Okeechobee Florida Welcome Guide 2011

Welcome toOkeechobee

2011Official Guide To Our Community

Compliments of Okeechobee Pennysaver

2011 Okeechobee Welcome and Tourist Guide Page 3

2011 Okeechobee Welcome and Tourist GuidePage 4


PublisherMaureen Budjinski

Editor/WriterRaye Deusinger

Art DirectorBridgette WaldauGraphic ArtistRafael Pacheco

Cover PhotoRafael PachecoOffice Manager

Phyllis DwyerBookkeeper

Rose BrennanAccount ExecutivesTamra Cunningham

Gail LockwoodDistribution

Larry Sterling, ManagerJessica Smith

Welcome To Okeechobee

Okeechobee lies on the northernmost point of the second-largest freshwater lake in the United States, a perfect place for a relax-

ing and enjoyable winter vacation or a perfect place to call home. It has warm, sunny and gentle winter weather, wonderful fishing and a growing cultural en-vironment. Its central location in the state allows easy access for exploring other parts of Florida. Okeecho-bee is just 70 miles from West Palm Beach, 105 miles from Orlando, 115 miles from Tampa and 135 miles from Miami. This location allows day trips to many Florida sites.

Okeechobee is a vibrant growing community, rich in history while offering many community events, attrac-tions and points of interest. This guide will help you navigate the “who, what, where and when” of our community. It will give you information on Okeecho-bee, from its early history to present day. If you are looking for a restaurant or hotel accommodations you will find them here. From arts and enrichment to rec-reation and sports, you will find what you need within the pages of this guide. Read about our community boosters, the Chambers of Commerce, Okeechobee Main Street and the Tourist Development Council on pages 18 and 19 and search for that special event on

pages 22 and 23. If you are a serious fisherman or a be-ginner, you will enjoy reading Capt. Michael Shellen’s article about fishing on Lake Okeechobee.

Important telephone numbers you need to know are in this guide for your convenience. You will find emer-gency numbers on page 31, clubs and organization on page 37 and places of worship on page 38.

We are proud of our community. If you live here, please enjoy this publication and share it with friends and family. The Welcome Guide is published annually by Direct Hit Marketing & Design, LLC, which also publishes the Okeechobee Pennysaver. We hope you will find this guide informative and urge you to keep it on hand as a reference. We welcome all visitors and newcomers to our community and hope your stay is memorable.

We thank the many advertisers who make this free publication possible.

Published by: Direct Hit Marketing and Design, 111 NE 2nd St., Okeechobee, FL 34972, phone (863) 763-7283, fax (863) 763-1674, e-mail [email protected].

Neither the advertiser nor the publisher are responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc. herein contained. All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, without written permission from the publisher.

Accommodations......................14Advertisers Index........................45Aid and Emergency.....................31 Airports......................................10Animal Control.............................17Arts/Enrichment.........................15Attractions...............................26 Cable TV......................................10Calendar of Events.......................22Chambers of Commerce .............18Churches....................................38City Officials................................29City/County/State Offices..........32Civic/Clubs/Organizations..........37Climate..........................................8County Officials...........................29Emergency Management.............28Emergency Shelters....................28Fishing on Lake Okeechobee.......20

Florida Facts.................................9Highways....................................10History..........................................6Hospice Care ..............................16Media .........................................13 Okeechobee County Library......15Okeechobee Historical Society...16Okeechobee Main Street............19Points of Interest........................27Public Schools.............................34Railroads....................................10Raulerson Hospital......................42Recreation..............................16Restaurants................................40State/Federal Officials................29Tourist Development Council......18Utilities........................................10Waste Collection ......................10

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2011 Okeechobee Welcome and Tourist Guide

History of Okeechobee

Okee Chobee, Miccosukee for “big water”, has a long history involving differing peoples, ideas and economics.

The lake has gone by different names throughout the years. The original name was Laguna del Es-peritu Santo (“Lake of the Holy Spirit”). Having been considered myth and legend for almost 300 years, it has also gone by the names Mayaimi (an early Indian tribe), Lake Mayacco, Lake Mayoco and finally Lake Okeechobee.

Until the late 1830s, the lake was considered a myth due to the wild untamed landscape to its north, which kept exploration at bay. During the Seminole wars, the Indians had only one avenue of escape — to the south. A group of Seminoles were pursued by the U.S. Army to the shore-line of Lake Okeechobee in an event that would later be referred to as “Col. Zachary Taylor’s Christmas Party.” On Dec. 25, 1837, the Battle of Okeechobee was fought, pitting the Semi-nole Indians, led by Chief Osceola, against Col. Zachary Taylor and the U.S. Army. A memorial commemorating the battle can be found on U.S. Hwy 441 SE just a few miles south of the city.

Following the victory of the Indians, the dense, marshy region on the lake’s northern coasts re-mained unexplored until the 1880s, when Ham-ilton Driston brought dredges and began work on the Kissimmee River in an attempt to open the land for development. At that time, only wild game, birds and Native Americans occupied the region.

The land was populated with water oak, cypress, rubber and palmetto trees. Driston began work on a route he planned from the City of Kissim-mee south to Lake Okeechobee.

Soon after the dredging began, people took notice of the land along the top of the lake. In October 1896, Peter and Louisiana (Chandler) Raulerson made their way toward Taylor Creek, a few miles north of the lake. During the 1890s, Raulerson stretched 30 miles of fence from Tay-lor Creek to the Kissimmee River, enclosing the river’s bend.

Shortly after the Raulersons came, other set-tlers began to find their way to the area. W.A. “Buster” Ferrell built a home just west of Tay-lor Creek, and Samuel L. Gray paddled his way down the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee in 1899.

A year earlier, the Raulersons, wanting their chil-dren to receive an education, built the first school house at the river’s bend. Needing six children to start a school, the Yates children were “bor-rowed” from Fort Drum to the north. The first teacher was Dr. George M. Hubbard, a Con-necticut Yankee the children nicknamed “Mother Hubbard.” The government sent Henry Hud-son Hancock and his brother James to survey the lake. He became the second school teacher at the Bend. The third teacher of the school was Tan-tie Huckabee, a well-educated lady from South

Past to Present

Southland Hotel was located on the corner of Parrott Avenue and Park Street. c.1948


Carolina from whom the school took its name. Her name was also given to the first post office, and the town began to be known as Tantie.

More and more settlers began making their homes in Tantie due to a thriving economy. Numerous industries such as hunting, citrus and farming were already growing, but none as much as the catfish industry. In 1906, the steamer Success carried 6,000 pounds of fish from the lake on its first haul. In 1912, Robert Upthegrove settled Upthegrove Beach, which became a large fishing site, on what is now Hwy 441 SE.

In 1911 the St. Lucie County Tribune announced that work would soon start on a branch line of the Florida East Coast Railway to run from May-town (north of Titusville on the east coast) to the north of Lake Okeechobee. Because of the new developments in and around the town, on Oct. 4, 1911 the name Tantie was deemed inappropri-ate and was changed to Okeechobee. Later that year, P.L. Jenkins enlisted a civil engineer to lay out and survey the new city.

Many of the street names would come from the area’s Indian heritage: Okeechobee, Seminole, Osceola, Hicpochee, Miami, Kissimmee, Parrott, Tallahassee, Cherokee, Hiwasee, Micanopee, Meridith and Oklosnokee. Those names would remain until the 1970s, when streets and avenues were given new names or numbers.

Continuing the now-entrenched tradition of change, South Florida Railroad Company owner Henry Morrison Flagler initiated a re-design of the city to include wide streets, a central park and many wooden buildings, some of which still exist. He envisioned it becoming the “Chicago of the South.”

The boundaries of Okeechobee County and the incorporation of the city were formalized on June 4, 1915. In 1919 the name was changed slightly, from Okeechobee City to the City of Okeecho-bee. The county was created from portions of Osceola, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties in 1917. Florida Gov. Park Trammell (1913 to

1917) appointed municipal officers that includ-ed Mayor Peter Raulerson, Clerk of Accessory Henry Chandler, and councilmen L.M. Rauler-son, W.L. Coats, Dr. C.R. Darrow, S.J. Drawdy and C.L. Hatch. The first city council meeting was held on July 13, 1915. The first police chief (city marshal) was Benjamin F. Hall. He was suc-ceeded by J.W. Raulerson and William E. “Pogey Bill” Collins.

