News Cast for October 25th:
Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie visited the multi-agency resource center at the Okeechobee county library Thursday.
He talked with FEMA and other agencies learning the number one need in Okeechobee is food lost by power outages.
He said there was also a milk shortage here but few reports of dairy shortages in other parts of the state.
Guthrie encouraged residents to come to the center and apply for aid. He said it would remain open as long as they get foot traffic.
The county reported 138 buildings were damaged and a few homes destroyed causing about $3 million in property damage.
Public Safety Director Earl Wooten said there were some near misses as well.
He said one tornado was spotted heading up 441 toward the city limits but fizzled out before landing and causing damage.
Guthrie also express opposition to tornado warning sirens in Florida noting most of our tornadoes are not as strong and come quicker than the Midwest.
Okeechobee had more people employed in September.
The state department of economic opportunity said 3.8 percent of the workforce was unemployed, down from 4 percent in August.
17,665 people were employed in Okeechobee in September and 17,585 in August.
Around the region Glades County had 4.6 percent, Highlands County 5.2 percent, Indian River County 4.3 percent, Martin 3.6 percent, Osceola 3.9 percent and St. Lucie County 4.1 percent.
Lake Okeechobee levels are now above 16 feet and the lake has been steadily rising from the hurricanes.
The Corps of Engineers said they have no plans to release water to any of the estuaries or to the south.
Commander Colonel Brandon Bowman said the lake is in a good spot headed into the dry season. He said they are confident the lake will lower during the dry season.
They are also offering free blue roofs for those who had damage from Helene at 1-888- ROOF-BLU.
The city of Stuart continued to have contentious discussions over the Brightline train station, turning down the latest deal, $5 million from the city, down from $30 million earlier.
Martin County agreed to go it alone and offered sites near the court house in Stuart and the airport. They will also apply for a grant from the federal government of $50 million.
Stuart commissioner Edward Collins made his position clearly known to Brightline officials.
“If you are not willing to pay your fair share for this station, go to Fort Pierce.”