Community

Youth group helps freshen-up OCA playground

As part of project, Dunklin Memorial Church’s youth group camp spent two days in early July worked on...

Kids enjoy Water Day

Sunshine, sirens, and smiles — Our Village Kid’s Camp Water Day with Okeechobee County Fire Rescue...
OKEECHOBEE -- At the July 10 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission, Habitat for Humanity shared an artist's rendering of a sample Habitat home. [Courtesy image]

Habitat for Humanity seeks land in Okeechobee County

OKEECHOBEE – What makes housing “affordable”?
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Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
A Few Clouds, 79 °F
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Get the full forecast
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Lake levels
11.81 feet
Last year: 13.57 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest

From clutter to crisis: Hoarding disorder is on the rise—here’s what to do

Okeechobee Rodeo Team in conjunction with Florida High School Rodeo Association hosted the Special Needs Rodeo...
After spending nearly a year volunteering at a Christian camp for youth in Western North Carolina,...
Schools
Hendry Schools superintendent Michael Swindle says the district is in good finical shape ahead of the upcoming
For the second consecutive year, the Glades County School District has earned a B rating from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE)
For the fourth consecutive year, Physicians Regional Healthcare System has generously provided funding and hands-on...
Wildlife & Environment
The Miccosukee Tribe has  joined the lawsuit to stop the old jetport property from being used for the federal detainee facility, which the DeSantis administration has dubbed “Alligator …
The Miccosukee Tribe has  joined the lawsuit to stop the old jetport property from being used for the federal detainee facility, which the DeSantis administration has dubbed “Alligator …
Government
Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked an attempt to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files on July 15. The final vote was 211 to 210.
Okeechobee County Commissioner Frank DeCarlo was presented with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation...
The Okeechobee County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate will hold a hearing on Tuesday, July 15 at 9 a.m. in the meeting room at 1700 N.W. Ninth Avenue.
Police/Fire
Recently the local Dodge dealership called 911 to request help regarding a transport driver they believed was intoxicated.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Deputy Sheriff B. Barrira witnessed a vehicle traveling...
Opinion
Sometimes it’s difficult to make decisions. The last time I had a major decision to make, I prayed about it...
As summer vacation begins, parents across America face a familiar challenge: how to keep children active...
On July 12, around 20 Democratic members of the Florida Legislature and the Florida Congressional Delegation...
Hurricane News
At their July 10 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners voted to purchase a sandbagging machine from The Sandbagger LLC for $23,336.
Many emergency preparedness items are now tax-free year round.
Veterans

Mission United to serve veterans and service members in Okeechobee

Our Village recently announced the start of a Mission United — a system of care for veterans and their families.

Veteran needs your help

An Okeechobee veteran is in need of a helping hand from our community.
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Agriculture
Though the current public health risk of H5N1 bird flu is low, the University of Florida (UF) is taking a proactive approach...
Targeted weed-spraying can save tomato farmers 71% of the herbicide they use, new University of Florida research shows.
Imagine using a generative AI platform similar to ChatGPT to get crop-damage information after a hurricane.
Health

High temperatures inside of a car can turn deadly for children and babies

On July 1, Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition posted the following message on their Facebook page warning parents and caregivers of the danger....

CORRECTION: Partners for Breast Cancer Care to host Aug. 15 free Breast Health Caravan

Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PFBCC), a nonprofit that funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for low-income women and men...

How music heals: The benefits of music on the mind, body, and soul

Music is more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance both our physical health and mental well-being.

West Palm Beach VA announces the Dietetic Internship Program

The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVAHCS) is proud to announce that the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Board has …
Business
Florida drivers are paying the lowest gas prices in two months. The state average has declined for the past 10 consecutive days...
Holiday Builders is pleased to announce the debut of its newest model home in Mallard Landing...
Okeechobee, it’s time to “Rise and Grind!” 7 Brew — the rapidly-growing drive-thru beverage brand, known for cultivating kindness …
Traffic & Road Work

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of July 13-19

The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, July 13...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of July 13-19

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, July 13, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation. Motorists are reminded to wear …

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of July 13-19

The following column is the Road Watch report for Glades County for the week beginning Sunday, July 13...

AAA: Gas prices climb in Florida - up 12¢ from last week

Florida gas prices rose last week as drivers prepared to hit the road for Independence Day...
State

Emails show DeSantis administration blindsided county officials with plans for 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration left many local officials in the dark about the immigration detention center that rose from an isolated airstrip in the Everglades. That's according to …

DeSantis administration blindsided officials in county where 'Alligator Alcatraz' was built, emails obtained by AP show

DeSantis administration blindsided officials in county where 'Alligator Alcatraz' was built, emails obtained by AP show.
National & World

AP News Summary at 12:49 a.m. EDT

Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein 'hoax' NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters as he tries to …

Stephen Colbert says CBS is ending his 'Late Show' in May 2026

CBS is axing “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in May 2026, the host told an audience at a taping Thursday. The announcement came two days after Colbert spoke out against Paramount …
HURRICANE NEWS
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