Okeechobee, FL
Recent Okeechobee County Commission topics include budget & taxes, planning & zoning, contracts & procurement, roads & infrastructure, development projects, resolutions & ordinances.
Topics found in recent meetings
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We have no upcoming meetings on file for Okeechobee. The most recent record we hold is from Mon Aug 24, 2026. Newer meetings may not have been published to the official portal yet, or may not have been collected by us yet — this is a statement about our record, not about whether the county commission has met.
OkeechobeeFL averageUS Census ACS
Typical home value $291,849 +0.3% yr/yr · +41.1% 5-yr
Home-value trend 2000–2026 (Zillow ZHVI)
Recent meetings
Fri Aug 21, 2026
Lake County Coalition
Lake County Coalition meets to discuss Lake Okeechobee projects and contract renewal
The Lake County Coalition, an advisory group of multiple counties, is meeting to review county commission activities, hear agency project updates, and consider the DeLisi contract renewal. The agenda includes public comment periods and routine items like minutes and treasurer's report.
- DeLisi Contract Renewal
- Updates from US Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- County commission activity reports from 12 counties including Okeechobee, Lee, and Palm Beach
- Public comments on agenda items (3-minute limit)
lake-okeechobeewater-managementenvironmental-protectioncounty-coalitioncontract-renewal
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Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Friday, September 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM
Judge William L. Hendry Courtroom
304 NW 2nd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972
1. Introductions (Organizations/Individuals)
2. Review/Adoption of Agenda
3. Adoption of Minutes from June 5, 2026
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Update on County Commission Activities and Actions:
a. Highlands County
Commissioner Tuck
b. Lee County
Commissioner Ruane
c. Glades County
Commissioner Stanley
d. Okeechobee County
Commissioner Hazellief (Secretary)
e. Charlotte County
Commissioner Doherty (Chair)
f. Martin County
Commissioner Heard (Treasurer)
g. Palm Beach County
Mayor Sara Baxter
h. Osceola County
Commissioner Booth
i.
St Lucie County
Commissioner Townsend
j.
Hendry County
Commissioner Iglesias
k. Broward County
Mayor Furr
l.
Collier County
Commissioner McDaniel
6. Comments from the Public on Agenda items (please observe a 3-minute limit)
7. Agency Project Updates
a. United States Army Corps of Engineers
b. South Florida Water Management District
c. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
d. Florida Department of Environmental Protection
8. DeLisi Contract Renewal
9. Comments from the public on Coalition related items (please observe a 3-minute limit) *
10. Board and Staff comments
Annual BBQ to follow today’s meeting. Next Meeting: December 4, 2026
County Coalition for Responsible Management of
Lake Okeechobee • St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries
• Lake …
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Thu Aug 20, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
County sets EMS, fire, solid waste, street light fees for 2026-27
The Okeechobee County Commission will hold four public hearings to set annual non-ad valorem assessment rates for EMS, fire rescue, solid waste, and street lighting for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2026. The board will also consider two land development ordinance amendments, a temporary use permit for a D.R. Horton model home, and a pre-application for a 198-lot subdivision. Other actions include approving warrants, a budget amendment, and several grant agreements.
- Public hearings on annual rate resolutions for EMS, fire rescue, solid waste, and street lighting assessments (FY 2026-27)
- Ordinance 2026-0003: amend floodplain management and flood resistant development elevation requirements
- Ordinance 2026-0004: establish criteria for major and minor special exception uses
- Temporary Use Permit T-2606-0043 to D.R. Horton for a model home at 3226 State Road 70 W
- Budget Amendment 26-34 in the amount of $6,189,065
budgetpublic-hearingzoningfloodplainemergency-servicessolid-wastegrantssubdivision
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1. Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Awards and Proclamations
a. PROCLAMATION - HUNGER ACTION AWARENESS MONTH (SEPTEMBER 2026) - MR. KEVIN KLINE ON BEHALF OF TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK
Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Mr. Kevin Kline on behalf of Treasure Coast Food Bank designating the month of September 2026 as Hunger Action Awareness Month in Okeechobee County.
