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2020-03-11 Minutes`\Y .OF OA£F`1B CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA °s MARCH 11, 2020, TOWN HALL MEETING 1 SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION I. CALL TO ORDER On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 6:05 P.M. Mayor Watford called the Town order, held in the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium located at 610 Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34974. Appreciation was extended to the Superintendent Kenworthy and his staff for the use of their facility. A. The invocation was offered by citizen Hoot Worley. B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. ATTENDANCE Hall meeting to Southwest 2nd School Board, City Clerk Lane Gamiotea called the roll. Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Council Members Wes Abney, Monica Clark, Bob Jarriel and Bobby Keefe were present. CITY STAFF: City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, Police Major Donald Hagan, Police Lieutenant Justin Bernst, Fire Captain Lalo Rodriguez, Public Works Director David Allen, City Clerk's Office Administrative Secretary Jacob Smith, Finance Director India Riedel, and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were present. PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Mayor Watford explained comment cards and written comment forms were located in the foyer area. For individuals wanting to address the Council, a comment card needed to be completed and turned into Secretary Smith. A time limit of three minutes would be given and Clerk Gamiotea would be keeping time. Once the time limit had been met, Mayor Watford would raise his hand to notify the speaker their time was up. The written comment forms were for individuals who did not wish to speak publicly. These forms were to be turned into Secretary Smith as well, and would be read into the record at the end of meeting. The City Council will follow-up on comments at a future Council meeting or by Staff, whichever is appropriate. The comment cards were pre -numbered, although not all were turned in to make a presentation. These individuals addressed the Council in the following order: Comment Card No. 2 was submitted by Mr. Frank Irby who thanked the Council for hosting these informal meetings and the platform it provided citizens to bring topics of concern to their elected officials. He then addressed the Council regarding economic development and its overall impact. He noted a book he is reading titled "Building a Vibrant Community" authored by Quint Studer. The book explains a blueprint to build a vibrant community which requires citizen involvement with local governments, to then be purposeful toward goals as this will not "just happen," but requires planning. Every community wants to become a great place to live and work in order to create a place our children and grandchildren will want to be. This will require that we attract investments, provide good jobs, and create lively downtowns where citizens will want to work, live, shop and play. He offered the four basic elements outlined in the book, as well as a summary of each which are civic engagement; downtowns; economic development; and education. Comment Card No. 3 was submitted by Ms. Karyne Brass who addressed the Council regarding the pending topic of the City contracting the fire services to the County. She cautioned the Council on this decision stating that she has heard concern over this from many citizens, especially the elderly. She clearly stated her stance saying services cost what they cost, it would be a huge sacrifice for a small savings, and she did not see that it was a justified decision. Council Member Jarriel replied that when this subject was first discussed it was to see what, if any, tax savings would be found. The City does not have the figures to discuss the issue at this time. He further asked that the topic not be discussed until such time that the City received verified figures and information. March 11, 2020 Town Hall Meeting Page 1 of 2 Comment Card No. 5 was submitted by Mr. Mack "Hoot" Worley who also thanked the Council for hosting these meetings for the public. He conveyed his excitement to the Council regarding the proposed improvements to FLAGLER PARK recently unveiled to the public by the Economic Council of Okeechobee County (ECO), further asking the Council to support the initiative. He noted his encouragement for the Council to continue their research on being good stewards of taxpayer money in providing worthwhile savings to property owners by merging the two Fire Departments. ThosE� savings can then be spent in areas such as improving the landscaping in the parks, medians, improving roadways, and sidewalks as he was of the opinion that this would improve the quality of life in our community. Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director of the ECO read the following statement on behalf of the Board of Directors: "After thorough research and careful consideration for the welfare of the community, the ECO continues to fully support the complete merger of city and county fire rescue services. As proposed by the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue on January 8 of this year, this action will save the City taxpayers, roughly $700,000.00 annually without compromising our public safety. This will amount to a $3.5 million dollar savings over the course of five years and a $7 million dollar savings within the next decade. Mergers and consolidations of departments are not uncommon for communities to undergo as leaders seek to find new and improved ways to provide the best services to the taxpayers. A timely execution of an interlocal agreement with Okeechobee County will relieve us of the duplication of services we currently receive and will serve the community far better in the future. We also request the increased attention and investment to public spaces and infrastructure within the City, especially our downtown, to create an environment that is clean and attracts people to the area. We thank you for your continued support for the proposed plan to renovate our treasured downtown FLAGLER PARK and we look forward to presenting this to you for your consideration in the near future. Attached you'll find our statement submitted to the City at the town hall meeting one year ago. Our advocacy for these points remains the same." Jointly signed by Mrs. Tewksbury and ECO President Keith Walpole, attached with a list of ECO members and directors. She also announced that each of the Council Members will be presented with a copy of the book referred to by Mr. Irby. Mayor Watford asked whether any of the Council Members would like to make a statement or comment; there were none. He then thanked everyone for attending. IV. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the! meeting at 6:,35 P.M. Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. March 11, 2020 Town Hall Meeting Page 2 of 2 I OF•Oirp CITY OF OKEECHOBEE Mayor O� 55 SE THIRD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 Dowling R. Watford, Jr. TOWN HALL MEETING Council Membersf MARCH 11, 2020 a 6:00 P.M. Wes Abney Monica Clark OFFICIAL AGENDA • r9„« Bob Jarriel ✓ LOCATION: Bobby Keefe OKEECHOBEE FRESHMAN CAMPUS AUDITORIUM n 610 SW 2ND AVENUE OKEECHOBEE, FL Po I Ij r c :Q,�,rsv�- I. CALL TO ORDER • ��(�� — DJ( r lrcl A. Invocation - tZo bw, B. Pledge of Allegiance - W" ---W0( `�� (�,Y��-�•l� LT II. ATTENDANCE �DU�� t 1� (� III. PUBLIC COMMENTS �U�� ✓ A. If you wish to address the City Council with your public comments, complete and submit a comment card. You may also submit written comments without addressing the City Council. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. IV. ADJOURN MEETING r °� jp�-��aj- 6EAA-.off � IInnnn ,Q/ p TevC£bPtA(MLf" ' a,�aj add J6 k4- sf 0�vi� /s �-- h -�6-- k7S g,�al _lKa PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that if any person desires to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this proceeding, such interested person will need a record of the proceeding, and for such purpose may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk recordings are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerk's Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372. BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video, or item to the Council in support or opposition to any item on the agenda; a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. Q -tat"& t n nem ` a3 44 (tu r cuw oq wv6o - L . � r r I I _ r iJill ; 7 -z -T PON& LLKV�J -qLu LKAA-u� _J GCO-4-L- d� S cchbo%C+rac,-fkU4zS A �d a vr� "- (-au. L-� co Rbmtitrrq �m ;.ac•okEFSs March 11, 2020 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD a o PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.: E-mail: 0-? Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. March 11, 2®2® TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PRINT BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. I F Name: f Phone No.: E-mail: Topic/Location of comment: PRINT BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. I y4Y,0F•OKFfCy 005 ti m March 11, 2020 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.::fl'S14 — 413fo E-mail: om � ',h` a c�► Q 4 Topic/Location of comment: DE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 V3-11-aG9a March 11th, 2020 des The Honorable Dowling R. Watford, Jr.,-�(,11� City of Okeechobee 55 SE Yd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 RE: Statement from the ECO for the City's town hall meeting Mayor Watford: After thorough research and careful consideration for the welfare of the community, the Economic Council of Okeechobee continues to fully support the complete merger of city and county fire rescue services. As proposed by the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue on January 8th of this year, this action will save the City taxpayers roughly $700,000 annually without compromising our public safety. This will amount to a $3.5 million dollar savings over the course of 5 years and a $7 million dollar savings within the next decade. Mergers and consolidations of departments are not uncommon for communities to undergo as leaders seek to find new and improved ways to provide the best services to the taxpayers. A timely execution of an interlocal agreement with Okeechobee County will relieve us of the duplication of services we currently receive and will serve the community far better in the future. We also request the increased attention and investment to public spaces and infrastructure within the City, especially our downtown, to create an environment that is clean and attracts people to the area. We thank you for your continued support for the proposed plan to renovate our treasured downtown Flagler Parks and we look forward to presenting this to you for your consideration in the near future. Attached you'll find our statement submitted to the City at the town hall meeting one year ago. Our advocacy for these points remains the same. Sincerely, fen ' er M. Tewks ury E,w6cutive Diiv_ctsW Economic Council of Okeechobee County 863.467.0200 Keith Walpole Chairman Economic Council of Okeechobee County 863.763.5593 ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee Attached: List of Economic Council Members and Directors ECO Statement from 2019 town hall meeting CC: Wes Abney Monica Clark Bob Jarriel Bobby Keefe Marcos Montes De Oca Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee Members of the Economic Council of Okeechobee County Wes Abney, Abney Building & Consulting, Inc. Christine Bishop, Brennan Eye Care Scott Chapman, BTC Builders, Inc. Chad Rucks, C & M Rucks Dairy John Williams, CenterState Bank Joey Hoover, Classic Asphalt Sealing & Striping Jennifer Williamson, Crary Buchanan, et al Todd Castleberry, C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. Justin Domer, Domer's, Inc. Sharon Covey, Edward Jones Investments, Director Steve Walker, Emory Walker Co. H.M. Ridgely, Evans Properties, Inc. Brad Lundy, Everglades Equipment Group Melissa Kindell, Everglades Pediatric Dentistry, Director Jennifer Laskey, Family Dentistry of Okeechobee Stephanie Mitrione, Florida Power & Light, Director Lyn Cacella, Florida Public Utilities Hoot Worley, G.M. Worley, Inc., Director Dawn Hoover, Gilbert Family of Companies, Director Monica Clark, Glades Air Conditioning Company Jennifer Koukos, Glades Electric Cooperative Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee Rick Chartier, ICS Computers, Inc. Tammy Hollander, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. Brian Good, Kimley-Horn Eddie Lehman, Ag 98 Trailer Sales Justin Hoover, Marmer Construction, Inc. Wayne Morgan, Morgan Furniture Corporation Cameron Tewksbury, New York Life Insurance Co. Sandy Perry, Okeechobee Health Care Facility, Director Todd Clemons, Okeechobee Livestock Market David Jones, Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC Fred Fanizzi, Quail Creek Plantation Brian Melear, Raulerson Hospital Karen Rabon, Rabon's Country Feed Jesse Hert, The Real Financial Group Erik Melville, Stifel Investment Group Teresa Lara, Seacoast Bank Steve Dobbs, Steven L. Dobbs Engineering, LLC, Director Jose Rasco, Straat Real Estate, LLC Jeff Sumner, Sumner Engineering & Consulting, Inc, Director Cliff Bryan, Tenniswood Dental Associates Brandon Tucker, The Tucker Group, LLC, Director Judy Cruz, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc. Kelly Adelberg, Treasure Coast Medical Assoc., Inc. Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9t' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee Ashley Tripp, Tripp Electric Motors, Inc., Director Steve Walker, W&W Supply Ryan Walpole, Walpole Leasing Corp. Keith Walpole, Walpole Inc., Director Jeff Sabin, Waste Management Wes Williamson, Williamson Cattle Company, Director John Ed Burdeshaw - Honorary Frank Irby — Honorary, Director Mike Long - Honorary Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9tn Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee March 19`h, 2019 The Honorable Dowling R. Watford Mayor, City of Okeechobee 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Mayor Watford: Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 91h Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form ofgovernment and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: Economic Council of Okeechobee Eco 1679 NW Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of fagade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate ii. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. Respectfully, Jennifer M. Tewksbury Executive Director Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Invocation B. Pledge of Allegiance II. ATTENDANCE III. PUBLIC COMMENTS CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE THIRD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 TOWN HALL MEETING MARCH 11, 2020 @ 6:00 P.M. OFFICIAL AGENDA LOCATION: OKEECHOBEE FRESHMAN CAMPUS AUDITORIUM 610 SW 2ND AVENUE ♦ OKEECHOBEE, FL Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Members Wes Abney Monica Clark Bob Jarriel Bobby Keefe A. If you wish to address the City Council with your public comments, complete and submit a comment card. You may also submit written comments without addressing the City Council. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. IV. ADJOURN MEETING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that if any person desires to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this proceeding, such interested person will need a record of the proceeding, and for such purpose may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk recordings are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerk's Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372. BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video, or item to the Council in support or opposition to any item on the agenda; a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. `\�y OF OkFF�y� WRITTEN COMMENTS FORM MARCH 11, 2020 TOWN HALL MEETING •791 w Written comments are being accepted by the City Clerk/Deputy City Clerk. These will be read into the record at the end of the March 11, 2020 Town Hall Meeting. If you complete a Comment Card to make a presentation to the City Council, you do not need to complete this form on the same topic. PLEASE PRINT Name Phone No.: E-mail Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. OPEN INVITATION TOA ... TOWN HALL Li *191 MEETING The City of Okeechobee Mayor & Council want to hear from City residents, property & business owners in an informal setting. Do you have issues, concerns, or ideas pertaining to properties within the City limits? Have questions? Contact City Clerk Lane Gamiotea City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 100 863-763-3372 x9814 Igamiotea@cityofokeechobee.conl Cite of Okeechobee B000dary See You On - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 AT 6 PM at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium 610 SW 2ND Avenue (behind Golden Corral) ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal will be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerk's Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372 ext. 9814. ANDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA INC. USA STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE Before the undersigned authority personally appeared Katrina Elsken Muros, who on oath says she is the Publisher of the Lake Okeechobee News, a three times a week Newspaper published in Okeechobee Courity,"Tlorida, that -.the attached copy of an advertisement being a --- .i i �' . r ; 4 in the matter of IL L\ l�"A-k i �r�� e e in the 19th Judicial District of the Circuit Court of Okeechobee County, Florida, was published in said newspaper in the issues of q / 11�C 1-11 muuW.3/t'/1u FILE COPY Lake Okeechobee News 107 SW 17th Street, Suite D Okeechobee, Florida 34974 863-763-3134 worn�sr��srciva+netn�av�r�arurmea�ora�ntee EllrddaibvmFFal�y�ypganiYss,iKar.11,]M7D, pM,aassoan a p 7ry�plSYad adtoal�i�d5w3r1 MY'MMM Me )M m ruwm ary , ffvM by the W 0xffdv&mspedtoaW..zW stden�atrhsmeetlnywineedm� BEAM 1101 t�aiawatnoendtoshowart/dbma�4 waeo mamppR//addsootheW�dina4P�Qban/�einm a Oafc�theQyn vim, a �n MIbT be pwlded to the 3971140N3/N20Ze Affiant further says that the said Lake Okeechobee News is a newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, and that said newspaper has heretofore been published continuously in said Okeechobee County, Florida each week and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida; fora period of one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of advertisement, and affiant further says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. �• Katrina Elsken Muros g Sworn to and subscribed before me this � Rcanvr.o day of/: ..�_ °-� (� AD Notary Public, State of Florida at Large F< MAR 0 `oto Y Pic ' ANGIE BRIDGES MY COMMISSION'S FF 976149 *: *, EXPIRES: Apti120,2020 ;p'::; ".• Bonded Thru Notary Public Underwitera 4 0 ANDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA INC. USA STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE Before the undersigned authority personally appeared Katrina Elsken Muros, who on oath says she is the Publisher of the Lake Okeechobee News, a three times a week Newspaper published in Okeechobee CQ),unfy-,'jtorida, that the attached copy of an advertisement being in the matter of in the 19th Judicial District of the Circuit Court of Okeechobee County, Florida, was published in said newspaper in the issues of Affiant further says that the said Lake Okeechobee News is a newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, and that said newspaper has heretofore been published continuously in said Okeechobee County, Florida each week and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, for a period of one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of advertisement, and affiant further says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. 1�KY1 iI.- LLJMGFf LI1441 VJ Sworn toan�subscribed before me thi i l day of it,i ' ' i "A -11 AD Notary Public, State of Florida at Large '""•�° 4• .q+': -- ANGIE B RIDGES My COMMISSION S FF 978149 -dc ��JEVIRES:Aprn20,2020 pW INDY „hIu Whly ryYflGU.Iw1w111O1i FILE COPY Lake Okeechobee News 107 SW 17th Street, Suite D Okeechobee, Florida 34974 863-763-3134 1 The City of Okeechobee Mayor & Council want to hear from City residents, property & business owners in an informal setting. Do you have issues, concerns, or ideas pertaining to properties within the City limits? Have questioner Contact City Clerk Lane Gamiotea City Hall, 55 SE 31 Ave, Rm 100 863-763-3372 X9814 Igamlotea@cltyofokeechobee.com City of Okeechobee Boundary See You On - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 AT 6 PFV] at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium 610 SW 2ND Avenue (behind Golden Corral) ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal will be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerk's Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372 ext. 9914. Bobbie Jenkins From: Bobbie Jenkins Li\ o aC�U CO�lJ20 Sent: Friday, February 14, 2020 11:38 AM To: kelsken@newszap.com; okeenews@newszap.com Pub Cc: Lane Gamiotea; City - J.J. Smith ry� Subject: City of Okeechobee PSAr7 % �3 m� Mar Tracking: Recipient kelsken@newszap.com okeenews@newszap.com Lane Gamiotea City - J.J. Smith JJ Smith Good morning, ro) a �) rnoX �! Delivery Read Delivered: 2/14/2020 11:38 AM Read: 2/17/2020 11:52 AM Delivered: 2/14/2020 11:38 AM Read: 2/14/2020 11:39 AM Kindly publish to following public service announcement in the community events section of the newspaper as many times as possible: The City Council of the City of Okeechobee will be holding a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 6 PM at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium. All are welcome. Bobbie J. Jenkins Deputy Clerk City of Okeechobee 55 SE 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814 Direct: (863) 763-9814 Fax: (863) 763-1686 NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing. 1 Lake Okeechobee News COMMUNITY NEWS Battle of Okeechobee to begin Join the Okeechobee Battlefield friends for the annual reenactment of The Battle of Okeechobee on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, 3500 S.E. 38th Ave. The gates are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the reenactment begins at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per car. Church hosts concert series' Okeechobee Church of the Nazarene, 425 S.W. 28th St., is announcing its acts for its Winter Concert Series. The Mark Dub- beld family will perform on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 am.; the Punches family on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m.; and Lindsey Huggins on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. VFW holds Celebration of Life The VFW Post 9528, 29012 State Road 78 E. in Buckhead Ridge, will hold a Celebra- tion of Life for Dale Reiss on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. Dale was a member of Sons of AMVETS and VFW Riders. For information, call 8631367-2882. VFW 4423 hosts events VFW Post 4423, 300 N.W. 34th St., will host the following events: On Sunday, Feb. 23, dinner is at 1 p.m. On Monday, Feb. 24, three-card bingo is from 2 to 4 p.m. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, dauber bingo is at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, three-card bingo is at 5 p.m. and music by Johnny Debtstarts at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 28, dauber bingo is at 1 p.m., a catfish dinner is at 6 p.m., and karaoke by Doug & Brenda is at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 29, bingo is at I p.m. Join youth wrestling club Interested in wrestling?Come train with the Brahmans! Okeechobee Youth Wres- tling Club is for ages 6 through high school. Sign up on Monday, Feb. 24, 25, and 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Okeechobee High School gym. Practice will begin Tuesday, March 3, and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. for elementary students and 7-8 p.m. for advanced, middle and high school students. For information, call Bruce Jahner at 863-634-9411 or Curtis Tyson at 863-634.3083. Guardians ad Lftem to meet Guardians ad Litem will meet at the Brown Cow Sweetery, 103 S.W. Park St., on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Come and enjoy some free ice cream while you learn how to help children in the communi- ty. For information, call 772-785-5804. Elks to host events The Lake Okeechobee Elks Lodge (a smoke-free environment), 131 N.W. 36th St., will host quarter bingo on Monday, Feb. 24, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, is dollar day and you can purchase hamburgers and french fries for just $1 each. The Elks 26 -Week dinner/dance will be on Saturday, March 28. You can buy. tickets from the lodge or any Elks mem- ber. Regular lodge hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CCC meeting dates set The Community Collaborative Council (CCC) will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. in the boardroom (303) of the Okeechobee County School District Office, 700 S.W. Second Ave. IRSC hosts Family Nights . The Okeechobee Children's Mental Health System of Care presents Family Nights on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in The Williamson Education Center at Indian River State College, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave. The topic will be Mental Health Myths: Anxiety and Depression. For infor- mation, call 863462-5000, ext. 1039. Fundraiser at OHS A rib fundraiser dinner will benefit End the Hunger Backpack program. The event, planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Okeechobee High School, 2800 U.S. 441, will offer dine in or takeout options. The cost of the dinner is $15 per person. The menu includes ribs, potatoes, baked beans, corn on the cob, -dessert, tea and water. The OHS Jazz Band and Show Choir will perform in the cafe from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The OHS Color Guard will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m. For tickets, see any member of the OHS National Honor Society or Mrs. Reister at Okeechobee High School or email rets- terw#okee.kl2.0.us. Through the End the Hunger Back program, NHS members pro- vide backpacks full of food to send home with children in need on the weekends. During the week, these children depend on the free school breakfast and lunch programs. On the weekend, without help many would go hungry on the weekend. 5K ran fundraiser to be held The Okeechobee Brahman Future Farmers of America Chapter is having a 5k run fundraiser on Saturday Feb. 29 at 7 Outreach event scheduled a.m. at Willimason Cattle Company Ranch, 9050 N.E. 12th Ave. The funds will go the BUCKHEAD RIDGE - United Way and Okeechobee High School FFA Chapter to United Way 211 in partnership with the net- help pay for trips, competitions, and other work of human services agencies in Hendry things to benefit members. To register and Glades counties are hosting Buckhead online or donate to the OHS FFA visit Ridge Community Outreach on Wednesday, runsignup:com/race/FLJOkeechobee/run- Feb. 26, at the BHR Community Center, yourbootsoff5k. You may also register the 30076 SR 78, from 3 to 5 p.m. Come learn day of the race. For questions, call Jamie about services available to you and your family and receive food from the Harry Burnham at 863-634.7478 or Jared Prescott Chapin Mobile Food Pantry. a 863-634-1657. UF/IFAS hosts ag tour Feb. 2 City holds Town Hall Meetinn The UFAFAS Extension Office will host The City Council of the City of an Okeechobee Ag Tour on Monday, Feb. Okeechobee invites the public to a Town 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will de- Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at part from 1750 U.S. 98 N. The lour will cov- 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman Cam- er the topics of dairy, sod, beef and water. pus Auditorium. 