Featured

Okeechobee Music Festival teases 2026 return

The Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival appears to be teasing a 2026 return to the Sunshine Grove.

USACE reduces lake releases east and west

As Lake Okeechobee finally dipped below 13 feet (above sea level) last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has slowed the flow of lake water east and west.

USACE reduces lake releases east and west

Lake Okeechobee finally dipped below 13 feet (above sea level) last week, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has slowed the flow of lake water east and west.

Woman charged with hindering firefighters

After her home burned to the ground and her dog died, an Okeechobee woman was arrested and charged with hindering firefighters in their duty.

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Community

Voices for Children is Calling all Heroes!

Join us at Clover Park on April 18th for an action-packed night with Voices for Children of Okeechobee...

New K9s United specialty license plate now available

K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting law enforcement canines...

Offices to close for Good Friday

The offices at City Hall, Public Works, and the administrative offices of the Police Department will be closed...

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Lake Okeechobee

Lake recession could hit recovery level even if releases east stop

Direct rainfall slows lake recession

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Thunderstorm in Vicinity, 68 °F

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low … Get the full forecast

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Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE March 2025

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Lake levels

12.80 feet

Last year: 15.47 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

United Way to team up with Mighty Mussels for grand slam fundraiser

FORT MYERS — United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are teaming up to hit a home run for United Way’s more than 90 partner agencies and over 260 programs. …

Moore Haven Terriers defeat Donahue Catholic Shamrocks

The Moore Haven Terriers varsity baseball team beat the Donahue Catholic Shamrocks 11-1 on March 14.

Pump track opens to great enthusiasm

What began as a dream is now a reality as Okeechobee County is now home to one of only five pump tracks in the state.

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Human Interest

Woman fights to have benches returned to Walmart

Okeechobee resident Mary Kennedy has made it her mission in life to bring benches back to the local Walmart.

Chamber of Commerce honors Jessica Lea

Honoring Jessica Lea – Community Leadership Award Recipient

Off duty nurse saves choking baby

An off-duty ER nurse credits God with saving a toddler from choking Sunday morning...

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Schools

IRSC, St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce to host State of the College Luncheon

Business leaders, educators, and community members are invited to learn about the College’s latest initiatives...

Indian River State College School of Nursing

Join the IRSC School of Nursing for an informative evening showcasing our comprehensive nursing programs...

2nd-graders dress-up for Par-TEA

LaBelle Elementary’s Dolphin Cafe host second graders Par-Tea in March.

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Wildlife & Environment

The District works year-round to protect our water resources

The District works year-round to advance and accelerate key projects that are improving water quality...

Tips to safely co-exist with alligators

As the weather gets warmer across the state and alligator mating season approaches...

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Government

SFWMD announces upcoming public meetings

Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings in the next three weeks.

Follow the rules for garbage collection

Since March 2024, approximately one year prior to the installation of Waste Management’s new automated collection process …

Canadian visitors will have to register with authorities

Beginning April 11, Canadians visiting Florida will have to comply with immigration rules being enforced by the Trump administration.

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Police/Fire

Hit & run driver arrested

Earlier this month, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Briana Gutty was dispatched to the Town Star gas station on State Road 710 regarding a hit and run.

Arson attempted inside Home Depot

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Victor Cabrera was dispatched to The Home Depot last weekend...

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Opinion

This month, you could lose access to virtual physical therapy

I have virtual physical therapy to thank for the miraculous recovery. And my story isn't unique.

What the world needs now is love

What can you say and do about a world gone mad?

Advocates to highlight harmful proposed Medicaid cuts in Southern States

A coalition of health advocacy organizations advocating for Medicaid expansion in the South...

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Hurricane News

BBB & SBA raise awareness about business recovery resources in West Florida

The SBA’s disaster loans offer immediate financial relief, allowing individuals and businesses...

$1.5 million grant to fund generator for LaBelle Middle School

Thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, LaBelle Middle School will be a more comfortable hurricane shelter in the future.

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Adopt A Pet

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, March 3

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families!

