News Cast for October 22nd:
Let us help the lake
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Board said they want to hold a meeting near Lake Okeechobee to raise attention to the poor health of the lake.
The reduction to zero submerged vegetation and now the loss of more marsh land are concerns for fish populations.
Board member Gary Lester said maybe the FWC can help the lake.
“We need to focus in on Lake Okeechobee. We have done it before in the past and I think it is time we do it again. We must focus on Lake Okeechobee at some point.”
Board member Stephen Hudson said he would like staff to really study the lake and issue a report.
“For the lake to get delisted as a top 10 lake in the nation is a tragedy for us and the state and organization. I’d like to see what we can do to get a status update.”
Those impacted by Milton have services in town today. A Multi- Agency resource center is set up by the state at the Library from 10:30 am until 5:30. They can assist with getting you assistance as you recover with representatives from FEMA and other agencies.
Okeechobee veterans service officer Paul Hyatt said they have been able to help over 700 veterans in his first six months on the job. He secured over $1.1 million in benefits these veterans earned. A veterans town hall is scheduled for Wednesday at Indian River State College at 11 am. It will be held at the Williamson Center.
Okeechobee City Council adopted their budget and approved a 5.7 percent property tax hike.
The city also purchased nearly $50,000 worth of body cameras for police.
Mayor Dowling Watford said the body camera program is working.
“These body cameras have been a very good tool. If someone accuses an officer of something you have that video evidence.”
The city also is purchasing four new police car costing over $35,000 apiece. . A street sweeper will also be purchased for $287,000.
The village of Indiantown applied for a grant to put in new playground equipment in Booker Park.
They also are interested in the former IRSC classroom building now vacant on SW Osceola.
They also are working on a village youth sports program.
Barbara Clowdus said the village can’t afford not to have youth sports as they can teach leadership and responsibility.
“We desperately need something to keep our kids involved in the community. The future of Indiantown lies among its youth.”