610 S.W. Second Ave. For For information or to make reservations, information, call 863-763-3372. For informa call Lauren or Colleen. The cost of the tourXon, visit cityofokeechobee.com. covers a steak lunch and transportation. Speckled Perch dinner/dance set Attend diabetes workshop A Diabetes Set f -Management Workshop The Brahma Bull will host the Speckled Perch Rodeo.Dance on Saturday, March will be held for adults and seniors with type 2 diabetes on Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 14, at 9 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 26 and April 2, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the p.m. Music by the Saddle Tramp Band. Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee, 1690 Dinner and dance tickets available at Eli's N.W. Ninth Ave. Family and caregivers are Western Wear, 907 N.W. Park St. Proceeds invited to attend. Call or text to reserve a benefit local scholarships on behalf of the seat 863-532-3099. Okeechobee Cattlewomen. 2020 Masonic Lodge holds fish fry Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch Festival held in Flagler Park located on SR 70 on Saturday, March 14 and 15 from 1 I a.m. to 2 p.m. Doggy Dash 5k run set The Masonic Lodge #237 is excited to be hosting a 5k Run/Walk to support efforts of the Fraternal Order of Police of Okeechobee to construct Okeechobee's first dog park. The race will be held on Sunday, March 15. Check-in south of the band shell in Flagler Park (corner of S.W. Fifth Ave. and Park Street). Check-in ends at 7:45 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. You can preregister at RunForBootycom for $25 or register the day of the race for $30. Friendly, vaccinated dogs are welcome to join for free. Shirt guaranteed for first 50 registrants and custom medal guaranteed for first 100 registrants. For information, call 863-800-0196. Clay Shoot to be held March 21 The Fourth Annual United Way of Okeechobee Clay Shoot Tournament will be held on Saturday, March 21, at the OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 N.E. 48th St. For information, visit UnitedWayOkeechobee. org, or call 863-8245546. Children's Health Fair set You're invited to attend a Children's Behavioral Health Fair on Tuesday, March 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Williamson Conference Center at at the IRSC campus, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave. Build your family tree OKEECHOBEE -Visit the Family His- tory Center, 310 S.W. Sixth St., to learn how you canfind- your relatives among billions of people. Build your own family tree and see what other unknown cous- ins have done on your tree- See how you relate to presidents, America's founders, European royalty, and many more- They will help you get started and you can then work on it at home. Free to all! Join the meeting each Wednesday morning from 10 a.m.. to noon. For .information, call 863-824-2245. Lake Okeechobee News February28, 2020 f ILE COPY M N CC) MU TYNEW S hurch to host gospel concert First Baptist Church, 401 S.W. Fourth will host gospel quartet night on Friday, gib. 28, at 7 p.m., featuring Gold City uartet and The Lefevre Quartet. No tickets e requied. A love offering will be received. brine Club serves meals The Okeechobee Shrine Club, 1855 S.W. ;rd St. (off State Road 78 West), a smoke - :e building, will serve a fried catfish din- ar on Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the Oasis Lounge. Live music from 6 to p.m. Chicken wings and other foods will available from the kitchen. A spaghetti nner will be served on Tuesday, March 3, )m 4 to 7 p.m. There will be live music. ,r information, call 863-763-3378. K run fundraiser to be held The Okeechobee Brahman Future rmers of America Chapter is having a 5K �n fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 m. at Willimason Cattle Company Ranch, 150 N.E. 12th Ave. The -funds will go the keechobee High School FFA Chapter to :Ip pay for trips, competitions and other Ings to benefit members. To register cline or donate to the OHS FFA, visit msignup.corrrace/FUOkeechobee/run- mrbootsoffSk. You may also register the ty of the race. For questions, call Jamie imham at 863-6347478 or Jared Prescott 863-634-1657. lks hosts Cops and Bobbers The Okeechobee Elks will host Cops td Bobbers for children on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Okeechobee Agri -Civic Center, ate Road 70, starting at 9 a.m. To register mr child, call the Elks at 863-634-6397. )u will need to enter from State Road 70 td follow the driveway to the back of the open irboat Show scheduled MARTIN COUNTY -J & S Fish Camp, ;00 S.W. Conners Highway, will hold their cond annual Airboat Show on Saturday, b. 29, at 10 a.m. For information, call i1-348-0525. hunch hosts BBQ dinners BUCKHEAD RIDGE - Knights of Colum - is will serve BBQ chicken dinners with Jes and drinks on Saturday, Feb. 29, from to 6 p.m., at the St. Theresa of the Child sus Mission Hall, 1027 Chobee Loop in ickhead Ridge, off SR 78 West. Take-out •ailable. Dinners are a $10 donation. Mu- by Jim Clark VFW 4423 hosts events VFW Post 4423, 300 N.W. 34th St., will host the following events: On Friday, Feb. 28, dauber bingo is at I p.m., a catfish dinner is at 6 p.m., and karaoke by Doug & Brenda is at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 29, bingo is at 1 p.m. On Sunday, March I, din- ner is at 1 p.m. On Monday. March 2, three- card bingo is at 2 p.m. Music by Johnny Debt at 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday. March 3, dauber bingo is at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, March 4, three-card bingo is at 5 p.m. On Thursday, March 5, the house committee merry is at 6:30 p.m. On Friday. March 6, dauber bingo is at 1 p.m. Catfish dinner at 6 p.m. Karaoke by Doug & Brenda at 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 7, dauber bingo is at 1 p.m. Church to host bingo Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 901 S.W. Sixth St., will host bingo on Monday, March 2. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. Amvets to host bingo Amvets Post 200, 3651 U.S. 441 S.E., will host quarter bingo on Friday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, March 1, and Tues day, March 3, it will host five -card bingo from 2 to 4 p.m. Attend diabetes workshop A Diabetes Self -Management Workshop will be held for adults and seniors with type 2 diabetes on Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19 26 and April 2, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee, 169 N.W. Ninth Ave. Family and caregivers are invited to attend. Call or text to reserve a seat 863-532-3099. WA to hold meeting March 5 U.S. military veterans of all branches are invited to the monthly meeting of the Okeechobee Chapter of the Vietnam Veter- ans of America (WA) on Thursday, March 5, at Cowboys BBQ & Steak Co., 202 N.E. Seventh Ave., at 7 p.m. If placing a food order, be there at 6 p.m. M000se Lodge hosts events Moose Lodge 1753, 159 N.W. 36th St., will host the following events: On Mon- day, March 2, the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. and nine -ball pool league is at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 3, men and women meeting and pool tables are open. On Wednesday, March 4, five -card bingo is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. On Thursday, Mar 5, legion bingo is at noon and there will be lunch. On Friday, March 6, the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. and the pool tables are open. BHR VFW serves meals BUCKHEAD RIDGE -The VFW Post 9528, 29012 SR 78 E. in Buckhead Ridge, will host the following events: A full break- fast will be served on Sunday, March I from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. by the VFW Auxilia- ry. Five -card bingo at 5 p.m. Five -card bingo on Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m. followed by Center - Right - Left. The VFW will serve rib eye sandwiches and dessert on Wednesday, March 4 ,at 5 p.m. followed by the month- ly drawing at 6 p.m. Music by James at 6 p.m. Dauber bingo will be held on Thurs- day, March 5 at 12:30 p.m. Burgers served at 11:30 am. The post will serve dinner on Friday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Menu includes grilled boneless rib eye steak, grilled pork tenderloin, fried fish and shrimp with sides and dessert. Music by Crystal from 6 to 10 p.m. The VFW Riders will serve a full breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Music by Ray Johnson from 6 to 10 p.m. All events are open to the public. Proceeds benefit veteran services. For information, call 863-467-2882. Spaghetti fundraiser set A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held to benefit mother and daughter Bobi O'Neill and Tanya Christopher on Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Academy, Fellow- ship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave, for a donation of $10 each. Takeouts will be available. A silent auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. All donations goes to Bobi O'Neill and Tayna Christopher's kidney transplants cost. Do- nations can be made at PNC Bank Account #122289188 with Memo: Bobi O'Neil FUND. For information, visit Anchorpoint- Ministriesinc.com or call 863-763-7800. Obituaries Obituaries should be submitted to the Lake Okeechobee News by emalling obits@rnewszap.com. Customers may also request photos and /inks to online guestbooks. A link to the obituaries is available at lakeokeechobeenews.com. m Legion to host events - American Legion Post 64, 501 S.E. Covie rGene� Woods, 79 Second St., will host the following events: OKEECHOBEE - Gene Woods died Feb. On Friday, Feb. 28, wear a red shirt to 25, 2020. He was bom April 17,1940 in Flor- get registered for a free dinner for two. A ence, Ala. A resident karaoke fish/fry dinner is from 5 to 8 p.m. of Okeechobee since with a choice of fish, shrimp or chicken 1965, he attended in a basket $6 or on a salad for $7. On the Church of God of Saturday, Feb. 29, it's college game day prophecy. He served with $9 buckets of domestic beer all day, as County Commis - $3 strawberry daiquiris and bar snacks. sinner in Okeechobee 0 The breakfast sponsored by the Sons of the - American Legion has been canceled. On for twelve years. Sunday, March 1, evening bingo is back! He enjoyed fshng Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game listening to country starts at 6:30 p.m. It's sporting weekend, music in his truck, and purchase $1 drafts. Kitchen is open from visiting with neighbors while riding around on 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Monday, March 2, his golf cart. Gene had been a concrete con - five -card bingo is from 1 to 3 p.m. You can tractor for over 40 years in Okeechobee and get pulled pork sandwiches for lunch start- owned Gene Woods and Sons Concrete. ing at I 1 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, is meefng Mr. Woods is survived by his wife of 60 d , You can purchase $1.50 Bloody Maryears, Georgia Mae Woods; sons, Keith Woods (Missy), Shannon Woods (Tammy), City holds Town Hail Meeting and Cam Woods (Liz), all of Okeechobee; The City Council of the City of grandchildren, Preston, Travis (Hannah), and Okeechobee invites the public to a Town Taylor Paige; great grandchildren, Kaylee, Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at Zechenah, Ezekiel, and Victoria; and brother, 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman Cam- Floyd Woods. pus Auditorium. 610 S.W. Second Ave. For Visitation will be 4 p.m. until services at information, call 863-763-3372. For informa- 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Buxton & tion, visit cityofokeechobee.com. Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Bevis officiating. "Idasonie Lodge holds fish fry Those wishing to leave a message of Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve condolence may sign the register book at, March fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com Festival held in Flagler Park located on SR All arrangements are entrusted to the 70 on Saturday, March 14 and 15 from I 1 direction and care of the Buxton & Bass a.m. to 2 p.m. Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. Lake Okeechobee News March 1, 2020 COMMUNITY NEWS FILE COPY BHR VFW serves meals BUCKHEAD RIDGE -The VFW Post 9528, 29012 State Road 78 E. in Buckhead Ridge, will host the following events: A full breakfast will be served on Sunday, March 1 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. by the VFW Auxiliary. Five -card bingo at 5 p.m. Five - card bingo on Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m. followed by Center - Right - Left. The VFW will serve rib eye sandwiches and dessert on Wednesday, March 4 at S p.m. followed by the monthly drawing at 6 p.m. Music by James at 6 p.m. Dauber bingo will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 12:30 p.m. Burgers served at 11:30 am. The Post will serve dinner on Friday, March 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Menu includes grilled boneless rib eye steak, grilled pork tenderloin, fried fish and shrimp with sides and dessert. Music by Crystal from 6 to 10 p.m. The VFW Riders will serve a full breakfast from 8:30 to 1 I a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Music by Ray Johnson from 6 to 10 p.m. All events are open to the public. Proceeds benefit veteran services. For infor- mation, call 863-067-2882. Elks to host events The Lake Okeechobee Elk's Lodge (a smoke-free environment), 131 N.W. 36th St., will host quarter bingo on Monday, March 2, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednes- day, March 4, is Dollar day and you can purchase hamburgers and french fries for just $1 each. Regular lodge hours are Wednesday through Saturday from I 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. VFW 4423 hosts events VFW Post 4423, 300 N.W. 34th St., will host the following events: On Sunday, March 1, dinner is at 1 p.m. On Monday. Legion to host events American Legion Post 64, 501 S.E. Sec- ond St., will host the following events: On Sunday, March 1, evening bingo is back! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. It's sporting weekend, purchase $1 drafts. Kitchen is open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Monday, March 2, five -card bingo is from 1 to 3 p.m. You can get pulled pork sandwiches for lunch start- ing at 1 I a.m. Tuesday, March 3, is meeting day, You can purchase $1.50 Bloody Mary's. Attend diabetes workshop A Diabetes Self -Management Workshop will be held for adults and seniors with type 2 diabetes on Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee, 1690 N.W. Ninth Ave -Family and caregivers are invited to attend. Call or text to reserve a seat 863-532-3099. WA to hold meeting March 5 U.S. military veterans of all branches are invited to the monthly meeting of the Okeechobee Chapter of the Vietnam Veter- ans of America (WA) on Thursday, March 5, at Cowboys BBQ & Steak Co., 202 N.E. Seventh Ave., at 7 p.m. If placing a food order, be there at 6 p.m. M000se Lodge hosts events Moose Lodge 1753, 159 N.W. 36th St., will host the following events: On Mon- day, March 2, the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. and nine -ball pool league is at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 3, men and women meeting and pool tables are open. On Wednesday, March 4, five -card bingo is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. March 2, three-card bingo is at 2 p.m. Mu- sic by Johnny Debt at 4:30 p.m. On Tues- Church to hold revival day. March 3, dauber bingo is at 6 p.m. On Church of God of Prophecy, 102 N.W. Wednesday, March 4, three-card bingo is at 10th St., invites the public to a Healing and 5 p.m. On Thursday, March 5, the house Miracle.Revival to be held from Tuesday, committee merry is at 6:30 p.m. On Friday. March 3, through Saturday, March 7, at March 6, dauber bingo is at I p.m. Catfish 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, at 6 p.m. For dinner at 6 p.m. Karaoke by Doug & Brenda information, call 863-7634059. at 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 7, dauber bingo is at 1 p.m. ity holds Town Hall Meet The City Council of the City of. Church to host bingo Okeechobee invites the public to a Town Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 901 S.W. Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman Cam - Sixth St., will host bingo on Monday, March pas Auditorium. 610 S.W. Second Ave. For 2. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo information, call 863-763-3372. For informa- begins at 7 p.m. . Xn, visit cityofokeechobee.com. Mother/daughter fundraiser set A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held to benefit mother and daughter Bobi O'Neill and Tanya Christopher on Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Academy, Fellow- ship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave, for a donation of $10 each. Takeouts will be available. A silent auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. All donations go to Bobi O'Neill and Tayna Christopher's kidney transplants cost. Do- nations can be made at PNC Bank Account #122289188 with Memo: Bobi O'Neil FUND. For information, visit Anchorpoint- Ministriesinc.com or call 863-763-7800. Speckled Perch dance set The Brahma Bull will host the Speckled Perch Rodeo Dance on Saturday, March 14, at 9 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Music by the Saddle Tramp Band. Dinner and dance tickets available at Eli's Western Wear, 907 N.W. Park St. Proceeds benefit local scholarships on behalf of the Okeechobee Cattlewomen. Masonic Lodge holds fish fry Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch Festival held in Flagler Park located on State Road 70 on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, from 1 I a.m. to 2 p.m. Doggy Dash 5k run set The Masonic Lodge #237 is excited to be hosting a Sk Run/Walk to support efforts of the Fraternal Order of Police of Okeechobee to construct Okeechobee's first dog park. The race will be held on Sunday, March 15. Check-in south of the band shell in Flagter Park (corner of S.W. Fifth Ave. and Park Sheet). Check-in ends at 7:45 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. You can preregister at RunForBootycom for $25 or register the day of the race for $30. Friendly, vaccinated dogs are welcome to join for free. Shirt guar- anteed for first 50 registrants and custom medal guaranteed for first 100 registrants. For info, call 863.800-0196. Children's Health Fair set You're invited to attend a Children's Behavoioral Health Fah on Tuesday, March 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Williamson Conference Center at at the IRSC campus, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave. Fair plans BBQ contest The Okeechobee County Fair Inaugural Backyard BBQ contest will a held on March 21 at the fairgrounds at the Okeechobee County Agri -Civic Center. Set up in the morning, turn in ribs at 5 p.m. First place prize is 5500: second place $250; third place, $100. For more info contact Jeff Jones at 863-634-2321 or 863-467-0351. Applications are available at Jones Supply, 801 S.W. Park Street, Okeechobee. Avo spots are available to set up and sell food. No gas grills will be allowed. IRSC Honors Program to host information session Special to the Lake Okeechobee News FORT PIERCE - High school and college students with strong academic per- formance are invited to attend a free Honors Program Information Session on Wednes- day, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies on the IRSC Main Campus located at 3209 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce. Students and their parents will learn about unique opportunities for students to enhance their education and develop core skills at the heart of academic and profes- sional success. Attendees will hear from the Honors Program coordinator, Honors faculty and Honors students to gain a deeper understanding of what the program has to offer. Admission to the IRSC Honors Program requires one of the following: a cumulative J6 te` i Special to the take Okeechobee News Justine Vega, a graduate of the IRSC Honors Program. GPA of 3.3 for a minimum of 12 college credits, a composite ACT score of 26, a composite verbal and math SAT score of 1100, a P.E.R.T. score of 360, or a CPT score of 280 or higher. For information, visit the Honors web page at irsc.edu/programg4ronors-program, email info@irsc.edu or call 1-8667924772. Lake Okeechobee News - of Okeechobee Clewiston News, Glades Count Democrat, and The Sun I March 4, 2020 IOU COMMUNITY NEWS OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Elks to host events OKEECHOBEE - The Lake Okeechobee Elks Lodge (a smoke -tree en- vironment), 131 N.W. 36th St., will host its Dollar Day on Wednesday, March 4, when you can purchase hambugers and french Retired educators to meet OKEECHOBEE -The Okeechobee Retired Educators will be meeting on Mon- day, March 9, in the meeting room of Beef O'Brady's, 608 S. Parrott Ave., at I I am. Any retired school employee is welcome to attend. fries for just a $1 each all day. On Monday, Library Friends to meet March 9, there will be quarter bingo or bar bingo from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Regular OKEECHOBEE -The Friends of the lodge hours are Wednesday through Satur- Library of Okeechobee will host a monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 4 p.m. day from 1 I am. to 7 p.m. aati'e public fibraM 206 S.W. 16th St. GFWC Junior Club to meet /City holds Town Hall Mee ti► OKEECHOBEE -The General Federation of Woman's Clubs (GFWC) Okeechobee OIO ECHOBEE -The City Council of its monthly Club will tat the City Okeechobee invites the public on Friday, March 6,Junior 7 p.m. m at Our Village a Okeechobee, 1703 S.W. Second Ave. to a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, at 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium. 610 S.W. Church to serve fish Second Ave. For information, call 863 - 763-3372. For information, visit cityo- OKEECHOBEE - SL Theresa of the fokeechobee.com. Child Jesus, 1027 Chobee Loop, willserve fish dinners with sides on Friday, March 6, other/daughter fundraise set from 4 to 6 p.m. A donation of $10 for each meal. Music by Jim Clark OKEECHOBEE -A spaghetti dinner benefit, fundraiser wig be held to mother M000sei Ledge hosts events and daughter, Bobi O'Neill and Tanya Christopher on Friday, March 13, from 7 to OKEECHOBEE -Moose Lodge 1753, 8 p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Acade 159 N.W. 36th SL, will host the following my, Fellowship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave, for events: On Monday, March 2, the kitchen a donation of $10 each. Take outs will be is open from 5 to 8 p.m. and nine -ball pool available. A silent auction will be held at league is at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 6.30 p.m. and winners will be announced 3, men and women meeting and pool at 8:30 p.m. All donations goes to Bobi tables are open. On Wednesday, March O'Neill and Tayna Christopher's kidney 4, five -card bingo is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. transplants cost. Donations can be made and the kitchen is open from 5 to 8 p.m. at PNC Bank Account #122289188 with On Thursday, March 5, legion bingo is at Memo: Bobi O'Neil FUND. For information, noon and there will be lunch. On Friday, visit AnchorpointMinistriesinc.com or call March 6 the kitchen is open from 5 to 863-763-7800. 8 p.m. and the pool tables are open. On Saturday, March 7, a chicken enchilada dinner is at 5 p.m. with music by Double D from 6 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, March 8, breakfast is from 8 to -9:45 a.m. and three- card bingo is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Church holds bingo OKEECHOBEE -Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 901 S.W. Sixth St., will hold bingo on Monday, Match 9, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve sandwiches, snacks and drinks ORE to meet March 9 OKEECHOBEE -The Okeechobee Retired Educators will hold a meeting on Monday, March 9, at I 1 a.m. in the meet- ing room of Beef O'Brady's, 608 S. Parrott Ave. Retired school employee are invited to attend. Speckled Perch dinner set OKEECHOBEE -The, Brahma Bull will host the Speckled Perch Rodeo Dance on Saturday, March 14, at 9 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Music by the Saddle Tramp Band. Dinner and dance tickets available at Eli's Western Wear, 907 N.W. Park St. Proceeds benefit local scholarships on behalf of the Okeechobee Cattlewom- en. GLADES COUNTY Chalo Nitka Rodeo set MOORE HAVEN -The Chalo Nitka Rodeo will be on Friday, March 6 and Sat- urday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Bronson Arena across the street from Chalo Nitka Park on 10th Street. For information, visit ChaloNitkacom or call 863.946-0300. Pancake breakfast planned MOORE HAVEN -A Chalo Nitka Pan- cake Breakfast is set for Saturday, March 7, from 7:30 to 10 am. at Moore Haven Elementary Schol, 401 Terrier Pride Drive S.W. The menu will include pancakes, bacon or sausage, sarambled eggs, orange juice; coffee and milk for $7 per persons. Proceeds will benefit Moore Haven H��'ggh School Class of 2020 Project Graduation. For more infor- mation, call 863.228-0481 or 863-228-0526. Chalo Nitka Festival Is coming MOORE HAVEN -The Chalo Nitka Festival will be on Saturday, March 7, at Chalo Nitka Park on 10th Street. The parade starts at 10 am. and the festival will follow. For information, visit ChaloNitka.com or call 863-946-0300. Tuesday Night Bingo MOORE HAVEN - The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 101 Ave. J in Moore Haven, holds bingo on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. For information, call 863-946-1523. HENDRY COUNTY Church hosts special service CLEWISTON -New Beginnings Deliv- erance Holiness Church, 1182 Della Tobias Ave., hosts'Deliverance through the word of god' Tuesday, March 10 through Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. nightly. Elder Adolph Lee will be your host pastor. For info rtna- don, call 863-233-3349 or 561-049-0521. Red Barn hosts gospel concert CLEWISTON - Gulf State Quartet and Simple Faith will perform together in a gospel concert to be held on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m., at the Red Barn, located on the left after the S.R. 80 bridge between Moore Haven and Clewiston. This will be a fun an inspirational gospel concert A love offering will be taken. For information, call Judy Swindle at 863.228-0090. Participate in VPK program CLEWISTONILABELLE - If you have a child who will be four on or before Sept. 1, they are eligible to participate in Hendry County School's Florida Voluntary Pre -K Lottery Program. You will need the child's birth certificate, the lottery entry form which can be picked up at 475 E. Osceola St. in Clewiston or 1 I 1 Curry St. in LaBelle, and you must complete the VPK certificate of eligibility form online at www.family- services.floridaearlylearning.com/accounN login. Deadline for all applications is Friday, March 13 by 2 p.m. For questions, call 863.674-4108 or 863-983.1508. Christian concert being held CLEWISTON - First United Methodist Church of Clewiston will present "Glory in the Glades", a free christian concert, on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Civic Park. There will be food, fellowship and more. FWRHIA TALKS program set LABELLE - LaBelle Heritage Museum presents its final spring FLORIDA TALKS program on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Martha Bireda, PhD, will present the African Roots of Southern Cooking' in an interesting and entertaining discussion of African foodways brought to the American south by enslaved Africans on the peril- ous middle crossing. FLORIDA TALKS is a series of admission free programs. Call 863.674-0034 for information or assistance making reservations. PALM BEACH COUNTY Meeting for summer camp set PAHOKEE -Join the city of Pahokee for the community meeting to assist with the signing up for summer camp and football registration on Friday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Parks and Rec Center, 260 Main Sl. Afro Arts Festival date set BELLE GLADE = The annual Glades Festival of Afro Arts will be held on Satur- day, March 7, at Lake Shore Park, 1224 S.W. Avenue E Place. A parade kicks off the festivities at Lake Shore Middle School, 425 W. Canal St. N., at I 1 a.m. Farmers Market to be held BELLE GLADE - The FFA Clubs of the Glades Central High School and Glades Day School in collaboration with Gove Elementary and United Way of Palm Beach County present Community Farmers Mar- ket and Glades Day School soccer field, 400 Gator Blvd., on Saturday, March 7, from 9 to I 1 a.m. Family Fun Day planned SOUTH BAY - A Family Fun Day and Soccer Tournament is planned for Sunday, March 8, at 100 Levee Road, South Bay. Come eat, drink and have fun from noon to 6 p.m. Fee is $200 per team (10 players maximum). Vendor spots are available. The event will raise money to support student education. For more information, call 561-301-7511. , 6 Lake Okeechobee NewS - merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun yy Merah 4, 202 1 YOUR Government WATCH These meetings of local elected officials, scheduled during the next week, are open to the public. 