News Cast for June 12th:
Deputies have mystery
Okeechobee County Sheriff deputies are investigating a death.
CSX officials noticed a dead body lying near the tracks just after 8 am on Tuesday and reported it to law enforcement.
They also found a machete. The only information released was the victim was an Hispanic male.
The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
The Okeechobee County Site Plan and Review committee approved a new private lodge at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch. It will measure 31,000 square feet, outdoor dining, a parking lot with 82 paved parking space, and a new entrance road off route 68 east.
The project totals 46 acres.
The committee next week will consider plans for a new Dollar General Store about nine miles north of Okeechobee on 441 north.
The county also reviewing plans for a 200 home project on SW 16th Avenue just south of Palm Village Ranches. It could be single family homes or townhouses.
State representative Dana Trabulsky supported the ban on social media pages for children under 14.
The governor signed a bill that goes into effect on January 1.
“We found through a lot of study and research that this is harmful to their minds and their mental health.”
Those 14 and 15 can have social media access if approved by their parents.
The OUA is on the lookout for a new attorney.
Long time attorney Tom Conley plans to retire from the job October 1st.
He has worked for the utility for over 25 years.
Conley will continue to serve as school board attorney as his contract was renewed in June for another year.
The candidate qualifying going on this week in the Village of Indiantown.
The qualifying ends at noon Friday.
Candidates for seat 1 recently vacated by Guyton Stone include Christa Miley and Vernestine Williams Palmer.
Candidates for seat 2 include Phyllis Waters Brown and incumbent Janet Hernandez.
Another preserve being developed in western St. Lucie County.
The McArthy ranch preserve is located off route 609 on 3100 acres.
The proposals include RV spaces, a laundry, restrooms, all utilities, and more trails and campgrounds.
Nick Kuhn, a consultant for the city of Port St. Lucie, said the public supports keeping the facility as it is.
Facilities for mountain biking, enhanced camping, RV camping, and more nature trails were supported in a public survey.