News Cast for March 28th:
Okeechobee School Superintendent Dylan Tedders said it appears the plan to change start times for Florida high schools next year to no earlier than 8:30 am is going to be repealed by the state legislature.
“The people we have talked to think it should be a local decision and not just a state mandate. We are happy they are thinking in that direction. I don’t think it would work for us.”
Tedders said the district does not want to see elementary kids standing by the road waiting for the bus in the dark.
They also don’t want middle school students getting home at 5 pm.
“They’re involved in school activities too. They need to be out at a reasonable time so they can get to the activities they participate in.”
Tedders said even if the high school classes started later each morning that is no guaranteed the kids will get more sleep noting they could simply go to bed later at night.
The Okeechobee County Planning Board approved an application for a new convenience store, and automotive service station at the north east corner of 441 north and NW 36th Street, or Cemetery Road.
The plan would allow gas sales along with the sale of beer and wine in the store.
The property measures five acres.
The board also recommended approval of an ordinance that would allow facilities for helicopters to be allowed within five miles of the landfill on Berman Road.
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits any air strip near the landfill due to the dangers posed by flying birds.
The Fort Pierce City Commission issued a proclamation for Vietnam Veterans Day.
They are the only government in this region to honor Vietnam Veterans in this manner.
The 50th anniversary of the ending of Vietnam is on April 30.
Linda Gallup with the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the proclamation.
“It is my honor to recognize many veterans who have made countless sacrifices for St. Lucie County families. The proclamation recognizes the Vietnam Veteran and what they contribute to our country, our state, and nation by offering skills education leadership and dedication all learned during military service.”
Okeechobee City Council prohibited sleeping in most public places after holding a second public hearing on the proposed ordinance.
The state mandated that local governments take action to address the homeless problem.
Mayor Dowling Watford said he does not think this will solve the problem but send the homeless onto private property.
“It doesn’t solve the problem for those that have no place to sleep.”
He said the city was forced to do this, and although he understands it is a problem, he thinks this will add to the problem.
“We are not the only community dealing with this. I don’t think any community has taken advantage of the provision in the bill that allows you to have tent cities on public property because of all the requirements that go with it.”
A brush fire grew to 150 acres before being contained west of Palm City on Thursday.
Martin County Fire Rescue said 11 homes voluntarily evacuated.
The Sheriffs Department helicopter and the Florida Forest Service bulldozers were able to fight the blaze and prevent any home damage or injury.