b. PROCLAMATION - 2026 OKEECHOBEE CITIZENS RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION (OCRA) 6U SWEETEES SOFTBALL TEAM
Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to the 2026 Okeechobee Citizens Recreational Association (OCRA) 6U Sweetees Softball Team in recognition of their successful winning season which elevated the team to represent Florida in the Dixie Softball World Series in North Carolina.
c. PROCLAMATION - 2026 OKEECHOBEE CITIZENS RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION (OCRA) 8U DARLINGS SOFTBALL TEAM
Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to the 2026 Okeechobee Citizens Recreational Association (OCRA) 8U Darlings Softball Team for their successful winning season which elevated the team to represent Florida in the Dixie Softball Tournament on Belleview, Florida.
d. PROCLAMATION - 2026 OKEECHOBEE CITIZENS RECREATION ASSOCIATION (OCRA) 10U ANGELS SOFTBALL TEAM
Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to the …
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Wed Aug 19, 2026
Tourist Development Council
TDC to consider $75K Bassmaster Elite Series host proposal
The Okeechobee Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board will review and potentially approve the FY 2026/2027 budget, consider a proposal to host the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series with up to $75,000 in funding, and decide on multiple host funding applications for local events. The board will also receive reports on advertising, promotions, and tourism staff updates.
- Bassmaster Elite Series host proposal with up to $75,000 in TDC funding at C. Scott Driver Recreation Area
- FY 2026/2027 budget proposal for approval by Board of County Commissioners
- Host funding applications: Florida Airboat Association ($5,000), Lake Okeechobee Airboaters ($5,000), TNT Airboat Conservation ($3,000), Okeechobee Main Street ($10,000), Battle of Okeechobee ($1,800), Our Village Hurricane Symposium ($7,500), Yee Haw Music Festival ($8,000), Cracker Boys Bass Club ($3,000), American Anglers Fishing League ($15,000), Lake & Trail USA ($40,000)
- Treasurer's Report on Tourist Development Tax
- FY25/26 Third Quarter Advertising Report and Promotional Events Update
tourismbudgetfishing-tournamenthost-fundingadvertisingpromotions
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Roll Call
I. Commencement
II. Public Comment
III. Revisions
IV. Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES - APRIL 2026 REGULAR SESSION
Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board consider minutes from the April 8, 2026 regular session meeting.
V. Regular Agenda
a. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX - TREASURER'S REPORT
Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board consider the Treasurer's Report to date on the Tourist Development Tax.
b. BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board review and approve the budget that will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners for 2026/2027.
c. BASSMASTER HOST PROPOSAL - 2027 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES (TOURNAMENT)
Jacalyn Schooley
That the TDC Board review the proposal submitted to B.A.S.S., LLC to host the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series fishing tournament at C. Scott Driver Recreation Area, dates to be determined, and to provide up to $75,000 in financial support (Tourist Development Council funding).
VI. Budget: Advertising - FY 25/26
a. FY25/26 THIRD QUARTER ADVERTISING REPORT
Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board receive a report of advertising opportunities that TDC has participated in the Third Quarter (April-June) of fiscal year 2025/2026.
VII. Budget: Promotions - FY 25/26 …
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Mon Aug 17, 2026
Public Safety Coordinating Council
Okeechobee council to review jail projects, mental health court
The Public Safety Coordinating Council is meeting to discuss the status of jail assessment and building projects, receive an update on the Mental Health Court, and review its 2026 objectives regarding housing, work, and transportation for released clients. Agency reports will be given by several organizations. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions listed.
- Jail Assessment Plan and Building Update
- Okeechobee Mental Health Court update
- 2026 objectives: housing, work, transportation for released clients
- Reports from CORE Program, CareerSource Heartland, New Horizons, Public Defender's Office, State Attorney's Office, Southeast Florida Behavioral Network, Our Village Okeechobee, RiteLife Services, Pre-Trial Services
public-safetyjailmental-healthhousingtransportationagency-reports
✓ Decided: Public Safety Coordinating Council meeting held; no substantive decisions recorded
The Okeechobee County Public Safety Coordinating Council met on June 10, 2026, at the Historic Courthouse. The minutes are procedural only, with no substantive decisions, approvals, or discussions recorded.