11 Tuesday, March 10 Okeechobee County Okeechobee County School Board 6 p.m. School Board Office 700 S.W. Second Avenue, Okeechobee Agenda online at okee.kl2.fl.us Glades County Glades County Board of Com- missioners 9 a.m., 500 Ave. J S.W., Moore Haven, second floor Agenda online at myglades.com Hendry County Board of Com- missioners 5 p.m., Clewiston City Hall, 115 W. Ventura Ave., Clewiston Online at facebookcom/hendrycoun- ty/ Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Board of Com- missioners 9:30 a.m., Governmental Center, 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach TV Channel 20, online at pbcgovcom Wednesday, March 1 I Okeechobee County City of Okeechobee Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium 610 S.W. Second Ave. Okeechobee,FL Online at cityofokeechobee.com , — Thursday, March 12 ' Okeechobee County Okeechobee County Commis- sioners 9 a.m. Historic Okeechobee County Court- house 304 N.W. Second Street, Okeechobee online at hltpsJAvww. co.okeechobee.fl.us/ Peer Support Groups meet OKEECHOBEE — Peer Support Groups will be held on Thursdays at Our Village, 1703 S.W. Second Ave. High school Youth Move meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; middle school youths meet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Elementary groups meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For information, call 863.697-8718. March brings bird nesting season Birds are already nesting ahead of schedule Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Spring brings nesting seabirds and shorebirds to Florida's coastlines. Making scoop nests right on the sand, the plovers, terns and American oystercatchers must overcome storm surges, algal blooms and human disturbance to successfully fledge chicks each year. So far, the first reported nests have come from Dog Island, with three snowy plover pairs successfully laying eggs. Historically, the birds utilized only the beach and dunes, as the habitat lay close to their preferred food sources. Today, the sea - and shorebirds also nest on road shoulders as well as gravel rooftops. Audubon Florida's Coastal Stewardship program deploys staff and volunteers to protect the nesting colonies, while educat- ing visitors and locals on the best ways to keep the birds and chicks safe all spring and summer long. In addition to the 12 full-time and 13 seasonal staff members, Audubon trains and organizes bird stewards, who volunteered more than 8,000 hours over the course of the 2019 season. Obituaries Obituaries should be submitted to the Lake Okeechobee News by emalling obits@newszap.com. Customers may also request photos and links to online guestbooks. A link to the obituaries is available at lakeokeechobeenews.com. Dorothy A. "Dot" Brown, 70 OKEECHOBEE — Dot was bom in Ya- zoo City, Miss. She and Don, her husband of 36 years, moved to ; Okeechobee in 1997. _ Dot was 70 years young - at the time of her death bn February 15, 2020. She had a very interest ing life which included driving an 18 -wheeler *k for seven years. Dot had become active in the aim r, Democratic Party before becoming ill which necessitated her having to become inactive. Dot was an excellent artist and she loved the Okeechobee Community Theatre and attending movies. She is survived by her husband, Don; daugh- ters, Lisa (Scott) Clark and Shama Brown; son, Sean Brown; sister, Sue (Gregg) Diefenderf- er; brother, Jeff (Tamrny) Bowman; and two grandchildren, Brady Clark and Kyle Selwyn. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. - Those wishing to leave a message of con- dolence may sign the register book at www. OkeechobeeFuneratHome.com Long -winged with black -and -white plumage, they're often seen resting on sandbars and beaches. "1 am very excited to work with all the conservation -minded volunteers we have in the Tampa Bay area," said Holley Short, project manager of bird monitoring and stewardship for Audubon Florida. "1 have an incredibly dedicated group that I am so lucky to work with to protect the birds. And of course I always look forward to seeing little, fuzzy chicks popping up at each site!" Barbara A. Wright OKEECHOBEE —B araA-Wright passed away Feb. 26, 2020 in Stuart, Fla. after a long illness. She was born in Kenton, Ohio on Nov. 24, 1936. Her parents were Uhl J. and Barbara Austin. She graduated from Moweaqua, III. High School in 1954 and Iowa State University in 1958. She received a Masters Degree from Nova University in 1980. - She was a supervisor of teachers in Home Economics for the Hillsboro Florida School System and retired in June of 1992. Barbara married Jerry Wright in Mowea- qua, III. on Dec. 27, 1960. He survives as well as their children, Tun Wright of Stuart, Fla. and Amy Wright of Cincinnati, Ohio; and four grandchildren, Layla Wright of New York, N.Y., Lurie Wright of Stuart, Fla, Austin and Gray F'lischel of Cincinnati, Ohio. Barbara was an active member of the Okeechobee Church of Christ She and her husband Wend in their sum- mer home on a mountain near Burnsville, N.C. and spent their winters in thew home in Okeechobee, Fla. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Okeechobee Church of Christ, 1401 S. Parrott Ave. "Seabird and shorebird nesting sites are vulnerable to human disturbance," contin- ued Marianne Korosy, bird conservation director. "But thanks to Audubon's stew- ardship program, nesting success improves when the birds are protected. After a good nesting season last year, we are hopeful for even better success in 2020." To protect birds in your coastal commu- nity: • Pay attention to signs and barriers and walk safely outside the roped off sections of beach. • Keep your pups on a leash, or take them to dog -friendly designated beaches. • Notify bud stewards if you see eggs or nests outside the roped -off area. • Dispose of trash in designated recep- tacles to keep the beaches clean for baby birds. • If you see a bird steward, ask ques- tions! We love talking about Florida's native bird species. If you are interested in becoming a bird steward or participating in coastal conservation volunteer activities, send an email with your name, telephone number and general location to flconservationta audubon.org. Neva Carmen Cosgrave, 65 OKEECHOBEE — Neva Carmen Cosgrave died Feb. 21, 2020. She was born Sept 18,1954 in Zolfo Springs. A resi- dent of Okeechobee for 25 years, she was a legal secretary for Con- ley & Conley, PA. She loved to garden, cook, and loved the ocean. Ms. Cosgrave was preceded in death by her mother, Lottie Tindell; and her brother, Clifford Tindell. She is survived by her daughters, Christy Kackley and Casey Stoltz; grandchildren, Mal- achi Stoltz, Micailynn Stoltz, Clara Kackley, and Tristen Kackley, brother, Moe Tindell; and sister, Roxanne Luster. Graveside services will be I I am. Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Crewsville Cemetery, 8251 Crewsville Road, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Ito Hospice of Okeechobee, PO Box 1548, Okeechobee, FL 34973. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHOme.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. Search obituaries nafionally at http;//www,legacy.com Alf arrangements are entrusted to the di- q� rection and care of the Buxton & Bass � � / 0I 8 Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972. __J Z_ M Lake Okeechobee News - of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 16A) OMMUIVITY NEWS OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Ladies of Liberty concert OKEECHOBEE —The Lake City holds Town Hall Meetf Okeechobee News will present a free sa- OKEECHOBEE —The City Council of lute to veterans featuring Ladies for liberty, a patriotic singing troupe. on Friday, March the City of Okeechobee invites the public 14 4276 p.m. at the Okeechobee to a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, openKOA, at U.. Highway 441 South. Doors open at U.S.7 March 11, at 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Offsite parking with shuttle will Freshman Campus Auditorium, 610 S.W. be a aila be available at Winn-Dixie. Limited hand- Second Ave. For information, call 863- / icap accessible parking available at KOA. ' 763-3372. For information, v sit co- h' \fo keechobee.com. The USO style performance features the ea "(L�/ style of the Andrews Sisters with a spirit of patriotism 'Sew a pillow case for Easter reminiscent of the 1940s. rom song selection to their costumes and hair- OKEECHOBEE —Ryan's Case for Smiles styles, the ladies celebrate the era as well will have a Sit & Sew on Wednesday, March as honor all veterans of the United States 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, at the Church of Military, past and present. Our Savior Parish Hall, 200 N.W. Third St. Bring your sewing machine or serger and Speckled Perch dinner set child -friendly 100% cotton fabric. Pillowcases OKEECHOBEE—The Brahma Bull will will be made for Easter this month. Sew host the Speckled Perch Rodeo Dance on with other ladies in our community who Saturday, March 14, at 9 p.m. Doors open want to make a difference in the lives of for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Music by the Saddle children stricken with cancer or battling other Tramp Band. Dinner and dance tickets life -changing illnesses. For information or to available at Eli's Western Wear, 907 N.W. donate material, call Peggy at 863-7634972 Park St. Proceeds benefit local scholarships or Chris at 863-697-2207. on behalf of the Okeechobee Cattlewom- Family benefit to be held OKEECHOBEE — A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held to benefit, mother and daughter, Bobi O'Neill and Tanya Christopher on Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Academy, Fellowship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave, for a donation of $10 each. Take outs will be available. A silent auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. All donations goes to Bobi O'Neill and Tayna Christopher's kidney transplants cost. Donations can be made at PNC Bank Account #122289188 with Memo: Bobi O'Neil FUND. For infor- mation, visit AnchorpointMinistriesinc.com or call 863-763-7800. Speckled Perch Fest is here OKEECHOBEE —The Speckled Perch Festival will be held in Flagler Park, 55 S.E. Third St., on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m, to 3 p.m. The parade will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. featuring apuppy parade: Enjoy arts and crafts, handcrafted goods, activities, music and food. Masonic Lodge holds fish fry OKEECHOBEE —Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch Festival held in Flagler Park located on S.R. 70 on Saturday, March 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Masonic Lodge holds fish fry OKEECHOBEE —Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch Festival held in Flagler Park located on S.R. 70 on Saturday, March 14 and 15 from I 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moose Lodge holds events OKEECHOBEE — Moose Lodge 1753, 159 N.W. 36 St., will hold the following events: On Wednesday, March 11, five - card bingo is from 4;30 to 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Eight -ball pool league at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, March 12, Moose Legion bingo is at noon. There will be new games. Lunch will be available. On Friday, March 13, the Moose kitchen will be open in the afternoon. On Satur- day, March 14, a pot roast dinner will be served at 5 p.m. until it runs out. Music by Lisa Rexroad from 6 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, March 15, breakfast will be served from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Three-card bingo is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. For information, call 863-763- 4954. GLADES COUNTY Tuesday Night Bingo MOORE HAVEN —The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 101 Ave. J in Moore Haven, holds bingo on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. For information, call 863-946-1523. OCA serves spaghetti dinner ORTONA — The Ortona Community Association (OCA) will hold its final all - you -can -eat spaghetti buffet this season on Saturday, March 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ortona Community Park Building, 2086 Ortona Locks Road (County Road 78A). The buffet features pasta with delicious original recipe meat sauce, tossed salad, hot garlic bread, green beans, dessert, coffee and iced tea for an $8 donation at the door. Funds from this charitable event support programs for Ortona children, Ortona Library and community events. The Lion King to be presented MOORE HAVEN —The Glades County Pastoral Association will a Sunset Cine- ma featuring The Lion King on Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at the Tom Perry Memorial Park on Avenue J. A