2020-08-04 Flagler Park Master PlanECO
Economic Council of
Okeechobee
August 4, 2020
The Honorable Dowling R. Watford Jr.
City of Okeechobee
55 SE 3rd Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974
RE: Conceptual redesign of Downtown Flagler Parks
Mayor Watford:
Economic Council of Okeechobee
1679 NW 91h Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
(863)467-0200
Thank you for your consideration of the conceptual redesign of our City's cherished Downtown Flagler
Parks. Should the City Council decide to continue support for the initiative this evening, we respectfully
request the City go out to bid for professional services to design the overall park plan, as is included in
our FY 2019-2020 budget. If approved, this will certainly be a project requiring significant time and
thoughtful planning, and opting to start now will demonstrate great care for its future success.
Provided the level of public interest and support for the project, the Economic Council also requests the
appointment of a board of fellow stakeholders to further develop and execute the redesign. For the
makeup of this appointed board, we recommend one appointment from the Economic Council of
Okeechobee, one from Okeechobee Main Street, one from the City Council, an appointed city employee,
and three city property owners (with all appointments subject to approval by the City Council).
Thank you for your consideration and ongoing support for this project. Please do not hesitate to contact
me with further questions.
Sincerely,
Je , er M. ewksbury
Executive Director
Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc.
Attached:
Letters of support
Public comment cards
CC:
Wes Abney
Monica Clark
Bob Jarriel
Bobby Keefe
John Fumero
Marcos Montes De Oca
- I t-STo c�� Okeechobee Historical Society
P.O. Box 973
Okeechobee, Florida 34973
\���� seaaai ieeea°�o
October 30, 2019
Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director
Economic Council of Okeechobee
1679 NW 91h Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Dear Jennifer,
At our regular membership meeting on October 21, 1 briefed our membership about the
proposed Flagler Park project and asked if they would authorize me to produce this letter of
support. With a unanimous vote, they were in agreementthat we should do everything we can
to help the Economic Council of Okeechobee have a successful completion of this historical
project.
We pledge that we will help you and your organization with the various histories needed, to the
best of our ability.
Looking forward to our collaboration,
Sincerely yours,
Magi J. Cable
President
Okeechobee Historical Society
Okeechobee Main Street
,4r1f ("VA'Ail"I"
OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
December 10, 2019
Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director
Economic Council of Okeechobee
1679 NW 9`h Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
At our quarterly Arts & Culture Alliance meeting, I presented to the membership about the proposed
Flagler Park project and asked if they would authorize me to produce this letter of support. With a
unanimous vote, they were in agreement that we should do everything we can to help the Economic
Council of Okeechobee have a successful completion of this beautification project which will include
our arts & cultural vision in the Downtown area of Okeechobee.
We pledge that we will help your organization with arts & cultural recommendations that celebrate
Okeechobee's way of life, which includes historical content, cultural heritage and community lifestyle.
We will be honored to consult with and share our visions relating to the arts & culture for the
beautification of the parks.
We look forward to our collaboration,
Bridgette Waldau
Arts & Culture Alliance Director
Okeechobee Main Street
55 S. Parrott Avenue , Okeechobee, FL 34972 • Phone:863-357-6246
www.OkeechobeeMainStreet.org
t)
Okeechobee
MAIN STREET
Old Values- NewVieons
0111il�/��t��t
December 10, 2019
Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director
Economic Council of Okeechobee
1679 NW 91h Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
At our Okeechobee Main Street board meeting on December 10, 2019, 1 presented to the membership
about the proposed Flagler Park project and asked if they would authorize me to produce this letter of
support. With a unanimous vote, they were in agreement that we should do everything we can to help
the Economic Council of Okeechobee have a successful completion of this beautification project,
which will bring a revitalization to the Downtown area of Okeechobee.
Okeechobee Main Street's vision is to help create a successful downtown and enrich our community
through celebrating the arts, supporting local businesses, embracing our heritage, preserving our
natural environment and promoting quality events which make this an inviting hometown destination.
We pledge that we will help your organization with recommendations that celebrate Okeechobee's
way of life, -which includes historical content, cultural heritage and community lifestyle. We will be
honored to consult with and share our visions for making the downtown area a vibrant and inviting
part of Okeechobee.
We look forward to our collaboration,
Angie Griffin
President
Okeechobee Main Street, Inc.
Okeechobee Main Street Arts & Culture Alliance of Okeechobee County is a division of
Okeechobee Main Street, Inc., a 50103 not for profit organization.
