Featured

Scammer tries to collect fines via phone

An Okeechobee woman said she received a phone call from a man claiming to work for the sheriff’s office and demanding money.

Canadian visitors will have to register with authorities

Beginning April 11, Canadians visiting Florida will have to comply with immigration rules being enforced by the Trump administration.

SFWMD to build new Okeechobee Field Station

At their March 13 meeting, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board members reviewed plans for a new Okeechobee Field Station.

Pump track opens to great enthusiasm

What began as a dream is now a reality as Okeechobee County is now home to one of only five pump tracks in the state.

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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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Lake Okeechobee

Lake recession could hit recovery level even if releases east stop

Direct rainfall slows lake recession

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

S-65A Boat Lock will be closed March 9-13, 2025

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

Partly Cloudy, 63 °F

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 Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE March 2025

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Lake levels

12.98 feet

Last year: 15.59 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

Moore Haven Terriers defeat Donahue Catholic Shamrocks

The Moore Haven Terriers varsity baseball team beat the Donahue Catholic Shamrocks 11-1 on March 14.

FWC: Splash into license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

Mark your calendars for an opportunity to go freshwater fishing during the upcoming FWC license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

Cowtown Rodeo awards thousands in cash prizes

OKEECHOBEE – The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena on U.S. 441 N hosted the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo March 8 & 9. This was a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event, attracting …

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Human Interest

Woman fights to have benches returned to Walmart

Okeechobee resident Mary Kennedy has made it her mission in life to bring benches back to the local Walmart.

Chamber of Commerce honors Jessica Lea

Honoring Jessica Lea – Community Leadership Award Recipient

Off duty nurse saves choking baby

An off-duty ER nurse credits God with saving a toddler from choking Sunday morning...

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Schools

EES staff celebrates St. Patty’s

On Monday, March 17, the staff at Everglades Elementary went all out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

CES learns how to care for flag

On Thursday, March 13, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Community Action Team (CAT) paid a visit...

CES Field Day was a blast

On Friday, March 14, students and staff at Central Elementary School celebrated Field Day and had so much fun!

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Wildlife & Environment

FWC to host series of virtual public meetings on highly regulated bear hunting proposals

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings,

FWC seeking feedback on proposed rule changes for nonnative species

Topics discussed will include qualifications for permits to sell green iguanas collected...

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Government

USPS promotes National Safe Driving Campaign

The Postal Service has one of largest fleets in the world, with more than 246,000 vehicles...

Ordinance protects Dark Sky park from light pollution

OKEECHOBEE – A new ordinance passed by Okeechobee County Commissioners at their March 13 meeting creates a buffer zone...

Hall recognized for 10 years of service

Maintenance Foreman Willie Hall was recognized during the March 3 city council meeting for 10 years of service to the community.

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Police/Fire

Four cows found dead in pasture

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy William Jolly was dispatched to a field...

Okeechobee County Arrest Report

The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges...

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Opinion

Can I avoid paying the Medicare premium?

AMAC Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor answers questions about Social Security.

Trump delivers unwanted 'help' to our friends.

When Donald Trump assumed the presidency, two allies of the US, Israel and Ukraine were mired in bloody wars...

Florida Community Health Center may end prenatal care in Okeechobee

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 …

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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

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

Blueberries: A healthy, tasty snack from Florida farmers

As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season – March through May -- growers are shipping...

Optimize irrigation with a new app

University of Florida researchers have developed an app that will help farmers reduce the risk of over...

Florida 4-H cultivates Broward youth into native plant pioneers

Florida 4-H Broward County delivered a groundbreaking pilot project where local students didn’t just learn about native plants...

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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...

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Business

Model homes under construction near BHR

Lakefront Estates will feature 1,000 homes …

Explore current and future business opportunities with SFWMD

The District’s talented team of procurement professionals establishes contractual relationships with businesses...

Veterans Job Fair, employers ready to hire

Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment ...

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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.

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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 …

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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

Scammer tries to collect fines via phone

Canadian visitors will have to register with authorities

SFWMD to build new Okeechobee Field Station

Pump track opens to great enthusiasm

Gianni Trofibio is Tiny Mr. Speckled Perch 2025

Gordie Peer was a cowboy and a showman

Residents hear noise from Avon Park Range

E-newspaper

LORE March 2025

Moore Haven Terriers defeat Donahue Catholic Shamrocks

FWC: Splash into license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

Cowtown Rodeo awards thousands in cash prizes

Caloosa Humane Society seeks forever homes for pets

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

Record-breaking turnout at IRSC Foundation Clay Shoot

Advocates travel to Tallahasse to urge lawmakers to act on cancer related priorities

Help your child cope with seasonal allergies

Affordable Health Screenings coming to Okeechobee

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

AAA: Florida’s average gas price is 3 cents more than last week

AAA: Florida gas prices decline 3¢

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gordie Peer was a cowboy and a showman

Sapp lawsuit brings comments at county meeting

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