Today Okeechobee is a crossroads town linking the east and west coasts of Florida. The county comprises 771 square miles with a population of approximately 42,000 — 5,500 of whom live in the City of Okeechobee. It is known for its dairy and beef cattle, and fishing and tourism in-dustries. The industrial park located next to the county airport is a growing area that provides ex-cellent advantages to manufacturers.

The lake itself is a nationally known tourist at-traction. It covers roughly 730 square miles with an average diameter of 45 miles and an average depth of 14 feet; the deepest point being 22 feet. The lake is bisected by the Okeechobee Water-way, which runs from Fort Myers on the West Coast of Florida, up the Caloosahatchee River, through the lake and eastward through the St. Lucie Canal to Stuart on Florida’s East Coast.

The lake is surrounded by the Hoover Dike, be-gun in 1929 after the devastating hurricanes of 1926 and 1928. The dike protects areas around the lake from flood damage during hurricane sea-son. Lake Okeechobee is the water lifeline for

The Bank of Okeechobee, 1926, located on Park Street.

u

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South Florida because it stores and supplies water to many cities and agricultural communities to its south. Locks, located approximately every seven miles, provide fishing and boating access to the lake.

The lake is encircled by an excellent road system with many scenic-view points. Campgrounds, RV parks, restaurants and recreational facilities are easily accessible to travelers. Okee Tantie State Park and Scott Driver Park, located across from each other on Hwy 78W, provide facilities for hikers, boaters, campers and fishermen.

Immediately across the Kissimmee River lies Glades County and the community of Buckhead Ridge, whose residents work, attend school and otherwise participate in the life of Okeechobee.

Further south on Hwy 78W, is the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, which encompasses 35,000 acres of rich land that is farmed, fished and hunted by the Seminole. The reservation boasts

a state-of-the-art rodeo arena, a casino complex and modern centers for education and sports. The reservation school, Pemayetv Emahakv, ex-pands the normal curriculum with the teaching of the history and language of the Seminole. The reservation is open to the public.

ClimateOkeechobee has a moderate climate, with sum-mer temperatures ranging from 72 to 93 with occasional afternoon thunder showers from June through September.

Winters are mild with bright, warm, sunny days and cool nights. Midwinter temperatures average from 49 to 73.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Annual rainfall averages 53 inches per year.

Outdoor activities are part of daily life due to the moderate climate; year-round gardening is a welcome benefit.

Also because of the mild climate, thousands of tourists visit Okeechobee during the winter and spring seasons.

Downtown Park Street today.


State Motto “In God We Trust” State Tree Palmetto PalmState Flower Orange Blossom State Stone Agatized Coral State Gem Moonstone State Shell Horse Conch or Giant Band ShellState Nickname Sunshine State State Song “Suwannee River”State Mammal Florida Panther (land) Manatee (freshwater) Porpoise (saltwater)State Bird Mockingbird State Animal Florida Panther State Reptile Alligator State Fish Largemouth Bass (freshwater) Atlantic Sailfish(saltwater)State Insect Zebra Longwing Butterfly

Florida Facts

Page 10


AirportsThe Okeechobee County Airport, a former U.S. Air Force base, is located on Hwy 98, one mile north of Hwy 70. It has 4,000- and 5,000-foot lighted con-crete runways that can accommodate most private and many commercial aircraft. Radio communication is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Okeechobee County Airport provides complete general aviation services, local information and a res-taurant open to the public. For more information, contact Interim Airport Manager Kathy Scott at (863) 467-5505, the Okeechobee Jet Center at (863) 467-5888 or the Landing Strip Café at (863) 467-6828.

RailroadsAmtrak stops in Okeechobee with south- and north-bound trains. For times and schedules, call Amtrak at (800) 872-7245. The station is located just west of Hwy 441N at 8th St.

HighwaysOkeechobee is served by state and federal highways, many having four lanes within the city limits. U.S. 441 (N-S) and State Road 70 (E-W) each pass through the heart of the county, forming a crossroads that enables travelers easy access to any attraction around the state. State Road 70 eastbound, Hwy 441 north-bound and State Road 710 southbound all lead to Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 and US Hwy 1.

UtilitiesTwo electric companies service Okeechobee: Flori-da Power & Light serves most of the county, with Glades Electric serving the western section north of Basswood to the Viking Properties and several west-ern communities. For information, call FPL at (800) 226-3545 or Glades Electric at (863) 467-5111.

Water service is available through the Okeechobee Utility Authority, 100 SW 5th Ave., (863) 763-9460. Gas is provided by three companies for com-mercial, residential, agricultural or industrial service: Central Gas Co., 119 NW 8th St., Okeechobee, FL 34972, (863) 763-3915; Ferrellgas, 204 SW 7th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34974, (863) 763-7557; and Glades Gas Co., 804 N Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972, (863) 763-2114.

Waste CollectionFor weekly garbage removal and information regard-ing pickup of ground debris or dumpster needs, con-tact Waste Management Inc., 10080 NE 128th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972, (863) 763-4818.

Okeechobee Landfill Inc. is a Class 1 disposal facil-ity located at 10800 NE 128th Ave. Waste disposal rates are based on tonnage. The minimum fee is $5 via check, credit or debit card; cash is not accept-ed. For more information call (863) 357-0111 or visit http://www.wmdisposal.com/static/files/fact_sheets/okeechobee_landfill.pdf

Cable TelevisionCable is provided by Comcast Digital Cable, 107 NW 7th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972, (800) 266-2278, www.comcast.com.

Historic Train Station



863-763-3566 - 3126 Hwy 441 South - Okeechobee, FL 34974

United Country MidFlorida Realty is conveniently at located at 3126 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974. Julie Turner is an Okeechobee native who has raised her family here because she loves Okeechobee. She is familiar with the community, its history, and uniqueness – qualities which enables her to help current or prospective residents find the perfect home and neighborhood for their needs. Julie has a B.S. from Florida State University and has been a Realtor since 2003. Julie is currently the President of the Okeechobee County Board of Realtors (OCBR). United Country MidFlorida Realty’s goal is to get you the best possible price in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of inconvenience to you. By remaining focused on this goal, it is our desire to obtain exceptional, individual results utilizing skills, honesty and integrity to create a lasting relationship one client at a time.

UNITED COUNTRY is America’s rural real estate company. Your best source for locating real estate for sale throughout the small towns and cities of rural America – residential, farms, ranches, recreational and business! Through a network of over 600 offices – nationwide, United Country has been uniting buyers and sellers of country real estate for over eighty years. MidFlorida Realty’s years of local experi-ence and reputation, provides sellers and buyers with a unique insight into the local marketplace. You can count on United Country - MidFlorida Realty to provide you with quality, professional service.

United Country MidFlorida Realty

3126 Hwy 441 SouthOkeechobee, FL 34974

United Country MidFlorida Team Pictured (L-R): Garry Smith, 2010 President of Okeechobee County Board of Realtors (OCBR) Julie Turner, Lynne Price, 2010 OCBR New Comer Award Wendy Bostwick, 2010 OCBR Treasuer Betsy Sheffield and 2011 OCBR director /2010 Top Producer Cristie Schmidt.

Cristie Schmidt receives the 2010 Top Produceraward from Julie Turner.

863-763-3566

Okeechobee’s Hometown Realtor

View all of our properties at www.MidFloridaRealty.net

Virtual Tours, Multiple Photos& Detailed Descriptions

on All Our Properties and the Entire Okeechobee MLSavailable on our Website.

