News Cast for January 31st:
Congressman Scott Franklin ® continued his commitment to veteran’s issues as the Service Member Employment Protection Act he sponsored passed the U.S House.
It is part of the Dole Act that includes 12 major initiatives that are designed to reform and improve the delivery of Department of Veterans Affairs services, like expanding health care options, offering more educational opportunities and streamlining the benefits and claims process.
Franklin said part of the bill is designed to help reservists called up to active duty. He twice was called up after September 11th.
“I also owned a small business and there is a natural tension in there when you have small businesses that employ reservists. We try to do what is fair. When a reservist is called up and mobilized it leaves a big gap for small employers who have to fill that and then bring those reservists back when they return from their duty.”
Franklin said the bill helps reservists and guardsmen from discrimination from their employers called USERA the Servicemember Employment Protect Act.
The congressman said he also is committed to improving local services provided to veterans.
Okeechobee County Commissioner Brad Goodbread requested the Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) extend for 60 days
payment plans offered to customers that must tie onto sewer service once available.
The cost of the new medical examiners building for the 19th judicial circuit has increased to $22.3 million. The facility is being constructed on the Indian River State College Campus in Fort Pierce.
Okeechobee County will have to pay another $120,000 for their share of the costs. Four counties use the facility, Okeechobee, Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie.
Organizers said 200 volunteers took part in the 2024 Wreaths Across America event in Okeechobee. There were 1,300 wreaths placed on the graves of veterans at the three cemeteries in the county, Evergreen, Basinger and Fort Drum.
Emergency Management Director Rob Shelt resigned after only a short time in Okeechobee County employ. A replacement has not been named.
Organizers said 2,000 people came to Okeechobee to compete and watch the Big Lake Youth Football Tournament in December. It was hosted by Okeechobee County at the soccer complex.
A video allegedly showed an Okeechobee woman as she stole AC units from the Holy Inn Hotel in Miami Springs.
Police reports said Rachel Diz, 30, was seen with another suspect Jovanni Prieto, were trying to steal several units when they were caught by surveillance cameras.
Diaz faces charges that include burglary, grand theft, drug possession and criminal mischief.
The Indiantown Village Council has rejected the idea of purchasing early warning sirens.
There has been sentiment in the Indianwood and other areas to have detectors after the hurricanes this fall.
The village reported it would cost $30,000 per unit.
The Martin County Police Athletic League is interested in creating a youth boxing program in Indiantown.
The village has started to impose $50 fines on food truck operators who are operating a business without a permit.
Repeat offenders will be fined.
Vice Mayor Angelina Perez urged action be taken by the school, village and law enforcement to prevent children from Indiantown Middle School playing on the railroad tracks after school.
The National Weather Service said parts of Florida had average temperatures between 3-8 degrees below normal in January.
Parts of North Florida saw daily temperatures 10 degrees below normal for that time of year.
Most South Florida areas saw temperatures 2-4 degrees below normal.
Georgia Southern University won the Bassmaster College Fishing series event on Lake Okeechobee this week.
The team of Quinn Williams and Brayden Batchelor caught 42’3” of bass.
They were in fifth place after the first day.
The pair said they focused their time on Pelican Bay and Winnie’s Cove.
Prize money was just under $3,000 for each angler.