News Cast for August 12th:
Felon gets prison sentence
An Okeechobee man sent to prison for 102 months for trafficking methamphetamine.
Court records showed Scott Saip had 14 prior felony convictions which include convictions for cocaine possession and indecent exposure.
He was sentenced as an habitual felony offender.
Saip pled no contest to charges from a search of a residence on SW 1st Way on June 14, 2022.
The Okeechobee narcotics task force said they found 37 grams of methamphetamines, a taser, pipes, two replica handguns and some $4,300 in suspected drug cash.
The Okeechobee State Attorneys office lost one of their key prosecutors Terry Tribble to a better opportunity.
Tribble had worked for the office for 12 years.
Tribble said he enjoyed his time here but is leaving for a better opportunity working for the Marion County Sheriff.
Tribble said he learned a lot in this job.
“Each case is important. It is important for the community to know that we take each case seriously, they are all important.”
The office is now down two attorneys and is constantly monitoring the job market and Florida bar to make job offers.
Head of the office Ashley Albright said it appears fewer people want to become attorneys.
“I don’t understand it but there is definitely a downtrend in both the state attorney and public defender’s office in finding attorneys. It is definitely a problem.”
The candidates for Glades County commission in district 2 this year are Porter Walker and Jeff Barnes.
They both participated in a forum in Buckhead Ridge at the monthly community association meeting.
Barnes said he will fight for veterans and a positive future for the county.
“I feel to make a difference in our county you have to stay involved. I know times are changing we will see a lot of changes come to Glades County. I’d like to be part of molding those changes. We want to keep the Glades County that we have been used to but still see the growth we need to keep moving forward.”
Walker promised to always be transparent and honest with the voters.
“I want to look at you, talk to you in the face and let you know what I’m saying comes from the heart. If I’m elected, I can’t read off a script, I have to make decisions. My decision will be based on the voices of Glades County residents and I will serve no special interest.”
Highlands County is considering a large hike in EMS and fire assessments this year.
They are considering the purchase of several pieces of apparatus including an ambulance and fire engine.
Pastor at Brighton Baptist Church Greg Backer said the increase is tough on churches and their budgets. He noted members are already paying taxes for their homes and businesses.
He thinks this is double taxation.
“When you are a member of the church and pay taxes and then you have to turn around and pay for the church. It cost $3,900 this year. I get $100 to open the church so you can have a voting precinct.”
Commissioner Arlene Tuck would like to see the fire budget reduced this year.
“Most of the budgets were around 6-7 percent increases. I told them I was very well pleased with those budgets. I was not as pleased with the fire departments and I’m still not.”
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be spraying aquatic plants on Lake Okeechobee this week. They will be focused on 1,000 acres of torpedo grass in Steamboat Marsh on the west side of the lake.
An Okeechobee man was hospitalized Friday night after being bitten by three pit bulls in Dewberry Gardens.
Enrique Urbina suffered serious bites to his neck and hands.
Okeechobee Deputies said the incident occurred at a residence on NW 2nd Street.
Animal Control will handle the investigation.
A 57-year-old Okeechobee woman charged with drug trafficking. Lesa Jones She allegedly sold $50 in illegal narcotics to a confidential source at a local convenience store on August 7.
Deputies watched the transaction in the parking lot and then pulled over Jones vehicle on US 98.
They allegedly found 227 grams of methamphetamines and some suspected drug cash..