WOKC Local News – March 09, 2026, 7:40 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. Three students expelled for drugs. With WOKC News, I’m Charles Murphy. It’s a problem of selling or distributing drugs increasing on Okeechobee School campuses. An 8th grader and two 11th graders were recently expelled for drug sales on campus, one at OAA and two at the high school. Superintendent Dylan Tedder says they’re serious about taking action about drugs on campus. You just don’t do it on campus. Because if you do, you’re going to get caught. Our SROs are going to take care of you when you get caught. You’re going to be in some legal problems. You’re not going to have a place to come to school. It’s just something that you would think most people would try to avoid. The Rivers Coalition heard an update from the Corps of Engineers on the restoration efforts on Lake Okeechobee. Colonel Brandon Bowman says there’s now over 20,000 acres of submerged vegetation, a far cry from last year. It increases lake ecology, makes the lake healthier, which is better for everyone in the state if Lake Okeechobee is in a healthier condition. The forecast this spring has the lake getting as low as 9.5 feet. The Corps also wants to test a new peroxide-based algaecide in the St. Lucie River. They think it’ll kill and end more algae blooms. Martin County Schools considering closing Warfield Elementary. They would combine it with Indiantown Middle School, building a new classroom building there. They had been talking about expanding Warfield, but they currently have 800 seats available in the two schools for students. Warfield only at 75% capacity and Indiantown Middle at 45%. Jennifer Russell says some parents have spoke against this idea. Concerns I heard today from parents were also busing. I don’t want my elementary students riding with middle school students. I don’t want them to learn all kinds of extra things. No final decision has been made. Chalunitka taking place in Glades County. It’s Kids Day today. And tomorrow they have the parade at 10 a.m., a ranch rodeo at 7 p.m. and other various activities, including a Navy SEAL demonstration at 1130. An Ogochuy woman was charged with misusing 911 or the emergency 911 system. She repeatedly called dispatchers last month, calling for a ride. When the dispatcher said to use the non-emergency number, the woman became angry and talked dirty with the dispatcher. Seven Motorists could face a $338 ticket because they passed school buses on 70 West in front of the La Fiesta supermarket. The bus was actively picking up or dropping off students at the time. Deputies note if the roadway has a painted center line or a turn lane, you must still stop for a school bus when its stop arm is extended and lights activated. That’s only if there is no physical median or barrier wall that is separating the lanes. Florida law requires vehicles traveling in both directions to stop in those situations. I’m Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).