Featured

More photos from Trick or Treat on Park Street

OKEECHOBEE -- Hundreds of families turned out for Trick or Treat on Park Street on Friday, Oct. 30, sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street and local merchants. In addition to collecting candy at …

Teen accused of snorting drugs and creating AI porn

An investigation was opened when a video of an Okeechobee teen crushing what appeared to be a medication and then snorting it surfaced.

Woman accused of stealing vape and jumping into Amazon delivery van to go pick up her many children

After allegedly stealing a vape, a woman told a deputy she needed to pick up her many children, aged from 0 to now to never.

Amazon delivery driver bitten multiple times by dog

Deputy A. Burrell of the OCSO was dispatched to Raulerson Hospital recently after an Amazon delivery driver reported being bitten by a dog.

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Community

AAA: Saturday Halloween raises the stakes for road safety

Halloween brings added dangers to the road every year, but AAA warns motorists...

Gary Miles receives SAR Award

The Okeechobee Chapter SAR President Gary Kirsch (right) presented a 10 year Founders Award...

Halloween health hazards parents may be overlooking

The scariest part of Halloween may not be the haunted houses, horror movies, or spooky costumes ...

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Lake Okeechobee

Four boat locks on Lake O North Shore to reopen Oct. 28

FWC to conduct aquatic plant management on Lake Okeechobee

SFWMD announces upcoming November meetings

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Thunderstorm Heavy Rain Fog, 73 °F

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11am and 4pm, then a chance of … Get the full forecast

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October 2026 LORE

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Lake levels

12.77 feet

Last year: 13.96 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

FSW honors first African American student-athlete who changed the game

FSW will honor the life and legacy of Luther James “Luke” Adams II, the first African American student to attend Edison Junior College, now FSW.

Celebrate the year’s biggest bass at FWC’s TrophyCatch Hall of Fame Ceremony

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program is recognizing the top eight bass ...

OHS football seniors honor teachers who changed their lives

Before the Okeechobee Brahmans played their final home game of the 2026 season, the team's seniors paused to thank the people who helped get them there, teachers.

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Human Interest

Having survived two bouts of breast cancer, Darlene Bass is a fighter

Darlene Bass is a fighter and describes herself as an overachiever. Unfortunately, her body is overachieving in the wrong direction.

Two little artists honor mayor

On Oct. 24, during the Am Vets Flag Burning Ceremony, the Mayor received two very special gifts from two young girls — their very own coloring pictures!

April Martin enjoys photography and the outdoors

April Martin has been a part of the Okeechobee community for more than 23 years.

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Schools

Seminole Elementary students wear red

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, students at Seminole Elementary School wore red to celebrate Red Ribbon...

Everglades Elementary aftercare gets spooky

Students in Everglades Elementary School’s Aftercare Program had a spooky time...

EES teachers go all out

The teachers and staff at Everglades Elementary School went all out for the school’s annual...

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Wildlife & Environment

FWC seeking public feedback on draft documents for the Key silverside and limpkin

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking public input on two separate draft Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines (Guidelines) for the limpkin ( …

Support bat conservation by learning about safe and proper bat exclusions

It’s the time of year when we celebrate bats! These unique flying mammals are not only interesting ...

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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.

Farmers to receive $8 billion to offset higher fuel costs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will send $8 billion in one-time payments to farmers this harvest season to offset higher fuel and input costs.

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.

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Police/Fire

FDC reaffirms commitment to public safety during Halloween

As families across Florida prepare to celebrate Halloween, the FDC, in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, is taking proactive measures...

Bait shop owner accused of throwing dead bait out along fence line

A bait shop owner was accused of disposing of dead minnows along the fence line between his property and a neighbor’s.

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Opinion

We cured the heart attack we could see. Cancer is still killing the ones we can’t.

In 1970, a middle-aged American man’s first sign of heart disease was, all too often, his last.

Reflections from the Pulpit: Returning back to the word of God

“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.

Mt. Olive Church gives the history of their Church and thanks Sister Fisher

We want to thank our oldest living member Sister Tommie Lee Fisher for her record keeping and outstanding memory.

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Hurricane News

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...

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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Adopt A Pet

Big Dog Ranch Rescue has secured the release of an additional 135 Beagles

Wednesday, June 3

BDRR has secured the release of an additional 135 Beagles Ridglan Farms and will transfer 67 dogs to the Big Dog Ranch Rescue Florida Campus ...

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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 secure USDA-NIFA Rapid Response grant to address pasture mealybug invading sugarcane

University of Florida researchers have secured $200,000 in federal funding to combat the invasive pasture mealybug, an emerging threat ...

USDA announces $65 million in innovative projects that help farmers improve operations and conserve natural resources

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $65 million in 34 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects ...

USDA invests over $325 million to boost farm operations and conserve natural resources

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced an investment of over $325 million in 42 projects to help farmers ...

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Health

DOH-St. Lucie issues water quality health advisory

The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) has issued a water quality advisory for the following locations: ....

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, ...

Woman advises you don't skip mammograms

After a June 2023 mammogram revealed a small spot on her breast, Shawna May found herself fighting breast cancer.

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Business

Lykes Bros. Inc. announces planned retirement of CEO Johnnie P. James Jr.

On Oct. 28, Lykes Bros. Inc. announced that President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member Johnnie P. James Jr. will retire ...

Dollar General now open in Okeechobee

Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 3601 US Highway 441 S in Okeechobee is now open to provide ...

Public Hearing for S.R. 70 PD&E Study on October 22 and October 27, 2026

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the S.R. 70 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study ...

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Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week Nov. 1-17

U.S. 98 at 19712 Highway 98 North in Okeechobee County: Permit project: Crews will construct side-drain and driveway-apron improvements...

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.

AAA: Rising oil prices could push Florida gas prices higher

Florida gas prices jumped early last week, reaching $4.23 per gallon on Thursday before declining...

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State

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National & World

- 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 ...
- Halfway through Hurricane Season – but the busiest part is still ahead
  
  True Floridians know that the second half of hurricane season is the busiest, so now is not the time to let your...
- Local storm-chaser faces storms both inside and outside his body
  
  There is a saying that if you choose a career you love, you will never work a day in your life.