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MediaPrint - Locally Owned

Okeechobee Pennysaver,Okeechobee Welcome GuideHurricane Guide Direct Hit Marketing & Design, LLC. 111 NE 2nd Street (863) 763-7283 [email protected]

Okeechobee The Magazine 111 NE 2nd Street (863) 467-0054 [email protected] www.okeechobeethemagazine.com

Okeechobee News 107 SW 17th Street (863) 763-3134 [email protected]

Radio100.9 FM, 1570 AM, WOKC Radio, 99.5, WAFC, 590AM, WAFC, (Spanish) Radio Fiesta (Glades Media Group) 210 WN Park St., Suite 102 Okeechobee, FL 34972 (863) 763-1570 or (863) 467-1009

91.7 FM, WWFR, Family Radio (863) 763-0281 www.familyradio.com

WYFR – Short Wave 10040 NW 240th St. (863) 763-0281

90.5 FM, WREH, Reach FM (863) 467-8080, reachfm.org

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AccommodationsHotels and Motels

(area code 863)

DOWNTOWNBudget Inn

201 S Parrott Ave., 763-3185Economy Inn

507 N Parrott Ave., 763-1148Hampton Inn

1200 State Road 70 East, 824-0003, www.okeechobeelakeokeechobee.hamptoninn.com

Travelers Inn601 N Parrott Ave., 763-3146

CLOSEST TOTHE LAKEBest Western

3975 Hwy 441S, 357-7100 www.bestwestern.comFlamingo Motel

4101 Hwy 441S, 763-6100www.motelflamingo.netHoliday Inn Express

3101 Hwy 441S, 357-3529www.hiexpress.com

EASTAROUND THE LAKE

Pier II Motel2200 Hwy 441 SE, 763-8003

www.pier2resort.comRimcanal Motel & RV Park

1422 Hwy 441 SE, 467-2737Scottish Inns

3190 Hwy 441S, 763-3293Travelodge Suites

1527 Hwy 441 SE, 824-3431www.travelodge.com

Lakeview Inn & Suites3225 Hwy 441 SE, 763-1020

WESTAROUND THE LAKEAngler’s Waterfront Motel1010 6th St., (Buckhead Ridge)

Okeechobee, 763-4031Lakeport Lodge Motel & Restaurant,

11700 Hwy 78W, 946-2020

AssistedLiving Facilities

Grand Oaks, a VNA Community203 SE 2 St., 824-6770

www.grandoaks.org

The HeritageAssisted Living, Elder Care

608 NE 2 Ave., 763-1700

Okeechobee Health Care Facility1646 Hwy 441N, 763-2226.

Fishing Pier located at Lock 7 at the end of 441S.


Arts and Enrichment

Okeechobee County Library

The Okeechobee Community Theater is in its 32nd year of productions ranging from dramas to musicals, comedies to mysteries. Cast and pro-duction crews are all local volunteer talent. Plays are presented each March and November during the first two weekends of the month at the Fresh-man Campus Auditorium, 610 SW 2nd Ave. The quality shows draw attendance from surrounding counties and even the east coast of Florida. Ron and Jacque Hayes produce and direct the shows. For more information, call (863) 763-1307.

The Okeechobee High School Drama Depart-ment has been an increasing favorite with its top-quality productions put on several times during the year. For more information, call Deborah Raulerson at (863) 462-5025. The high school is located at 2800 Hwy 441N.

Okeechobee Main Street’s Art and Cultural

Committee is dedicated to bringing fine arts to the community. The annual Top of the Lake Art and Music Fest showcases local fine artists as well as others from around the county and perfor-mances from renowned and award-winning mu-sicians. Future projects include an art league, art museum and a summer concert series. For more information, call (863) 357-MAIN (6246).

The Okeechobee County Library system has been in operation since 1977. The modern library at 206 SW 16th St. contains more than 50,000 hardback books, 10,000 paperbacks and a vari-ety of offerings of interest to children and adults alike. There are newspapers from around the lake region, a representative magazine (subscription) collection and audio and visual materials includ-ing DVDs. Research can be done online through library computers at no charge for Okeechobee residents.

The library is part of the Heartland Library Co-operative, encompassing Okeechobee, Glades, Hardee, Highlands and Desoto counties, ex-panding the availability of requested material. Each year the library presents three to four Flor-ida Culture and History presentations through a

Florida Humanities Council grant. Library Director Kresta King can be reached at (863) 763-3536. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed Sunday and Monday. There are two outside drop boxes for use when the library is closed.

Third mural of Okeechobee Main Street’s mural program.

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Okeechobee Historical SocietyFounded in 1973, the Okeechobee County His-torical Society is dedicated to preserving the his-tory of Okeechobee County and the lower Kis-simmee River Valley. It meets the third Monday of each month at noon in the Museum Display Building at the County Historical Park, 1850 Hwy 98N.

Visitors are welcome; membership is $5 annually for individuals or $8 for couples.

The museum is located in the old schoolhouse on two acres of county-owned property. It is open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by ap-pointment by calling President Betty Williamson at (863) 763-4344.

The sports complex, located at 580 NW 27th Lane, features an Olympic-size pool, four youth base-ball fields, a football/soccer field, six shuffleboard courts, two basketball courts, eight tennis courts, four racquetball courts, a picnic/restroom pavil-ion and a “wooden jungle” for children. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (863) 763-6950 for information about the sports complex and (863) 467-7667 for information about the pool.

Historic Tantie School House, now home of the Okeechobee Historical Society Museum.

Recreation and Sports Complex

Hospice CareBig Lake Hospice

1203 N. Parrott Ave., 763-0707, www.big-lakehospice.org. We provide you and your loved ones with comfort, support, and care by a team of physicians, nurses, aides, coun-selors, and chaplains so you may continue to enjoy the months and weeks ahead to the full-est extent possible.

Hospice of Okeechobee411 SE 4th St., 467-2321, www.hospiceofo-keechobee.org. At this location since 1994, providing respite, routine care for an extend-ed period and inpatient care 24/7 in our well equipped and comfortable Hamrick Home.

Hope Hospice/Hope Connections30082 Hwy 78W, 763-2404, www.hopehos-pice.org, serves Buckhead Ridge in Glades County with senior care (hot meals), activities and Hospice referral.


Animal ControlServices

Okeechobee County Animal Control Services is located at 1480 NW 25th Dr. in the Airport In-dustrial Park (3050 NW 120th Trail), (863) 357-3225. Supervisor Gary Barber said the agency will respond to complaints of missing or aggressive animals, animal bites, livestock loose on county roads, animal cruelty and other animal-related situations. Animals available for adoption are evaluated for temperament and health to reduce the number of animals euthanized; the agency adopts-out or sends animals to reputable rescue groups. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. An officer is on emergency call 24 hours a day.

The Humane Society Pet Rescue, a non-profit facility located at 1203 Hwy 98N (PO Box 233, Okeechobee, FL 34973), (863) 357-1104, is a no-kill shelter that cares for animals until adop-tion. Its goal is the “ending of needless euthaniz-ing of healthy animals,” Director Belinda Forlier said. The facility accepts volunteer help as well as donated items for the comfort of the animals. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, visit www.animalrescueo-keechobee.org.

Waters Edge is just minutes from downtown shopping, restaurants, golf, polo, the casino, movies and the rodeo at the fairgrounds.

It is only a short distant to 1-95 and the East Coast of Florida with major mall, some ofthe most beautiful beaches in the world,sport fishing, restaurants and theme parks.

For Info:WEMCR.com

12766 Hwy 441 SE Okeechobee, Florida 34974

Please contact us foradditional information for bookings:

Bill Fitzsimmons - Director of Sales & MarketingPhone: (863) 357-5757 Email: [email protected] or

Rescued animals, Frank the Cat and Bon Jovi.

Page 18


Community Boosters

Business members of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County are committed to fulfilling its mission to “engage business and community leaders to improve the business cli-mate, economy and quality of life in Okeechobee.”

The Chamber provides information on the community to residents, visi-tors and businesses seeking to estab-lish a presence in Okeechobee. The Chamber also works with Okeecho-bee Main Street to host annual events including the Speckled Perch Festival, the Labor Day Fes-tival, and the Top of the Lake Christmas Festival and Parade.

A variety of networking opportunities are avail-able, and Chamber committees are tackling a

Tourist Development CouncilThe Okeechobee Tourist Development Council promotes Okeechobee County as a desirable tour-ist destination through marketing and advertising campaigns and local events. The nine-member council consists of a chairman, two elected mu-nicipal officials and six members involved in the tourist industry. The TDC office is located in the

Pictured L-R: Directors Carl Shumate and Greg Thorgersen, President Terry Burroughs, Director Charlie Hukriede, Secretary Robert Lee, Direc-tor J.D. Mixon, Executive Director Brian Cartland and Treasurer Mike Costopolous. Not Pictured: Vice-President Christa Luna and Director Vic Lancaster.

Okeechobee County Airport Terminal Building, (863) 763-3959, and has full information on its web site at www.okeechobee-tdc.com.

The Okeechobee Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 2010 to serve all areas in and around Okeechobee County from St. Cloud south through this area. They will provide

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County

number of issues critical to the business com-munity. The Chamber also provides business assis-tance, business relocation, and export assistance services. For more information please call 863-467-6246 or visit www.OkeechobeeBusi-ness.com.

Okeechobee Area Chamber of Commerceinformation about local businesses, attractions and events. For more information, call (863) 447-1114 or visit www.okeechobeeareacham-berofcommerce.org.

