Local kids got a chance to see a FWC helicopter at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center during the Touch a Truck event. [Photo courtesy OCEDC]

The Okeechobee County Economic Devlopment Corporation (OCEDC) was proud to partner with Okeechobee Touch a Truck for the second year to introduce the community’s children to dozens of career paths through the participation of Okeechobee businesses.   

On Han. 27 over 1,500 attendees, including 400 children, were at the 2025 Touch a Truck event at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. Okeechobee Touch a Truck and its participants were effectively able to inspire the next generation of workforce leaders to explore all that our community has to offer.  

By having hands-on interactions with company vehicles from industries like agriculture, transportation, energy and natural resources that operate in Okeechobee, the community’s tiny leaders are inspired to dream big and think local as they navigate their personal career ambitions.  

When Okeechobee Touch a Truck and the Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo reached out to local students about volunteering at the event, the Corporation was proud to see that one of our own Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp alumni signed up to help the younger generation reflect on its career exploration experience. 

In February OCEDC partnered with the Education Foundation of Okeechobee, Indian River State College and Okeechobee County Schools for the 2025 Career Expo. Students in 5th, 8th, and 10th grade were given the opportunity to explore diverse careers from the world of welding to the frontlines with first responders.