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Public Safety Coordinating Council
Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM
1. Attendees
Terry Burroughs – Chairman / County Commissioner-Present
Armanda Joiner – Deputy Clerk / Minutes-Present
Amanda Busbin – Chief Network Officer / Southeast Florida Behavioral Health
Network-Present
Andrew Eulenfeld – Sergeant /Supervisor, Purchasing & Safety Sanitation /
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office-virtual
Shannon Peterson – Jail Commander/ Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office-
Virtual
Michael Hazellief – Chief Deputy / Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office-Virtual
Robert Gleman – Captain / Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office-Present
Veronica Wade – Assistant Program Director / New Horizons of the Treasure
Coast and Okeechobee-Present
Diane Tirado – Employment Specialist / 19th Judicial Circuit Court-Virtual
Patrick Lawson – Court Case Manager / Okeechobee County Mental Health
Court-Present
Dr. Tony Bullington – Therapist / Okeechobee County Mental Health Court-
Present
Barbara Moody – CEO / RiteLife Services-Present
Ashley Narrison – RCO Supervisor / RiteLife Services-Present
Suzanne Caudell – Executive Director / CORE Program Inc.-Virtual
Dr. Anita Cocoves – Mobile Response Team Lead / New Horizons-Present
Stanley Glenn – Chief Attorney / Public Defenders Office-Present
Chad Adcock – Community Outreach Representative / 211-Virtual
Melanie Rathbun – Early Childhood Court / 19th Judicial Circuit Court-Present
Renee Deschenes – Resource Specialist / 19th Judicial Circuit Cou …
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📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Action Notes of the Public Safety Coordinating Council
Okeechobee County, Florida
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The Board met this date in a in the Okeechobee County Historic Courthouse in the “Judge William L. Hendry Courtroom”, Room 270, at 304 NW 2nd Street in Okeechobee, Florida at
10:00
AM.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FL
By: ______________________
David Hazellief - Chairman
ATTEST:
Jerald D. Bryant
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
By: ______________________________ (SEAL)
Thomas Hudek, Deputy Clerk
Approved: ________________________
Thu Aug 13, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Board approves $3.4M in warrants and two street abandonment petitions
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will approve a $3.4 million warrant list and ratify several grant applications and contract renewals. The meeting includes public hearings to abandon street rights-of-way in the Oak Park and Okeechobee Little Farms subdivisions. Additionally, the board will review the FY25 audited financial statements and approve updates to the county's organizational structure and grants administration manual.
- Approval of Warrants list 2026-14 in the amount of $3,405,618.39
- Public hearing to abandon a street right-of-way in Oak Park subdivision (Petition B-2026-0037)
- Public hearing to abandon a street right-of-way in Okeechobee Little Farms subdivision (Petition B-2026-0038)
- Ratification of grant applications for cybersecurity modernization totaling $111,486
- Renewal of Disaster Recovery Consultant Services Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc.
budgetzoningpublic-worksgrantsadministration
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1. Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Awards and Proclamations
3. Public Comments
4. Revisions to Agenda
5. Consent Agenda
a. WARRANTS 2026-14
Kristen Gonzalez
That the Board of County Commissioners approve Warrants list 2026-14 in the amount of $3,405,618.39.
b. MINUTES JULY 6, 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from July 6, 2026 Budget Workshop.
c. MINUTES JULY 7, 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from July 7, 2026 Budget Workshop.
d. MINUTES JULY 8, 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from July 8, 2026 Budget Workshop.
e. MINUTES JULY 10, 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from July 10, 2026 Budget Workshop.
f. MINUTES JULY 23, 2026 REGULAR SESSION
Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from July 23, 2026 Regular Session.
g. RATIFICATION - GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTAL - STATE AND LOCAL CYBERSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM (SLCGP) TO FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - SECURE CLOUD DATA, EMAIL, AND RESILIENT BACKUP MODERNIZATION
Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the ratification of the submission of a State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Progr …
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Thu Jul 23, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
County board meets July 23; agenda software transition notice posted
This is the agenda page for the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners regular session on July 23, 2026, but the page contains no actual agenda items—only procedural notices. It announces that starting August 13, 2026, all upcoming meetings will move to a new agenda software platform, and notes that livestreaming may be choppy due to technical difficulties. No decisions or discussions are listed.