55 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 - Phone:863-357-6246
www.OkeechobeeMainStreet.org
2123 S. W. 211 Street
Okeechobee, Fl. 34974
March 9, 2020
Ms. Jennifer Tewksbury
Economic Council of Okeechobee
P. O. Box 718
Okeechobee, Florida 34973
Dear Ms. Tewksbury;
I am writing on behalf of the Fine Arts Club of Okeechobee.
Our group recently had our monthly meeting at the Historic
County Courthouse where we enjoyed reviewing the plans the
Economic Council has proposed for the future of our downtown
parks.
We all feel that this plan is well thought out and shows many
good ideas for the future of the parks. Please count on our
organization to support the Economic Council's plans for the
future.
Yours very truly,
Mary Beth Cooper
Secretary, Fine Arts Club
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County I
rCoh7amb'er of Commerce
,,0keecf?atiee Coun�
City of Okeechobee County
City Council members
Mayor Dowling Watford
Dear Mayor Watford,
The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County would like to pledge our support of the
awesome vision for the Flagler Park revitalization project being presented by the ECO.
This project would bring much beauty to an area that would be used and visited by residents and
non-residents throughout the year. What an impressive and central location this will be to meet
up with friends, business partners, as well as a scenic spot for those just visiting our city and
county. Our hope would be that through this investment those visiting might want to make
Okeechobee their future home or as a continued vacation destination.
Our expectation would be that the City and County work togetherto maintain the conceptional
design in looking pristine so that years from now it will have maintained the original
beautification since its inception.
Looking forward to the beginning and completion of a well thought out and significant addition
to our Flagler Park.
Sincerely,
Ja bitha Twtd
Tabitha Trent
President
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee
55 South Parrott Ave
Okeechobee, FL 34974
The Economic Council welcomes your input
IIJ20 VI.,31 IN `o ' KEEt�N'-33~.x- G
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. FLAGLER A P S
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. FLAGLER P
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information � � PARKS
or remain anonymous. � I . G
F FS
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. V7LAG I F PARKS
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. Fl..AGL-FR PARKS
Comment Card:
ELM
A
o Name (printe<
Contact info:
Signed:
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
Comment Card:
C�tr,-,6,•, d� w,-Y�
_ Dr, In,aA UInln.ADA, 'fn t.1Q kVV-It1 hQLAOA ( /CY-Q
o Name (printed):
Contact info:
Signed:
o Anonymous
oe.��
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. Fl,.. -.AG[, -.FP PAR S
o [Mame (printed):
Contact info:
Si-ned:
Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community proiect. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. -!,-AGI F R PARKS
Comment Card:
o Name (printed):��
Contact info:
Signed:
o Anonymous
✓fin
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
DOWNT OWN
Fl-,,.AGLER PARKS
o Name (ranted):
1
%e
Contact i
Signed:
o Anonymous
C
The Economic Council welcomes your input v f
on this community project. You may choose DOWNI V N
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.F1 AGLER
Comment Card:
o Nam� e (printed}lry �C:?,--
Contact info:
Signed:
o Anonymous
r� RA
.£.rt
'Fop:.
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. Fl---AGL.ER PARKS
o dame (printed):
Con
sign.
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
DOWNTOWN
FI_AGLFR PARKS
Comment Card:
P U(A WO ( 1- ihottgh4 bta,f Mtgns.
® 1 are
C�v� reach ��rK'��prcfs hcs+��� o� U) ac ave• Would
rea,4 -6,- YchooI s -v h �t7tdep 16 t. Ke 0- �he OL
r0 1eQr� l�i'f 0K (O? be25 h .
-T)e_IjLQ its die. I c e ,a_ u).t-4.-t (eat 'open &nod t nll-( &
5+i)e O nc( W6A It `jh � k 0 -rid
)A) iS �4v re—,_ ---
o Mame (printed):
_-A�
Contact i6o: �c�3-9faav
Signed:
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. Fl-.,-AC--,[-....FR P
Comment Card:
Ago V5 .xu A�D
L-Aya L tL c 51 71-> is --1 WGST c, DP 2 l b0 ✓ — qgb i if n u IL
lf�%21� /$ A �7�1� SyK �u;�% fir` l�LC✓L CDii11%IZLiAtt ���,
o Name (printed):
Contact info: Z5- SV �� � t
Signed:
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
DOWNTOWN
FI AGL FR PARKS
Comment Card:
-
`
j� r '
7%,cC(1rC? ��..� /' 1-4AZ 7, L"C i/`- l C'�''<
o Name (printed): 1/3Y,
Contact info: �G3 tel` 7`
Signed:
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. FI--AGLER P
Comment Card:
o Name (printed):
Contact info:
Signed:
Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
DOWNTOWN
FLAGLER PARK -5
Comment Card:
o Name (printed): Mczr y HLrl-e- 4
Contact info: 801 — I -14)
Signed:
o Anonymous
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous.
