WOKC Local News – December 03, 2025, 7:50 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. Explain the verdict with WOKC News. I’m Charles Murphy. Nuka Jubi Juri recently convicted Navy veteran and former County Commissioner Brian Culpepper of battering a First Amendment advocate who was disrespecting the American flag. Judge Robert Pegg presided over the trial. He says veterans more than anyone know the rights of Americans and the freedoms we enjoy. But still, in this country, we get a right to do that. And you as a veteran know that as well as anybody here. And all you had to do was say, you know, I lost my, I was so incensed by that, I got angry and I did it. And I’m sorry I did it. You didn’t hit him hard enough. I’ve seen third grade kids hit each other harder on a playground. So, you know, there was no, it wasn’t that kind of a injury type thing. Defense attorney Roger Ascona argued that his client had no choice but to push the victim, George Nathanson. This person touched him first. And that’s why he was compelled to defend himself because this man was in his face. And as you said, heard him say he was spewing on his face. And that’s why he had to push him back to protect himself. County commissioners also testified for the defense. County Commissioner Brad Goodbred admitted he missed most of the action. Well, I was staring at my, looking at my computer whenever it happened. So I kind of heard him, you know, a little scuffle, melee, and I looked up. And whatever had happened, it was, you know, coming apart. So I don’t, I didn’t actually see the event happen. I happened to be looking at my computer at the time when whatever happened, happened. County Commission Chairman David Haysleaf alleged that the victim also committed a crime in the courtroom that day. For lack of a better word, sexual act, what a man would do. And it’s all on video that he was, he was doing against the wall. Plus he was being loud and disturbing the meeting. Culpepper was adjudicated guilty, but paid fines and had no probation. Okeechobee City Council heard from the American Red Cross out of Polk County that will be now serving Okeechobee. Tina Sweeten promised they will be working with the Community Action Team to help Okeechobee. She says they do need local volunteers. That is our primary focus right now is recruiting local volunteers. Because when there’s a fire right now, we’re pulling volunteers from other counties to come in, which works. But it means that the family’s waiting longer. Three community workshops held in Highlands County on the Ridge to River Plan. It could lead to a public referendum next year that would spend tax dollars to conserve property in the county if approved. They are considering purchases of land, especially around the Avon Park bombing range. Ernest Bush told county commissioners that there is a real value to neighbors when they conserve land. The data is there that houses next to open space are worth more per square foot than houses that are not. The Florida Gators introduced their new football coach, John Sumrall, the former coach at Tulane. He’ll actually be allowed to coach in the school’s conference championship this coming Saturday. The University of Florida also announced that Philadelphia Eagles personnel executive Dave Caldwell will serve as football general manager. Coach Sumrall says his goal will be to win championships for Gator fans. We’re going to play with an edge, a blue collar mindset and a chip on our shoulder. Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).