Featured

Lake releases to Caloosahatchee cut to 650 cfs

JACKSONVILLE -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District will reduce flow from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River on April 19.

Lake O level hits 12 feet

The Big O lake level hit 12 feet above sea level on April 16. Anglers and ecologists hope the lake will stay low enough, low enough for SAV to regrow ...

Protestor charged with battery on law enforcement officer

One of the protestors at a recent Board of County Commissioners was arrested...

Mom of autistic child tells their story

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and who better to discuss autism than the parents of an autistic child?

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Community

Ceremony held for new William H Raulerson headstone

The Pvt William H Raulerson Camp 2080 SCV held a dedication ceremony for the new headstone for William H Raulerson.

OSWCD announces poster contest winners

The Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District is happy to announce the winners of its annual poster contest!

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosts fourth annual Rock the Noc

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recently hosted the fourth annual Rock the Noc family festival at Camp Nocatee...

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Lake Okeechobee

Several Lake Okeechobee Boat Locks are temporarily closed April 15

Navigating through Central & Southern Florida’s interconnected waterways

Boaters advised to use caution due to low water levels

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Fair, NA °F

Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Get the full forecast

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April LORE 2025

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Lake levels

11.79 feet

Last year: 14.70 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

Okeechobee girl wins individual honors at state archery contest

GAINESVILLE – Kiara Diaz, an Okeechobee home school student, won first place in the Elementary School Female division...

OHS track team holds first home meet in 20 years

The Okeechobee High School track team held their first home meet in over 20 years on April 9.

County names pump track to honor Altobello Family

Okeechobee County has officially named the new pump track at Kiwanis Park as the "Altobello Family Pump Track.

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Human Interest

Community helps find dog that was lost after car crash

After a serious car accident in front of Popeye’s last week, little Lucy disappeared.

Scottsdale man works to create children’s hospices across country

When Ryan Cottor was eight months old, his parents learned he wasn’t just a late bloomer when it comes to motor skills.

Woman's fight for benches is rewarded

After nearly a year and many letters and phone calls, a local woman's efforts have been rewarded.

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Schools

IRSC Brain Bowl Team achieves strong finish at state championship

The River’s team was represented by Cody Bevilacqua, Athan Leal, Helen Navach (Team Captain), Aidan Ortado, and Daniel Peralta.

Indian River State College celebrates Florida College System Month

Indian River State College (IRSC) proudly joins institutions across the state in celebrating April as...

WGU and IRSC enhance partnership with new scholarship opportunity

Accredited, online Western Governors University (WGU) and Indian River State College (IRSC) have strengthened their existing transfer..

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Wildlife & Environment

Citizen scientists help researchers protect keystone species

Range maps for diamondback terrapins – a type of vulnerable aquatic turtle species...

Risky human behavior, not aggressive gators, behind most alligator bites

Risky human behavior, not aggression by alligators, is the leading cause of alligator bites, according to a groundbreaking...

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Government

USPS to celebrate 250th anniversaries of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps with commemorative stamps

The U.S. Postal Service to proudly unveil three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries

Food trucks back on the agenda again

Food trucks were back on the Okeechobee City Council’s agenda this week.

City council reviews budget

Because Finance Director India Riedel was unable to attend the April 15 Okeechobee City Council meeting...

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Police/Fire

Chase leads deputy to driver's home

An Okeechobee man is accused of leading a deputy on a chase only to end up in his own driveway.

Shots fired: man arrested

A “shots fired” call brought multiple units from the Okeechobee City Police Department to the Utah Apartments earlier this month.

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Opinion

Being tough on crime includes addressing child abuse

News outlets obsess over shocking, high-profile crimes -- from murders to violent carjackings.

FWC seeks feedback about bear hunting rules

The FWC is seeking feedback from the public on proposed changes to bear hunting regulations in Florida. To help, please complete a short comment tool to share your thoughts on this topic.

Letter to the Editor: Donating blood is a selfless act that saves lives

People donate blood, primarily, to help others who need blood transfusions, such as those recovering from accidents

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Hurricane News

FEMA opens recovery centers

FEMA has opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Glades, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties …

Operation Blue Roof helps hurricane victims

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has placed tarps on more than 7,100 homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton...