20;Z0 VISION FOR 1 kEECHOBEFS
The Economic Council welcomes your input 2020 VIS@ON c O R C K E E C H O 8 E S
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. F'L-/A-\GLER P
Comment Card*
�A `--K"� c) 4—v
Name (printed):
OKEECH
The Economic Council welcomes your input NTOWN
on this community project. You may choose DOS
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. V(z
..,.A�. � I _.. P P' R
� I,
'JON �OR ')i�PFECHOBFFS
S
The Economic Council welcomes your input
on this community project. You may choose DOWNTOWN
to leave your name and contact information
or remain anonymous. PAPKq
Name (printed):
Si-ned:
C) Annnvninii-,
VISION
OKEECHOBEEI
=I E4 um a- owl FjoMMIA Oak=,
AUG 2020 // PREPARED FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF OKEECHOBEE
ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................................................1-2
ParkDescriptions.............................................................................................................................3-16
CityHall Plaza.........................................................................................................................3-4
Veterans Memorial Square...................................................................................................5-6
SpeckledPerch Square.........................................................................................................7-8
SeminoleSquare..................................................................................................................9-10
SettlersSquare...................................................................................................................1
1-12
Cattleman's Square...........................................................................................................13-14
ButterflySquare.................................................................................................................15-16
PublicFeedback....................................................................................................................................17
LocalSupport........................................................................................................................................18
SubmittedBy...................................................................................................................................19-20
PAGE 1 01
AUGUST // 2020
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Over the course of the last 12 months, the
Economic Council of Okeechobee County has
worked with landscape professionals, many
local stakeholder organizations and elected
City officials in the development of the
proposed redesign of our Flagler Parks.
Through an all-encompassing redesign and
renovation like what is broadly proposed in
this package, our City has the opportunity to
preserve cherished elements of our local
history, celebrate our agricultural heritage,
create a continuous and consistent sense of
place, and truly begin to invest in over seven
acres of priceless green space for the benefit
of current and future generations.
The intent of this initiative from the beginning
has been to establish a unified vision for the
future of our centrally -located Flagler Parks; a
vision which reflects our character as a
community, is conducive to multiple types of
downtown events, and which draws residents
and visitors alike to the area.
The following conceptual redesign does not
address specific financial obligations, parties
responsible for completion, or details related
to the full scope of the various projects
presented.
This document is intended only to address
the following goals, with the overall intent to
establish a unified and community -wide
vision for Downtown Flagler Park:
• Provide a unique identity to each of the
seven proposed park squares while still
designing each to feel connected to a
larger whole
• Improve pedestrian walkability from
square to square
• Elevate the functionality of each park
square by strategic use of landscape and
hardscape materials
• Preserve the over seven acres of green
space for use as a public park for future
generations
• Establish a visibly attractive downtown
district to encourage increased traffic for
local businesses
• Create more prominent focal points in
park centers
• Substantially improve the general
aesthetics of our community
Prioritizing consistency throughout Flagler
Parks, site functionality, the establishment of
tree canopies, and increased attention to
detail related to our community character
will also serve the downtown area well in the
future.
As a result of extensive research for well
over a year, collaborative efforts with
professionals and local stakeholders, and a
thorough public comment period, the
Economic Council of Okeechobee County
recommends the following conceptual
redesign of Downtown Flagler Park for the
City Council's consideration.
PAGE 1 02
PAGE 1 03
Pork 1
CITY HALL
PLAZA
Located between Southeast 3rd Avenue
and Southeast 2nd Avenue
This park celebrates the history of the City
of Okeechobee and its incorporation in
1915. Markers should be placed to denote
the first City Council meeting held on July
13, 1915 with Peter Raulerson as Mayor,
Henry Chandler as City Clerk, and Council
Members L.M. Raulerson, W.L. Coats, Dr.
Roy Darrow, Smith Drawdy and C.L. Hatchi.
A stage with a paved ADA accessible
seating area at the center of this park will
provide a more permanent location and
stately presence for both smaller
community events and larger events,
attracting visitors from surrounding areas.