Staywell Medicaid representative will be on site for enrollment or to answer questions. Con- cession items available for donations. Bring your own chairs or blankets. If you would like to get involved with the committee of this monthly event, call Pastor Charity Mar- tinez at 863-990-2112 or email sunsetcine- maofmh@gmail.com. Follow Facebook for movie and date announcements. Tuesday Night Bingo MOORE HAVEN —The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 101 Ave. J in Moore Haven, holds bingo on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. For information, call 863-946-1523. HENDRY COUNTY DRHC HTFP to hold meeting LABELLE — Drug Free Hendry County Coalition/Hendry Tobacco Free Partnership will be held on Thursday, March 12, at 4 p.m., at the Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 310 Campbell St. For information, call 863-674- 4041 or email Edwin.Melendez@flhealth. go or Paul.James@Ohealth.gov. Red Barn hosts gospel concert CLEWISTON — Gulf State Quartet and Simple Faith will perform together in a gospel concert to be held on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m., at the Red Barn, located on the left after the S.R. 80 bridge between Moore Haven and Clewiston. This will be a fun an inspirational gospel concert. A love offering will be taken. For information, call Judy Swindle at 863-228-0090. Participate in VPK program CLEWISTON/LABELLE — If you have a child who will be four on or before Sept. 1, they are eligible to participate in Hendry County School's Florida Voluntary Pre -K Lottery Program. You will need the child's birth certificate, the lottery entry form which can be picked up at 475 E. Osceola St. in Clewiston or 111 Curry St. in LaBelle, and you must complete the VPK certificate of eligibility form online at www.family- services.floridaearlylearning.com/accountI login. Deadline for all applications is Friday, March 13 by 2 p.m. For questions, call 863-674-4108 or 863-983-1508. Democrats holds meeting CLEWISTON — The Hendry County Democrats will hold a dinner meeting on Monday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m., at Sonny's Barbecue at 1030 West Sugarland Highway on U.S. 27. All Hendry County Democrats may participate in the discus- sion but only members of the Hendry County Democratic Executive Committee may vote on matters needing approval. Christian concert being held CLEWISTON — First United Methodist Church of Clewiston will present "Glory in the Glades', a free christian concert, on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Civic Park. There will be food, fellowship and more. PALM BEACH COUNTY CPR offered for infant/child BELLE GLADE — Glades classes for infant/child CPR will be held on Wednes- day, March 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the BRIDGES at Belle Glade, 49 W Ave. A. For information, call Sara Mendoza at 561-517-2541 or email smendoza@ hmhbpbc.org. DHCAC presents Beatles music BELLE GLADE — Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 College Drive, will pres- ent Here Comes the Sun on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. A musical celebra- tion of a decade of Beatles music. For information or tickets, visit dollyhand.org or call 561-993-1160. DHCAC presents Jekalyn Carr BELLE GLADE — Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 College Drive, will pres- ent Jekalyn Carr on Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. For information or tickets, visit dollyhand.org or call 561-993-1160. Lake Okeechobee News - of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun These meetings of local elected officials, scheduled during the next week, are open to the public. 7esd, March 11 ICEECHOBEE COUNTY Thursday, March 12 OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Monday, March 16 HENDRY COUNTY City of Okeechobee Town Hall Meeting • Okeechobee County Commissioners -Clewiston City Commission 6 p.m. carpenter's toot 9 am. 5 p.m., commission meeting Okeechobee Freshman Campus Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse 115 W. Ventura Ave., Clewiston Auditorium 42 Lose stamina 43 A whole lot 46 Cartoon 304 N.W. Second Street, Okeechobee Online at clewiston-fl.gov 610 S Second Ave. online at co.okeechobee.fl.ust Okeechobee, FL fo Online at cityofokeechobee.com Tuesday, March 17 GLADES COUNTY Puzzle •Moore Haven City Council Crossword 7 p.m., City Hall, 299 Riverside Drive Edited b Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis Y Y Agenda online at moorehaven.org PALM BEACH COUNTY ACROSS DOWN 30 Coast Guard 47 Hercules' 12 • Belle Glade City Commission 1 Not very spicy t Restaurant host Academy student challenges Monday, March 16, 6 p.m. 5 Time and again, 2 Like most pet 32 "_ your life!" 48 Low-risk govt City Hall, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a bard birds 36 Dee who sang securities Blvd W 8 Stage surprise 3 Writer Deighton with Elton 49 Evergreens used Online at bellegladegov.com 13 More 4 Dickens' The 37 Spring flower for archery bows . Palm Beach County Board of reasonable Mystery of 38 Joint ailment 51 Bufty's weapon of Commissioners 14 Give in to jet lag 15 Far from posh Edwin _" 5 Upstate New 39 Prof.'s degree choice 40 Maritime route 54 Make changes to 9:30 a.m., Governmental Center, 301 N. 16 Steinway parts 18 Whack, York lake 6 Actress Dunaway 41 Concession 56 Wrangler maker speech deliverer 58 Bovine chew Olive Ave., West Palm Beach TV Channel 20, online at pbcgovcom biblically 7 Playfully pranks, 44 Paging gadgets 59 French Mrs. • South Bay City Commission 19 Space -saving for short 45 Ventricular 60 Oxlike antelope 7 p.m., City Hall, 335 S.W. Second Ave. abbr. 8 Stubborn equine contraction 61 Yokohama yes Online at southbaycitycom 20 Mayberry kid 9 Cut down to size OKEECHOBEE COUNTY 21 Bk. before 10 German city i • Okeechobee City Council meeting Philippians where Wagner 6 p.m., 55 S.E. Third Avenue, 22 Cajun was bom Okeechobee, council chambers crustacean 11 Crime after a Agenda online at cityofokeechobee.com 24 Lowlifes data breach, Answers 28 Bell-shaped lily perhaps 29 Hobbyist's blade 12'See ya" 31 Laura of 13 Architectural to today's "Marriage Story" details 33 BMW 17 Title planet in a rrossword Puzzle- /Beetfie 91f(w qhmnm March 1o, 1919 - October 16, 2019 Imo: '�r�via Y -4 m s1 t I;,•�J � x� tt �S � yyd 1 {� Happy ioist Birthday in Heaven We Miss You Everyday Love, '.. your family competitor 34 Merged comm. 2001 sci-fi film 23 In need of, . found Please join us for giant 35"Are you patching 24_finder:Celebration can t of Life Services senous7' carpenter's toot I t 39 Awareness- raising TV ad 25 Wine city near Sacramento �D David E. Keif(y sf Brie Jean Ketty 42 Lose stamina 43 A whole lot 46 Cartoon 26 Just managing, with "out' 27 WitnessE �^ _ character who is five apples tall 50 Chase scene maneuvers, slangily 52 Some bottled waters 53 Most tidy 55 Arcing shot 56 Reshy facial feature 57 Student advocacy org. 58 Off -the -cushion pool shot 60 Receives a go-ahead ... and a hint to what's hidden in 16-, 29-, 35- and 46 -Across 62 Render weaponless 63 Maiden name lead-in 64 Country rocker Steve 65 Jam-packed 66 FedEx rival 67 React to yeast By Ged Gr hb kl end Brum Venzke C2020TAbune Content Agency, LLC Friends and family will share testimonies, stories and more sr Saturday March 14th • llam e, First Baptist Church of Clewiston k: 1o2 East Ventura Ave Clewiston, Fl. 33440 r. er / vol. ><>t i N.. 27 \ V Sunday, March 1, 2020 J $1.00 plus tax Why have a town hall meeting? By Cathy Womble Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE — When Okeechobee City Councilman Bob Jarriel ran for city council in 2018, one of the things he wanted to do was to begin holding town hall meetings. Councilman Jarriel said he wanted to "ask the people what they wanted to see done and then work on those things one by one." He said he also felt it gave business owners, who did not have the oppor- tunity to vote for the city council, a chance to express their view. After all," he said, "they pay — Page V ounty allow's earlier Sunday alcohol sales Stores, restaurants both now may begin at 10 a.m. By Richard Marlon Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE — Last month, the Okeechobee County commissioners approved a change to allow restaurants to sell alcoholic bev- erages starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. That expan- sion applied only to restaurants that had licenses for on-site consumption of alcohol. At their Feb. 27 meeting, county commissioners approved an expansion on that change to have a uniform per- mitted start time of 10 a.m. for the sale of alcohol on Sundays, regardless of type of facility. See ALCOHOL --Page 14 Special to the take Okeechobee News When a motorcycle accident happened right in front of them last week, Missle Peaden (left) and Jacklyn Timmons (right) were both thankful they had the first aid/disaster training needed, and they were able to help. Teamwork saves life By Cathy Womble and saw what was going on. Lake Okeechobee News It was Ms. Peaden's last stop of the day, OKEECHOBEE — Several local people and she let the kids off, then called in to let worked together last week to save not only the bus garage know what was going on the leg but, possibly, the life of a local man and that she was going to help, because after a motorcycle accident left him severely there were no emergency medical per - injured. Jacklyn Timmons was first on the sonnel there yet, and "there was a lot of scene, because the accident happened blood," she said. She grabbed everything right in front of her home. She said she had she thought she could use off the bus, just walked out her front door when the towels and things like that, and went to see accident occurred and at first, she thought it what she could do. was her husband, because he rides a black The man had a very bad leg injury, she Harley. She ran to the man and tried to help explained. "I'm surprised he didn't lose him, asking bystanders to tear up a T-shirt it. Really, he had two major injuries from so she could tie up his leg, which was very his knee down." She put a tourniquet on, badly injured. That was when school bus driver Missie Peaden arrived on the scene See TEAMWORK — Page 14 2 Local ballerinas take honors Lake Levels 12.75 feet Last Year: 12.76 feet Spon;Dred By: P l¢%ssFFLamilyResfnumnt 1759 S. Parrott Ave. 863-763-7222 Source: South Florida Water Management District. Depth given in feet above sea level See Page 4 for information about how to contact this newspaper. lakeokeechoheeneW&COM Free Srea9 Frq Ys e 6510 Illlll00024 gi 39 �'i � (:r�+N rr nl, k't� . Him. Dur �'YI/l s�onl ,, ' 14 Lake Okeechobee News March 1, 2020 Toys for Tots of Okeechobee thanks county for support By Richard Marlon wanted to come by the meeting and say Lake Okeechobee News thanks to the board. So I thought, 'OK, OKEECHOBEE — Representatives let's do that' We're here and we want to from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots thank you for your continued support. We of Okeechobee were at the Feb. 27 serviced over 1,700 children this year. Each Okeechobee County commissioners meet- child was able to walk out of there with a ing to thank the board for their support of minimum of three gifts, and most impor- the program. tantly they walked out with big smiles on Malissa Morgan and Jocelyn Morgan their faces. presented county commissioners and 'All that is possible thanks to your sup - Agri -Civic Center Manager Matt Dorriety port of the event," continued Ms. Morgan. with certificates of appreciation for their 'You work with us each year to host the support of the Toys For Tots program. distribution, and that's less money that has "We just celebrated our 20th year this to come out of our account." Marine Corps past year," said Ms. Morgan. "Usually we Toys for Tots of Okeechobee distributed give our thanks to the Agri -Civic Center toys from the Okeechobee Agri -Civic Center and the board more low-key, but when Ion Dec. 21 last year. stopped by the other day, Tracy asked if 1 Later in the meeting commissioners received the annual state of the fair report from the president of the Okeechobee County Fair Association, Linda Syfrett. "Our fair is financially sound, we are in good shape," said Ms. Syfrett. "We had been steadily building our attendance until Mother Nature decided to give us a little surprise last year. it rained all day Saturday, the biggest day during our six-day fair. In 2017 attendance was 19,624 and in 2018 we were happy to go up to 22,288. But last year we had 17,022, so we missed our atten- dance from two years ago. However we're stili sound financially and we're praying for good weather this year." Ms. Syfrett said the Okeechobee County Fair will have a great lineup of entertain- ment this year. The Okeechobee County Fair is scheduled to kick off on March 17 at the Okeechobee County Agri -Civic Center. ALCOHOL kind of a traditional thing. I believe one of the reasons given for this was if someone wanted to go fishing they could get their Continued From Page 1 alcohol before 12 o'clock or whatever, and TI can't see what the issue was with them The motion passed by a vote of 3-2, with going the night before. I'm just afraid that Commissioners Kelly Owens and Bryant there are going to be a lot of people drink - Culpepper voting no, ing packaged goods that aren't going to be 1 was one of the proponents of this and in a restaurant or facility like O.K. Corral. It 1 was trying to be a little more balanced and just doesn't sit right with me." business -friendly," Commissioner Bradley Commissioner Terry Burroughs said Goodbread said at the meeting. "Make that he hasn't heard from anyone who was things a little more equitable and a little against the idea, although he has had many more balanced." comments in support of it. Before the vote, Commissioners Owens At Jan. 8 meeting when the county and Culpepper explained their opposition commission first voted to allow restaurants j��ORK to allowing bar and stoles to sell alcohol a. sell alcoholic beverages starting at TEAMWORK earlier. a.m., it was