Okeechobee Main Street


In 1982, the Main Street program was begun un-der the direction of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as a way to help local cities and towns preserve and revitalize their past. Okeechobee joined the program in 2005 and became accredited in 2007. Its work includes the preservation of local history and beautifying the downtown area by enlisting coopera-tion of businesses and city maintenance. The program is responsible for the Welcome to Okeechobee signs as well as directional signs throughout the downtown area. It has a mural project that currently displays three murals on buildings within the downtown dis-trict. Okeechobee Main Street plans many events de-signed not only to entertain the public, but to draw business, events and commercial endeavors to town.

Among other events, Okeechobee Main Street is the sponsor of the Top of the Lake BBQ Affair, Top of the Lake Art and Music Fest, National Day of the American Cowboy, Halloween Night at the Agri-Civ-ic Center and the Okeechobee County Fair. It also

partners with other area organizations to further promote Okeechobee.

A highly successful pro-gram has been the Main Street Mixer. Each month a different business hosts a gathering of not only local business people, but mem-bers of the public as well, who gather to mingle, learn about the host business and exchange ideas. Business owners and residents who would not otherwise have time to meet each other get to do so in a social en-vironment.

The nine-member board is led by Okeechobee Main Street President Maureen Burroughs and Executive Director Toni Doyle. The office is located at 111 NE 2nd St. For more information, call (863) 357 MAIN (6246) or visit www.mainstreetokeechobee.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Okeechobee Main Street

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Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

Okeechobee is home to some the best fish-ing in the United States. Thanks to a very wet 2009 summer, the water level has re-

turned to normal; anglers have been catching many bass, blue gill and crappie. Lake Okeechobee has long been known for producing more big bass than any other lake in the U.S., and this year is no different. Year after year, hardcore fishermen from all over the world journey to Lake Okeechobee in pursuit of the bass of a lifetime. The lake covers 771 square miles and produces more seven- to 10-pound bass than any other lake in the U.S.

The preferred way to catch a big Okeechobee bass is with a live wild golden shiner, a bait fish that is preva-lent in the lake as well as a main food source for bass. Every year, giant bass are caught from Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee has long had the reputation of be-ing the speckled perch capital of the world. Specks, or “crappie,” as they are referred to in the north, are caught in huge numbers in the Kissimmee River and other deep-water areas as well. There are several ways to catch specks. A minnow dangled under a bobber in deep water or a jig slowly trolled behind the boat both account for large numbers of these tasty panfish. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis-sion put a 10-inch size limit on specks last year, and many over that size have been caught.

Shell crackers or red ears attract anglers from all over the U.S. every spring when the spawning run starts in the shallow water of the “Big O.” This past year an-glers located bedding fish several miles offshore, and reports claim that some anglers caught many large shell crackers. With the water level back up, the marsh areas, behind the grass lines, are the place to look for shell crackers, which will bed in huge numbers and the spawning areas can be seen in the clear water quite easily.

Okeechobee offers great blue-gill fishing for those anglers that choose to use a fly rod, or they can be caught using a cane pole just as easily. When the big bluegill get into the shallow water and start to spawn they are not only fun to catch, but are the best eat-ing fish the lake has to offer. Hand-sized fish are the norm, and when fried up freshly caught from the lake they are hard to beat.

Captain Michael ShellenShellen Guide Service

www.okeechobeebassfishing.co(863) 357-0892.


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Calendar of Events

JanuaryJan. 5-8 – FLW American Fishing League Bass Fishing Tournament,C. Scott Driver Park, 763-3959.Jan. 8 – Cattlewomen’s Fun Shoot, Quail Creek Plantation, 634-7712

Jan. 11 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome,hosted by the Law Offices of Philip DeBerard, 1120 S Parrott Ave., 357-6246.Jan. 13-23 – American Legion Free Fair501 SE 2nd St., 763-2950. Carnival rides, indoor exhibits, concessions.Jan. 21, 22 – Okeechobee Main Street Top of the Lake BBQ Affair,Agri Civic Center, 357-6246

Jan. 21 - The IRSC Murder Mystery Theatre Tour 2011presents “Fan Fare to Murder” at the Freshman Campus Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Okeechobee Educational Foundation, tickets are $20.00 per person and will include specialty desserts served during intermission. Contact any of the Board of Directors for tickets or call 863-462-5000 ext. 257.Jan 24 – United Way presentation of checks to non-profit agencyapplicants, 8 a.m. 462-5000 x 255.Jan. 24 – KOA Concert Series, 7 p.m.– The Hub Caps, 763-0231Jan. 29 – 9th Annual Big Lake Bass Fishing Tournament,Pier II Resort, Hwy 441SE. Information at Seacoast Bank, 467-4663.Jan. 29 – Winterfest Catfish Festival,sponsored by the Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Dept. Booths, games, crafts. Just west of the Kissimmee River on Hwy 78. 467-8220.

Jan. 29 – Okeechobee Health & Safety Expo, Agri-Civic Center,9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Businesses, health organizations, hospital, nursing services, fire and police departments. Safety literature, demonstrations, blood donor bus. 763-1666.

FebruaryFeb. 5, 6 – Battle of Okeechobee. A costumed re-enactment of the last battle of the Second Seminole War between the US Army and the Seminole Indians at the Battlefield Historical Site on Hwy 441SE about three miles southeast of Okeechobee. For information: Dowling Watford, 763-2121 or okeechobeebattlefield.com.Feb. 10 – Angio Screening & Ultrasound of wrist and ankle & carotid check, Raulerson Hospital, 697-1970.Feb. 11 – KOA Concert Series, 7 p.m. – Patrick & Matilda & The Marlins, 763-0231.Feb. 17 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome,hosted by PNC Bank, 2801 Hwy 441S, 357-6246

Feb. 12 – 2nd Annual Red is for Love Gala to benefit the Okeechobee chapter of the American Red Cross, KOA Convention Center, 4276 Hwy 441S. Information at 357-6246 or 697-1970.

Feb. 12 – Bass Federation League Fishing Tournament,C. Scott Driver Park, 763-3959Feb. 16-20 – Seminole Cup Sporting Clays Tournamentat Quail Creek Plantation, 763-3959

Area code 863 unless otherwise noted. For details and information on listed or planned events, contact Main Street (MS) at www.mainstreetokeechobee.com or 357-6246, the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee (CC) at 467-6246, the Agri-Civic Center (ACC) at 763-1666 or Tourist Devel-opment Council (TDC) at 763-3959. Entrance to all Agri-Civic Center events is from State Road 710.

Feb. 17-20 – 73rd Annual Brighton Field Day Festival and PRCA Rodeo at Brighton Seminole Reservation. Seminole culture, costumes, crafts, booths. 467-6039

Feb. 19, 20 – Florida Bass Federation 1st Qualifierat C. Scott Driver Park, 763-3959

Feb 19-27 – Florida Cracker Trail – a six-day, 120 mile horseback ride and cattle drive from Bradenton on Florida’s West Coast to Ft. Pierce on the East Coast, passing through northern Okeechobee. Commemorates Florida cattle heritage, www.crackertrail.org/ride.html

Feb. 24 – Children’s Services Council explains grant applicationprocess, 4 p.m., 700 SW 2nd Ave.Feb. 26 – Baby sitters training course, for ages 11 – 15, for Red Cross certification. 763-2488Feb. 26-27 Okeechobee Main Street Top of the Lake Art & Music Fest, Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Juried fine art show, art activities, live music both days with a Sunday afternoon concert, food. Flagler Parks 3, 4, Hwy 70W.

MarchMar. 4, 5 and 11, 12-- Community Theatre production of“The Dixie Swim Club”, 8 p.m., 610 SW 2nd Ave. Information 763-1307. Mar. 5 – Hospice of Okeechobee Sporting Clays Competitionat Quail Creek Plantation, 467-2321.Mar. 6 – KOA Concert Series, 7 p.m. – Atlantic City Boys, 763-0231

Mar. 12 – March of Dimes “March for Babies”, 467-4663,marchofdimes.com.Mar. 11-20 -- Okeechobee County Fair at Agri-Civic Center. Animals, crafts, rides, food judging, booths, 4H show and judging. Tickets available at 763-1666 or at the gate.Mar. 12-13 – Speckled Perch Festival & Parade. Okeechobee is known as the “Speckled Perch Capital of the World” so it is only fitting that we hold an annual event in honor of this title. Food and crafts in the Park on Hwy 70. 357-6246.

