News cast for February 19th:
The US Army Corps of Engineers continues the drawdown of Lake Okeechobee.
Major Cory Bell said he is confident they will get Lake Okeechobee levels to 12 feet this spring, giving the lake enough time to regrow some submerged vegetation.
Major Bell said they expect the lake to reach 12 feet in the first week of April.
“If we hit that goal we will slow the recession down from the lake and monitor the ecology of the lake and see how it will be affected for the remainder of the dry season.”
Jason Engle said 90 days below 12 feet and 60 days below 11.5 feet would be a success.
“Any time under 12 is helpful for the lake and its recovery. Its not all black and white. These operations are very unlikely to continue past May.”
A burn ban was imposed in Highlands County on Tuesday.
The dry weather conditions and a rising drought index exceeding 500 led to the decision.
The ban includes, but is not limited to, all outdoor burns for yard trash, vegetation and grass, lumbers and trees, household paper products, debris, all campfires, bonfires, warming fires and open cook fires.
Cooking in contained barbecue and gas grills is still allowed.
The Florida Forest Service can also continue to issue burn permits.
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners approved the five phase of the Oak Ridge Ranches.
The latest growth includes 170 acres of residential development with 859 housing units off Glades Cut Off Road.
The plans include 37 acres of landscaping and 56 acres of wetland protected areas.
The entire Oak Ridge project measures 3,300 acres.
Commissioner James Clasby opposed the project stating it was too dense and he does not support future clustered developments like this.
The new phase will be named the Auror at Solaeris.
The City of Okeechobee Planning Board recommended an approval to an update to the five year capital improvement plan.
The city council reviews the plan on March 4.
The plan includes $1.6 million for street pavement, $200,000 for sidewalks, $3 million for asphalt overlays, and $2 million for a paving project in the commerce center.
The entire budget is $16.1 million.
The city also intends to spend $30,000 on the Primitive Baptist Church and Museum and $120,000 to improve Flagler Park and Veterans Memorial Park.
Drainage improvements include $115,000 for right of way, $250,000 for roads and culverts, $80,000 for storm water repairs, and $75,000 for storm water ditch work.