Government

City administrator gives update of essay contest, flooding and more

During the Oct. 20 city council meeting, City Administrator Denise Whitehead provided the council with some interesting statistics regarding Okeechobee County.

IRS reminder: Year-round tax planning can make filing easier

On Oct. 23, The Internal Revenue Service encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps now to make filing easier and avoid tax-time surprises next year.

Septic-to-sewer projects benefit environment

OKEECHOBEE -- Septic-to-sewer projects in Okeechobee County will take thousands of homes off septic tanks and improve water quality in runoff ...
HURRICANE NEWS
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Hurricane expected to make landfall in Florida Panhandle

While rain is expected this week, it's not from Hurricane Isaias, according to information shared at the Oct. 8...
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Newspaper accounts chronicle 1926 hurricane that wiped out Moore Haven

On Sept. 18, 1926, a hurricane devastated what had been the thriving and growing town of Moore Haven.
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A record-breaking hurricane season? Reasons to stay prepared with FPL

With the Atlantic on track to potentially set a new record for the latest first hurricane of the season ...
Current conditions
Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
Mostly Cloudy, 81 °F
A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Windy, with a north northeast wind around 20 mph, … Get the full forecast
Lake levels
12.56 feet
Last year: 13.93 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
April Martin has been a part of the Okeechobee community for more than 23 years.
After a June 2023 mammogram revealed a small spot on her breast, Shawna May found herself fighting breast cancer.
Mayor Watford has officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Okeechobee! We were proud to see Martha’s House Executive Director …
Schools
LaBelle Elementary School congratulates the following students for collecting the most money for their school’s Jog-A-Thon.
Behind every student’s growth is a community helping them succeed. From teachers encouraging new ideas to classmates ...
Thursday, Oct. 20, was Attendance Takes Teamwork Day at Seminole Elementary School and students...
Wildlife & Environment
It’s the time of year when we celebrate bats! These unique flying mammals are not only interesting ...
Audubon Florida recently honored conservation leaders during its annual Assembly, held October 15–17...
Community
Willow Rose Green (center) with Lacy Green and the 2026 winner of the Bra & High Heel Decorating Contest Maria Billie. [Photo courtesy Green Salon & Spa]

Green Salon & Spa hosts 3rd Annual Bra & High Heels Decorating Contest

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Green Salon & Spa proudly hosted their...
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Letter to the Editor: Belle Glade Library seeking organizations for Health Fair

The Belle Glade Branch Library is looking for nonprofit organizations and government agencies interested in participating in our upcoming Community Health Fair...
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The 32nd Annual Farm-City Dinner and Agri Expo is Nov. 19

"Each November, communities across the country come together to recognize the vital connections between rural and urban life during Farm-City Week ....
Police/Fire
The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges…
The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges…
Opinion
We want to thank our oldest living member Sister Tommie Lee Fisher for her record keeping and outstanding memory.
Western Palm Beach County has been home to my family for more than 100 years.
Jesus talked a lot about faith, about faith the size of a mustard seed, about faith that can move mountains.
Thank you to everyone who joined our Wildlife of Fisheating Creek Photography Outing!
For 50 years, Florida Community Health Centers (FCHC) has been Okeechobee’s medical home. Since 1976, generations of Okeechobee residents ...
Veterans

Buxton Funeral Home is the place to bring your worn out flags

Matt Buxton from Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory has been disposing of worn-out flags for the community for many years.

Benefit planned to help the family of a local veteran

The family of an Okeechobee veteran needs help from the community. The benefit has been moved from Veterans Park to Speckled Perch Park (Park #2).
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Agriculture
Researchers at the UF/IFAS IRREC are working to identify and evaluate new therapies for citrus greening disease...
LaBelle Middle School’s FFA Dairy Goat Exhibitor Team officially kicked off their journey on Oct. 21 by diving into...
A career advancing agricultural research and helping South Florida farmers protect the land and water...
Health

Health Care District and Tampa General Hospital expanding access to cancer care

On Oct. 22, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County and Tampa General Hospital (TGH) hosted a Community Town Hall ...

The GLP-1 conversation is missing muscle and bone

For millions of Americans, GLP-1 medications have become an important tool for managing diabetes...

Florida’s “Support Autism Programs” license plate fuels nearly $170,000 in grants

Thanks to 16,000 Florida vehicle owners choosing the “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate this year, ...

Florida receives $16,740,989 in federal funding to deliver home visiting services to families

On Oct. 7, Florida received $16,740,989 in federal funding through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program 
Business
Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 3601 US Highway 441 S in Okeechobee is now open to provide ...
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the S.R. 70 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study ...
As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly reshape the world around us, including the grocery...
Traffic & Road Work
ONLINE EXLUSIVE

Temporary turn lane closures at U.S. 27 (S.R. 25/S.R. 80) and Olympia Street

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists of temporary turn lane...

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week beginning Oct. 25

The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 25.

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week beginning Oct. 25

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 25.

AAA: More than one-third of drivers fail to slow down or move over

Most drivers say they slow down or move over when approaching a vehicle stopped on the roadside.
National & World

Nurses fight conspiracy theories along with coronavirus

Los Angeles emergency room nurse Sandra Younan spent the last year juggling long hours as she watched many patients struggle with the coronavirus and some die. Then there were the patients who …
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