Mar. 12-13 -- The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Spring PRCA Rodeoat the Agri-Civic Center. 634-7137.

Mar. 12 -- Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and party, all day, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (863) 763-3727.May 13-14 – Come Kamp & Kare With Us Weekend, KOA, 763-0231.

Mar. 14-19 – Okeechobee County Livestock Show and Sale,Agri-Civic Center, 763-1666.

Mar. 22 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, public welcome, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by the American Red Cross, 323 N Parrott Ave., 357-6246

Mar. 25-26 – American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for information call Event Chair Angie Griffin at 697-1105.

Mar. 26 – 7th Annual Okeechobee Rotary Club “LOST” Bike Ride (Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail) atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, 763-3101.


Mar. 26 – Heroes Golf Tournament benefits American Red Cross. 763-2488.May 30 – KOA – Good Habits/Old Spirits Annual Care Camp Putt Putt Fundraiser

AprilApr. 1 – Month long “Heroes” campaign to benefit the local American Red Cross. Business and public participation. 763-2488.Apr. 14 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome, hosted by Hoskins & Turco, 212 S Parrott Ave., 357-6246.Apr. 24 – Community-wide Easter Sunrise Service over the lake at Lock 7. Information at First United Methodist Church, 763-4021.Apr. 24 – Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast following Sunrise Service. Freshman Campus Auditorium, behind Golden Corral.Apr. 29-30 – Relay for Life, Okeechobee High School, 6 p.m., 467-4663

MayMay 10 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. public welcome,hosted by Office Bar & Grill, 6315 Hwy 441SE, 357-6246.May 21 – 4th Annual American Business Women’s Assn. (ABWA) “Oldies” Dinner Dance, KOA, 4276 Hwy 441S, 697-1807 or 467-4663.May 30 – Memorial Day Service, Celebration and Ceremony, 10 a.m., Veteran’s Park, sponsored by American Legion. 763-2950.

JuneDate TBA – Red Cross-hosted Hurricane Preparedness Seminarwith speakers from safety, health, financial planning, weather reporting and other ways of preparing for a storm. Venue to be announced. 763-2488.

June 7 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome, hosted by Company Care, 1926 N Parrott Ave., 467-6246.

June 11 – Arnold’s Wildlife Center Open House, 10 - 4, Animals, nature trails, butterfly haven, food and fun activities for the children. 14895 NW 30 Terr., 763-4630.

July July 14 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome, at Seacoast Bank, 1409 S. Parrott Ave., 357-6246.July 23 – National Day of the American Cowboy features cattle drive through downtown to Agri-Civic Center. Ranch Rodeo competition, midway, food, entertainment, activities including story tellers, whip pop-pers, western artists and writers along with vendors displaying and selling western goods and foods. 357-6246.

AugustAug. 9 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome, hosted by Flower Petals, 202 NE 2nd St., 357-6246.

Aug. 26 – Tween Summit for parents whose children will be transitioning between elementary and middle school. Information 462-5000 x 257.Please call to confirm date.

Date TBA – Okeechobee County Junior Golf Championship, spon-sored by Waldau’s Junior Golf at the Okeechobee Golf & Country Club.

SeptemberSept. 3 & 4 – Labor Day Parade and Festival in the Park with Cattleman’sRodeo competition (paid admission) at the Agri-Civic Center each day.,467-6246.Sept. 8 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. public welcome,hosted by Hampton Inn, 1200 NE Park St., 357-6246.

OctoberDate TBA – Women’s Health Luncheon with Drs. Villareal, Bradfield, Timoco and Ortho Surgeon, Dr. Flood. 697-1970.Oct. 8 – Annual United Way Golf Tournament at the Okeechobee Golfand Country Club. Marnie Lauter, 824-2702.Oct. 11 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome,hosted by Florida’s Blood Centers, location TBA., at 357-6246.

Date TBA – Boots and Pearls Dinner Dance, KOA, 6 – 11 p.m., www.hospiceofokeechobee.org. Oct. 22 – Big Brothers, Big Sisters Shoot at Quail Creek Plantation. 462-5000 x 257

Oct.31 – Halloween Celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Agri-CivicCenter. Free event sponsored by Main Street, Board of County Commission-ers, Okeechobee Sheriff’s Dept., City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee CityCouncil. Businesses, government and individuals welcome all children to booths for treats, entertainment, costume competition, activities, haunted house. 357-6246

NovemberNov. 4, 5 and 11, 12 – Okeechobee Community Theatre Production. 763-1307.

Nov. 5 – Arnold’s Wildlife Center Open House, 10 - 4, Animals, nature trails, butterfly haven, food and fun activities for the children. 14895 NW 30th Terr., 763-4630.Nov. 8 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. public welcome,hosted by Maxwell & Maxwell, 405 NW 3rd St., 357-6246.

Nov. 5 – Waldau Junior Golf 20th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit junior golf at the Okeechobee Golf and Country Club. For information call Bridgette Waldau, 467-7300 or go to www.floridajuniorgolf.org.

Nov. 19-20 – 6th Annual Okeechobee Blood Roundup.Community-wide two-day blood-donor event supported by area businesses and volunteers. Goal is 600 or more donations in two days. Entertainment, prizes, gifts. 610-2176.

Nov. 26 – Kid’s Fishing Tournament sponsored by Taylor Creek Bass Club, 634-5826.Nov. 28 – Hospice of Okeechobee Annual Festival of Treesand Christmas Store, 411 SE 4 St., 467-2321.

DecemberDate TBA Tree Lighting in City Hall Park, Hwy 70 E. Children’s concert with representation from area’s elementary schools.

Dec. 10 – Christmas Celebration and Craft Show in Flagler Park, climaxed by a lighted evening Christmas Parade by Okeechobee businesses, schools and clubs. 357-6246.

Dec. 15 – Okeechobee Main Street Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., public welcome, hosted by Raulerson Hospital, 1796 Hwy 441N., 357-6246.

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Page 26


AttractionsArnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

and Butterfly Garden Education-based wildlife care facility

14895 NW 30 Terr. 763-4630 or (800) 871-4403, or

visit www.arnoldswildlife.org.

Blue Heron Public Golf Course1925 SE 9th Ave., 467-1651

Brahman Theatre Matinees and evening movies

1500 S. Parrott Ave., 763-7202

Brighton Seminole IndianReservation and Casino

Bingo, Poker, SlotsHwy 78W to Hwy 721N or take

Hwy 70W to 721SReservation is located in Glades Countyapproximately 25 miles southwest of

Okeechobee.

Eagle Bay Airboat Rides and Tours900 Hwy 78W

(863) 824-0500 www.okeechobeeairboat.com.

Open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ft. Drum Crystal Mines6655 NE 304 St.

(863) 634-4579, www.gamineral.org

Golf at KOA Resort4276 Hwy 441S, 763-0231

okeechobeekoa.com

Okeechobee County Fishing Pier, Lock 7/ Jaycee Park

Junction of Hwy 441S and Hwy 78

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) 110-mile camping, hiking, biking trail on

Herbert Hoover Dike encirclingLake Okeechobee(863) 983-8101

www.sal.usace.army.mil/sfoo/rec/trails.htm

Kissimmee Prarie Preserve State Park25 miles north of downtown Okeechobee.

See website for directions or call (863) 462-5360,

www.floridastateparks.org kissimmeepra-rie/default.cfm.

Birding, stargazing, hiking, biking and horse trails.

Okeechobee Golf & Country Club405 NE 131 St.(863) 763-6228

Quail Creek PlantationHunting, Sporting Clays Events

and Lodging2399 NE 224th St.(863) 763-2529

quailcreekplantation.com.Open Wednesday thru Sunday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Veterans War MemorialFlagler Park, junction of highways

70 and 441 (863) 763-3959

Wagon Wheel Horse Farm “Old Florida” setting for trail and

hay rides, petting zoo, pony rides. 634-6397

www.wagonwheelhorsefarm.com.


Points of InterestMurals Depicting

History of Okeechobee

Seminole/Cracker History 200 SW 6th St.

Railroad comes to OkeechobeeS. Parrott Ave. and 1st St.

(west side) First Telephone ExchangeS. Parrott Ave. and 1st St.

