South Central Florida Life

Featured

Leadership program offers opportunity for Okeechobee students

As the world evolves and faces new challenges, it is important to nurture the next generation of...

Brahman wrestlers honored at annual banquet

The Okeechobee High School Brahman wrestling program wrapped up their season with a banquet at the OHS cafeteria on April 17.

Annual Torch run benefits Special Olympics

Okeechobee County Law Enforcement Torch Run 2024 was a great success.

Juvenile arrested on multiple charges including grand theft auto

Thieves have targeted the Basswood area, stealing cars and burglarizing vehicles over the past few weeks.

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Community

Pictured left to right are: Kiwanis Past-President Roge Azcona, Kiwanis member Dowling Watford, Cindy Maynard and Robyn Gardner of the Pregnancy Center. [Photo courtesy Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee]

Kiwanis donates $2,200 to Pregnancy Center

The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee held its annual Baby Shower for the Pregnancy Center...

Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Vitunac visits Okeechobee

The Kiwanis Division 16 Lt. Governor Doug Vitunac made an official visit to the Kiwanis Club...

Kitten season is here

According to Best Friends, nearly three times the number of felines enter shelters...

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Lake Okeechobee

EAA STAs provide flood protection as well as water treatment

Lake water releases beneficial to Caloosahatchee River

FGCU to study Lake Okeechobee water issues

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

A Few Clouds, 86 °F

Sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Get the full forecast

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Lake Okeechobee Real Estate

LORE - January 2023

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Lake levels

14.44 feet

Last year: 14.30 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

Chobee Smashers are Queen of the Diamond champions

The Chobee Smashers played two games on Saturday, April 20, in Clermont.

OHS Bass Club is Florida Team of the Year

- Okeechobee High School Bass Club was first established in 2016 and since then has been a competitive force that other teams across the state ...

Lady Brahmans win over Port St. Lucie 17-0

The Okeechobee High School Lady Brahman varsity softball team defeated the Port St Lucie Lady Jaguars 17-0

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Human Interest

Gator alumni-led company recognized for decade of compassionate growth

Every year for the past 10 years, the University of Florida’s Gator100 program has honored the fastest-growing businesses...

Inaugural Agape Gala celebrates locals for their service

Leah Suarez , Noel Stephen , Shirlene Graham-Stevens and Doris Corde (in no particular order) were honored Saturday night at the inaugural Agape Gala...

City hosts family of cyclists from Canada

The City of Okeechobee hosted the James Family Cyclists Monday morning before sending them off to Sebring on their long journey back to Canada.

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Schools

Sherry Burroughs inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Sherry Burroughs, of Okeechobee, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi...

OHS Drama Club performs a classic

Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 were the two final nights the OHS Drama Club Troupe 7319 performed a classic...

EES competes in Battle of the Books

On Tuesday, April 16, students at Everglades Elementary School competed in Battle of the Books!

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Wildlife & Environment

Upgraded measuring standard improves accuracy of water level data

The upgrade will provide the public and stakeholders more scientifically accurate information...

Scientists host next ‘STEPS’ toward phosphorus sustainability

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for food security and human survival, and it is an element...

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Government

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Examining Democracy in America Coming to Okeechobee

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Florida Humanities Council, presents “Voices and Votes:

'Voices and Votes' Smithsonian exhibit to visit Okeechobee

A traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes: The Story of Democracy in America,” will be in the Okeechobee County Courthouse May 28 to July 12. At the April …

Hikers ask to park vehicles overnight at county facility

Outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend several days hiking may soon be able to leave their vehicles overnight ...

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Police/Fire

OCSO receives recommendation for accreditation from CFA

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of excellence.

Teen charged with high-speed fleeing

An Okeechobee County detective found himself in a chase last week after attempting to stop a reckless driver.

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Opinion

Mounting debt accumulation can’t go on forever. It won’t.

Joe Biden loves to give away money, especially if it’s not his own. He has spent trillions of dollars...

