News Cast for July 14th:
Okeechobee county plans for growth
The Okeechobee County Fire Rescue assessments are likely to take a big jump in the next few years as the county grows.
The fire chief submitted a five-year plan that includes five new ambulances, three new fire trucks, two brush trucks, 12 new firemen and a new fire station. The trucks are expected to cost close to $5 million.
Commission Chairman David Hazellief said a possible fire station could be needed in southwest Okeechobee to help serve Lakefront Estates in Buckhead Ridge.
“IT is very hard to tell what is going on there because I’m not sure they even know. They are talking about a fire station in Buckhead Ridge with no manpower. It would be nice to work and agreement and build a station in the southwest part of our county and get compensation from them for doing it. WE don’t man a station in another county but if they can’t do it, we would have the responsibility.”
Hazellief pointed out Buckhead Ridge residents spend a lot of their money for shopping, medical and recreation in Okeechobee County.
Another fire station is proposed to serve a new development north of Whispering Pines and Basswood.
The Zumani Development plan is to have housing units spanning from 441 westward to US 98 along with a four-lane highway. It is scheduled to be developed over 12 years.
Fire officials expect to receive $1.6 million per year from new developments like Zumani and the Midtown project on Charles Harvey Highway.
Operation Southern Slowdown will begin Monday and all law enforcement agencies have been invited to take part.
The Florida Highway Patrol is trying to slow down traffic.
Lt. Greg Bueno said it is getting to be a routine to arrest drivers for going over 100 miles per hour.
“A person driving 50 miles over the speed limit is very dangerous.”
The first ticket is $1,000. The second infraction is $2,500 and lose your license for a year. The third infraction is a third degree felony and can mean up to five years behind bars.
The Indiantown Village Council delayed creating a council to fact find about parks, recreation and sports programs in the village.
Councilmember Carmine DiPaolo said they should do this program right and study other parks and programs.
Indiantown is hosting a family fun day tomorrow at Post Family Park from 9:30 to 2 pm. It will include food trucks, a bounce house for kids, and presentations by the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, Martin County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s department.
Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Donna Lazarus. Donna, DOB: 4/25/56, was last seen on June 15, 2023 at Affordable Towing, 749 NW Ave A, in Belle Glade where she picked up her vehicle, a black 4 door Nissan, bearing Florida Tag 93BZTM. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Donna’s family members believe her health has deteriorated mentally, therefore, PBSO considers Donna Lazarus to be missing and possibly endangered.
Anyone who comes into contact with Donna Lazarus is urged to contact PBSO Dispatch at 561-688-3400 or the nearest law enforcement agency.