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Tuesday, February 18

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies...

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Wednesday, February 12

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families!

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, January 27

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies at...

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Veterans

Welcome home Honor Flight veterans

Saturday, April 12th, Southeast Florida Honor Flight volunteers will be escorting a full load of veterans...

MCHF spotlights Florida during Nationwide Marines Across America Program

On March 21, The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF) celebrates the Marines of Florida...

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Agriculture

UF/IFAS to host free online workshop on vanilla cultivation

Aspiring vanilla growers and seasoned agriculturalists in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are invited...

UF/IFAS plant pathologist brings hope and relief to Everglades Agricultural area farmers

Farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) have a powerful new ally in the fight against crop diseases.

Springtime gardening with iconic Florida citrus trees

Do you have a green thumb? Maybe you’re interested in growing something that will blossom in your yard.

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Health

Latest stats show adults, kids aren’t getting enough physical activity for heart health

Less than half of adults and less than one-in-five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount...

Register for Alzheimer Association's virtual Managing Money - A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances

The Brain Bus raises awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias and addresses the benefits of early detection

Spring break travel: 5 ways to protect your health and reduce stress

Spring break is just around the corner for many Floridians offering a chance to relax, explore, and spend more time with family. So, how do you make sure your vacation stays memorable for the right …

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...

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Business

AAA: Florida’s gas price average drops below $3 a gallon

Sunday's state average was $2.97 per gallon. That's 2 cents less than the 2024 low and the lowest daily average price since December 2023.

Trailways Camp announces appointment of executive director

Trailways Camp has provided overnight camping experiences for adults with special needs and respite for their caregivers...

Model homes under construction near BHR

Lakefront Estates will feature 1,000 homes …

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Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

Crews will begin the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connections to the bridge tender building.

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

SR 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) Installation of detection technology...

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

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

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.

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State

DOGE cuts are testing some conservative voters' faith in special election for Matt Gaetz's old seat

As the Trump administration forges ahead with its dramatic reshaping of the federal government, voters in a northwest Florida district will be among the first to put the president’s agenda to an …

How a touristy Florida beach town dubbed 'the nation's oldest city' became a top US remote work hub

Thousands of white-collar, remote workers have moved to the St. Augustine, Florida, area in the 2020s. It has transformed the beach town that calls itself “the nation's oldest city” into one of …

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National & World

- FEMA offers help to farmers
  
  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 …
- FEMA opens recovery centers
  
  FEMA has opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Glades, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties …
- Operation Blue Roof helps hurricane victims
  
  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has placed tarps on more than 7,100 homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton...

More Hurricane News

Special Sections

Okeechobee Music Festival teases 2026 return

USACE reduces lake releases east and west

USACE reduces lake releases east and west

Woman charged with hindering firefighters

Voices for Children is Calling all Heroes!

New K9s United specialty license plate now available

Offices to close for Good Friday

E-newspaper

LORE March 2025

United Way to team up with Mighty Mussels for grand slam fundraiser

Moore Haven Terriers defeat Donahue Catholic Shamrocks

Pump track opens to great enthusiasm

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Welcome home Honor Flight veterans

MCHF spotlights Florida during Nationwide Marines Across America Program

Latest stats show adults, kids aren’t getting enough physical activity for heart health

Register for Alzheimer Association's virtual Managing Money - A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances

Spring break travel: 5 ways to protect your health and reduce stress

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

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of March 23-29

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

DOGE cuts are testing some conservative voters' faith in special election for Matt Gaetz's old seat

How a touristy Florida beach town dubbed 'the nation's oldest city' became a top US remote work hub

Israel releases Oscar-winning Palestinian director after he was attacked by West Bank settlers

Gaza's child amputees struggle with recovery, especially after Israel's cutoff of aid

Sapp lawsuit brings comments at county meeting

Okeechobee Music Festival teases 2026 return

FEMA offers help to farmers

FEMA opens recovery centers

Operation Blue Roof helps hurricane victims