Commissioner Goodbread "1 had a lot of people reach out to me who suggested expanding the rule for all who were not supportive of it," said Com- establishments. Continued From Page 1 missioner Cravens. "There was a percep- "I think if you're going to do it, do it tion that this has already passed with the all," Commissioner Goodbread said then. which she made from an Ace bandage and city, which from my understanding it has He went on to say that restricting alcohol a stick someone handedher. There were a not. They won't be discussing it until next sales at bars and package stores on Sunday lot of people around, and they were trying month. Because of the number of people is "keeping one foot back in the 1800s.1 to stop traffic. There was a lot of confusion, who did reach out to me in opposition would just as soon make a clean sweep of because it had just happened. to this and voiced their concerns to me, l it" Ms. Timmons called 911 and was the won't be able to support this." The county ordinance will not apply one who ran to get towels and was the "1 have to echo Commissioner Owens," to restaurants inside city limits; the Ci of "things o r were going t ow l need," said M, Commissioner Culpepper explained. "It's Okeechobee has its own ordinance go n - r s. Peaden. The two women managed to get the tourniquet on and keep it from TOWNwho comment. "If they ask a question we coming unwrapped, because they had no lel know the answer to, I'd like us to answer way to tie it, they said. They just did their Continued From Pa 1 them rather than just sit there," she said. best to wrap his leg, clean the blood and Mayor Dowling Watford said as long as ev- keep everything clean until EMS could get the majority of the taxes in the city. They eryone understood this was not a time for there. "We also wanted to cover it up so it , debate, he did not mind if they answered wouldn't be seen by everyone passing by should be heardtoo." ," Ind be the council did hold two questions, and everyone agreed they would said Ms. Timmons. He had a small head answer questions that they were able to injury, so they fixed that as best they could town hall meetings, an evening meeting during the meeting and if they could not and tried to get it up off the asphalt and in March and an afternoon meeting in answer, they would follow up later as they keep it clean. "There were other people October. did in the past meetings. who helped, too, but I don't know their At each meeting, citizens were given The meeting will be held on March I L, names," said Ms. Peaden. "Every time we a chance to express their concerns and/ at 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman would ask for something, it would just or ideas and then in the days following Campus auditorium. The address is 610 appear." the meeting, they were each contacted by S.W. Second Ave. (behind Golden Corral). The injured motorcyclist was very wor- someone who followed up on that com- Questions and comments can even be ried about some of his personal belong- ment and if there was a problem to be sent in advance to Igamioteas@cityo- ings, and Ms. Timmons was able to find solved, they attempted to solve it. The coun- fokeechobee.com or call 863-763-3372, ext. one of the things he was worried about cil did not engage in any back -and -forth 9814, and keep it safe for him. Another neighbor conversation with the commenters during Prior to the meeting, there is a commu- held his hand the entire time and told him the meeting but, rather, used the meeting nity open house at 4 p.m. This open house he would be OK, trying to keep him calm. more as a time to let the people speak. is to give the community a chance to be She called his wife for him to let her know Council member Monica Clark suggest- involved in setting priorities for economic what had happened. ed they do things a little differently this year. development. For more information, visit Ms. Timmons said she has had first She wanted to converse with the people http,.//www.cfrpc.org/okeechobee-ffori1 responder training because she worked OKEECHOBEE — County commissioners accepted a certificate from Toys For Tots of Okeechobee at their Feb. 27 meeting. at the jail and the prison, and she believes that helped her keep a cool head. "I hon- estly think we were meant to be there at that time." Ms. Peaden said all Okeechobee County school bus drivers are required to take training for emergencies of this type every year. They want their bus drivers to be pre- pared for any emergency, she explained. They take classes like "Stop the Bleed." As they take these classes, she said sirens blare and lights Flash, anything to take your attention away from what you are doing, to make sure when the time comes, you can concentrate on what you are doing. "Yeah, l put a tourniquet on, and I want to believe it probably kept him from bleeding out. I don't realty know for sure, but there are a lot of people who deserve credit for jumping in to help out. Paramed- ics and firefighters do this every day. They are the heroes, not me. l just want people to be aware that bus drivers are trained in a lot of stuff people do not realize, and we put a lot of pride in it" Ms. Peaden also said she recommends everyone get some type of first aid training so in an emergency, you are not the one running around not knowing what to do and feeling helpless. "If you don't like blood, you can find something else to do. Be the one who holds someone's hand. Make a phone call. Help with CPR." She went to the hospital later to check on the man whowas injured and said he was doing well. The doctors were able to save his leg. "1 have a feeling he will even be back on a motorcycle eventually," she said. Okeechobee County School Board REQUEST FOR USE OF FACILITIES OR PROPERTY TO BE COMPLETED BY REOUESTER: NAME OF ORGANIZATION CITY OF OKEECHOBEE INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE LANE GAMIOTEA, CITY CLERK WORK # 763-9814 HOME # MAILING ADDRESS 55 SE 3RD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34974 (Street or P.O. Box) (City) TYPE OF FACILITY REQUESTED OKEECHOBEE FRESHMAN CAMPUS PURPOSE OF USE TOWN HALL MEETING KITCHEN OR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT REQUIRED? NO DATE(S) OF USE MARCH 11, 2020 # OF PARTICIPANTS APPROX. 100 TIME OF USE FROM: 2 .30 A.M. OR-. TO: 10:00 A.M. OQ THE ORGANIZATION REQUESTING USE OF THE ABOVE FACILITY/PROPERTY HEREBY AGREES: (1) to provide a certificate of insurance from an A -rated carrier, as reported in Best's Guide of Insurance Carriers. The amount of coverage should be $1,000,000 combined limit for bodily injury and property damage. The Okeechobee County School Board must be named as an additional insured, except when the use is by other governmental agencies. (2) that there will be no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs sold, consumed or possessed on school premises. (3) to enforce state statutes and school policy regarding smoking in school buildings. (4) to return the facilities to the same condition as received. (5) to follow proper procedures in use of school equipment when approval has been granted to use such equipment. (6) to accept liability for damages to the facilities and equipment and to reimburse the School Board for all damages caused by persons using the facilities. (7) to pay the fee (as stipulated by the Superintendent in accordance with 8.70) and any additional charges by check made payable to the Okeechobee County School Board one week prior to the date the facility/property will be used. (8) to enforce the Okeechobee County School Board rules prohibiting bullying, harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, if otherwise qualified, social and family background or on the basis of the use of a language other than English by LEP students for admission to or access to services, programs or activities. The undersigned is an authorized agent of the above said organization and agrees to accept and assume full responsibility for the activities represented above and certifies that the organization's philosophies and beliefs or views will not be stated or inferred to be those of the Okeechobee County School Board. Failure to comply with any of the above will prohibit further use by the requester of the School Board's facilities or property. S1ature o eques er Date O -SO -2 3/13 AC40R O® CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE DATE (MM/Y) o„24,20202020 THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED ASA MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must have ADDITIONAL INSURED provisions or be endorsed. If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s). PRODUCER World Risk Management LLC a member of: Ballator Insurance Group 20 N Orange Ave Ste 500 Orlando FL 32801 CONTACT Jenna Jennings NAME: PRONE (407) 445-2414 FA No ; (407) 445-2868 A1C No Ext E-MAIL jennifer.jennings@wrmlle.com ADDRESS: INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE NAC k INSURER A : Public Risk Management of Florida 58159 INSURED City of Okeechobee 55 S.E. Third Avenue Okeechobee FL 34974 INSURER B: INSURER C: INSURER D: INSURER E, INSURER F: r.nVFRAr,FB CFRTIFICATF NtIMRFR- CL1992301764 REVISION NUMBER: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACTOR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. INSR LTR TYPE OF INSURANCE INSD WVD POLICY NUMBER P LI FF MMIDDIYYYY P LIC EXP MM/OD/YYYY LIMITS X COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE S 2,000,000 CLAIMS -MADE a OCCUR DAMAGE TO RENTED PREMISES Ea occurrence S 2,000,000 MED EXP (Any one person) $ Excluded PERSONAL a ADV INJURY S 2,000,000 A PRM019-006-047 10/01/2019 10/01/2020 GEN'LAGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER: GENERAL AGGREGATE s PRODUCTS - COMP/OPAGG $ POLICY PRO- JECT LOC s OTHER: AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT $ 2,000,000 Ea accidont BODILY INJURY (Per person) $ X ANYAUTO BODILY INJURY (Per accident) s A OWNED SCHEDULED AUTOS ONLY AUTOS HIRED NON -OWNED AUTOS ONLY AUTOS ONLY PRM019-006-047 10/01/2019 10/01/2020 PROPERTY DAMAGE S Per occident Comp / Coll Deductible s 1,000 X Comp X Coll UMBRELLA LIAR OCCUR EACH OCCURRENCE $ AGGREGATE S EXCESS LIAB CLAIMS -MADE DED RETENTION s S A WORKERS COMPENSATIONPER AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY Y / N OFFICER/MEMBER EXCLUDED? ANY PROPRIETOR/PARTNER/EXECUTIVE F-1NIA (Mandatory in NH) PRM019-006-047 10/01/2019 10/01/2020 %� STATUTE ERF E.L. EACH ACCIDENT $ 1,000,000 E.L. DISEASE - EA EMPLOYEE S 1,000,000 E.L. DISEASE - POLICY LIMIT S 1,000,000 If yes, describe under DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS below DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS / LOCATIONS /VEHICLES (ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached if more space is required) RE: Town Hall Meeting - March 11, 2020 - - 2:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium [610 SW 2nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL 32974] With respects to the listed coverages held by the named insured, as evidence of insurance. SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN Okeechobee County School Board ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS. 700 SW 2nd Avenue AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE Okeechobee FL 34974 V 1988-2015AGUKU GUKNUKAIIUR. Au rlgnrs reservea. ACORD 25 (2016103) The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD Lane Gamiotea From: Bobbie Jenkins Sent: Friday, January 24, 2020 4:02 PM To: PEYTON PEARCE Cc: Lane Gamiotea Subject: RE: Town Hall Meeting March 11th 2:00 pm - til end Ms. Pearce, The City of Okeechobee was not required to rent the facility ("pay the fee") the last time we hosted the Town Hall meeting in 2019. Can you please confirm that we are still not required to pay a fee? Thanks so much! Bobbie J. Jenkins Deputy Clerk City of Okeechobee 55 SE 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814 Direct: (863) 763-9814 Fax: (863) 763-1686 NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing. From: PEYTON PEARCE <Peyton.Pearce@okee.kl2.fl.us> Sent: Friday, January 24, 2020 2:41 PM To: Bobbie Jenkins <bjenkins@cityofokeechobee.com> Subject: Town Hall Meeting March 11th 2:00 pm - til end Please fill out the attached form and return to me. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you, Cindy Peyton "Cindy" Pearce Director of Operations/Maintenance Secretary pearcep@okee.kl2.fWs 863-462-5083 Ext 1251 Operations Fax 863-462-5166 Operations 863-462-5140 Ext 1206 Maintenance Fax 863-462-5144 Maintenance Under Florida law, e-mail addresses, and all communications, including e-mail communications, made or received in connection with the transaction of School Board business are public records, which must be retained as required by law and must be disclosed upon receipt of a public records request, except as may be excluded by federal or state laws. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Bobbie Jenkins From: Bobbie Jenkins Sent: Friday, February 7, 2020 10:34 AM To: PEYTON PEARCE; Laura Fonseca; Brian Barrett; Carol Revels Subject: RE: Town Hall Meeting March 11th 2:00 pm - til end I will be sure to do that. Bobbie J. Jenkins Deputy Clerk City of Okeechobee 55 SE 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814 Direct: (863) 763-9814 Fax: (863) 763-1686 NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing. From: PEYTON PEARCE <Peyton.Pearce@okee.kl2.fl.us> Sent: Friday, February 7, 2020 7:54 AM To: Bobbie Jenkins <bjenkins@cityofokeechobee.com>; Laura Fonseca <fonsecal@okee.kl2.fl.us>; Brian Barrett <barrettb@okee.kl2.fl.us>; Carol Revels <revelsc@okee.kl2.fl.us> Subject: Re: Town Hall Meeting March 11th 2:00 pm - til end Bobbie, the auditorium will be set up for the students for Readiness Rotation. Can you please have the auditorium set back up the way you find it? That way the students can go right back into their rotation, without delay. Thank you, Cindy On Thu, Feb 6, 2020 at 4:17 PM Bobbie Jenkins <bjenkins@cityofokeechobee.com> wrote: 1 Good afternoon Peyton, Attached is the executed form for the City of Okeechobee. Please let me know if you need any further information. Bobbie J. Jenkins Deputy Clerk City of Okeechobee 55 SE 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814 Direct: (863) 763-9814 Fax: (863) 763-1686 i i NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing. From: PEYTON PEARCE <Peyton.Pearce@okee.kl2.fl.us> Sent: Friday, January 24, 2020 2:41 PM To: Bobbie Jenkins <bben kins@cityofokeechobee.com> Subject: Town Hall Meeting March 11th 2:00 pm - til end 2 Please fill out the attached form and return to me. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you, Cindy Peyton "Cindy" Pearce Director of Operations/Maintenance Secretary pearcep@okee.kl2.f I.us 863-462-5083 Ext 1251 Operations Fax 863-462-5166 Operations 863-462-5140 Ext 1206 Maintenance Fax 863-462-5144 Maintenance Under Florida law, e-mail addresses, and all communications, including e-mail communications, made or received in connection with the transaction of School Board business are public records, which must be retained as required by law and must be disclosed upon receipt of a public records request, except as may be excluded by federal or state laws. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Peyton "Cindy" Pearce Director of Operations/Maintenance Secretary 3 pearcep@okee.kl2.fLus 863-462-5083 Ext 1251 Operations Fax 863-462-5166 Operations 863-462-5140 Ext 1206 Maintenance Fax 863-462-5144 Maintenance Under Florida law, e-mail addresses, and all communications, including e-mail communications, made or received in connection with the transaction of School Board business are public records, which must be retained as required by law and must be disclosed upon receipt of a public records request, except as may be excluded by federal or state laws. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. to aECHOBEE NEWS vol. 111. No. 32 Friday, Marcia ILS, 2020 $1.00 plus tax Bass Pro seeks permits from corps By Katrina Elsken Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE — Bass Pro officials unveiled their plan for a world class fishing resort at the Okee-Tantie recre- ation area at the March 12 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission. Bass Pro officials told commission- ers their team is still committed to and enthusiastic about the project. However, they will need additional time to get the necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The commissioners agreed to give the company a 14 -month extension on the final purchase decision. Tom Jowett, vice president of design and development, said the Okeechobee resort project is one of three major re- sorts they are developing in Florida. The Floridian Sports Club is near Jacksonville. Valhalla is on an island near Marathon. "At the Okeechobee resort, our goal is create a destination that is friendly and inviting to the entire world," he said. The resort will include a lodge with 80 rooms in the first phase and expansion to 120 rooms later, a restaurant, RV camping and "glamping" units. He explained a glamping unit is a tent with air condition- ing and indoor plumbing. The Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl restaurant will give diners the illusion they are under water, he continued. Special to the Lake Okeechobee News At the March 12 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission, Bass Pro representa- See BASS PRO — Page 14 lives shared this plan for developing the Okee-Tentie recreation area. City's town hall meeting poorly attended By Cathy Womble EOC into the record stating, "After thorough city fire department has come up with to Lake Okeechobee News research and careful consideration for the buy their own ambulance and provide EMS OKEECHOBEE — Whether it was a fear of welfare of the community, the Economic services themselves rather than paying the coronavirus infected crowds or the fad that e f Council of Okeechobee continues to fully support the complete merger of city and county for those services, but when asked if the Economic Council had considered Capt. the town hall meeting took place place a night county fire rescue services. As proposed by Lalo Rodriguez' proposal before making their when man are in church, in caused y 8 the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue on Jan. recommendation, Ms. Tewksbury did say yes. an unusually low attendance at the biannual 8 of this year, this action will save the city They considered it. meeting Wednesday night, March 11. There taxpayers roughly $700,000 annually without • Frank Irby thanked the council for were only four commenters, and one of those compromising our public safety. This will holding the town hall meeting and said he was the Economic Council of Okeechobee, amount to a $3.5 million savings over the believed a more informal environment was whose spokesperson was Jennifer Tewksbury, course of five years and a $7 million savings sometimes good because a lot of people are executive director. within the next decade..." c,.., mnlmkT no.«. I n Lake Levels & Sponsored By: PoAey s Fami1� RestMa>rt 1759 S. Parrott Ave. 863-763-7222 Source: South Rondo Water Management District. Depth given in feet above sea level See Page 4 for information about how to contact this newspaper. kakook®odkeke000WS cem Fmspal Fneus 14 Lake Okeechobee News March 13. 2020 Cattle drive in downtown Okeechobee Saturday By Katrina Elsken Lake Okeechobee News OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee's annual Speckled Perch Festival and the Cowtown Rodeo will go on as planned this weekend. The festival parade is set for ]0 a.m. M downtown Okeechobee. The festival starts on Parrott Avenue (U.S. 44 1) near the Aldi grocery store, heads north on Parrott Ave- nue to the main intersection and then west on State Road 70 to the end of Flagler Park. The Okeechobee Cattlemen's Associa- tion will have a cattle drive Saturday, start- ing at 8:30 a.m. behind the Home Depot on Charles Harvey Highway and heading north of U.S. 441. The cattle drive will then follow the parade route behind the Speckled Perch Festival'Parade. The Speckled Perch Festival will be held in Flagier Park in downtown Okeechobee on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. The Cowtown Rodeo will be held Sat- urday, March 14, and Sunday, March 1S, at the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Rodeo Arena, 1885 U.S. 441 N. Cates open at 1 p.m. each BASSPRO directorof 1J 1J vegotliher "We've got the right expertise guiding us Continued From Page 1 in this very difficult project and we feel very good about it," he said. He said they are working with the corps The company has already invested in regard to the elevation consideredto be $400,000 in payments to Okeechobee in a flood zone. Currently, for Okee-Tantie, County and another $149,450 in site eval- "If that site were ever flooded to that level uation, topographical survey, geotechnical it would leave approximately 20 percent investigation and planning. They expect of the land above the water line," he to spend another $149,000 in the planning explained. The historic high water mark is phase, even before permits are complete. 18.56 feet, he added. "We have done an extensive amount of Since the schedule for Lake Okeechobee work," said Mr. Jowett. calls for keeping the lake under 16 feet, they One of the greatest challenges is how to might be able to change the flood zone deal with the risk of flooding, he explained. limits, he said. Otherwise, they can use fill He said they also have the challenge of pro- to raise the areas for the structures. tecting wetlands and endangered species. Mr. Hoy said the company is dedicat- He said they plan to dig a canal between ed to protecting the environment and to the existing pond area and the current mari- encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors. na, which will allow them put in a second Protected species in the area include marina. The material dug from the canal gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, snail kites, will be used to build up other areas. West Indian manatees and crested caraca- He said the geological investigation ras. included 10 borings to achieve a general Mr. Hoy said if they cannot obtain the understanding of soil conditions in the corps permits to develop the site, then development areas. there is still a possibility the site cannot be "We very excited about what we have permitted for any project. learned," he said. "Mr. Morris is absolutely in love with the "Mr. (Johnny) Morris likes to remind us site," he said. we like challenging projects," said Dan Hoy, "I have been working with Mr. Morris for TOWN but I appreciate you coming," he said. 1 �W 1�1 • Hoot Worley thanked the council for Continued From Pa 1 having the town hall meeting. He said as a business owner in the city who does not intimidated by a more formal meeting. He own a home within the city limits, for many Years, he felt as if he had voice, but with spoke about economic development and told them about a book by Quint Studer, the town hall meetings, he is able make "Building a Vibrant Community," he had his voice heard and he appreciates it very it much. He expressed his excitement about recently read on the subject. Later, Ms. Tewksbury told the council she had a copy the beautification of the downtown parks, of the book for each of them. and said he is realty excited about the way the city is concentrating o landscaping. In • Karyne Brass said she was concerned about the severance of the fire department. addition, he s a director off the Economic "To me it's like cutting an arm off. If we are Development Corporation and said they walk a razor's edge trying to bring econom- going to start dissecting this thing, I'm like some of the other people. Where does it is development to Okeechobee while still end?" she asked. keeping our small town identity. He does Councilman Bob Jarriel said, "When not want to see the City of Okeechobee this was first discussed, it was strictly for disappear from the map, he said, and does tax purposes, trying to save the citizens not believe subcontracting the fire services and businesses money and taxes." He said to the county would be a first step in getting nothing has been decided and they do not rid of the city. it's just a matter of being a have the figures yet so they cannot make good steward with the city's money, he an intelligent decision. He also said half of explained. "I'm not going to ask for a tax the people he talks to do not realize the deduction, but if you want to take that city does not have its own ambulance. money and spend it to fix Southwest 1 I th "The ambulance service has been provided Avenue ... that pavement coming is apart." forever by the county and no one has com- The next scheduled city council meeting plained about it in all these years. We need will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. in to quit talking about it until we get the facts, the council chambers. / l day. Mutton Bustin' starts at 2 p.m. The Cowtown Rodeo is a PRCA (Profes- sional Rodeo Cowboys Assoclation) event. Top rodeo cowboys from all over the coun- try will compete not only for cash prizes but also for points toward qualification for national championships. Rodeo events will include bull riding, calf roping, steer wres- tling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding and barrel racing. Tickets are on sale at Eli's Western Wear in Okeechobee and online at The0keechobeeRodeo.com. many years. He is famous for saying we will not rush a project," he continued. "The conservation ethic that Mr. Morris promotes is a very real cultural value for the company. We want to be certain we stripe the right balance for the greater conserva- tion cause." "We love this project," said Tim Ma- honey, vice president for strategic partner- ships. "Mr. Morris and everyone on the team working on the development love a challenge. "We are convinced we can create a resort here that will appear to a lot of peo- ple," he said. "On the elevation issue, we know there are two things we can do — get a variance, or alternately, we raise the elevation of the property. We know the county is working with the state on septic -to -sewer to bring sewer ser- vice to that area," he said. "Our alternative Is to re-create a wastewater treatment plant. "There are challenges associated with this site, but John and the entire group are 100 percent behind this project," he said. "We are committed to spend the money and time to go through with that," he contin- ued. "We've done other projects that people considered to be impossible." He said Bass Rio could easily have $ I mil- lion invested before they know if the project can obtain the permits to build the resort. "Lake Okeechobee is a national trea- sure," said Bob Ziehmer, senior director of conservation. He said Bass Pro is committed to the project and to improving and protect- ing the ecology of Lake Okeechobee. In response to recent fears about the coronavirus, rodeo organizers will follow the recommendation of the Florida Health Department and ensure the hand washing areas have plenty of soap. They will also have hand sanitizer stations, and everyone handling food in the concession areas will wear gloves. The Okeechobee Cattlewomen's Asso- ciation will host a rodeo dinner/dance on Saturday, March 14 at the Brahman Bull, 2405 U.S. 441 S.E. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Live music starts at 7 p.m. The dance starts at 9 p.m. Parents and educators have an important role to play in addressing this public health epidemic Having the facts on the dangers of nicotine can help when talking Io your kids or students about vaping. E-liqulds lypkelly -mon n,-ne. which hmolyaddend+e. Nicotine evua urw a nwnq yutah an aMact brain develnpmeirtwMd, cnnrinues until about age 2s. Thedeveloping brain is mon, v Inerable to nicotines effect, including deNci , in attention and rognnlon, n4u.d r-Wre caeml. ,,,a n -A dr—dins Uslnq Mr,foremay h. oditcraose le the dskla Mire addlctlon to other drugs. 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