OKEECHOBEE – The Okeechobee Citizens Recreation Association (OCRA) proudly hosted its  official Opening Night Ceremony on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex, marking the beginning of another exciting spring baseball and softball season for Okeechobee’s youth athletes.

Players, coaches, families, and community members gathered under the lights as teams scheduled to play that evening lined the fields in anticipation of the ceremonial first pitches. Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen was joined by Okeechobee County Commissioners Chairman David Hazellief, Commissioner Frank DeCarlo, and Commissioner Brad Goodbread in throwing the honorary first pitches to catchers representing teams on the fields, also present was Denise Whitehead, Assistant County Administrator.  The moment symbolized the community’s shared commitment to supporting youth athletics and fostering positive opportunities for local children.

The children were also greeted on the field by the St. Lucie Mets mascot “Clutch."  O.C.R.A. was honored in receiving a donation of equipment for the baseball/softball program from the New York Mets program, The Amazing Mets Foundation.

O.C.R.A. President Jessie Ferrell addressed the crowd and expressed appreciation for the continued support of team sponsors, volunteers, families, and community partners who make each season possible.

“We are grateful to the businesses and individuals who invest in our youth and help make this program successful,” said Ferrell. “Their support ensures our athletes have the opportunity to learn, grow, and compete.”   Ferrell also expressed appreciation for Matt Gammill, John Kemp, and all of the Parks and Recreational Staff that have worked countless hours maintaining and upgrading the baseball/softball fields at the complex. 

This season’s team sponsors include: Elite Airboats Unlimited, Backwoods Billiards, Bake Me Happy, Spencer, A Child’s World, Native Co Environmental, Vogue Aesthetics, Norman Landscape LLC., Phantom Concrete Pumping LLC., Quality Tees, Brown and Company Realty, Marcum & Associates, Morgan’s Furniture, W.E.L.L.S., Mitchell G. Hancock Inc., The Studio Collective, Antlered Acres, Cam’s Mobile Marine, Salt & Soil Landscaping, Everglades Farm Equipment, Beyel Bros. Crane & Rigging, Ferrell’s Market, Dynamic Metal Buildings LLC., 3T Real Estate LLC., Parrott Island, Black Water Adventures, Big Lake Eye Care, Okeechobee Homes & Land, Hometown Housekeeping LLC., Forever Home Inspections, Lake O Real Estate-Courtney Wilson and All Clean Cuts.

The 2026 spring season starts off with 23 baseball and 10 softball teams for ages starting from 4 years old up to 10 years old. The season for ages 12U to 15U will start at the commencement of the local middle school baseball/softball season.

Games will be held at the Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with the first games of the night starting at 5:45 p.m. and the second following at 7 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to attend games, cheer on Okeechobee’s young athletes, and enjoy refreshments from the concession stands. Admission is free, and concession proceeds help support O.C.R.A.’s All-Star teams as they represent Okeechobee in district, state, and World Series-level competitions.

In addition to the spring season, O.C.R.A. is proud to announce that Okeechobee has been selected once again, to host the 2026 Florida Dixie Youth Baseball Tournament for Division I AAA and O’Zone baseball, scheduled for July 9 through July 14, 2026, at the Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex. This prestigious tournament will bring teams, families, and visitors from across Florida to Okeechobee, highlighting the community’s strong youth sports programs and hospitality.

Local businesses and community partners are invited to support this major event through sponsorship opportunities. For more information on how to become a tournament sponsor, community members are encouraged to follow the O.C.R.A. Facebook page for upcoming announcements or email ocra2022@yahoo.com.

The Okeechobee Citizens Recreation Association has served local families for decades with a mission to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and fair play through youth sports programs while providing a positive recreational environment for children in the community.

Opening Night marked not only the beginning of a new season, but also a continued investment in the development of young athletes and the strengthening of community connections through youth sports.