HURRICANE NEWS

USPS issues statement on Florida 2 operations and hurricane recovery

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Featured

Water flowing into -- but not out of -- of Lake O

Lake Okeechobee has risen about 4 inches in the past week, Col. Brandon Bowman, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Luncheon honors Vietnam War era veterans

OKEECHOBEE – The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce honored Vietnam War era veterans during the Oct. 16 Community Hero Luncheon at More 2 Life Ministries.

Big Lake Athlete of the Week: Madison Ayuso

Okeechobee High School senior Madison Ayuso is this week’s Big Lake Athlete of the Week for her performance with the Lady Brahman varsity volleyball team.

Lake could rise to 17 feet as storm water drains south

Lake Okeechobee could rise to nearly 17 feet as the rainfall from Hurricane Milton drains south according to Col. Brandon Bowman …

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Community

Chamber of Commerce announces Business of the Year Award Finalists

We are thrilled to share the exciting news — our finalists for the Business of the Year Awards 2025 have been chosen!

Wreaths Across America receives donation

Wreaths Across American receives donation from Pvt. William H Raulerson camp 2080 SCV...

Replubicans host meet-and-greet

The Republican Party of Okeechobee had a Meet and Greet on Friday, Oct. 18, at the campaign headquarters.

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Lake Okeechobee

Public invited to meeting about Lake O ecosystem health

Online Exclusive

Port Mayaca Lock closed today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regional water management system works to protect residents

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Fair, 70 °F

A slight chance of sprinkles. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph. Get the full forecast

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October 2024 LORE

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Lake levels

16.08 feet

Last year: 16.29 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory announces Triple Threat Throwdown Winner

The Triple Threat Throwdown played a pivotal role in another successful year...

October 25 is the NEW Season 12 deadline!

TrophyCatch Season 12 ended on Sep. 30. Due to the recent hurricanes, we have extended the submission deadline to Friday, October 25...

Governor DeSantis proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida

In September, Governor Ron DeSantis officially proclaimed Sept. 28 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida.

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Human Interest

Palm Beach State College reopened Friday, Oct. 11

College operations resumed Friday, Oct. 11.

Business owner helps man turn his life around

Despite a rough beginning, an Okeechobee resident turned his life around in an attempt to create a better ...

Locals fly rescue mission after Hurricane Helene

Okeechobee residents, who prefer to remain anonymous,..

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Schools

OCFR visits OCA to teach fire safety

Always a favorite for firefighters, teachers and students is the day Okeechobee County Fire Rescue visits...

RSCA students compete in Battle of the Books

Rock Solid Christian Academy students participated in the Battle of the Books last week at King's Academy...

CES students make crafts

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, students in Ms. Knight’s class at Central Elementary School explored the mesmerizing world...

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Wildlife & Environment

Bats roosting in buildings? Fall is the time for exclusions

While Florida’s 13 native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces...

FWC seeks input on draft revisions to burrowing owl conservation measures

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on draft revisions to the...

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Government

Oct. 21 Update: All USPS FL processing facilities and most retail and delivery units have reopened.

The Postal Service is working closely with other federal agencies, including FEMA, to assist in the response.

County honors Transportation Mobility Week

At their Oct. 17 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners declared Oct. 25 to Nov. 2 at Florida Department of Transportation Mobility Week.

Okeechobee County Commission supports Amendment 2

Okeechobee County Commissioners are encouraging residents to vote “yes” on Amendment 2 to the Florida Constitution ...

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Police/Fire

FL Teen Safe Driving Coalition releases new PSAs for Teen Driver Safety Week

In observance of National Teen Driver Safety Week...

FEMA is working with Okeechobee County

FEMA is working with Okeechobee County to ensure anyone who needs to apply...

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Opinion

To restore faith in U.S. democracy, adults as well as kids need civics lessons

The stark reality is that civic education in America has been neglected for decades.

Helping yourself and others through natural disaster mental trauma

When you or someone you know has been affected by a natural disaster, it may be very difficult to know what to do or what to expect.

Letter to the Editor: Statement from Dr. Timothy E. Moore

In the wake of Hurricane Milton and tornado damage, our community is experiencing incredible heartache and loss.

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Hurricane News

FEMA issues initial public notices for FL historic properties, floodplains and wetlands

Public notices have been posted on the FEMA website describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions...

Floridians may be eligible for transitional sheltering in hotels

FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by

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Adopt A Pet

Caloosa Humane Society seeks forever homes for pets

Tuesday, October 15

The Caloosa Humane Society has a mix of adorable dogs and cats who are in need of loving families!

Adopt a pet: Meet Casper

Monday, February 19

This Handsome boy is CASPER #2309129. He has been at the shelter for over six months.

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, January 22

This week’s Pets of the Week are a mix of adorable dogs and cats.

Adopt a Pet: Meet Max

Monday, January 8

I'm a handsome sweet boy looking and wishing for my forever home with you.