(east side)Historic Williams’ Cattle Drive

N. Parrott Ave., 2nd St.

Okeechobee County HistoricalSociety Museum & SchoolhouseBuilt in 1907 and used until 1916.1850 Hwy 98N (863) 763-4344

Tours by appointment only

Historic Train Station801 N. Parrott Ave.(863) 763-3959

Okeechobee City HallBuilt in 1926

55 SE 3rd Ave. (863) 763-3372

Okeechobee County CourthouseBuilt in 1926, modified and alteredduring the years and returned to its

original state in 2010.The new courthouse just north of it

was completed in 2007.304 NW 2nd Ave.(863) 763-6441

Peter Raulerson HomeBuilt in 1923 by early merchant

Abraham Freedman and now usedas an office building.600 S. Parrott Ave.

Okeechobee Livestock MarketFlorida’s largest livestock market.1055 Hwy 98N (863) 763-3127

Jaycee Park/Lock 7 Park features a fishing pier, boat launch and opportunity to view the expansive-ness of Lake Okeechobee. A wonderful place to bring the children to feed the

pigeons which congregate there.Located at the southern terminus of Hwy

441, at the “top of the lake.”

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Emergency ManagementThe Office of Emergency Management is an Okeechobee County and Florida State Level 3 emer-gency operations center (EOC). Under the direction of David McCain, it is located at 707 NW 6th St., Okeechobee, FL, 34972. For more information, call (863) 763-3212, fax (863) 763-1569 or visit www.okeechobeeeoc.com.

Should a disaster strike Okeechobee County, the emergency operations center must be prepared for events caused by nature or humans. This could be an expected hurricane, an industrial accident that would require immediate evacuation of the whole county or a particular area within the county or any other emer-gency involving the safety of the county.

The EOC coordinates with all local police and fire de-partments as well as schools and communication ven-ues. Emergency information will be broadcast on lo-cal radio and television stations WOKC-AM (1570), WOKC-FM (100.7), WQCS-FM, Fort Pierce and WAFC-FM, Clewiston.

Emergency SheltersOsceola Middle School825 SW 28th St. (650)

South Elementary School2468 SW 7th Ave. (500)

Okeechobee High School2800 Hwy 441N (2,000)Yearling Middle School925 NW 23rd Lane (700)

North Elementary School3000 NW 10th Ave. (500)

Everglades Elementary School3725 SE 8th St. (700)

Seminole Elementary School2690 NW 42nd Ave. (700)

Freshman Center Auditorium610 SW 2nd Ave. (660)

New Endeavor High School575 SW 29th St. (500)

American Legion Post #64501 SE 2nd St. (200)First Baptist Church401 SW 4th St. (65)

Ft. Drum Community Church32415 Hwy 441N (80)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church701 SW 6th St. (500)

Okeechobee County Health Dept.1728 NW 9th Ave. (50)

(a medical needs shelter)


State and Federal OfficialsUnited States Senate

(R) Marco Rubio (D) Bill Nelson

U.S. House of RepresentativesTom Rooney (R-District 16)

Florida State Senate17th District (R). J. D. Alexander

28th District (R) Joe Negron

Governor Rick Scott

Lt. GovernorJennifer Carroll

State House of Representatives77th District (R) Denise Grimsley

78th District (D) Steven M. Perman79th District (R) Mike Horner

Mayor Jim KirkCouncilman Mike O’ConnorCouncilman Clayton WilliamsCouncilman Devin MaxwellCouncilman Dowling Watford

City Officials

County Officials

Chairman Ray DomerCommissioner Joey Hoover Commissioner Bryant CulpepperCommissioner Clif BettsCommissioner Margaret Garrard Helton County Attorney John Cassels, Jr.Sheriff Paul C. MayCounty Judge Jerald BryantClerk of Circuit Court Sharon Robertson

Okeechobee County (863) 763-6441Lyndon L. Bonner – County Administrator (through Feb. 28, 2011) Robbie L. Chartier – Deputy County Administrator (Interim March 1, 2011)Jim Threewits – Deputy County AdministratorPlanning & Development Bill RoyceProperty Appraiser William ShermanSupervisor of Elections Gwen ChandlerTax Collector Celeste Watford

City of Okeechobee (863) 763-3372City Administrator Brian WhitehallCity Attorney John R. CookChief of Police Denny DavisFire Chief Herb SmithCity Clerk Lane Gamiotea

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Phone NumbersAid and Emergency

All Emergencies 911Al-Anon, Alateen, N.A., Adult Children of Alcoholics & AA 763-1006American Red Cross 763-2488Coast Guard Marine & Air Emergency Fort Pierce (772) 464-6100Consumer Affairs Complaint (800) 435-7352Driver’s Licenses 462-5225Emergency Management 763-3212 www.okeechobeeeoc.comExtension Service 763-6469FBI (772) 461-6142Fire Emergency 911 City Fire, business 467-1586 County Fire, business 763-5544Fish & Wildlife Enforcement (561) 357-4202Fishing License 763-3421FL Marine Patrol (561) 624-6935Forest Fire Reporting 462-5160Game & Fish Commission 462-5190Highway Patrol (800) 701-3212Hospice of Okeechobee 467-2321Big Lake Hospice 763-0707

Hope Hospice (Buckhead Ridge) 467-3604Hospital Raulerson Hospital 763-2151Meals on Wheels 462-5183Mental Health Services New Horizons 462-0040Missing Children Information Clearinghouse (800) 342-0821Okeechobee Senior Services 462-5180Poison Information Center (800) 222-1222Pregnancy Center 467-8748Police Emergency 911 City Police, business 763-5521Sheriff Emergency 911 County Sheriff, business 763-3117 TDD 763-0077Project 1511 763-1511Toxic Chemical & Oil Spills (Voice/TDD) (800) 424-8802U.S.Post Office 1000 Hwy 70E 763-3616 3603 Hwy 441S (contract postal unit)U.S. Secret Service, West Palm Beach (561) 659-0184

Okeechobee County Area Code 863

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Phone NumbersCity, County and State Offices

Abuse, Elder & Child (800) 962-2873Animal Control 357-3225Better Business Bureau (772) 878-2010City Planning & Zoning 763-3372, ext. 218City Hall 763-3372City Street Dept. 763-3926County Clerk, Courthouse 763-2131County Commission Office 763-6441County Finance Office 763-6553County Judge’s Office 763-3193County Planning & Development 763-5548Dept. of Children & Families 462-5700Division of Forestry 462-5160Emergency Management 763-3212Health Department 462-5819Insurance: Dept. of Financial Services (800) 342-2762 myfloridacfo.comIndian River State College (IRSC) (Okeechobee) 824-6000IRSC (Main Campus) (866) 866-4722Mental Health Center 462-0040 After hours (888) 468-5600

Okeechobee Landfill 357-0111Okeechobee Sports Complex-Pool, 467-7667; Complex 763-6950Okeechobee Utility Authority 763-9460 or 763-3793OUA After-hours emergency 357-0490Parks & Recreation Dept. 763-6950Physician’s Referral Service (24 hour) 763-9228Property Appraiser 763-4422Public Defender 763-7977Public Library 763-3536Rehabilitation Facility 763-6226School Superintendent 462-5000Senior Services 462-5180Social Security 800-772-1213 TDD 800-325-0778State Attorney 763-5557Supervisor of Elections 763-4014Tax Collector 763-3084Veterans Service Office 763-8124Wage and Hour Board (772) 464-6600

Okeechobee County Area Code 863


Page 34


Okeechobee County Schools

Public SchoolsThe Okeechobee County School Board serves ap-proximately 6,530 students at 10 public schools with 435 full-time teachers (a total instructional staff of 500.5) and a total of 945 employees. Okeechobee County has a comprehensive high school education program that offers both academic and vocational courses, and dual enrollment with Indian River State College, which has an Okeechobee Campus at 2229

NW 9th Ave., 824-6000, http://okeechobee.k12.fl.us. The district also provides exceptional student education, alternative education, Title I basic educa-tion and adult education classes.

Board officials are Chair Kelly Owens, Vice Chair Da-vid Williams, Board members Joe Arnold, Gay Carl-ton and India Riedel.

