Another record amount of traffic is expected in Okeechobee this weekend.
We have the Pete Clemons Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday evening and the Labor Day festivities.
Sheriff Noel Stephen said the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping our roads safe.
Deputies will conduct a Wolf Pack Operation aimed at enforcing traffic laws and identifying impaired drivers.
Being arrested for DUI can cost Thousands of Dollars in Court Fees, and can Include Jail Time.
Stephen said don’t become a statistic. Don’t Cost Someone Their Life, Don’t Drink and Drive Period.
Uber and Lyft is also available.
Troopers emphasize being patient behind the wheel as more traffic comes through town Friday through Monday.
Florida carried out a record 11th execution Thursday night at Raiford Correctional.
Curtis Windom was executed by lethal injection for three murders 33 years ago.
The murders in the Orlando area.
One of the victims owed him money and the other two were his girlfriend and mother killed to eliminate witnesses.
The city of Pahokee did not have any appropriations funded by the state this year.
They are one of the poorest areas in the state.
City Manager Michael Jackson said they did get help from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the form of a algae harvester.
The $5 million worth of equipment can be used to clean up the marina when they water quality and algae bloom problems.
An Okeechobee jury recently convicted Laurie Mastaler of battery on a person over 65.
She was originally charged with aggravated battery on the elderly by throwing a computer modem at an old man that injured his head.
She was sentenced to 336 days in jail and ended up serving more days than that awaiting trial.
She also will pay over $1,100 in court costs and fees.
Mastaler scored 26 months in prison and the maximum sentence was five years behind bars.
The victim suffered a serious laceration above his left eye and was hospitalized at HCA/Raulerson Hospital.
The Okeechobee police report said the victim told officers he had been knocked out by the blow.
The Okeechobee City Board of Adjustments approved a special exception for a new miniature golf business.
It will be constructed at 200 NE 7th Avenue west of the Taylor Creek bridge.
They plan to use a vacant grassy area on the southwest portion of the property for the golf course.
The existing building will be used for the sale of ice cream, beer and wine and an arcade or game room.
One issue was 108 parking spaces the city would require.
The operation can be open seven days per week from 10 am until 10 pm. The applicant plans to construct a four-foot high fence to keep golf balls from flying onto state road 70.
They also promised to use low sound speakers to reduce the volume of the music they will play.
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners were urged to crack down on dog hoarders and irresponsible dog breeders.
The animal rescue on Airport Road reported they have had a record amount of surrendered dogs this year.
Animal Control is currently adding new kennels and stopped accepting surrendered dogs this year.
Glades County Sheriff David Hardin said he is happy to be back in the Detention Center business.
He said despite the uncertainty and political climate changes, it is still worth it as the county will one day own the facility once the bonds are paid off.
“You got to look at the long haul. The county will be the owner when the bonds are paid off. That will impact many generations on Glades County. That will be beneficial to the county budget as we will have a jail that can handle any capacity Glades County needs.”
He emphasized it is a quality facility where the detainees are treated well.
“They get exceptional care. They have the finest medical care. The food is above reproach. I’m very pleased with how they are being treated here. The ICE limitations on who can visit and see the facility are there, but I would open it up for anyone to see the facility at any time.”