News Cast for November 30th:
Significant projects for city
The city is reviewing plans for expansion for West Lake Royal Roofing, one of their tenants in the city commerce park.
30 to 40 new jobs could be created with a $15 million dollar expansion in the next year.
“They also bought several more lots in the commerce park. They have about a year to pull the trigger on this expansion. That is a good example of my vision for business retention and expansion.”
President Kaylee King with the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation said they want to focus more on expanding local business.
“I don’t work with just people that are new. I want to work a little bit more with the businesses that you have that want to expand and just need resources and support.”
The city also approved a preliminary plat to allow 103 units in Mallard Landing. 31 acres could be developed. It would include development of new streets and sidewalks.
The property line goes between NW 3rd and 7th Avenues and NW 11th and 14th Streets.
City administrator Gary Ritter said growth is beginning to tax city staff.
“We are experiencing unprecedented growth in our community.”
Shoppers be on the lookout for Christmas shopping scams.
They are expecting $957 billion in retails sales this year across the US and scammers are licking their lips trying to get your personal information anyway they can.
They try confusing emails and texts claiming to be from major retailers.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said when you are contacted by major retailers be cautious.
The state now has a cyber crime fraud unit. Chief Whitney Mackey says they’ve been very busy. She said they have, in some cases, helped get money back for scam victims.
Shopping tips include don’t be rushed by solicitors, never buy from an unknown company, and never provide personal or financial information by email, social media or phone.
The candidate list for the 2024 election in Okeechobee County is growing.
Five candidates want to be county commissioner in District 5 replacing Kelly Owens who isn’t running again.
Republicans John Smith, Billy McCullers and Michael Sumner, and democrats Austin Harvey and Clifford Story are on the ballot.
Republican Stephen Weiker filed to run for Sheriff. Noel Stephen is seeking re-election.
The Indiantown Village Council voted to pursue the purchase of the current village hall for $1.06 million.
They are selling land on SW Warfield Blvd and could use that money to pay off any loan they take out.
Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas supports paying off the loan early and avoiding early payment penalties.
The building was appraised at between $800,000 and $1.3 million.
The council also learned the Martin County Fair could be in Indiantown for 2025. They are developing the Martin County Ag Plex on Citrus Blvd.
A five-year-old male Florida panther was struck and killed by a vehicle in Glades County Sunday.
The accident was on a segment of US 27, south of SR 17, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Okeechobee County building department said it is reviewing plans for a renewable gas facility at the Okeechobee landfill. A 21,172 square foot facility with five parking spaces are proposed on 4.72 acres. They are also reviewing plans for a gas station and convenience store at 42380 US 441 north. The project is 1.34 acres. The building would measure 2,162 square feet and include three multi-product dispensers.