Private SchoolsOkeechobee Christian Academy

Grades K4 through the eighth grade.701 South Parrott Ave., (863) 763-3072

www.okeechobeechristianacademy.net

Elementary (Pre-K through grade 5)

Central Elementary School610 SW 5th Ave., 462-5077

South Elementary2468 SW 7th Ave., 462-5087

Seminole Elementary2690 NW 42 Ave., 462-5116

North Elementary3000 NW 10th Ter., 462-5100

Everglades Elementary3725 SE 8th St., 462-5108

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)Yearling Middle

925 NW 23rd Ln., 462-5056

Osceola Middle825 SW 28th St., 462-5070

Grade 9Freshman Campus

610 SW 2nd Ave., 462-5288

High SchoolsOkeechobee High

2800 Hwy 441 N, 462-5025

New Endeavor High575 SW 28th St., 462-5125

RegistrationPublic instruction is offered from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Kindergarten is compulsory in Florida, and children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. To enroll a new student in a public school, you must provide the following:

• A previous school record, such as a report card, indicating grade-level assignment, unless the child has never attended school.• A physical examination form from the student’s previous Florida school or, if entering for the first time, a form completed and signed by a physician within the past 12 months.• Proof of residence within the school’s attendance zone, such as a lease, utility bill or voter’s registration.• Proof of immunization against rubella, rubeola (measles), mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough• A birth certificate.

For more information on new-student enrollment and school assignments, contact the Okeechobee County School Board, 700 SW 2nd Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34974, (863) 462-5000.


Page 36



Civic Clubs and OrganizationsThere are numerous clubs and organizations in Okeechobee that offer opportunities for locals and guests to become

involved in community activities. All phone numbers have the area code 863 unless otherwise noted.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 763-1006American Business Women’s Association, 763-3131American Cancer Society, 467-2376American Legion #64, 763-2950American Legion Auxiliary, 763-4953American Red Cross, 763-2488Big Lake Hospice, 763-0707Boys Scouts of America, 634-3342Business Women’s Referral Network, 610-2176Chamber of Commerce (Okeechobee), 467-6246Chamber of Commerce (Area), 447-1114East Coast Migrant Head Start, 467-0702Economic Council, Okeechobee County, 467-0200Elks Lodge, 261-8019 or 634-1605Fraternal Order of Eagles #4137, 763-2552Fraternal Order of Eagles #4509, 467-1154Friends of the Okeechobee Library, 763-3536Girl Scouts, 763-4631 or 763-5102Guardian ad Litem, 697-1717Habitat for Humanity, 763-1371Hope Hospice (Glades Co.), 467-3604Hospice of Okeechobee, 467-2321Kiwanis Club, 772-223-2414

Lions Club, 763-2111Loyal Order of the Moose #2417 (South), 763-2250Masonic Lodge #237, 357-0427 and 763-1610Ministerial Association, 447-2715Moose Lodge #1753 (North), 763-4954Okeechobee Battlefield Friends, 763-2121Okeechobee County Board of Realtors, 467-0004Okeechobee County Education Assn., 467-1564Okeechobee Golf Associations (Men’s & Ladies), 763-6228Okeechobee Historical Society Museum, 763-4344Okeechobee Main Street, 357-MAIN (6246)Okeechobee County Recreational Assoc., 763-6950Overeater’s Anonymous, 763-7165 or 763-5324Retired Teachers Assoc., 763-5755Rotary Club, 484-0110Shrine Club, 763-3378Toastmasters Club of Okeechobee, 532-8289Treasure Coast Builders Assn., Okeechobee Branch, 467-2007VFW Post #4423, 763-0818VFW Post #10539, 763-2308VFW Post #9528, 467-2882Waldau’s Junior Golf, 467-7300

Page 38


ChurchesAll phone numbers have the area code 863 unless otherwise noted.

African Methodist EpiscopalNew St. Stephens AME, 1050 NE 16th Ave., 763-5018

Assembly of GodAbundant Blessings Assembly of God, 4550 Hwy 441N, 763-3736Bethel Assembly of God, 1109 SE 7th St., 467-0060

BaptistBethel Baptist Church, 1258 NE 13th Ave., 763-6512Brighton First Baptist Church, Brighton Reservation, 763-6626Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church, 1043 Cypress St., 763-7532Cornerstone Baptist Church, 18387 Hwy 441N, 763-3338, First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, 401 SW 4th St., 763-2171First Baptist Church of Basinger, 19836 Hwy 98N, 763-0437First Missionary Baptist Church, 906 NW 9th Ave., 763-0716New Testament Baptist Church, 535 NE 28th Ave., 763-6682Northside Baptist Church, 51 NW 98th St, 763-3584Oakview Baptist Church, 677 SW 32nd St., 763-1699Okeechobee Missionary Baptist Church, 4212 Hwy 441N, 763-7743Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, 5051 NW 30th St., 357-1300Seminole Bible Baptist Church, 200 SW CR721, 824-6785Treasure Island Baptist Church, 4209 Hwy 441SE, 763-0550Trinity Freewill Baptist Church, 1840 NE 39th Blvd., 763-4962Victory Baptist Church, 500 SW 9th St., 763-0669

BrethrenGrace Brethren Church, 701 S Parrott Ave., 763-3218

BuddhistSasanakhun Buddhist Temple, 13301 Hwy 441SE, 763-2233

CatholicSacred Heart Catholic Church, 701 SW 6th St., 763-3727St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, 1027 Chobee Loop, BHR, 467-8930

ChristianBuckhead Ridge Christian Church, 21300 Linda Rd., 357-6500Westside Christian, 8082 Hwy 70W, 467-2278

Christian IndependentFaith Farm Ministries, 7595 NE 128th Ave., 763-4224Okeechobee Christian Church, 3055 SE 18th Terr., 467-7858

Church of ChristBig Lake Church of Christ, 1115 SW 3rd Ave., 467-6758Central Church of Christ 506 NE 6th Ave., 763-2513

Okeechobee Church of Christ, 1401 S Parrott Ave., 763-4477

Church of GodChurch of God, 301 NE 4th Ave., 763-4127North Okeechobee Church of God, 15949 NW 30th Ter., 467-1066

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 310 SW 6th St., 467-2425

Church of the NazareneChurch of the Nazarene, 425 SW 28th St., 763-3519

EpiscopalChurch of Our Savior, 200 NW 3rd St., 763-4843

Jehovah’s WitnessesKingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 8250 Hwy 70W, 763-9229

LutheranPeace Lutheran Church, 750 NW 23rd Ln., 763-5042

MethodistFirst United Methodist Church, 200 NW 2nd St., 763-4021

NondenominationalBelievers Fellowship, 300 SW 6th Ave., 763-6848Calvary Chapel, 1963 NW 38th Ave., 467-0863Dunklin Memorial Church, 3342 SW Hosanah Ln., 772-597-5060Ft. Drum Community Church, 32415 Hwy 441N, 467-1733Fountain of Life, 1302 SW 32nd St., 763-8945Freedom Ranch, 11655 Hwy 441SE, 763-9800The Gathering, 1735 SW 24th Ave., 357-4418Gideon’s – Okeechobee, PO Box 2205, 610-6863More 2 Life Ministries, 605 SW Park St., Suite 214, 467-0796 Resurrection Life Church, 1803 SW 3rd Ave., 763-7770

PentecostalHaven of Rest, 2945 SW 3rd Terr., 357-3053Living Word of Faith of Okeechobee, 1902 S Parrott Ave., 763-6869United Pentecostal Church, 405 SW 10th Ave., 763-53000

PresbyterianOkeechobee Presbyterian Church (USA), 312 N Parrott Ave.,824-0013, okeechobeepresby.com

Seventh Day AdventistSeventh Day Adventist Church, 412 NW 6th St., 763-0655


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RestaurantsAll phone numbers have the area code 863 unless otherwise noted.