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Veterans

Welcome home centenarian, brothers and all Honor Flight heroes

Saturday, November 2, Southeast Florida Honor Flight volunteers will be escorting a full load of veterans on the free trip of a lifetime as the final Honor Flight of 2024 takes off for a daylong trip …

Veterans invited for breakfast in the park

All veterans are invited to come and share breakfast together in Veterans' Memorial Park on Oct. 11...

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Agriculture

‘Cutting-edge science’ from UF/IFAS Extension helps farmer preserve water, other parts of his ecosystem

For about 20 years, Colin Furness and his family have bred and raised miniature cattle and donkeys, and specialized...

Fallen trees with unusual damage can reveal the presence of termites

Trees that have been compromised by termites may appear healthy, but their internal structure could be weakened...

Native plants outperform non-native species for growth and floral abundance

If you want more reasons to plant native species, here’s new evidence from University of Florida research...

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Health

TRICARE temporarily suspends physician referrals due to hurricanes

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia – The Defense Health Agency, on Oct. 15, announced TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in 16 Florida counties may see any provider without a referral from their primary care …

Professionals focus on breast cancer prevention

At their Oct. 17 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners issued a proclamation highlighting the importance of prevention.

Hurricane storm surge churned Lake O

Hurricane Milton's winds churned Lake Okeechobee Oct. 9 and 10, pushing the lake water up against the side of the dike in a storm surge. …

Protect your lungs as you clean up storm debris

The American Lung Association is issuing the following health guidance as Florida assesses and responds to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton and multiple tornadoes. Post-hurricane …

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Business

Florida gasoline supplies are recovering after Hurricane Milton

Florida gas prices are holding steady as the fuel supply chain recovers from the effects of Hurricane Milton.

Copart is back at work reclaiming vehicles in the wake of hurricane

Copart first came on the scene in Okeechobee after Hurricane Ian.

St. Francis Reflections & Treasure Health joins forces to improve patient-centric care

Together, the two non-profit hospice and palliative care providers serve more than 7,000 patients....

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Traffic & Road Work

Online Exclusive

AAA: Florida gasoline supplies and prices stabilize

Florida gasoline supplies have stabilized and pump prices are holding steady.

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of Oct. 20-21

98 (SR 15/US 441/Parrott Avenue) from SW 23rd Street to SW 14th Street and US 98 (SR 15/US441/Parrott Avenue) from...

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of Oct. 6-12

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 6,...

Worst roads to drive on in Florida revealed, according to new data

New research conducted by personal injury attorneys Injured In Florida identified the most dangerous counties...

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State

Hurricane Milton ravaged one of the most popular areas for 'snowbirds' on Florida's Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton’s devastating landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast hit one of the most popular areas for temporary residents who spend the winter months living in the Sunshine State. The …

Trump airs list of familiar grievances as he and Harris seek Latino votes

Donald Trump railed anew against green energy sources and called his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, “lazy,” as both presidential candidates put themselves before Latino audiences with the …

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National & World

- FEMA gives update on hurricane response
  
  Survivors who applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby will receive a determination letter from FEMA...
- Hurricane debris collection starts Friday
  
  Hurricane Debris Collection is expected to start on Friday, October 18, 2024 in the county and city limits.
- Comcast donates $500,000 to Hurricane Milton Relief
  
  Comcast will donate $250,000 total in cash: $100,000 will go to the Florida Disaster Fund and $150,000 will go to 11 community-based …

More Hurricane News

Special Sections

USPS issues statement on Florida 2 operations and hurricane recovery

Water flowing into -- but not out of -- of Lake O

Luncheon honors Vietnam War era veterans

Big Lake Athlete of the Week: Madison Ayuso

Lake could rise to 17 feet as storm water drains south

Chamber of Commerce announces Business of the Year Award Finalists

Wreaths Across America receives donation

Replubicans host meet-and-greet

E-newspaper

October 2024 LORE

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory announces Triple Threat Throwdown Winner

October 25 is the NEW Season 12 deadline!

Governor DeSantis proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida

Caloosa Humane Society seeks forever homes for pets

Adopt a pet: Meet Casper

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Adopt a Pet: Meet Max

Welcome home centenarian, brothers and all Honor Flight heroes

Veterans invited for breakfast in the park

TRICARE temporarily suspends physician referrals due to hurricanes

Professionals focus on breast cancer prevention

Hurricane storm surge churned Lake O

Protect your lungs as you clean up storm debris

AAA: Florida gasoline supplies and prices stabilize

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of Oct. 20-21

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of Oct. 6-12

Worst roads to drive on in Florida revealed, according to new data

Hurricane Milton ravaged one of the most popular areas for 'snowbirds' on Florida's Gulf Coast

Trump airs list of familiar grievances as he and Harris seek Latino votes

With or without the far right in power, Austria's links with Russia cause concern among allies

Desperation amid search for survivors of an airstrike on a crowded area near major Beirut hospital

FEMA issues initial public notices for FL historic properties, floodplains and wetlands

$2.87 billion reservoir to be built over 10 years

FEMA gives update on hurricane response

Hurricane debris collection starts Friday

Comcast donates $500,000 to Hurricane Milton Relief