- Notice: New agenda software platform effective August 13, 2026
- Livestream technical difficulties may cause sporadic video
- Contact Thomas Hudek at thudek@myokeeclerk.com for agenda access issues
meeting-noticetechnologypublic-accessprocedural
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Welcome
Meetings
Browse
Media
Notices
Boards+
Log in | Help | Register
Print This Page
Quick Link #1
Quick Link #2
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NOTICE: Our streaming platform is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Livestreaming may be sporadic or choppy at times.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effective August 13, 2026, all UPCOMING MEETINGS for Okeechobee County will transition to a new Agenda Software Platform to enhance public access to Board meeting agendas and agenda packets. While we do not anticipate any issues during this transition, there may be temporary interruptions as the new system is implemented. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process. If you experience any issues accessing agendas or agenda packets, please contact Thomas Hudek at thudek@myokeeclerk.com for assistance.
Meeting Rules of Decorum and Civility
To view agendas and agenda packets from August 13, 2026 and forward, please click the below red link on the County website titled:
UPCOMING MEETINGS AS OF AUGUST 13, 2026 & FORWARD – CLICK HERE (AGENDA PACKETS & LIVE/RECENT VIDEO)
To access specific meetings click on the meeting of y …
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Wed Jul 22, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
No agenda items provided for July 22, 2026
The provided text is a meeting calendar and website landing page. It does not contain a specific agenda or list of items for a July 22, 2026 meeting.
procedural
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Welcome
Meetings
Browse
Media
Notices
Boards+
Log in | Help | Register
Meeting Group
All Meeting Groups
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Agri-Civic Center Advisory Committee
Board of County Commissioners
Code Enforcement Magistrate Hearing
Florida Legislative Delegation
Lake County Coalition
Misc. Meeting
Planning Board
Public Safety Coordinating Council
Tourist Development Council
Value Adjustment Board
Print This Page
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NOTICE: Our streaming platform is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Livestreaming may be sporadic or choppy at times.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE: Okeechobee County BOCC is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. Okeechobee County is actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of the website, and in doing so, adheres to many available standards and guidelines. If you use assistive technology devices, and the format on any material on our website interferes with your ability to access the information, or to request a reasonable accommodation, or if you …
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Fri Jul 17, 2026
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Session
Board considers forgiving $546,138 in Landfill Fund loans
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss forgiving loans from the Landfill Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund and Fire/Rescue Fund. The meeting includes a public hearing on a zoning change and a presentation on a proposed High Speed Rail System.
- Proposed forgiveness of $424,780 for Wolff Road and NE 168th Street construction
- Proposed forgiveness of $121,358 for a fire truck and ambulance
- Public hearing on Petition 95-428-R to change zoning from Residential Mixed to Commercial-Recreational Vehicle
- Review of Ordinance 91-9 regarding transient merchants, street vendors, and peddlers
- Approval of warrants totaling $89,809.33
budgetzoningtransportationpublic-safetyairport
✓ Decided: County forgives $546,138 in landfill loans to road and fire funds
The Board unanimously voted to forgive the remaining balances of loans from the Landfill Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund ($424,780) and the Fire/Rescue Fund ($121,358), totaling $546,138. The board also approved a resolution supporting a high-speed rail station and maintenance facility in St. Lucie County, and tabled a rezoning request for an RV park expansion pending a state review. A proposed interlocal agreement with the City of Okeechobee for planning and building services was defeated by a 3-2 vote.
- Forgave $424,780 in Landfill Fund loans to Transportation Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Forgave $121,358 in Landfill Fund loans to Fire/Rescue Fund (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 95-41 supporting high-speed rail in St. Lucie County (unanimous)
- Tabled rezoning petition 95-428-R for RV park expansion until Dec. 14, 1995 (unanimous)
- Defeated interlocal agreement with City of Okeechobee for planning/building services (3-2)
- Extended deadline for discontinuing planning services to City to Jan. 1, 1996 (unanimous)
- Approved $10,000 for three culverts in Dark Hammock drainage project (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including FDOT airport agreement and health services contract (unanimous)
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
304 NW 2ND STREET
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
941-763-6441
941-763-9529 Fax
AGENDA
OCTOBER 26, 1995
CLIF BETTS, JR. - CHAIRMAN
SUSAN B. HUGHES - 1ST VICE CHAIRMAN GENE WOODS
JOHN W. ABNEY, SR. - 2ND VICE CHAIRMAN CLOIS J. HARVEY
==================================================================
George A. Long John D. Cassels, Jr.
