News Cast 9/30

ByTaylor

September 30, 2024

Okeechobee County staff and sheriff continue to look at ways to reduce jail populations.

One long term concern is too many people charged with violating probation are housed in the jail.

Another is drug dealers getting arrested time after time after time and not getting sentenced quickly and not getting stiff sentences.

Commission Chair David Hazellief said we need to send drug dealers to prison.

“Course I realize if you arrest one drug dealer another one will replace him. At least (tougher sentences) would be somewhat of a deterrent.”

The county also met with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to improve drainage along 70 west after many complaints from residents.

Some had complained about flooded pastures. Others complained about standing water in residential yards.

The commission said during the meeting they found the state contractor had not been keeping up with maintenance of culverts and ditches and some culverts had collapsed compromising drainage.

A teenager facing 2nd degree murder charges wants his statements to Okeechobee Sheriff detectives suppressed.

17-year-old Sebastian Urbano’s lawyers said his interview in the hospital was unconstitutional because he was not free to leave. A parent interrupted the interview.

They also argue he was under the influence of fentanyl and morphine at the time of questioning.

Urbano is charged with shooting to death 16-year-old Carson Owens during a party at the Scott Driver boat ramp.

David Salazar was also shot in the leg during the shooting.

The hearing date is November 4th. No trial date has been set.

A $10,000 reward offered in Kenansville for the return of some stolen crossbred yearlings.

53 head were stolen sometime between September 2nd and 22nd.

The ranch where the thefts took place is located on Joe Overstreet Road.

The Osceola County Sheriff is investigating.

Okeechobee County will assist Taylor County in their recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Sheriff Noel Stephen said he is collecting items at the flagpole at the sheriffs complex.

They are looking for non-perishable goods, diapers, wet wipes, mosquito spray, batteries, nutrition bars and other items.

St. Lucie County Commissioners approved the plans for a new Buc-ee’s on I-95 at Indrio Road.

The store and gas pumps would be joined by a 120 room hotel, restaurants, a bank and other improvements.

Commissioner Larry Leet said he thinks this project will be good for St. Lucie County.

“It will supply a nice people for people to visit. I think it is a heck of a project and I’m in support of this.”

The only debate was a large sign on I-95 advertising the new store and the height.

A Sebring man charged in the drowning death of his autistic daughter.

9-year-old Arianna Maura died last week in a duck pond near her home.

Highlands County Sheriff Deputies said 44-year old-Desi Maura told them he fell asleep and woke up to find the daughter gone.

He is charged with manslaughter.

ByTaylor