to be “Queen for a Day” yesterday.
Okeechobee’s second annual Night to Shine took place on Feb. 7 at First Baptist Church of Okeechobee.
A foggy morning on Lake Okeechobee doesn't even slow the avid fishermen down. A foggy morning on Lake Okeechobee doesn't even slow the avid fishermen down.
Schools
Get ready for a fun evening of discovery at Indian River State College! The College is excited to host its...
The Hendry County School Board received an update on the new LaBelle High School plans as the school district begins to head towards the start of construction.  
Everglades Elementary School had some awesome kindergarten and first grade students that met...
Wildlife & Environment
In a groundbreaking study, University of Florida scientists statistically analyzed large amounts of data...
When searching for a great Valentine’s Day gift, you might consider the enchanting orchid.
Government
Mayor Dowling Watford proclaims February 16 through February 22, 2025, as Engineers’ Week.
During the Feb. 4 Okeechobee City Council meeting, they discussed ordinances regarding setting park hours...
Okeechobee teens Isabella Castillo, Dwight Downie and Hailey Harden were recognized by the Okeechobee City Council...
Police/Fire
“Okeechobee Walmart should be ashamed!! An employee spit on someone today for wearing a Trump shirt...
The OCSO has launched a new MILO training system...
Opinion
For over 50 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of Florida’s agricultural industry and its...
Flu cases continue to spike throughout Florida with recent UnitedHealthcare data showing the spread of flu...
Across the country, young people are dropping out of organized sports.
Hurricane News
Thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, LaBelle Middle School will be a more comfortable hurricane shelter in the future.
LABELLE -- FEMA will hold a farm recovery event on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  at the UF/IFAS Hendry Co. Extension Building, 1085 Pratt Boulevard in LaBelle. The program will educate farmers …
Veterans

Local non-profit to rededicate helicopter at Memorial Day ceremony

Thank You for Your Service, Inc., a dedicated non-profit organization supporting local veterans,...

Helicopter to be returned home soon

The Veteran’s Park helicopter is being restored and will be home soon.
Find Us On Facebook
Agriculture
Trust in scientific experts – even more than understanding their work – is the strongest predictor of support...
You can taste them now – sweet, succulent strawberries. February and March mark the peak time...
The ongoing outbreak of “bird flu” has spread widely across both wild bird populations and commercial poultry operations …
Health

Hospital employees wear red to raise awareness for heart disease

Friday was National #WearRedDay ! At HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital and our larger HCA Healthcare network...

Easy dental care tips: Helping kids smile bright and stay healthy

Did you know your child’s smile could be the key to better grades and more confidence in the classroom?

Heart health should be a priority for the whole family

For over 100 years, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States.

FDOH and DCF offer new parenting resources

On Feb. 4, the Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families announced additional...
Business
Bluedorn brings over eight years of digital marketing and client services leadership experience to IRSC.
Indian River State College (IRSC) announces the opening of a new passport processing facility...
Guyton Industries, 10691 U.S. 441, celebrated their grand opening on Feb. 5. The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce facilitated the ribbon cutting.
Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Florida gas prices are 10 cents more than last week

After rising 17 cents last week, Florida gas prices declined 5 cents through the weekend.

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 9-15

State Route 80 from Shady Oaks Lane to S. Captain Hendry Drive: (Special Permit project) Crews will be closing the outside westbound lane of SR 80...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 9-15

US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): (Permit project) Crews are constructing a temporary road connection to rebuild Hillard Road....

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 9-15

US 27 (SR 25) at SR 78 Intersection: (Construction project) Crews will be reconstructing the intersection with concrete pavement.
State

Sotomayor says presidents have largely followed rule of law, offers words of caution

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said presidents have historically obeyed judicial rulings with a few exceptions while advocating for the court to move cautiously to maintain a system of …

NASA's 2 stuck astronauts may return to Earth sooner under new plan

NASA's two stuck astronauts may end up back on Earth a little sooner than planned. The space agency said Tuesday that SpaceX will switch capsules for upcoming crew flights to bring Butch Wilmore and …
National & World

Relatives of Israeli hostages are terrified as the Gaza ceasefire teeters

Families of the hostages in Gaza are struggling to maintain hope as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seems increasingly at risk of falling apart. Hamas says it won't free three hostages …

Amnesty International details gruesome impact of gang violence on children in Haiti

Amnesty International has released a report that details the impact gang violence has had on children across Haiti and called for immediate action. It said children are forced to carry weapons, spy …
HURRICANE NEWS
Special Sections
x