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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Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 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
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings,
Topics discussed will include qualifications for permits to sell green iguanas collected...
Government
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...
Maintenance Foreman Willie Hall was recognized during the March 3 city council meeting for 10 years of service to the community.
Police/Fire
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy William Jolly was dispatched to a field...
The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges...
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
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...
Florida 4-H Broward County delivered a groundbreaking pilot project where local students didn’t just learn about native plants...
Health

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...
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Cancer advocates urge lawmakers to prioritize funding for lifesaving early-detection programs

Advocates are calling for $3 million in recurring state funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program...
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

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 …

Florida man faces execution for the killing of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother

A Florida man who pleaded guilty to killing an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother during a night of drinking and drug use is facing scheduled execution. Sixty-three-year-old Edward James is set to …
National & World

A month-old girl is pulled from the rubble in Gaza after an airstrike killed her parents

Rescuers have pulled a 25-day old baby girl alive from the rubble of her home in Gaza's Khan Younis after an airstrike killed her parents and brother. The girl, Ella Osama Abu Dagga, was born in the …

A nation in mourning, North Macedonia holds mass funerals for young victims of nightclub fire

KOCANI, North Macedonia (AP) — Funeral services are being held Thursday across North Macedonia for dozens of victims of last weekend’s devastating nightclub fire, as grieving communities gather …
HURRICANE NEWS
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