News cast for June 9th:
Glades County finds shooting suspect
A wanted juvenile from Okeechobee County was sought for five days before being located in Moore Haven Monday night, Okeechobee authorities said Tuesday.
Elijah Neal is wanted for weapons and assault related charges for a shooting July 4th in Treasure Island.
The teen was reportedly seen driving an SUV at speeds above the speed limits on SE 25th Street near NE 34th Avenue.
When confronted by a resident, Neal allegedly pistol whipped the man and shot him.
The victim did recover after hospital treatment.
Okeechobee City Council was asked to lift the prohibition against fireworks sales inside the city.
Small business owner Jason Ferrell said the 4th of July and fireworks are a way to display freedom and not more government regulation.
He said lifting the ban would help small businesses in a seasonal economy.
The council took no action on the request made during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Okeechobee County Commissioners discussed how to spend $4 million coming from the state over the next 18 years from the opioid litigation settlement.
They plan to put $1.5 million toward the jail expansion, buy an ambulance, and create two positions of a counselor and case worker to help those with drug addictions.
Commissioners discussed the amount of people in jail for non-violent drug offenses. They have endorsed a policy to allow the release on non-violent offenders with ankle monitors.
Commissioner Terry Burroughs said there are simply too many people in jail arrested on drug charges and violation of probation.
He encouraged the county to meet with the State Attorney and try and find solutions.
The commission also mentioned the high costs of constant drug tests, up to $400 per month per person, which the poor can’t afford.
They’d like probation officers and the state attorney to be more flexible.
A pole barn fire causes about $150,000 in damages at 2891 SW 28th Street.
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue said firemen saved two rabbits, but three cats and a chicken died in the flames.
The losses include a skid steer, golf cart, and various farm equipment.
A battery charger under some hay is listed as a possible cause of the blaze.
Cities around Florida have started to discuss marijuana store and factory regulations just in case voters pass the amendment to legalize recreation marijuana in November.
The city of Stuart discussed keeping it out of downtown and on US 1 and other commercial areas.
They also discussed losing industrial space from these grow operations if they are made legal.
One resident urged the city not to allow them downtown noting it would bring smoke and odors to the area.
The amendment would allow each person to possess 3 ounces of marijuana or up to five grams of concentrated marijuana.