County Administrator County Attorney
==================================================================
Call to Order 9:00 AM
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Revisions
BUSINESS: CLERK
1. Approval of Minutes: Recommend that the BOCC approve minutes from
October 12, 1995.
BUSINESS: COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
2. 9:00 AM Public Hearing - Petition 95-428-R: Recommend that the
BOCC not grant the requested change in zoning from Residential Mixed
(RM) to Commercial-Recreational Vehicle (C-RV).
3. 9:15 AM Proclamation - Epilepsy Awareness Month: Recommend
that the BOCC approve and authorize issuance of a Proclamation
designating November 1995 as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Okeechobee
County (Mr. Dale Barrett will be in attendance to receive the
Proclamation).
4. 9:15 AM Douglas M. Anderson - Assistant County Administrator
-St. Lucie County: Recommend that the BOCC receive presentation from
Mr. Anderson regarding the proposed High Speed Rail System.
5. 9:45 AM O.L. Raulerson - Annual Financial Report: Recommend
that the BOCC receive the Sheriff's End of Y …
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📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1
MINUTES OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 26, 1995
The Board of County Commissioners of Okeechobee County, Florida met in regular
session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 1995 in the County Commission Chambers,
Courthouse, Okeechobee, Florida.
Chair Betts presided with the following members present: Commissioners Hughes,
Woods, Abney and Harvey. Also present were: County Administrator George Long, County
Attorney John Cassels and Deputy Clerk Debra Lewis.
Chair Betts called the meeting to order. Father Shaw gave the invocation. Following
the invocation, Planning Director William Royce led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA REVISIONS
Chair Betts asked for any additions or deletions to the agenda for this meeting.
County Administrator Long advised that there were several additional items to be
incorporated into today's agenda. He added that there were four or five of these items that
would require discussion.
1.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 12, 1995
It was requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve the minutes from the
regular session of October 12, 1995.
MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ABNEY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM
THE REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 12, 1995, AS SUBMITTED. SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER HARVEY. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2.
PUBLIC HEARING - PETITION 95-428-R, HOWARD & DOROTHY LAMB
Mr. William Royce, Planning Director for Okeechobee County, was recognized t …
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Fri Jul 10, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Board to hold wrap-up discussion on proposed FY 2026/2027 budget
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a final budget workshop discussion for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. This session follows workshops held on July 6, 7, and 8, 2026, to address remaining questions and outstanding matters regarding departmental and agency funding requests.
- Budget wrap-up discussion for proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget
budgetfiscal-year-2027county-administration
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Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
BOCC Budget Workshop 863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Friday, July 10, 2026 9:00 AM Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners Page 1 Updated 7/8/2026 4:45 PM
Call to Order
David Hazellief Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs 1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread 2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo Commissioner
Michael Sumner Commissioner
Jessica Bezares County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia County Attorney
I. Commencement
II. Agenda
1. Administration
a. BOCC BUDGET WORKSHOP WRAP-UP DISCUSSION FOR FY27— Jessica
Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners conduct a budget wrap-up discussion
regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.
III. Adjournment
Any person deciding to appeal any decision by the Board of County Commissioners with
respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing will need to ensure that verbatim
record of the proceedings is made and that the record includes the testimony and evidence
upon which the appeal will be based.
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
contacting the County ADA Coordinator at the County Administrator’s Office by
telephone at: (863) 763 -6441, ext. 1; or by email at:
trowland@okeechobeecountyfl.gov To enable us to respond in a manner most
helpful to you, please provide the preferred format in which to receive …
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Thu Jul 9, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Board approves warrants, vehicle purchases, and zoning changes
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will approve warrants totaling over $6.6 million, authorize the purchase of seven sheriff's vehicles, and conduct a public hearing on a zoning change for a property on NE 110th Street.
