News Cast January 9th:
The cold weather persisted again this morning around Okeechobee, with low temperatures recorded in the mid to upper 30s.
The cold temperatures are expected to last until Friday AM when a warming trend will start.
As temperatures drop, tire pressure decreases. Experts estimate that for every 10 degree Fahrenheit change, tire pressure changes by one to two pounds per square inch.
Okeechobee had three people sleep in the warming center Tuesday night and four last night.
The S-65 E boat lock will close next week for a routine inspection.
The lock will close at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and remain closed until 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17.
South Florida Water Managers said boaters will not be able to lock through the structure and should make alternate plans.
You can get the latest navigation notices at SFWMD.gov/Navigation
Three juveniles will face charges that range from battery to robbery for a beating of another teen at Lock 7 on Sunday morning.
The victim suffered bruises and lacerations to his face and arms in an attack in the restroom.
The incident report said the child stated he was jumped by five people at the lake when interviewed at the emergency room at HCA/Raulerson Hospital.
The attack was video taped on a cell phone and later posted to snap chat. The victim said he was robbed of his jacket, his necklace and some cash, with a total value of $270.
Two teens have been arrested and face charges while a third is being sought.
A 36-year-old Okeechobee man, Derrick Shealey was charged with possession of pipe bombs that were used to damage two parked vehicles in West Palm Beach.
The incident on July 23 resulted in an arrest in late December.
It was apparently motivated by an ongoing problem between neighbors.
Shealey was allegedly caught on video on July 7 yelling he would make the victim move and threatened to blow up his stuff to the next street, the arrest report stated.
The report said the bomb squad from the Palm Beach County Sheriffs office located smoke and a strong smell of gasoline. There were two explosions reported in the driveway by the
owner around 3 in the morning. There were no injuries reported.
PBSO detectives said they located certain physical evidence in Shealey’s vehicle and his garbage cans that tied him to the bombing.
The Kissimmee Bend 10 year management plan will be the subject of a public hearing on Jan. 29 at the Okeechobee Civic Center.
The facility was bought in 2019 by the state of Florida with Florida Forever funding. It is located in northwest Okeechobee just south of the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
The property includes 1,992 acres and is the home to various wildlife including hogs, turkeys and deer. The property has 4.5 miles of trails and three primitive camp sites.
Part of the plan will be to determine how much if any improvements should be made to the property.
Dave Grubich told Okeechobee County Commissioners that they are considering allowing hunting on the property.
St. Lucie County welcomed a new Sheriff on Tuesday.
Richard Del Toro won the election in 2024 against Keith Pearson.
He previously had served as police chief for Port St. Lucie.
Del Toro in his opening speech, thanked the employees for their long service to the community.
He promised to make sure they are paid what they are worth.
He also promised to improve training, standards and expectations in the sheriff’s office.