News Cast for May 30th:
373 students received diplomas at Okeechobee High school’s annual graduation on Saturday.
Jenna Larson, one of four Suma Cum Laude graduates told her classmates they have to adapt to changes coming in their lives.
“As our lives experience immense change today at our graduation and in the coming future, we must embrace this change and find comfort in things that remain unchanged. No one can change the fact that we are Brahmans and we did this. That is something to be proud of.”
James Fishback gave a commencement address to Moore Haven students on Friday night.
He said they are pledging allegiance to a great country.
“With so much diversity, so many different backgrounds, so much beauty among us. We are here to celebrate your accomplishments, everything you have done to get to this point and to recognize all the great things that you will do for the rest of your lives.”
The Florida Cabinet approved spending over $103 million on land purchases and conservation.
Several properties in this area will be preserved and some are part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Properties in western St. Lucie, along the Kissimmee River in Highlands County, and along Fisheating Creek were among those purchased with conservation easements.
The list included nearly 6,600 acres in St. Lucie County for $23.1 million, 10,604 acres along Fisheating Creek owned by Lykes Bros. for $20.4 million, and the Doyle Carlton River property in Highlands County, 3,068 acres for $12.35 million.
Two wanted men were found during the same traffic stop in the 1300 block of North Parrott Avenue.
Michael Lippman and Kyle Sage allegedly gave false names.
Deputies had pictures of the wanted suspects and caught on to the alleged deception.
Lippman tried to run free while in handcuffs but didn’t get far, deputies said.
Lippman faces drug and other charges, while Sage was wanted on an active warrant.
Deputies looking into a home and parked truck shot in the area of the 3700 of NW 7th Street on May 27, no one was injured.
A case of animal cruelty under investigation, a dog was injured after being cut or stabbed with a sharp object.
The annual python challenge will include over $30,000 in prize money this August.
Over 1,000 trappers took part last year.
McKayla Spencer with the FWC said the state is beefing up training opportunities for those interested in joining the hunt.
Since 2000, some 18,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades. The hunt will run from August 4-13.