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Adopt A Pet

Caloosa Humane Society seeks forever homes for pets

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

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

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Veterans

Local veterans to take Honor Flight in May

Veterans from Okeechobee and Glades Counties will soon be taking off on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C....

OCSO assists with benefit poker run

VFW Post 10539 would like to thank the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office deputies Officer Adrian Rogers...

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Agriculture

UF/IFAS entomologist fights for Florida’s crops against costly pests

Behind every fresh head of lettuce and pepper on your plate, there’s a team of scientists working tirelessly...

Floridians are fertilizing lawns without guidance

A newly published UF/IFAS report reveals significant knowledge gaps about fertilizer among Floridians ...

UF/IFAS agronomist’s work maximizes soil health and crop growth for farmers

Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities in farming while...

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Health

FDOH reminds residents to vaccinate pets

The Florida Department of Health is warning residents to vaccinate their pets and avoid contact with wild and stray animals.

The hidden threat to care for the Down syndrome community

When my son was born with Down syndrome, I learned quickly that the smallest details of medical care...

Three steps to consider this spring to help you live a healthier lifestyle

Spring into health this season by refreshing your well-being routine and building healthier habits for the rest of the year.

Alzheimer Association's Caregiver Support Group meets the 4th Thursday of every month

The virtual Alzheimer Association's Caregiver Support Group will meet the fourth Thursday of every month.

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Business

Why chocolate is ridiculously expensive right now

Just four West African countries are the foundation of an industry worth more than $100 billion. In the tropical nations of Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria, rows of cacao trees …

AAA: Florida gas prices are moving lower again

Florida gas prices are moving lower again. The state average rose 2 cents early last week, then dropped 10 cents in the past four days.

Holiday Builders announces construction of new model home at Mallard Landing

Holiday Builders announces the construction of a brand-new model home in Mallard Landing, a vibrant new home community...

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Traffic & Road Work

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week beginning April 20

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 20. Motorists are reminded...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week beginning April 13

Change the date) Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 13. Motorists are reminded...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of April 6-12

US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): (Permit project) Crews are constructing...

Okeechobee County Road Watch

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, March 30. Motorists are reminded...

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State

Florida State classes resume Monday after fatal shooting, but in-person attendance isn't mandatory

Classes will resume at Florida State University on Monday, four days after a deadly shooting on campus left two people dead and six others injured. University officials say that students and …

Everglades restoration would protect Florida Keys while scientists watch drought conditions

The Everglades is more than just swamps, fan boats and alligators and restoration efforts impact more than the land between Florida’s east and west coasts. Florida Bay is a body of water between …

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National & World

- Operation Blue Roof extended
  
  Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency...
- MARC is set up at the library to help with disaster recovery
  
  If you are in need of help after the recent hurricane and its accompanying tornadoes, turn to your local library.
- FWC addressing hundreds of vessels displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
  
  Florida is a haven for boaters and is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World.”

More Hurricane News

Special Sections

Lake releases to Caloosahatchee cut to 650 cfs

Lake O level hits 12 feet

Protestor charged with battery on law enforcement officer

Mom of autistic child tells their story

Ceremony held for new William H Raulerson headstone

OSWCD announces poster contest winners

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosts fourth annual Rock the Noc

E-newspaper

April LORE 2025

Okeechobee girl wins individual honors at state archery contest

OHS track team holds first home meet in 20 years

County names pump track to honor Altobello Family

Caloosa Humane Society seeks forever homes for pets

Local veterans to take Honor Flight in May

OCSO assists with benefit poker run

FDOH reminds residents to vaccinate pets

The hidden threat to care for the Down syndrome community

Three steps to consider this spring to help you live a healthier lifestyle

Alzheimer Association's Caregiver Support Group meets the 4th Thursday of every month

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week beginning April 20

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week beginning April 13

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of April 6-12

Okeechobee County Road Watch

Florida State classes resume Monday after fatal shooting, but in-person attendance isn't mandatory

Everglades restoration would protect Florida Keys while scientists watch drought conditions

PHOTO GALLERY: Christians around the world celebrate Easter as the pope makes a surprise appearance

PHOTO ESSAY: An Easter reenactment in a Lebanese village

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week beginning April 20

Smith found guilty of taking nearly $300,000 from livestock market

Operation Blue Roof extended

MARC is set up at the library to help with disaster recovery

FWC addressing hundreds of vessels displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton