The Okeechobee County School Board approved the 2024-2025 school calendar that separates the county fair from school spring break.
A large percentage of staff, 62%, supported the calendar.
The youth livestock show can go late during the fair and the district is willing to work with students and families about absentees or tardies during that week.
423 kids participated in the youth livestock show last month, officials said.
Interim Superintendent Dylan Tedders said they try to make the best decision for all students.
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The elementary schools could attend the fair during the school day and teachers could use the rides, and other attractions for learning opportunities.
Tedders said the schools will work with students in the youth livestock show should they need to get to school later.
Okeechobee Deputies make another child pornography arrest.
41-year-old Robert Middleton arrested Wednesday after a search of a residence in the 8 thousand block of 441 southeast.
An investigation was opened after the Criminal Investigative division received a cyber tip about an individual within Okeechobee County Uploading child pornography onto the internet.
Evidence dating back to 2022 was found during the investigation.
Middleton was charged with possession and transmission of child pornography.
The high waters in Lake Okeechobee remain an issue, despite the month-long releases which ended March 30th.
During the governing board meeting of South Florida Water Management, the public urged more support for northern storage.
Nila Pipes with the One Florida Foundation said the health of Lake Okeechobee has been steadily declining and will get worse under the new lake regulation schedule.
The Miccosukee Indian Tribe said the Everglades remain too wet and their islands are flooded.
Betty Osceola said those that are causing the problems in the lake are the most vocal about they are the ones being wronged.
Highlands County Commissioners stopped a paving project on Arbuckle Branch Road in Lorida when residents said they want the road to remain a dirt road.
Commissioner Don Elwell said he goes along with what the residents want. He noted a vast majority wanted the road to remain the same as they have dogs, ATVs, and like the rural lifestyle.
Grading the road costs the county over $17,000 each year.
The commission learned the tourist development council funded parking improvements at Lake Istokpoga Park. 46 spaces were converted into 98 spaces for truck and trailers.
Among arrests, two were charged with fraud on the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation.
They allegedly victimized four residents by allegedly stealing checks and credit cards and making fraudulent purchases.
Over $12,000 was taken in these thefts.
Facing multiple felony charges are Ynez Gonzalez of Brighton and Robert Koff Junior of Winter Haven.
A 22-year-old Jacksonville man was clocked at driving 114 miles per hour between Basinger and Okeechobee, authorities said.
Okeechobee Sheriff Deputies said they tried to catch up to the vehicle on US 98 but lost it and later located it on NW 40th Drive.
Bryan Smith was charged with reckless driving, fleeing and eluding police and resisting arrest.
Bond was $22,000.