Reflections from the Pulpit: You are never to old to learn

In April I traveled back to my Seminary for a retreat with lifelong friends.

Calling abuse what it really is – a crime

Abuse of any kind, be it physical, mental, emotional, or sexual, must be viewed first and foremost through the lens of what it is: a crime.

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Hurricane News

It’s not luck! Don’t leave disaster preparedness to chance

As Spring approaches, so do hurricane and wildfire seasons, along with an increased threat...

UF/IFAS facilities rebuild from Hurricane Idalia with help

When Hurricane Idalia barreled through the Big Bend region of Florida...

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Adopt A Pet

Adopt a pet: Meet Casper

Monday, February 19

This Handsome boy is CASPER #2309129. He has been at the shelter for over six months.

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, January 22

This week’s Pets of the Week are a mix of adorable dogs and cats.

Adopt a Pet: Meet Max

Monday, January 8

I'm a handsome sweet boy looking and wishing for my forever home with you.

Fur-Tastic Pet Spa hosts visits with Santa

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

In case you missed it, here are some of the pictures from Saturday at Fur-Tastic Pet Spa LLC .

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Veterans

Smart & Safe Florida announces statewide Veterans Coalition

On Tuesday, April 23, the Smart & Safe Florida campaign launched its “Vets Vote #YesOn3” statewide Veterans Coalition...

OHS JROTC cadets extend hand up to former cadet

Okeechobee High School Junior ROTC cadets gathered outside Winn Dixie last week in support of a former cadet who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

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Agriculture

UF/IFAS multi-state survey seeks to find out more about avocado disease management

There is no shortage of consumer appetite for avocados. Frequently incorporated into starters and desserts, demand for avocados...

UF experts gives tips to manage the eastern lubber grasshopper

They’re munching away on landscape plants, citrus and vegetable crops...

Survey opens for insights on usage of horse genetic testing tools

The goal of the survey is to get ideas and feedback from various sectors...

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Health

HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week

This annual celebration highlights the selfless dedication of individuals...

Ten questions to ask after being diagnosed with cancer

So many thoughts and questions run through your mind after doctors confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Hanley Foundation to provide emergency overdose boxes

Overdose emergency kits will be installed on county buildings thanks to the Hanley Foundation.

UF and Swedish researchers connect childhood microbiome with development of autism, ADHD

The researchers analyzed data from the first five years of life...

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Business

Batteries Plus opens new location in Okeechobee

Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading battery retailer, opens its newest location at 810 N Parrott Avenue...

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee News

Join us for an enriching afternoon at our upcoming Business Exchange Luncheon, hosted by the...

Florida gas prices dropped 12 cents last week

Florida gas prices are on a 9-day streak of declines, falling a total of 15 cents.

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Traffic & Road Work

AAA: Florida gas prices rise 13 cents; set new 2024 high

Florida gas prices rose 13 cents early last week. From there, the state average declined 6 cents through the weekend.

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week beginning April 21

Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week of Sunday, April 21. Motorists are reminded...

Lofton Road improvements planned

Okeechobee County has begun the design and engineering phase for the Lofton Road Improvement Project …

Okeechobee County Road Watch for week of April 14-20

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, April 14,...

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State

AutoNation: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — AutoNation Inc. (AN) on Friday reported first-quarter net income of $190.1 million. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company said …

Roper Technologies: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Roper Technologies Inc. (ROP) on Friday reported first-quarter earnings of $382 million. The Sarasota, Florida-based company said it had net income …

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National & World

- Okeechobee County continues to monitor Hurricane Storm Idalia
  
  Okeechobee County emergency officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia. Okeechobee County is currently...
- FWC reminds vessel owners to secure their boats and have a plan
  
  Taking time to prepare well in advance of an impending storm reduces risk to life and property.
- Okeechobee Waterway Lock operations during Hurricane Idalia preparations
  
  Safe harbor lockages began on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 to allow...