News Cast January 7th:
WOKC News January 7, 2025
A 28 year old West Palm Beach man is charged with being a narcotics distributor in Okeechobee County.
The Narcotics Task Force conducted a buy-bust operation at a convenience store on route 710 on January 3.
According to the sheriff’s office, Christian O’Neil attempted to sell illegal narcotics to an undercover officer. They communicated over the phone and O’Neill arrived in the possession of two ounces of cocaine worth as much as $11,000.
O”Neil was charged with trafficking over 28 grams of cocaine, introduction of contraband in the county jail, unlawful use of a two way communications device while committing a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bond was set at $61,000.
A major Florida citrus grower is calling it quits. Alico Inc said it will not put additional money into its citrus production after it harvest its current crop this year.
They own citrus groves in Highlands and Hendry County and also a mine southwest of Moore Haven in Glades County.
The company said citrus production has declined by 73 percent over the past 10 years due to hurricanes and various citrus diseases.
They were hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Milton in 2024.
Alico will reduce its workforce by up to 172 employees. They also announced their land holdings in certain counties are now up for sale.
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners honored the 2024 Chobee Bulls 12U age division traveling football team with a proclamation that recognizes their accomplishment and teamwork.
They won the Eastern Division Championship and the Regional Championship in the Mid Florida Football Conference this year.
Chairman David Hazellief congratulated the coaches and players for representing Okeechobee well.
The St. Lucie County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the P 1 Motor Sports Club rezoning application.
The Board of County Commissioners today were expected to review the project located on route 70 in western St. Lucie County.
629 acres could be developed into housing, two race car tracks, assorted businesses, storage, 125 single family homes and garagemahals where people live and also store vintage race cars.
The facility will be private but will be open to special events during the year.
Developer Ari Strauss said the facility would be an asset to the community.
“If you like driving fast, people today visit race tracks. These facilities allow people, through car clubs who may rent the race track, to drive in a controlled environment where there are no speed limits and where you can do it much safer than on the roads.”
The project also includes a 40,000 sq. foot event center and support facilities like parks, pools, a dog park, walkways with bike paths, a clubhouse with restaurant and a go-kart track.
Neighbors raised concerns about noise, dust, and adding traffic to route 70.
A man recently released from Florida prison is charged with methamphetamine trafficking in Okeechobee.
Court records show Chad Carter was stopped by the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force in December because they vehicle had too dark window tint.
Officers said they smelled freshly burnt marijuana during the traffic stop coming from the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle deputies said they discovered a loaded .22 caliber pistol and a safe that was disguised as a holy bible.
Deputies went on to state they found 66 grams of methamphetamine, 32 pills and 1.6 grams of crack cocaine inside the safe.
The cold snap will bring wind chills to between 35 and 40 degrees today through Thursday.
Okeechobee County will again open a warming center tonight and Wednesday night for those without proper shelter.
The center is located at 202 NE 2nd Street, Suite 5. The facility will open at 6:30 pm each evening.
Cots are provided but you must bring bedding, and you can’t have alcohol, narcotics, weapons or pets at the shelter.
For more information contact RiteLife at (561)-503-1323.
A local man is accused of reporting his vehicle had been stolen after he tried to flee deputies in that same vehicle.
Logan Hayes, 30 was charged with failure to obey law enforcement by not stopping, misuse of the 911 system, giving false information to law enforcement, and driving while license suspended
A 2014 Chevy Impala eluded deputies on 441 southeast on January 2 at 6:30 pm. The chase went for several miles east bound through Treasure Island.
Dispatchers said a few minutes later a male called them that reported the same vehicle had been stolen.
Hayes was located at the Okeechobee Motel and said he had reported the vehicle stolen.
The stolen vehicle was found nearby. A K-9 was dispatched to try and track the driver. He led deputies to where Hayes was standing, the report said.
Bond was set at $12,000.
An Okeechobee man was charged with driving in the wrong lanes of US 27 in Lake Placid while intoxicated with children in the vehicle.
Javier Hernandez 26, was charged with DUI, child neglect and driving while license suspended.
An arrest report from Lake Placid Police said on January 5 a patrolman watched as Hernandez drove a pickup truck north bound driver over the median and enter the southbound lanes. He initiated a traffic stop and Hernandez slowed his speed for several blocks before pulling over at a gas station at Dal Hall Blvd.
Officers said they noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the suspect and the vehicle. Two children were in the back seat properly restrained in car seats.