As of Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

• Okeechobee County emergency officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia. Okeechobee County is currently not under any Watches or Warnings. The county can expect increased rain (1-3 inches) and strong winds (20-30 mph sustained and 35-45 gusts) beginning early morning hours on Wednesday through early afternoon.

• At this time, the Emergency Operations Center remains at a level 3 monitoring activation and continues to encourage the community to monitor the Okeechobee County Government Facebook page, local news, radio, and television. A Community Information Message Call Line is also available at 863-824-6888.

• SANDBAGS remain available at the Public Works Department Compound located at 804 NW Second Street. Limited bags (20/vehicle) and shovels will be available at the site at no charge. Citizens will be required to fill their own bags, however, if you are a special needs resident and require assistance with sandbags, please call 863-763-3514 between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sandbags will be available after 5 p.m. with no assistance available.

• Okeechobee County Schools and Okeechobee county offices remain open for normal hours. No other closures have been reported. There are no evacuation orders for the county.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: co.okeechobee.fl.us