9 1(y
Lawn seating beyond the low seat wall may
be used for concerts or larger community ceremonies.
Sidewalks in this park are recommended to
be redesigned to mirror the other Flagler
Parks with historic criss-cross pathways.
PAGE 1 04
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of City Hall Plaza
• Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Replace light posts with taller, more stately posts to match the rest of Flagler Park
• Use landscaping to screen unsightly utilities
• Relocate small chickee to Seminole Square for consistency and functionality
• Provide shade for seating areas by either structures consistent with nearby architecture
or shade trees
• Create more comfortable and usable seating patterns
• Update damaged trash receptacles and other outdated hardscape
• Remove the existing unhealthy plant material
PAGE 1 5
Park 11
VETERANS
MEMORIAL
SQUARE
Located between South Parrott Avenue and
Southwest 2nd Avenue
This park honors our nation's military veterans
and memorializes the brave men and women
who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving
in our U.S. military
A large arched sign at the entrance of this park
is recommended to announce the Downtown
Flagler Parks of Okeechobee at our main
thoroughfare. A new layout would provide
functional seating areas at memorial
monuments while redesigned landscape
screens provide privacy for reflection
New landscape beds along the perimeters of
the park are recommended to provide
structure, serve as noise buffers, and provide a
barrier to safely separate children from
adjacent traffic.
The center of the park may be left open to
accommodate displays and events
PAGE 1 6
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Veterans Memorial Square
• Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Create a more usable plaza layout for veteran and memorial events
• Consider bronze monuments honoring soldiers as educational focal points
• Utilize landscaping to create more privacy from the roadway traffic and for noise
reduction
,p
PAGE 1 7
Park 111
SPECKLED
PERCH SQUARE
Located between Southwest 2nd Avenue
and Southwest 3rd Avenue
Okeechobee is renowned for our world-
class bass fishing and has even been
recognized as the "Speckled Perch Capital of
the World." This park is intended to
celebrate our outdoor lifestyle and the
unique wildlife native to Okeechobee County
A traditional fountain or an interactive water
feature for children located at the center of
the park is recommended to serve as the
main focal point.
Life-size bronze art depicting native Florida
wildlife is recommended to be placed at the
central water feature and other prominent
locations throughout the square.
`y J
Restroom facilities are recommended at the
r east end of the square with easy access
from the adjacent Veterans Memorial Square.
The majority of the park is designed to
r-.-• ��!*_ remain open for festivals and events.
PAGE 1 8
33qq��}y���
i�
u`
Michael Flaugh''
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Speckled Perch Square
• Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Replace outdated and inconsistent site furniture with one cohesive style throughout all
parks. Select furniture to reflect the style of the newly designed parks and to serve the
different functions of each park square
• Create a larger, more usable central plaza
• Create stronger hardscape connectors
PAGE 1 9
Park IV
S E M I N 0 L E
SQUARE
Located between Southwest 3rd Avenue and
Southwest 4th Avenue
The fourth square within the Flagler Parks is
dedicated to the Seminole Tribe of Florida
and its historic influence on Okeechobee
County.
Existing chickees are recommended to be
incorporated in the new park layout. The
addition of a larger chickee structure will
offer more opportunities for larger events or
may serve as a covered seating area.
Life-size bronze sculptures of historic
Seminole figures are recommended to be
incorporated in the landscape to resemble a
traditional Seminole camp. This would be
designed to educate visitors of the Tribe's
history and influence in Okeechobee, Florida.
The smaller chickee from existing City Hail
,F
Square may be relocated here to be
incorporated with an open courtyard in the
'
center of the park square.
Life-size bronze sculptures of historic
Seminole figures are recommended to be
incorporated in the landscape to resemble a
traditional Seminole camp. This would be
designed to educate visitors of the Tribe's
history and influence in Okeechobee, Florida.
AU Ll I I I V IV/ -\L I\L_L l I V I ,- L IV V/\ I I V IYJ
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Seminole Square
• Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Screen all existing utilities with cohesive landscaping
• Remove small aluminum gazebo
• Redesign square to give chickees a purpose as an integral part of the space
• Place park furniture (tables and benches) more purposefully
• Work directly with Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure historic accuracy
PAGE 1 10
PAGE I 1 1
orPork V
SETTLERS
SQUARE
i I Located between Southwest 4th Avenue and
Southwest 5th Avenue
v
This park is dedicated to the historic leaders,
businesses and events responsible for
shaping Okeechobee into the community it is
today.
