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2020-02-04 News ArticlesVtSEC OBEE NEWS Vol. 111 No. 17 Friday, February 7, 2020 $ 3.00 plus 'tax Board Certified • 38 years experience dent? Hoskins! INJURY ATTORNEY STEVE HOSKINSAcci 357-5800 • HoskLawxom o °� Okeechobee on 3rd Street across from the courthouse Civil Trial February 7, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 5 Lady Brahmans head to district championship By Richard Marlon Lake Okeechobee News PORT ST. WCIE – The Okeechobee High School lady Brahman varsity basket- ball team is heading to the district cham- pionship after defeating the Suncoast Lady Chargers 64-57 in the district semifinal on Feb. 5 in Port. SL Lucie. The win gives the Lady Brahmans a 20-5 record this season. Okeechobee now moves on to face Jensen Beach in the district championship on Feb. 7. The Lady Brahmans overcame a rough first half against the Lady Chargers to come back and win the district semifinal. Okeechobee trailed Suncoast through- out much of the first half, which was a direct contrast to how things played out when these two teams met in the regular Season. At halftime in that matchup the Lady Brahmans were up 28-17. They would go on to win 70-32. Turnovers plagued Okeechobee throughout the game in the district semi- final, which let the Lady Chargers take the lead in the first half. Still the Lady Brahmans battled back and tied things up near the end of the second quarter with Alkeecia Clayton sinking a clutch three pointer and Caylie Huff hitting a layup to make it 31-31 heading into halftime. The two teams exchanged leads multi- ple times throughout the second half, but with a little over a minute left in the game Okeechobee held a one -point lead 58-57. In that final minute the Okeechobee defense took control of the game. The Lady Brahmans forced multiple turnovers and the Lady Chargers didn't score another point. Awaiting Okeechobee in the champion- ship is the number one seed in the district, Jensen Beach. Jensen won their semifinal match -up on Feb. 5 against Boynton Beach 66-38. Okeechobee faced Jensen in the regular season this year and fell 72-57. Lady Brah- mans coach Jovanny Torres said that loss stuck with the team longer than usual. The Lady Brahmans knew if they took care of business in the regular season and in the playoffs they'd have another shot at Jensen Beach. "They are hungry after that Jensen Beach loss," said Torres. "I have never seen them so upset in the locker room after a game until that Jensen Beach game. They realty took that loss hard. We watched the game film and they are so ready to get out there and fix the mistakes we made. They have seen what we needed to do and they are ready to get it done. Ali they talk about at practice is what they're going to do to Jensen Beach in the district championship." Okeechobee will travel to face Jensen Beach in the district championship at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7. i City to ask county for fire protection contract \ City could put fire department question on ballot, but would not be bound by the vote By Cathy Womble Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE —The Okeechobee City Council officially voted at their meeting on Feb. 4 to request a contract for fire services from the county. Although this has been a very controversial subject, several of the council members made a point to reassure those present–which included the majority of the city fire department – that requesting a contract does not mean they have made a decision. Their intention, they said, is to look at two options (a contract with the county and Capt. Lalo Rodriguez's proposal for the city to add EMS services) side by side, and they believe this is the most logical way to accomplish this. Councilman Bobby Keefe apologized for raising everyone's blood pressure at the last meeting over this issue and said, "I'm still new at this and still learning ... Bearing in mind there is always a time and season for everything. This evening it's on the agenda," He went on to explain his reason for requesting a contract was only so they could assess their options and was not meat to be an insult to Capt. Rodriguez or his proposal in anyway. Mayor Dowling Watford once again can - boned the other members of the council that he did not feel a contract was in the city's best interest. He believes if they want to stop offering their own fire services then they should completely turn it over to the county allowing the county to institute a fire tax which requires a voter referendum. "1 believe that's the only fair way to do it for our citizens," he said. "We keep saying we want to do this to lower our millage rate and save our citizens money, and I think that's truly the only way we can guarantee that you are going to save citizens mon- ey, because we have no control over that contract in the future," He again brought up contracts such as building department which did not work out but was easy to take back. This would be very difficult to take back, he explained again. He also spoke about the idea of letting citizens vote. "I understand we don't let citizens vote on everything," he said. We make those decisions here. I think this is a fundamen- tal change to our city and the services we provide in our city, and this is one case where I would tend to agree that it's such a fundamental change we should allow the citizens to vote on that." Councilman Keefe agreed with him and said because it is a presidential election year, he felt this would be a great time to put it on the ballot. "If it's possible that we can do all three, put that on the referendum, because it's a presidential election year, and if the citizens vote for a merger which requires a refer- endum, then that's what they get. If they don't, would we not still have the option to, here at city council, do the contract that's still being negotiated or the third option of running our own EMS? Is that possible, because that would