News Cast for August 9th:
Traffic congestion worry
The City of Okeechobee Board of Adjustments delayed until September plans for a new 7 brews coffee shop. It is planned on 6-10ths of an acre at 100 SE 8th Avenue.
Applicant Shea Anderson said they get the vehicles in and out fast and shouldn’t cause traffic problems. They have dual drive thru windows in the 535 square foot building and have staff taking orders from vehicles as they wait in line.
The board mentioned the SE 8th Avenue and 70 intersection is often backed up on 8th and they don’t want to make the problem worse.
An Okeechobee woman, Penny McDonald fined $50,000 and sentenced to three years in prison for trafficking methamphetamines.
Okeechobee Police stopped a vehicle on May 11, 2023 at 975 NE Park Street and allegedly found 21 grams of methamphetamines, some prescription pills and $392 in cash.
The annual python challenge begins in the Everglades today and runs through August 18th. The state is offering prizes again this year amidst new evidence that the python habitat is moving further north.
The St. Lucie County Economic Development Council touted recent success.
Amazon recently opened a distribution center on Midway Road that will employ 1,000 people.
Cosco is building a nearer 2 million square feet warehouse that will employ another 500 people.
Plans are ongoing for the P 1 Motor Club on 70 near Okeechobee that will develop a race track homes and support uses on 629 acres.
Pete Tesch with the Economic Council said Amazon was a real coup for the community.
“IT is a 1.1 million square foot distribution center. They are looking for employees. Some great jobs for the community.”
Among arrest, Michael Lebrun of Loxahatchee charged in Okeechobee with dumping old trees on private property on SE 31st Avenue. He was arrested in Suwanee County.
Joseph Howling was charged with burglary to an occupied dwelling, making threats, and damaging property in a rented home in Treasure Island.