News Cast 5/19
News Cast for May 19th:
On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested Kaitlynn Barnes (18) on several charges, including the transmission of child pornography and bestiality. This arrest occurred in the 4800 Block of Highway 441 Southeast Okeechobee, Florida. This investigation spanned several months.
Jury starts deliberations
Closing arguments were expected this morning in the Danny Payne murder trial.
The prosecution claims Payne fired a pistol at a female in his home and hit his best friend instead.
Stacy Tyson died in the incident on December 18th 2020
The prosecution called its last witness Wednesday afternoon.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Fadley does not intend to call any witnesses.
The prosecution argued that Payne deliberated fired the shots at Jacqueline Serrano but one round missed and struck Tyson.
They told the jury that Payne changed his story several times, at times calling it an accident and at other times blaming Serrano and her friend Jessie Gonzales.
Okeechobee County Commissioners approved a kitchen for a local bar.
The Iron Eagle would expand to 2,400 square feet.
The commission approved a rezoning for a new location at 9371 State Road 78 West.
The county also intends to drop the foreclosure lawsuit against Homes by Jolicouer.
The special magistrate will consider a fine reduction in the code enforcement case.
Commissioner Brad Goodbread said he wants the fine reduction to be reasonable.
He noted the commission could also reduce the fine if they didn’t like the amount that was proposed by the magistrate.
Fines have accrued to over $37,000.
The feral hog population is now over 1 million in Florida.
They are a threat to crops and farm animals and also can do a number of pastures.
Mark Bailey is an agent with the Cooperative Extension.
He said once hogs hit a pasture it can look like a bomb just hit/
They dig up pastures and create pot holes that can injure cows.
Hog hunting also has large impact on the state’s economy.
Bailey notes if you do cook a wild hog, be sure to follow precautions and don’t come in contact with much of the hog.
The Florida Senate and the Palm Beach County Commission approved resolutions to Pahokee on its 100th birthday.
County Commissioner Melissa McKinley said the county supports Pahokee as it grows and improves.
She saluted Pahokee for its history, its access to Lake Okeechobee, and its production of several famous Americans including Anquan Boldin, Ricky Jackson and Mel Tillis.
Pahokee was also fielding interest from two developers who want to build a hotel at the former city hall.
The city planning board was expected to approve a 60 unit apartment complex proposed for the former high school property this week.