cover all our bases?" he asked. Retired educator Rhya Black said, "You mentioned it might go to referendum and we'd have an opportunity to vote, but I also heard that there is a possibility that if I voted no, that you would change that. Did I understand it wrong?" Mayor Watford explained that it depends what the referendum is and how it is word- ed. At this point, they are not planning to do a referendum, but if they were, it would depend how it was worded. They could have a "straw vote." This would basically just be to find out how the people feel about the issue, and the city council would not be bound by the vote. He is not sure if they would be bound by this particular referendum or not, but the city and county would both have to have one. The city attorney said in this case he did not think they would be bound by the referendum. Ms. Black said, "1'm just saying how I would feel if 1 voted one way and you went another way." City Firefighters not guaranteed jobs Fire Chief Herb Smith spoke about the terms being used throughout the entire discussion about the city fire department. "With all due respect," he said. "The terms merge and consolidation are all vague and have been used pretty loosely, and really, what we are looking at is dissolving the fire department right now. We need to be sure people understand what is really happen- ing. A lot of our citizens don't understand that we don't have guaranteed jobs possibly after this. We are allowed to apply, but any of you can apply as well." Mayor Watford agreed that with a contract, the fire department would be dissolved. The city would have no use for a fire department. Councilman Bob Jarriel said that is why they are trying to make sure the city fire- fighters are given preference by the county when they hire. He would like to see that in the contract and they are also sending all the fire fighters to paramedic school. "i don't know what more you expect us to do, but we have to quit kicking it down the road," he said. Council woman Monica Clark said staff is one of her top priorities and always has been. "From day one, it's been a deal breaker for me If our people are not taken care of," she said. City may change hours for Sunday alcohol sales In other business: • The council voted to award the contract for Centennial Park restroom and pavilion improvements to Semi- nole Design -Build, Inc. in the amount of $175,562.20. According to City Administra- tor Marcos Montes De Oca, they budgeted about $90,000 for it this year, and last year had about $40,000 budgeted which was not utilized and was rolled over. This will in- clude pavilions and an additional restroom. Once the restroom and pavilions are in, they will put the picnic tables, barbecue grills, fencing, and, of course, they already Lake Okeechobee News/Cathy Womble Mayor Dowling Watford presents a cer- tNlcate of appreciation to Jacqueline Dunham for her service on the Gener- al Employees' Pension Fund Board of Trustees, Jan. 27, 2016 through Dec. 31.2019. have the playground equipment one of the leadership classes helped raised the funds to purchase. There will be a large 20 x 40 -foot pavilion and two small pavilions. Mr. Montes De Oca said the park should be ready in time for summer. Most of it is ready to go in, he said. "The neighbors will just wake up one day and see a beautiful park." • The council will begin work on a resolution declaring the city of Okeechobee a Second Amendment Sanctuary City. • To bring the city's ordinance in line with the county's, the council discussed allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. There will be two readings of the ordinance before it is voted on, but there appeared to be no opposition. • South Florida Fair scholarship recipi- ents, David Daniels, Cody Deloney, Patrick Lehman, Aubrey Pearce and Kaitlyn Wil- liams were recognized at the meeting. • A certificate of appreciation was presented to Jacqueline Dunham for her service on the General Employees' Pen- sion Fund Board of Trustees, Jan. 27, 201 through Dec. 31, 2019. 14 Lake Okeechobee dews February 14, 2020 Code magistrate hearing set for Feb. 18 13y Kahirta Elsken Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE-The Okeechobee County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate hearing will be held Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Okeechobee County Health Department, 1728 N.W. Ninth Ave., Okeechobee. New code violation cases on the agenda include: • The 15319 N.W. 252nd Street property owned by Linda Walls; • The 21900 N.W. 176th Ave. properly owned by Matthew Johnson and Jodie Johnson; • The 1259 N.W. 35th Lane property owned by Juan Antonio Colin Lopez and Veronica Luviano Aguilar; • The 972 N.E. 28th Ave. property owned by Kyle Upham; • The 9377 S.E. 57th Drive property owned by Stephen Hall; • The 19875 N.W. 80th Drive property owned by Barney and Krista Stortz. Old business on the agenda includes code violations on the following: • The 27555 N.W. 208th St. property owned by Corona Holdings XIV LLC; • The 11555 U.S. 441 S.E. Unit 2 property owned by Brown Shoe Management Group Inc.; • The 20016 N.W. 266th St. property `BEE'yond Teacher Essay Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Contest open ALLENDALE, NJ — On Jan. 6, Apple- bee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar announced the launch of its fourth annual Above and "BE£"yond Teacher Essay Contest, which will recognize top teachers - as nominated by their students - by awarding them with a sponsorship check and end -of -year class parry, courtesy of Applebee's. The contest is being offered at Applebee's restaurants in Florida and Georgia owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises. Applebee's will award one deserving leacher from each school district* with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, along with an end -of -year party for their current class. To nominate a teach- er, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee's explaining why their teacher deserves to be "Teacher of the Year." To sweeten the deal, students who enter an essay will receive a FREE ice cream certificate** for Applebee's. Contest submissions will be accepted at participat- ing Applebee's restaurants from through March 1, and winners will be announced on Monday, April 6. "We are thrilled to be holding our fourth annual Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest at our Florida and Georgia restaurants," said Marc Prince, director of operations, Applebee's Florida and Georgia. "Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community, especially schools within the communities we serve. The overwhelming support from last year's campaign reminded us what an integral role teachers play in building a better com- munity." Doherty Enterprises is committed to in- volvement in the communities it serves and is proud to support education year-round through its A is for Applebee's" program, which was created for teachers, libraries and scout leaders to use as an incentive for children to succeed and be rewarded. The program gives children an incentive to go the extra mile to help other students, read more books and make the honor roll. By obtaining the certificate from Applebee's, children also gain a sense of accomplish- ment. Through this, and several other initiatives including donations, fundraisers, sponsorships and participation in commu- nity events, Doherty Enterprises gives back to local causes, helping organizations grow and flourish. For more information about how Doherty Enterprises and its restaurants sup- port local communities, or to get involved in one of the youth programs, visit doherty- inc.corr/communityconnecdon. Beast Feast to be held The Okeechobee Rotary Foundation will host Beast Feast, a wild game dinner, on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Agri -Civic Center, 4601 S.R. 710 E. AAppppeefizers and drinks be- at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m Tickets are $50 each. Cal(Amy Daniel at 863-801- 9498, for sponsorship and ticket information. Church hosts anniversary First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St., invites you to Big Lake Missions Outreach 251h Anniversary on Saturday. Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. A complimentary dinner will be served. Guardian ad Ultem to meet Guard ad Litem will meet at the Brown Cow Sweetery, 103 S.W. Park St., on 1Les day, Feb. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Come and enjoy some free ice cream while you learn -how-to help children in the community. For information, call 772-7855804. owned by Robert Kolowat and Vera Kolorat; • The 6702 N.E. First St. property owned by Jamie Rubino; • The 3140 S.E. 23rd St. property owned by James Conroy. • The 3964 N.W. Fourth St. property owned by Christopher Aguilar; • The 3966 N.W. Fourth St. property owned byJuan Aguilar; • The 1037 N.E. 30th Ave. property owned by Mark C. Kramer; • The 3727 S.W. 13th Terrace property owned by Rufus Rhoden and Joellen Rhoden; The 16008 N.W. 308th St. property owned by Jo Ann Barton; • The 3583 N.W. Eighth Ave. proprety owned by Victor Sanchez; • The 20485 N.W. 302nd St. property owned by Pete Gilbert; • The 1409 N.W. 36th Ave. property owned by Maureen Sheets; • The 7930 S.E. 57th Drive property owned by Shirley A. Upthegrove. Also on the agenda is a request for a reduction of fine from Aline Norman in regard to her 6454 N.E. Fust Street property. All interested parties and citizens will have the opportunity to be heard at this public meeting. Lake Okeechobee News/Cathy Womble Fair scholarship winners honored South Florida Fair Scholarship recipients Cody Deloney, Patrick Lehman and Kaitlyn Williams are recognized at the Okeechobee City Council meeting on Feb. 4. (David Daniels and Aubrey Pearce were also recipients but were not present al the meeting) Special to the Lake Okeechobee News • The Mural Dedication and Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27. The mural is located at 601 S.W. Park St. Visit OKMS website for the time and reception location. • The next Artist Series Gallery Exhibit will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Okeechobee High School and will feature the art of juniors and seniors. • Save the date for Okeechobee Main Street's Speckled Perch Festival set for Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and I5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Flagler Park on State Road 70. Festivities include arts and crafts, handcrafted goods, activities, music and food. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on March 14. • Tomlin Photography "Focus on Okeechobee will be featured through March 31 at the Park Street Gallery Exhibit located at 513 S.W. Park St. • Call to photographers for the thud annual juried photography exhibit at the Historical County Courthouse: The theme for this competition is "Okeechobee County is..." Deadline for admission is April 21, 2020. For entry forms, visit okeechobee- mainstreet.org. • Butterfly Garden brick sales continue! The second phase of brick sales is now underway. If you want to honor a loved one or support the arts, go to our website, okeechobeemainstreet.org, for more infor- mation and sponsor forms. • OKMS is proud to be a part of The Kindness Revolution. The Kindness Revo- lution is a 13 -year-old national nonprofit organization with a mission to raise the awareness of values, such as kindness, in our communities. To learn more about this program, call 863-357.6246. • The clock to get the Cattle Drive Sculp- ture Project started is ticking away. This is a community project. Large and small donations can make this happen. OKMS wants Okeechobee to stand out in the state celebrating the cattle industry during the 500 -year anniversary when cattle fust arrived in Florida. Donations can be made at okeechobeernainstreet.org or by going to GoFundMe.org. OKMS is located at 55 S. Parrott Ave. in Okeechobee.