- Approve warrants list 2026-12 in the amount of $6,615,495.26
- Authorize purchase of seven sheriff's vehicles for $156,050
- Public hearing on zoning change from RM to NC-2 at 253 NE 110th Street
- Approve donation of $3,750 for hog wash extension at Agri-Civic Center
- Approve Master Engineering Service Agreements with five firms
budgetsheriffzoningvehiclescontractspublic-safety
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session 863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, July 9, 2026 9:00 AM Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners Page 1 Updated 7/1/2026 4:38 PM
I. Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs 1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread 2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo Commissioner
Michael Sumner Commissioner
Jessica Bezares County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia County Attorney
II. Awards and Proclamations
III. Public Comments
IV. Revisions to Agenda
V. Agenda
1. Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES JUNE 18, 2026 REGULAR SESSION— Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from June 18, 2026
Regular Session.
b. WARRANTS 2026-12— Kristen Lightsey
That the Board of County Commissioners approve Warrants list 2026-12 in the
amount of $6,615,495.26.
c. TRANSFER OF FEDERALLY AWARDED INCENTIVE FUNDS FOR THE CHILD
SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FROM THE BOCC TO CLERK OF
CIRCUIT COURT - FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2023— Jessica Burnette
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the transfer of federally awarded
child support enforcement program incentive funds for Fiscal Year 2023 in the
amount of $520.00 from the Board of County Commissioners' General Operating
Account to the Clerk of Circuit Court's General Operating Account.
d. APPROVE …
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Wed Jul 8, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
FY27 budget workshop covers fire/EMS rate hikes, capital purchases
This is a budget workshop for the FY27 fiscal year. The Board of County Commissioners will receive presentations on proposed budgets for fire rescue, EMS, housing, community development, solid waste, impact fees, and other funds. No votes are scheduled; the session is for review and discussion.
- Fire Rescue proposed budget $7.9M with residential rate $151.49 and vacant rate $165.29
- EMS proposed budget $7.8M with residential rate $191.33 and six new positions
- Fire capital requests: Brush Truck $250K, Fire Engine $700K via Landfill Trust Loan
- SHIP housing fund proposed budget $587,577, down 21% from prior year
- Impact fee fund workshops for corrections, law enforcement, fire/EMS, transportation, public facilities, parks, library, and public schools
budgetfire-rescueemshousingimpact-feespublic-safetycounty-commission
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
BOCC Budget Workshop
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 7/1/2026 4:03 PM
Call to Order
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
I.
Commencement
II.
Public Comments
III.
Fire Rescue Fund (118)
1. FY27 FIRE RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUDGET WORKSHOP
PRESENTATION— Justin Hazellief
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the Fire Rescue and Emergency
Medical Services proposed budgets for FY27 presented by the Public Safety
Director/Fire Chief, Justin Hazellief.
IV.
State Housing Initiative Partnership {SHIP} Fund (119)
1. FY27 STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) BUDGET
PRESENTATION— Denise Whitehead
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the FY27 State Housing Initiative
Partnership (SHIP) budget presentation by Assistant County Administrator - Community
Services, Denise Whitehead.
V.
Community Development Block Grant {CDBG} Fund (120)
1. FY27 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) BUDGET WORKSHOP
PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That the Board of County Comm …
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Tue Jul 7, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Okeechobee County holds FY27 budget workshop
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing proposed FY27 budget requests for various county funds and constitutional officers. The meeting consists of presentations for public safety, infrastructure, and administrative departments.
- Proposed FY27 State Attorney budget of $106,865
- Proposed FY27 Victim Advocate budget of $30,417
- Proposed FY27 Public Defender budget of $25,054
- FY27 budget presentations for the Sheriff, Tax Collector, and Property Appraiser
- FY27 budget presentations for Planning & Zoning, Building Department, and Code Enforcement
budgetpublic-safetyzoninggovernment-administration
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Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
BOCC Budget Workshop 863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 9:00 AM Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners Page 1 Updated 7/1/2026 3:32 PM
Call to Order
David Hazellief Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs 1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread 2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo Commissioner
Michael Sumner Commissioner
Jessica Bezares County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia County Attorney
I. Commencement
All Constitutional items will be presented at 1:00 pm (XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII)
II. Public Comments
III. Public Safety Fund (103)
1. State Attorney (103-06) and Victim's Advocate (103-48)
a. FY27 STATE ATTORNEY AND VICTIM'S ADVOCATE BUDGET REQUEST— Lisa
Ridley
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the FY27 State Attorney/Victim's
Advocate budget request as presented by Administrative Services Director, Lisa
Ridley.