A flag pole is placed at the center of the park
at the central plaza dedicated to Colonel R.E.
Hamrick.
Additional bronze markers are recommended
i to be placed at prominent locations within the
square to highlight the first settlers and
businesses of the community, including: Peter
& Louisiana Raulerson; Dr. Anna & Dr. Roy
\�s► - Darrow (Park Drugs); Dan McCarthy (first
,k grocery, feed and hardware stores); Lewis
Raulerson (Raulerson's Department Store);
and Henry Flagler, who recognized the prime
ch location of Okeechobee County halfway
between coasts and adjacent to a major body
of water. Early boosters envisioned
-- Okeechobee a metropolis and massive rail
r� �, hub - a "Chicago of the South."
PAGE 1 12
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Settlers Square
• Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Redesign plantings around existing gazebo to open views and incorporate in new park
layout
ON NEARBY PARK STREET
• Redesign low maintenance, simplified, cohesive corner landscape islands. Remove
diseased and unhealthy queen palms for more shade trees appropriate for the space
along the entire Park Street in the Downtown District
7r;
PAGE 1 13
Park V1
CATTLEMAN'S
SQUARE
sr
Located between Southwest 5th Avenue
and Southwest 6th Avenue
This intends to celebrate the rich
agricultural heritage of Okeechobee
County. The park layout and landscaping
fully supports Main Street's Cattle Drive
r Sculpture project as the prominent focal
point of the park square.
The cattle drive sculpture project includes
life-sized bronze sculptures of a horse
and rider, a calf, dog, six head of cattle and
a cowboy on a fence. This permanent art
display will be installed at the center of the
park. Each figure will be strategically
placed within a natural landscape to
resemble early cattle grazing in
Okeechobee County.
The art installation will be complete by
2021 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of
L', cattle first arriving to the state in 1521 .
PAGE 1 14
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Cattleman's Square
• Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square
• Add flag holders to light posts for seasonal or event flags for this park square and
along the remaining squares for consistency
• Relocate/remove concrete pads which aren't conducive to the art installation or
functional for seating arrangements
• Relocate existing palms to create more attractive groupings
Ki
PAGE 1 15
BUTTERFLY
SQUARE
Located between Southwest 6th Avenue
and Southwest 7th Avenue
This park provides a whimsical play area
for children. Strategic landscape designs
blend the colorful butterfly art displays
with the "old Florida" aesthetic of the
remaining parks to establish a cohesive
presentation of the entire area
The existing butterfly garden and playful
sculptures are recommended to be
surrounded by a creative native play space
incorporating natural landscape elements
and native vegetation. Seating areas
should be placed under new tree canopies
around the play area.
f" Restroom facilities are recommended to
be located at the east end of the park with
easy access from the adjacent Cattlemen
Y• Square. Added landscape buffers around
the park serve as a barrier between active
children and nearby traffic
PAGE 1 16
Michael Flaugh
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Butterfly Square
• Create usable, comfortable seating areas for parents and children
• Redesign pathways to celebrate historic criss-crossed layout as in remaining park
squares
• Remove existing dead and diseased plant material
• Screen unsightly views with strategic landscaping
PUBLIC
COMMENT
&
FEEDBACK
Through each step in this initiative, the
Economic Council was thorough in gathering
and taking into consideration feedback from
fellow stakeholder organizations, City officials,
and interested members of the general
public. The Council also invited the public to
view the project in its entirety and offer
official comment on multiple occasions at two
separate locations. Comment cards were
made available at the public exhibition on
January 15th at IRSC, at the exhibition at the
Okeechobee County Courthouse where the
park plans were displayed for several weeks,
and online through the Economic Council's
official website.
Public feedback varied widely, but the
majority of all comments received were
supportive for a unified plan. This proposal is
intended to be conceptual in nature and does
not aim to specifically address each concern
presented. However, the feedback gathered
should certainly be considered for future
development of the space.
Each comment card received is included in
the supplemental background information in
this packet.
PAGE 1 17
COMMENTS RECEIVED INCLUDED
BUT WERE NOT LIMITED TO:
• The provision of shade to make park use
realistic in Florida weather
• Concerns with ongoing and professional
maintenance of the public's investment
over the long term
• Location and placement of weapons and
artillery in Veterans Memorial Square;
Substantial support was provided for
different placement of artillery relative to
appropriateness and functionality of the
space. In contrast, comments were also
received which were not in favor of moving
or adjusting the placement of artillery
under any potential circumstance.
