OKEECHOBEE – At their March 12 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners honored the American Red Cross.

“This community has welcomed us with open arms,” said Tina Sweeten, executive director of American Red Cross of Mid-Florida South Region.

Commissioner Michael Sumner said American Red Cross is one of those organizations that provide services that people take for granted.

Sweeten thanked the county for allowing Red Cross to install free smoke detectors. “If you need one, let us know. Let Our Village know,” she added.

Red Cross and Our Village are planning a Hurricane Expo on May 16, 9 a.m. to noon, May 16, at Sutton Milk, 5818 US 98, Okeechobee. The expo will include agency vendors, food vendors, local businesses, family fun, hurricane preparedness education, and a Whale Tale Water Safety Presentation.

The proclamation states: "the American Red Cross fulfills a unique and vital role in our community, providing help and hope in the face of emergencies and disasters, truly reflecting the humanitarian and volunteer spirit of our citizens.

"For over 80 years, March has been recognized as Red Cross Awareness Month, a tradition that began in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and each President thereafter to honor the organization’s mission and its dedicated supporters.

"This month we celebrate American Red Cross Awareness Month by honoring our neighbors who make its humanitarian mission possible in Okeechobee County. Every day, their acts of kindness change lives, bringing relief, comfort and hope when help can’t wait. This compassionate spirit runs deep in our community."