Alice’s Restaurant17410 Reservation Road NE, 467-2226

Arby’s417 S Parrott Ave., 763-0581

Barracudas Sports Grill10017 Hwy 441N, 357-6883

Beef O’Brady’s608 S Parrott Ave., 763-7300

Big Mike’s Sports Grille12642 Hwy 441SE, 357-3777

Blimpie Subs & Salads3609 Hwy 441SE, 763-7629

Brahma Bull2405 Hwy 441SE, 467-0050

Brewski’s3495 Hwy 441SE, 763-1028

Burger King604 EN Park St., 763-5900Chen Chinese Restaurant605 N Park St., 467-2688

Clock Restaurant1111 S Parrott Ave., 467-2224

Cowboy’s Steak & BBQ102 SW 14th St., 467-0321 Crossroads Restaurant

5050 NE 128th Avenue, 763-8333Dairy Queen

1212 S. Parrott Ave., 763-6675Ding-A-Ling Deli

2197 Hwy 441SE, 357-DELI (3354)Domino’s Pizza

1700 S Parrott Ave., 763-5565Five Guys Burgers

301 N Parrott Ave., 357-8732Gladys’ Restaurant

511 WS Park St., 763-9985Golden Corral Restaurant

700 S Parrott Ave., 357-0444Hammerhead’s Billards, Bar & Grill

202 NE 7th Ave., 357-4745

Hungry Howie’s Pizza3248 Hwy 441S, 467-2222

Jersey Mike’s Subs611 WS Park St., 467-8100

Joey’s Pizza and Subs107 WS Park St., 763-8383

Kahootz Drafthouse702 WN Park St., 357-6101Kentucky Fried Chicken3387 Hwy 441S, 763-2239

King House Chinese Restaurant3399 Hwy 441S, 357-7777

Landing Strip Cafe 2800 NW 29th Trail, 467-6828

Las Fajitas Restaurant151 NW 36th St., 467-6655

Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant10430 Hwy 78W, 763-4276

LosCocos Mexican Restaurant107 NW 7th Ave., 467-0922

Lunker’s Sports Grill4825 Hwy 441S, 763-1900

Marci’s Landing2199 Hunter Rd, BHR Marina

763-0375Maria’s Cuban Café

3235 Hwy 441SE, 467-2600McDonald’s

401 N Park St., 763-5826McDonald’s

4151 Hwy 441S, 763-5856Mom’s Kitchen

909 S Parrott Ave., 763-7553Office Bar & Grill

6315 Hwy 441SE, 467-8232Okeechobee Country Club405 NE 131st Ln., 357-1880

Pat’s Country Kitchen32601 Hwy 441N, 763-8900

Pizza Heaven208 S Parrott Ave., 763-9299

Pizza Hut2777 S Parrott Ave., 763-0642

Pogey’s Restaurant 1759 S Parrott Ave., 763-7222Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits

822 NE Park St., 467-8891Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant

3415 Hwy 441S, 357-9641Roper’s Paradise Cafe

112 SE Park St., 763-9613Shenanigans

2232 NW 32nd Dr., 357-6100SkipJack’s Fishhouse

104 SE 6th St., 467-0711Speckled Perch Steakhouse

105 Hwy 98N, 763-9983Spring Garden Chinese Restaurant

3238 Hwy 441S, 763-2673Subway

422 NE Park St., 467-6966Subway in Wal-Mart

2101 S Parrott Ave., 467-7827Subway South

8605 Hwy. 441 SE, 467-8512Taco Bell

3498 Hwy 441S, 467- 4444Top of the Lake Restaurant3651 Hwy 441SE, 467- 0803

Uncle Larry’s Rim Ditch Cafe2117 Hwy. 441SE, 763-5794Village Square Restaurant301 WS Park St., 467-0067

Wendy’s 502 NE Park St., 763-8181

Zippy’s Zesty Wings117 SE 8th Ave., 763-1399


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Raulerson Hospital, a Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) facility located at 1796 Hwy 441N, has been serving Okeechobee for 32 years.

This100-bed acute-care facility provides a full range of medical and surgical services performed by caring, com-passionate physicians and staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Raulerson’s primary focus is on the patient care experi-ence with new emphases on processes and best practices to ensure more efficient and effective patient care. Us-ing “Core Measures”, a program which compares the quality of care that hospitals give, Raulerson maintains a 100 percent score. Core Measures establishes national standards of care in five categories and is based on sci-entific evidence, which health care experts and research-ers evaluate, to assure the measures and guidelines are current. They have also maintained top grades for the HCA East Florida Division in HCAHPS, which is the first national, standardized, publicly-reported bench-mark of hospital patients’ perspectives of their care. To implement this goal, in 2010 they made extensive hospi-tal renovations in services and patient/visitor comfort. Raulerson continues to recruit new physicians, services and technologies to provide a full spectrum of medical and surgical services and to implement their team ap-proach for better medical coverage. In 2010 Raulerson welcomed Family Medicine Drs.Yubelkis Tinoco and Jose Villarreal to Raulerson Primary Care and Orthope-dic Surgeon, Dr. Stephen Flood. For physician referral or health care questions they offer Consult-A-Nurse, a 24/7 toll free service through 1-800-449-8642.

Whether for a routine exam or a surgical procedure, Raulerson Hospital provides extensive services such as Inpatient/Outpatient care, General Surgery, Gastroen-terology, Laparoscopic Surgery, Gynecology, Vascular Surgery, Urology, Wound Care, Pediatrics, Orthopedic Surgery, a Sleep Disorders Lab, Respiratory Therapy, General Medicine, Podiatry and Physical/Occupation-al and Speech Therapy. Their state of the art Radiol-ogy Services offer Digital Mammography/with ICAD, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Osteoporosis Screening, X-Rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan, and Full Body MRI with CadStream. The radiology and imaging department is one of the only facilities in Florida to be accredited by the American college of Radiology in all five modali-

Raulerson Hospital

ties—MRI, ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine and mam-mography.

Raulerson Company Care is an occupational health and worker’s compensation health solution program tailored to meet the unique needs of business and industry, which helps employers ensure a healthy workforce by provid-ing occupational health services and support. Company Care offers employers one-stop shopping for injury pre-vention, emergency care, pre-employment testing, and worker’s compensation treatment in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast Market. Company Care works with employers, with regard to OSHA and Florida law, to keep them informed and current with relevant legal and employee-health issues. Company Care also performs Department of Transportation (DOT) certified physi-cals, alcohol, and drug-screen testing.

Raulerson offers frequent seminars which inform the public of new technologies and medical advances. They sponsor health-related endeavors such as regular blood drives for hospital employees and the community and participate in the annual Okeechobee Blood Roundup, the Health and Safety Fair, health screenings and spon-sorships of local charities. They lead Treasure Coast HCA Hospitals in the Florida’s Blood Centers challenge for most blood donated in the past 3 years. They have received many awards and recognitions acknowledging not only outstanding patient care and services, but also the outreach effort that supports the numerous civic, governmental and community groups in Okeechobee County and the surrounding areas.

Pursuing a goal to excel, patients and their families are recognized as valued members of a health care team who have important perspectives, feedback and solutions to share. This new program invites past patients or fam-ily members who have experienced care at Raulerson to join a Patient and Family Advisory Council. Those would partner with other patients and family members, health care providers and staff to raise issues, communi-cate patient and family concerns and help with problem solving, with the goal of improving their services. View Raulerson services and their health information library at www.Raulersonhospital.com. They welcome questions, suggestions or comments.

A Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) facility


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Advertiser’s Index5th St. Pharmacy .........................................8A Barber’s Barber Shop .............................43Attorney Philip DeBerard............................20Badcock & More.........................................13Big Mike’s Sports Grille...............................36Blue Heron Golf Course..............................44Brennan Eye Care.......................................19Buyer Brokerage Co...................................21Chappy’s Country Store.............................33Diamond R Fertilizer...................................33 Farm Bureau Insurance Co. .......................35Ferrellgas...................................................31Fitness Factory ..........................................43 Gateway Medical Group.................................2Gilbert Golf Cars ........................................11Hampton Inn .............................................21Hi Tek Auto................................................33Hospice of Okeechobee ............................ 44Indian River State College...........................47James E. Bradfield, MD ................................46John’s RV & Auto Mobile Service................45K & N Welding...............................................9KOA Resort.................................................37Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre.....................37Lawn Tamer Equipment..............................36Lehman Auto Body ....................................21

Mobile Home Depot.....................................45Murray Insurance Services..........................11Okeechobee Discount Drugs......................4Okeechobee Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep...........39Okeechobee Lake RV Park..........................9Open MRI of Okeechobee...........................41Perfect Kuts ...............................................19Quik N’ Easy Self Storage............................35Raulerson Hospital.........................Back CoverRita’s Furniture...........................................41River Bluff RV & Fishing Resort...................44Rustic Styles and Cabins.............................35 Silver Palms RV Village..................................3Skull Hill Steel...........................................44Solid Waste Authority...........................24,25St. Lucie Battery & Tire..............................13Sue’s Place ................................................11Superior Water Works................................43The Shoe Box...............................................9The UPS Store.............................................36Tree Locators.............................................30 United Country MidFlorida Realty...............12Waste Management ...................................45Water’s Edge Motor Coach Resort..............17Zachary Taylor Resort.................................39

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Documents

Okeechobee Florida Welcome Guide 2011