Smithsonian exhibit 'Americans' on display in Okeechobee

Deputy responds to hospital after patient records staff and other patients

Special Olympic athletes create posters for 5K

Glades County officials welcome Lakefront Estates residents

April Martin enjoys photography and the outdoors

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Government

FEMA launches new option to buy flood insurance online

It is now easier than ever for Florida residents to prepare for the devastating financial consequences of flooding.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVe

Palm Beach County OIF releases report identifying internal weaknessess

Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General Releases Report on Change Order Management Weaknesses ...

Palm Beach County Tax Collector honored with two national awards

Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon is pleased to announce that her organization...

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Lake Okeechobee

Rainfall slowly bringing lake level up

S-193 boat lock at Taylor Creek back open 7 days a week

DOH-Glades issues algae alert

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HURRICANE NEWS

Hurricane expected to make landfall in Florida Panhandle

While rain is expected this week, it's not from Hurricane Isaias, according to information shared at the Oct. 8...

Newspaper accounts chronicle 1926 hurricane that wiped out Moore Haven

On Sept. 18, 1926, a hurricane devastated what had been the thriving and growing town of Moore Haven.

A record-breaking hurricane season? Reasons to stay prepared with FPL

With the Atlantic on track to potentially set a new record for the latest first hurricane of the season ...

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Current conditions

Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport

A Few Clouds, 81 °F

Mostly clear, with a low around 63. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Get the full forecast

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October 2026 LORE

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Lake levels

12.49 feet

Last year: 13.93 feet

Depth given in feet above sea level.

Water Flow Chart

Sports

FWC Lionfish Challenge sets a new standard

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) annual Lionfish Challenge has come to an end, achieving record participation ...

Brahmans dominate Bulldogs 26-8 on the road

The Okeechobee Brahmans dominated DeSoto County Bulldogs on Oct. 9, winning 26-8 on the road and improving to 3-5 on the season.

Former Clewiston Tiger Cobb leads Arkansas State in receptions

Former Clewiston Tiger Chauncy Cobb leads the Arkansas State Red Wolves with 25 receptions through five games.

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Human Interest

Woman advises you don't skip mammograms

After a June 2023 mammogram revealed a small spot on her breast, Shawna May found herself fighting breast cancer.

Mayor proclaims October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mayor Watford has officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Okeechobee! We were proud to see Martha’s House Executive Director …

Big Lake Mission thankful for help with feeding the under served

What a blessing! Thank you so much to everyone who donated food and their time for our Mission…

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Schools

School district explains how athletic fees will be used

At the regular meeting of the Okeechobee County School Board in June the board voted...

Florida educators’ due process rights upheld in DOAH ruling

The Florida Education Association (FEA) welcomes a recent Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) ruling, which strongly ...

Okeechobee schools announce administrative changes

Okeechobee County Schools has announced several administrative leadership assignments, effective Oct. 19, 2026, as part of the district's continued commitment to student achievement, …

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Wildlife & Environment

View wildlife at Fisheating Creek WMA

The Fort Center Trail in the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area, is popular with hikers and bicyclists.

Submit written comments for the Draft 2026–2036 DuPuis Management Area General Management Plan

The deadline to submit comments is Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

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Community

Area Agency on Aging for SWF reminds residents how to report elder abuse

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, through its Secure Seniors Florida elder abuse prevention effort, is reminding residents ...

Chick-fil-A grant strengthens Harry Chapin Food Bank's In-School Pantry Program

Harry Chapin Food Bank has been awarded a Chick-fil-A Child and Family Feeding Grant through Feeding America to help expand access to nutritious food for children and families ...

Art courtesy Brighton Bay Hotel and Casino

Lucky player wins jackpot at casino

GLADES COUNTY -- A lucky player hit a $54,041.60 jackpot on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino. The jackpot was won on a Fu Nan Fu Nu ® slot machine by AGS …

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Police/Fire

FLHSMV advises the public of data breach

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) determined that a malicious actor accessed certain department records ...

HOA board members argue over Ring cameras

After someone stole the Ring cameras from a homeowners association, Deputy Jennie Busbin was dispatched to investigate.

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Opinion

FCHC invites the community to a maternity care community stakeholder conversation

For 50 years, Florida Community Health Centers (FCHC) has been Okeechobee’s medical home. Since 1976, generations of Okeechobee residents ...

Healthy Start's Mom Mobile funding to run out in January

Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition needs more donations to help continue MOM Mobile prenatal care.

Reflections from the Pulpit: God must be first

Every morning, we wake up with decisions to make, responsibilities to fulfill, and plans for the day ahead.

Letter to the Editor: High-density plan on SW 28th St. sparking organized local pushback

A major regulatory showdown is quietly brewing in Okeechobee County over a proposed 74-acre housing development that residents argue...

Congress should keep its promise to combat-inured veterans

When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits...

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Adopt A Pet

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

6 hours ago

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies ...

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Thursday, October 1

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies at the Caloosa Humane Society, ...

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Monday, September 14

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies ...

Caloosa Humane Society presents Pets of the Week

Tuesday, September 8

This week’s Pets of the Week are beautiful fur babies in need of loving families! You can come meet these babies at ...

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Veterans

Buxton Funeral Home is the place to bring your worn out flags

Matt Buxton from Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory has been disposing of worn-out flags for the community for many years.

Benefit planned to help the family of a local veteran

The family of an Okeechobee veteran needs help from the community. The benefit has been moved from Veterans Park to Speckled Perch Park (Park #2).

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Agriculture

University of Florida to lead new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High-Value Crops

The University of Florida has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to lead the new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High-Value Crops — SAFE (Safeguarding Agriculture, Food and Economy). …

Publix Super Markets, Inc. named FFVA Customer of the Year

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named Publix Super Markets, Inc. its 2026 Customer of the Year, recognizing the ....

Peanut butter & chocolate protein bars for busy fall days

Looking to refresh your snack routine this fall? Florida families can try a homemade option that pairs peanut butter and chocolate ...

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Health

Florida’s “Support Autism Programs” license plate fuels nearly $170,000 in grants

Thanks to 16,000 Florida vehicle owners choosing the “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate this year, ...

Florida receives $16,740,989 in federal funding to deliver home visiting services to families

On Oct. 7, Florida received $16,740,989 in federal funding through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program

5 questions to ask before choosing a health plan

Millions of Americans review their health plan options during open enrollment each fall, often the only time they can choose or change coverage.

HCSEF presents virtual 2025–2026 Area 15 HIV Care Needs Assessment Findings

The Health Council of Southeast Florida (HCSEF) will give a presentation of findings from the 2025 – 2026 Area 15 HIV Care Needs Assessment.

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Business

Lucky player wins $198,200 U Pick’em Bingo Jackpot

A lucky player won $198,200 U Pick’em bingo jackpot during a regular bingo session on Tuesday, Oct. 6...

Legislation would require AI bot transparency

WASHINGTON, DC – In July Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15), Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-4), and Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-9) introduced the Stealth Bot Prohibition Act (H.R.9915), a …

First Bank named 2026 National Community Bank Service Awards recipient

First Bank has received an honorable mention in the Independent Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) 2026 National Community Bank Service Awards.

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Traffic & Road Work

AAA: More than one-third of drivers fail to slow down or move over

Most drivers say they slow down or move over when approaching a vehicle stopped on the roadside.

AAA: Rising oil prices could push Florida gas prices higher

Florida gas prices jumped early last week, reaching $4.23 per gallon on Thursday before declining...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week Oct. 18-24

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 18...

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week Oct. 18-24

The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 18 ...

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State

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National & World