WOKC Local News – November 11, 2025, 7:40 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. Pick up the pace with WOKC News. I’m Charles Murphy. The developer of Lakefront Estates in Glades County offered to pay the county money to hire a planner or engineer to speed up review of plans. Steve Dobbs is one of the representatives for the developers. He wants to see the project move forward. This is a good project for Glades County. It’s going to bring a lot of a lot of jobs, a lot of opportunity, a lot of money to the county, which is needed. One issue has been sewer service, but they are building a plant. They’re seeking some money from the state for a study. House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the seven proposals on property tax reform the legislature will consider in 2026. He spoke to Miami Public Radio. He notes it’s possible we could eliminate counties in Florida if there is no property tax. He sees a lot of impacts on small counties. Look, I don’t know about the exact number of counties. I don’t you know, I don’t I don’t want to be I don’t want to I don’t I don’t want to give it. But some counties would essentially be absorbed by their neighbors. I would have to assume some of these very, very small counties rely on on on their property taxes. And look, I’m a devil’s advocate here. Should some of these counties not exist? You know, do we have too many counties? Should some of them maybe be combined? I don’t know. I don’t I have no idea. I’m not saying yes or no. But those are the questions that I that I’m asking. A crash on 441 in Martin County involving a box truck Sunday afternoon just before 2 p.m. One person was extricated from the vehicle by fire rescue and airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in serious condition. 441 was closed in both directions for an extended period. Travelers continue to feel the impact of the government shutdown. Orlando International Airport announced over 40 flights were canceled Sunday. Airports around the country are dealing with staffing shortages due to the shutdown. Okeechobee Sheriff Deputy is looking for a registered sex offender, Jose Tagle, who allegedly cut his ankle monitor, ordered by the court. He is currently wanted for absconding charges. He lived at 2922 Southeast 24th Street. Authorities do believe Tagle is still in the Okeechobee area. A terrible crash in Tampa late Friday night in an apparent street race. More in this report. Police Chief Lee Burkall says it happened in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood at 1245 a.m. when a car plowed into a crowd of 15 adults. They were out in Ybor having a good time, expecting to go home safely. And a careless, reckless driver takes everybody’s lives in their in his hands. Authorities say three victims died at the scene and a person died at a nearby hospital. Nine others were being treated at local hospitals. Police say the 22 year old driver was detained at the scene of what authorities called, quote, a senseless tragedy. I’m Jim Forbes. The owner of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris, spoke at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting in Belgrade. They’re creating a committee to focus only on Lake Okeechobee. Johnny Morris says the lake has been important to his customers over the years. The aquatic vegetation is so important to the health of this fishery. And what this means to the state and our country. In the daydream of catching a big bass, it’s right at the top. And anything we can do as a company or customers who are passionate about this, it’s a daydream spot for all fishermen. He’s still trying to develop Okeetantee into the big cedar lodge. I’m Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).