News Cast for October 18th:

Okeechobee celebrates and honors Vietnam Veterans

Local Vietnam Veterans got the pat on the back they deserve with a special pinning ceremony at the annual Community Hero Luncheon.

Congressman Scott Franklin spoke to the chamber of commerce crowd about how as a Navy veteran he pushes veteran’s issues like improving the VA, honor flights, and support for a strong military.  He serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Committee.

Franklin said he knows the country is divided today but it was likely even worse during the Vietnam War era.

“We had assassinations.  When you think of how bad things are now and we are divided.  If you remember the summer of 1968, it doesn’t get much worse.  We had the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, we had the riots at Kent State, we had protestors and folks burning flags in the street, and it was just a mess, the country was really ripped apart.”

Martin County would like to add more manufacturing and industry to help their tax base.

Commissioner Doug Smith said they have seen interest in the old Caulkins and Louis Dreyfuss citrus plant in Indiantown which sits mostly vacant.

“The facility is being completely revisioned, refurbished and reworked.   It is incredible for us.  It was an old industrial site that had seen its time.  There are businesses in there today that will completely transform it and turn it into something that all of us will be very happy with.”

Less than 2 percent of the land is approved for manufacturing and industry putting much of the strain on commercial business and residences to pay all the property taxes.

Okeechobee County plans to start picking up hurricane debris starting today.  They have a 45 day contract with a vendor but have 90 days to get things picked up and get reimbursed by the federal government.

The county will also begin mosquito spraying this weekend.

County Administrator Deborah Manzo said the spraying will occur from Sunday to Wednesday.

A special prayer for members of Law Enforcement this week.

The blessing of the badge ceremony has held outside the county jail in Okeechobee.

Chief Deputy Michael Hazellief said it’s the first time this has been done here.

“This gathering is a significant moment in our community.  One where law enforcement and faith based organizations join together in a spirit of unity, collaboration and shared responsibility.”

Several pastors prayed for the safety of law enforcement as they perform duties that protect our community.

ByTaylor