HURRICANE NEWS
Current conditions
Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
Fair, 75 °F
Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Get the full forecast
Police/Fire
From left to right: Ronald Snell, Micheal Kemp, David White, Brent Stevens, and Colton Bass. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

LaBelle honors firefighters for their service 

The City of LaBelle Board of Commissioners honored members of the local fire department for their service at their Feb. 13 meeting.
jail cell, prison cell

Program to save county money on healthcare for jail inmates

Hendry commissioners voted to take advantage of a program to save the county money on medical expenses at the county jail.

Seventeen year old arrested in LaBelle shooting

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots being fired at the Dollar General Store...
Read Lake Okeechobee News

E-edition

Read the latest Lake Okeechobee print edition here.

View this issue

Browse other issues

Community News

Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 2024 Impact Report documents increase in food insecurity

FORT MYERS – Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 39.5 million pounds of food through its Feeding Network in 2024, a 10.6% increase over the prior year that equates to an additional 3 million …

Alzheimer Association to hold a virtual event: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

We know that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Join us to learn...

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...
Agriculture
Now picture that horse’s vision slowly spotting and fading, the horizon blurring, until...
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 …
Business Corner
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in person Feb. 26-27 at the FSU Student Union...
In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday, Postal Service facilities will be closed for retail transactions on Monday...
On Feb. 3, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026...
Top Trending Stories

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free...

Wildlife & Environment
Science tells us invasive species — like the spotted tilapia — are always on the move...
Governor Ron DeSantis’s budget includes $805 million for Everglades restoration, including $727 million for the state’s shar...
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, (Corps) is preparing an integrated...
Have you ever noticed unusual plants, animals or insects in your area? Chances are there is way to help scientists...
Government

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free...

Hendry County is making strides in code enforcement.
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.  
Schools

Upthegrove Elementary’s last day of Celebrate Literacy Week was pajama day!

On Jan. 31, students enjoyed some reading in the lovely outdoors with the company of their blankets and stuffed animals.
During a force and motion lesson in STEM class, students were able to investigate what forces...
Health

Alzheimer Association’s Brain Bus stops at Swamp Cabbage Festival

Alzheimer Association’s in-person Brain Bus will be at the Swamp Cabbage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23.

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.
Entertainment

Highlands Hammock announces 38th Annual CCC Festival

Highlands Hammock State Park is celebrating Florida history, culture, nature and the legacy of the CC...

Seminole Stars joins the White Pelican Celebration on Jan. 11

CHOKOLOSKEE — Members of the Seminole Tribe and Famous Florida Folk Musicians will join the White Pelican Celebration on Satuday, January 11, at the Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee, located at …
Kelsey Hart was on stage at Torry Island for the Torry Island BBQ Showdown. [Photo by Greg Baltazar]

Torry Island BBQ Festival planned for March 22

BELLE GLADE -- Torry Island BBQ Festival is planned for March 22, 2025 at Belle Glade’s Torry Island. Gates open at 11 a.m.
Traffic & Road Work
Opinion
“Rust Belt city benefits from Bidenomics” headlined an article last month in the Wall Street Journal, detailing the economic rebound...
So many things occupy our hearts and minds, and we forget about what’s important...
For over 50 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of Florida’s agricultural industry and its...
Find Us on Facebook
Nation & 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 …

State News
Rain and storm winds blowing trees

Tax-Free Holiday is Aug. 24-Sept. 6 on storm supplies

With a sales tax free holiday August 24 through September 6, 2024 on storm supplies in the Sunshine State...
Jessica Leon, founder of the Horatio Leon, Jr., Water Safety Program, travelled to Tallahassee to promote her water safety initiatives. [Photo courtesy Jessica Leon]

LaBelle resident fights for water safety measures

In a state known for year-round water activities, it seems ironic that Florida leads the ...

Smart & Safe Florida announces statewide Veterans Coalition

On Tuesday, April 23, the Smart & Safe Florida campaign launched its “Vets Vote #YesOn3” statewide Veterans Coalition...
HURRICANE NEWS
x