A 911 call from a passerby was logged at approximately 6:30 p.m. stating the building was on fire and the caller could see flames. Okeechobee County Deputy Kayla Kanarick responded along with Okeechobee County Fire Rescue.
A Facebook post made by South Elementary School read, “We are heartbroken to share that a fire occurred in our ag portable this evening, and all our sweet animals were lost.”
South Elementary School just started its ag program this school year, and the children have been very excited about the new opportunity.
Immediately, the school’s secondary ag and FFA team along with help from staff, parents and other members of the community sprang into action and within hours, the school was ready for the students to arrive on Monday morning.
A post on Sunday afternoon read, “We are blessed beyond measure with amazing families, community members and our Ag & FFA crew that are the best in our Heartland region, without a doubt.”
Many have asked about donating and there is the option of helping build the Ag program and replace so much that was lost by:
Purchasing an item from Ms. Busy Pearce's Amazon Class Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/112B08G5FASME...
and select the school address for delivery
▪︎Or
Donating to the South Ag Class which can be dropped off in the school office with checks made payable "South Ag Class" for their fundraising account to use for program purchases.
Principal Lonnie Steiert said, "As Okeechobee always does, the community came together to help. There is no better place to live than Okeechobee. Thank you all again for your support and care for our Eagles!"
