News Cast for July 9th:
The state imposed a new excessive speeding law.
It went into effect on July 1.
If you are driving 100 miles per hour or more, in a way considered reckless and or dangerous to the public, you will automatically go to jail.
The penalties start at up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Repeat offenders can face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Trooper Tara Crescenzi said they have seen an increase in speeders going excessive speeds.
She noted they recently stopped a motorcyclist going 153 miles per hour in Central Florida.
Both the Miccosukee and Seminole Indian Tribal Council have both go one record to oppose the new immigrant detention center in the Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz.
They cite a 1974 environmental study that addressed the airstrip and the threat to the environment.
Talbert Cypress, Chairman of the Miccosukee Business Council, told ABC news, that no permits were ever issued to approve the facility.
He said the reservation is only 1,000 feet away from this property and it will impact their culture and their teaching of native ways.
He said concerns include people trying to escape, the motor vehicle traffic coming in, and the flights coming in and out.
“Putting any kind of air strip in the area will have significant impacts on the Everglades. President Trump and Gov. DeSantis have been very good to the everglades and we feel this is a step backward in their efforts.”
A man accused of cutting a roommate with a box cutter.
Okeechobee County Sheriff Deputies said Willie Jones was allegedly making too much noise at 4 am outside the residence on NW 18th Street.
When confronted, he got into an argument with the victim and cut him in the backside.
Jones claimed he was acting in self defense.
The victim claimed Jones chased him with the box cutter. He was taken to HCA Raulerson hospital for treatment.
Bond was set at $10,000 on one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Okeechobee City Police hired their first black female patrol officer in June.
Police Chief Donald Hagan introduced Mikayla Petihome on the WOKC Morning Show with Billy Dean.
She has roots from Haiti and speaks Creole. She also has previously lived in Broward County and currently resides in Port St. Lucie.
Peithome said it is a new career for her and she is very excited to be here and serve Okeechobee.
A tribal member is charged with fleeing and attempting to elude after a chase on the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation.
Seminole Police said Jaydence Urbina was spotted driving a side by side utility vehicle in the 18000 block of Reservation Road near Jones Road.
The report said he first was on the side of the road but then escalated the situation by tail gating the patrol vehicle on 721.
The report added that the patrolman made a U-turn to attempt a traffic stop and Urbina increased speed and turned the lights off on the UTV, driving south to Gopher Gully Road.
Police said Urbina successfully fled officers in a similar manner on April 5. In that incident, officers said the suspect used a rear bright light on the UTV that blinded them temporarily. The suspect drove onto East Village Street, East Harney Pond Road, the Sports Complex road and into the woods to elude police.
An Okeechobee man is accused of falsely reporting he was robbed in Melbourne.
Craig McCullough claimed two black males grabbed him and stole his bank card and then fled the area on foot.
Melbourne Police said they became suspicious because the alleged robbers did not take the victims visible gold chain around his neck or his cell phone.
McCullough later changed the location of the robbery from outside the bank to the Suburban Lodge Hotel near the airport.
The report added McCullough later recanted his story when confronted with video evidence from the surrounding area that nothing had taken place.
The report went on to state that McCullough admitted he only wanted a ride to the bank from the officer.
Melbourne Police said they used $212 in tax money to investigate the false complaint in officer time, use of vehicles and gasoline and other expenses.