Community

Gianni Trofibio is Tiny Mr. Speckled Perch 2025

Gianni Trofibio was named 2025 Tiny Mr. Speckled Perch.
OKEECHOBEE -- From 2001-2019, Gordie Peer hosted Cowboy Gatherings at his ranch in Okeechobee. [Photo courtesy Gordie Peer Cowboy Schoolhouse Facebook Page]

Gordie Peer was a cowboy and a showman

OKEECHOBEE -- Many in the Okeechobee community were saddened by news of the death of longtime resident Gordie Peer.

Residents hear noise from Avon Park Range

OKEECHOBEE –  “What was that boom?”
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Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
Fair, 61 °F
Sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Get the full forecast
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Lake levels
12.98 feet
Last year: 15.59 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
Okeechobee resident Mary Kennedy has made it her mission in life to bring benches back to the local Walmart.
Honoring Jessica Lea – Community Leadership Award Recipient
An off-duty ER nurse credits God with saving a toddler from choking Sunday morning...
Schools
On Monday, March 17, the staff at Everglades Elementary went all out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
On Thursday, March 13, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Community Action Team (CAT) paid a visit...
On Friday, March 14, students and staff at Central Elementary School celebrated Field Day and had so much fun!
Wildlife & Environment
It’s almost April 10 and time to shellebrate gopher tortoises and all they do for Florida’s ecosystems. Coexisting alongside gopher tortoises is an important part of ensuring the …
The Florida Airboat Association and the Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association are giving Florida youth...
Government
At their March 13 meeting, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board members reviewed plans for a new Okeechobee Field Station.
The Postal Service has one of largest fleets in the world, with more than 246,000 vehicles...
OKEECHOBEE – A new ordinance passed by Okeechobee County Commissioners at their March 13 meeting creates a buffer zone...
Police/Fire
A young girl called 911 after her mother allegedly left her alone for a short time to pick up a friend whose vehicle had broken down.
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy William Jolly was dispatched to a field...
Opinion
AMAC Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor answers questions about Social Security.
When Donald Trump assumed the presidency, two allies of the US, Israel and Ukraine were mired in bloody wars...
I write to you today with a sense of urgency and concern for the future of maternal and child health services in our community. Recently, the Florida Community Health Center (FCHC) announced …
Hurricane News
FEMA has opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Glades, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties …
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has placed tarps on more than 7,100 homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton...
Veterans
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans will be held Feb. 25

DAV & RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment at the Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans...

Record-breaking turnout at IRSC Foundation Clay Shoot

The Indian River State College Foundation’s Annual Clay Shoot attracted 136 participants and generated $153,000...
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Agriculture
Do you have a green thumb? Maybe you’re interested in growing something that will blossom in your yard.
As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season – March through May -- growers are shipping...
University of Florida researchers have developed an app that will help farmers reduce the risk of over...
Health

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...

Help your child cope with seasonal allergies

Sniffles and sneezes are an inevitable part of growing up. But if your child has a lingering runny nose and cough...

Affordable Health Screenings coming to Okeechobee

Residents living in and around Okeechobee can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis...
Business
Lakefront Estates will feature 1,000 homes …
The District’s talented team of procurement professionals establishes contractual relationships with businesses...
Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment ...
Traffic & Road Work

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.

AAA: Florida gas prices decline 3¢

Florida gas prices declined 3¢ last week. The state average on Sunday, March 2, was $3.07 per gallon.

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of March 2-8

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, March 2...

AAA: Florida gas prices are 7 cents more than last week

Florida gas prices jumped 12 cents last week, then declined 6 cents through the weekend.
State

Sheriff says 80-year-old man killed his wife and son then fatally shot himself in South Florida

Sheriff's officials in Florida say an 80-year-old man shot and killed his wife and son before fatally shooting himself. Broward County sheriff’s deputies went to the Pompano Beach home on Wednesday …

DeSantis warns he has 'tools' including suspending local officials if they don't cooperate with ICE

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his office has tools including suspending officials from office to compel local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in assisting in detentions …
National & World

Top Russian official visits North Korea to meet Kim

A top Russian security official has travelled to North Korea to meet leader Kim Jong Un, after North Korea recently reportedly sent additional troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. …

Israeli hostage freed after 491 days asks: Where was the United Nations, the Red Cross, the world?

Freed Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi has expressed his anger during an appearance at the U.N. Security Council for having to suffer for so long and worry every day about being killed. He asked: “Where …
HURRICANE NEWS
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