• Concerns relative to ongoing maintenance
of restrooms. In contrast, many were in
favor of public restrooms especially when
considering downtown events.
• Safety and security for children, especially
in the designated play areas. Driver
speeding on Highway 70 was noted many
times as a high concern.
• Concerns relative to Christmas decorations
in the parks, though seasonal celebrations
are not addressed in this conceptual
redesign.
PAGE 1 18
LOCAL
SUPPORT&
ENDORSEMENTS
The conceptual redesign has been directly communicated with and subsequently supported
by the following local stakeholder organizations:
• Okeechobee Main Street
• Okeechobee Main Street's Arts & Culture Alliance
• Fine Arts Club of Okeechobee
• Okeechobee Historical Society
• Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County
• Seminole Tribe of Florida
• Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council
• Okeechobee County School District
• Indian River State College
• Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation
The recommendation to adopt and implement a centralized beautification plan for the City
of Okeechobee is also recommended by the community's Economic Development Plan as
publicly proposed and adopted in 2018 by the POLICOM Corporation. This recommendation
in the local economic development plan states: "To improve the general appearance of the core
center of the City of Okeechobee, a central beautification program should be initiated. Most
successful small economies have taken this initiative to demonstrate to out-of-town companies the
community takes pride in itself."
Each letter of endorsement from local stakeholder organizations is included in the
supplemental background information in this packet.
THOUGHTFULLY PREPARED & RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:
The Members of the Economic Council of Okeechobee County
2020 ECO BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Keith Walpole I Chair
Walpole Inc.
Wes Williamson I Chair -Elect
Williamson Cattle Company
Dawn Hoover I Secretary
Gilbert Family of Companies
Ashley Tripp I Treasurer
Tripp Electric Motors, Inc.
Jeff Sumner I Immediate Past -Chair
Sumner Engineering & Consulting, Inc
Melissa Kindell, D.M.D. I Director
Everglades Pediatric Dentistry
ECHO
Brandon Tucker I Director
The Tucker Group, LLC
Stephanie Mitrione I Director
Florida Power & Light Company
Sandy Perry I Director
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
Mack Worley I Director
G.M. Worley, Inc.
Frank Irby I Director
Retired Chief Executive
Sharon Covey I Director
Edward Jones Investments
Steve Dobbs I Director
Steven L. Dobbs Engineering, LLC
PAGE 1 19
PAGE 1 20
GENERAL MEMBERS OF THE ECONOMIC COUNCIL:
Wes Abney, Abney Building & Consulting, Inc. Cameron Tewksbury, New York Life Insurance Co.
Eddie Lehman, Ag 98 Trailer Sales
Dr. 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
Todd Castleberry, C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc.
Justin Domer, Domer's Inc.
Scott Dawson, East Coast Signs & Shirts
Steve Walker, Emory Walker Co.
H.M. Ridgely, Evans Properties, Inc.
Brad Lundy, Everglades Equipment Group
Todd Clemons, Okeechobee Livestock Market
David Jones, Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC
Susanne Clemons, Pioneer Groves
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
Jose Rasco, Straat Real Estate, LLC
Dr. Cliff Bryan, Tenniswood Dental Associates
Judy Cruz, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc.
Kelly Adelberg, Treasure Coast Medical Assoc., Inc.
Dr. Jennifer Laskey, Family Dentistry of Okeechobee Steve Walker, W&W Supply Company
Lyn Cacella, Florida Public Utilities Ryan Walpole, Walpole Leasing Corp.
Monica Clark, Glades Air Conditioning Company
Jennifer Koukos, Glades Electric Cooperative
Rick Chartier, ICS Computers, Inc.
Brian Good, Kimley-Horn & Associates
Osiel Luviano, Luviano Roofing Company, Inc.
Osiel Luviano, Luviano Construction Company, Inc.
Justin Hoover, Marmer Construction, Inc.
Wayne Morgan, Morgan Furniture Corporation
ECHO
Jeff Sabin, Waste Management
Honorary -John Ed Burdeshaw
Honorary - Mike Long
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the extremely knowledgeable team at
Michael Flaugh, Landscape Architects for the
abundant expertise and exceeding professional
excellence.
A
Michael Flaugh
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
200200 Mocfm FOR OKEECHOBEE'SS
DQWM U
FLAGLC R PARKS
!F
.x ^
200200 Mocfm FOR OKEECHOBEE'SS
DQWM U
FLAGLC R PARKS