WOKC Local News – July 20, 2026, 7:40 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. Let’s keep them safe. With WOKC News, I’m Charles Murphy. The Sheriff’s Office out with a Be Safe Okeechobee tip for the summer involving young drivers. Chief Deputy Michael Haysleaf promotes a public safety message every Sunday. Schools may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean our roads are any less busy. This one was focused on driving habits. He says be focused and pay attention, reduce speeds and don’t text and drive. He says even though school is out, there are summer school programs, so always obey flashing school zone signs when they are active. During the summer months, more children are riding bicycles, families are traveling, and more people are spending time outdoors. That means drivers need to be especially alert and prepared for the unexpected. The Okeechobee County Planning Board recommended a denial of rezoning to allow 11 triplexes proposed at 945 Northeast 28th Avenue. 6.6 acres would have been developed and the zoning changed from residential rural to residential general. The application has since been pulled by the applicant. Several neighbors testified at the hearing about traffic drainage and impacts on their privacy. Cody Hardin said he was worried about speeding vehicles. My main concern is the safety of the kids, my kids, kids in the neighborhood. You bring them 60 cars, 130 people, and you put them on a road that small, you already got issues there, there’s already issues there. Corey Sturgis predicted that traffic would double on that residential street. Our neighborhood kids are hardly able to enjoy their childhood and ride bikes. With the daily commuters currently, they’re inconsiderate, they drive fast, it’s a small, narrow road. So adding these potential 33 to 66 additional vehicles, I can’t see us ever being allowed to go on a walk with our family anymore. The board approved special exceptions to allow a paintball course at 900 State Road 78 West, three acres being used by Farrell’s Market. They approved a special exception for a mechanic shop that allows renting, sale, and repair of vehicles and heavy equipment at 2625 Highway 441 Southeast. And they recommended approval of a rezoning for a truck repair business on five acres at 253 Northeast 110th Street. The Indian Town Village Council agreed to work with the new youth sports league, wanting to use village facilities and fields. Barbara Cloutis is running up the organization. She says parks and recs have not been welcoming to this league. Every time I have attempted to do anything, she has undermined it. This is not the program she wants. Deborah Rizzo has urged the village to use caution. She says the village should maintain control of their fields and facilities as far as scheduling and maintenance. Do not share responsibility for scheduling fields because you will open it up to chaos. I’m Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).