HURRICANE NEWS
Community

Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 2024 Impact Report documents increase in food insecurity

FORT MYERS – Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 39.5 million pounds of food through its Feeding Network in 2024, a 10.6% increase over the prior year that equates to an additional 3 million …

Alzheimer Association to hold a virtual event: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

We know that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Join us to learn...

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida launches 17th Annual Cookies for the Military Program

For the 17th consecutive year, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has launched its Cookies for the Military program...
Current conditions
Observed from: Okeechobee County Airport
A Few Clouds, 81 °F
Sunny, with a high near 84. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Get the full forecast
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Lake levels
14.05 feet
Last year: 16.33 feet
Depth given in feet above sea level.
Human Interest
Four little girls were treated to the opportunity to be “Queen for a Day” yesterday.
Okeechobee’s second annual Night to Shine took place on Feb. 7 at First Baptist Church of Okeechobee.
A foggy morning on Lake Okeechobee doesn't even slow the avid fishermen down. Photo by April Martin A foggy morning on Lake Okeechobee …
Schools
Join Indian River State College School (IRSC) of Nursing for an informative evening...
Additionally, the school is launching a part-time evening/weekend Practical Nursing Program...
On Monday, Feb. 10, students and staff at Glades Day School kicked off Kindness Week!
Wildlife & Environment
Science tells us invasive species — like the spotted tilapia — are always on the move...
Governor Ron DeSantis’s budget includes $805 million for Everglades restoration, including $727 million for the state’s shar...
Government
The City of LaBelle Board of Commissioners honored members of the local fire department for their service at their Feb. 13 meeting.
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free...
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County, earned a national award for financial reporting...
Police/Fire
The community is invited to enjoy an evening of good food,  music, and dancing at the Red, White, and Blue BBQ event on Saturday, May 24, at 6 p.m., hosted at the …
OKEECHOBEE — A fight over a dog resulted in an arrest.
Opinion
“Rust Belt city benefits from Bidenomics” headlined an article last month in the Wall Street Journal, detailing the economic rebound...
So many things occupy our hearts and minds, and we forget about what’s important...
For over 50 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of Florida’s agricultural industry and its...
Hurricane News
Thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, LaBelle Middle School will be a more comfortable hurricane shelter in the future.
LABELLE -- FEMA will hold a farm recovery event on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  at the UF/IFAS Hendry Co. Extension Building, 1085 Pratt Boulevard in LaBelle. The program will educate farmers …
Veterans

Local non-profit to rededicate helicopter at Memorial Day ceremony

Thank You for Your Service, Inc., a dedicated non-profit organization supporting local veterans,...

Helicopter to be returned home soon

The Veteran’s Park helicopter is being restored and will be home soon.
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Agriculture
Now picture that horse’s vision slowly spotting and fading, the horizon blurring, until...
Trust in scientific experts – even more than understanding their work – is the strongest predictor of support...
You can taste them now – sweet, succulent strawberries. February and March mark the peak time...
Health

Alzheimer Association’s Brain Bus stops at Swamp Cabbage Festival

Alzheimer Association’s in-person Brain Bus will be at the Swamp Cabbage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23.

Hospital employees wear red to raise awareness for heart disease

Friday was National #WearRedDay ! At HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital and our larger HCA Healthcare network...

Easy dental care tips: Helping kids smile bright and stay healthy

Did you know your child’s smile could be the key to better grades and more confidence in the classroom?

Heart health should be a priority for the whole family

For over 100 years, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States.
Business
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in person Feb. 26-27 at the FSU Student Union...
In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday, Postal Service facilities will be closed for retail transactions on Monday...
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings in the next three weeks.
Traffic & Road Work

Hendry County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Feb. 16...

Glades County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Glades County for the week beginning Sunday, Feb. 16...

Okeechobee County Road Watch Report for week of Feb. 16-22

The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Feb. 16,...

AAA: Florida gas prices are 10 cents more than last week

After rising 17 cents last week, Florida gas prices declined 5 cents through the weekend.
State

Fearful immigrants ask Florida activist to sign guardianship papers for their children

Since President Donald Trump took office, immigrants in the U.S. illegally have changed their travel patterns and try to stay home, out of fear they could be deported. That includes avoiding going to …

In a day of love, 30 Florida couples join together for a group wedding in historic courthouse

In a free group wedding held every year by the Palm Beach County clerk's office, 30 couples became officially married on Valentine's Day. The ceremony was led by clerk Joe Abruzzo. Within ten …
National & World

Serbia's striking students and populist president to hold parallel rallies as tensions spike

Serbia’s striking students and supporters of populist President Aleksandar Vucic have planned parallel rallies as both mark the country’s Statehood Day with notably contrasting messages. …

Pope spends quiet first night in hospital, continues drug therapy and reads papers, Vatican says

The Vatican says Pope Francis slept well during a quiet first night in the hospital after being admitted with a respiratory tract infection. Francis, 88, ate breakfast Saturday morning and read the …
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