News Cast for April 28th:
PSA: This Friday, May 2nd, the OCSB Food Service Program will host a food distribution event from 3 – 5 pm or until the food runs out. To be eligible, you must have a child who attends one of our schools. Cars will line up at the Sports Complex, 580 NW 27th Ln, 34972 no earlier than 2:30 p.m. Do not come to the Food Service Office first. You must check in at the Sports Complex and wait to be directed.
Okeechobee County implemented a county wide burn ban last Thursday.
Public Safety Director Earl Wooten said there have been 36 wildfire calls in Okeechobee in recent weeks and the conditions are dry.
All outdoor burning is impacted by the ban. This includes burning of yard waste, campfires, bonfires, and burning in burn barrels. Firework displays are also restricted.
Barbecue grills are still allowed.
“This burn ban is a proactive measure aimed at preventing possible wildfires and protecting our residents, businesses and properties,” Wooten said.
The Florida Forest Service said Monday there are 100 different wildfires burning in the state.
Winds blew smoke from wild fires at River Ranches and Avon Park that impacted state road 70 in Highlands County on Sunday, causing its closure for a time.
Okeechobee Sheriff Deputies investigated a fatal shooting determined to be a homicide in the Quail Acres Subdivision Wednesday night.
Richard Daugherty, 64, was held without bond in the Okeechobee County jail to face a murder charge.
Daugherty surrendered after he barricaded himself in the residence.
The victim was not identified. They located the victim somewhere on the property and were able to transport the person to HCA Raulerson Hospital where they were pronounced deceased.
Unemployment remained at 3.6 percent in March in Florida. Okeechobee saw a decrease in unemployment from 4.5 percent to four percent.
Okeechobee County had a labor force of 16,209 in March and 16,172 in February.
Okeechobee had 15,561 employed in March and 15,451 in February.
The number of jobless went from 721 in February to 648 in March.
Labor economist Jimmy Heckman said December to April is a seasonal time for new jobs in consumer based sectors.
‘There is a noticeable seasonal time of year for retail trade, leisure and hospitality and those generally associated with visitors coming to the state.”
Around the region Glades County had 4.7 percent, Highlands County 4.9 percent, Martin 3.6 percent, Osceola 3.6 percent, and St. Lucie four percent unemployment.
A horrible crash took the life of at least five people in Kenansville Sunday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred in the north bound lanes near mile marker 211 and involved a single vehicle, a Ford E350 van.
The cause of the crash was a possible tire malfunction, troopers said.
Killed in the crash was a 29 year old man from Fort Pierce, a 54 year old man from Fort Pierce, a 83 year old female from Fort Pierce, and two passengers that were unidentified.
The crash left a 75 year old Fort Pierce man, a 53 year old Fort Pierce man, a 52 year old female from Fort Pierce, and a 58 year old woman from West Palm Beach in critical condition.
The driver a 66 year old man from Fort Pierce was hospitalized at Osceola Regional Medical Center with serious injury.
The Indiantown Village Council agreed to pursue a voter referendum, possibly in 2026, to provide an economic development ad valorem tax exemption program.
Village staff and attorney plan to work on the language and recommend how much of a tax break they might provide and how to determine who is eligible.
It would be tied to the number of jobs created. The election itself would cost about $4,400.
Village Manager Taryn Kryzda said tax incentives will help attract new employers.