2. Public Defender (103-07)
1. FY27 PUBLIC DEFENDER BUDGET PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the FY27 Public Defender's budget
presentation, as presented by Lisa Ridley, Administrative Services Director on behalf
of Diamond Litty, Public Defender, 19th Circuit.
3. Guardian Ad Litem (103-49)
1. FY27 GUARDIAN AD LITEM BUDGET PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That the Board of County Commissioners receive a presentation of the Guardian …
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Mon Jul 6, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Okeechobee BOCC holds FY27 budget workshop on $178M plan
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a budget workshop to receive the FY27 Administrator's Budget Overview and presentations from various departments. The proposed budget totals $178 million, with a millage rate of 7.8000 mills and increased non-ad valorem assessments for solid waste, fire rescue, and EMS. No decisions are being made; this is a review and discussion session.
- Proposed millage rate of 7.8000 mills, generating an estimated $39.2 million in ad valorem revenue (95% net $37.2 million)
- Total proposed FY27 budget of $178 million across all funds
- Non-ad valorem assessment increases: solid waste curbside to $414.36, fire rescue to $151.49, EMS to $191.33
- Legislative impacts include HB 1329 (budget transparency) and potential SB 4-F / Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (property tax reforms)
- New services: CivicPlus website/modules and ClearGov personnel module and digital budget book
budgetproperty-taxmillage-rateassessmentslegislative-impactcounty-administrationfiscal-year-2027
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
BOCC Budget Workshop
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Monday, July 6, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 7/1/2026 2:57 PM
Call to Order
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
I.
Commencement
II.
Administrator Budget Overview
1. FY27 ADMINISTRATOR'S BUDGET OVERVIEW— Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the FY27 Administrator Budget
Overview presentation by Jessica Bezares, County Administrator.
III.
General Fund 001 Presentations
1. Board of County Commissioners (001-01)
a. FY27 BOCC BUDGET WORKSHOP PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the BOCC proposed budget for
FY27 presented by Administrative Services Director, Lisa Ridley.
2. County Attorney (001-03)
1. FY27 COUNTY ATTORNEY BUDGET WORKSHOP PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That the Board of County Commissioners receive the County Attorney proposed
budget for FY27 presented by Administrative Services Director, Lisa Ridley.
3. County Health Department (001-09)
1. FY27 COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION— Lisa Ridley
That …
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Thu Jun 18, 2026
Board of County Commissioners
Public hearing on rezoning 6250 State Road 710 E from Agriculture to Heavy Commercial
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 6250 State Road 710 E from Agriculture (A) to Heavy Commercial (C-2). Consent agenda items include approving $2.6 million in warrants, elder care agreements totaling $398,830, a $500,000 grant for a special needs shelter, and a $1.1 million federal sidewalk plan grant. Other major votes include a $1.37 million HVAC replacement at the HRS Building and awarding a $597,299 airboat launch bid at Lakeside Recreation Area. Commissioners will also adopt a revised building permitting fee schedule effective July 1, 2026.
- Public hearing on zoning change from Agriculture to Heavy Commercial at 6250 State Road 710 E
- Approve $1,370,160 HVAC system replacement at HRS Building (Trane US, Inc.)
- Award bid for Cliff Betts Jr. Lakeside Recreation Area Airboat Launch ($597,299.30)
- Approve $500,000 grant for Special Needs Shelter Planning and Design (no local match)
- Adopt revised building permitting and inspections fee schedule (effective July 1, 2026)
zoningpublic-hearingbuilding-permitsgrantsairboat-launchbudgetelderly-serviceshvac
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, June 18, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 6/17/2026 4:17 PM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
III.
Public Comments
IV.
Revisions to Agenda
V.
Agenda
1. Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES May 28, 2026 REGULAR SESSION— Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from May 28, 2026
Regular Session.
b. WARRANTS 2026-11— Kristen Lightsey
That the Board of County Commissioners approve Warrants list 2026-11 in the
amount of $2,592,594.39.
c. 2026-2027 HOME CARE FOR THE ELDERLY (HCE) - STANDARD AGREEMENT
(IH026-9400) - JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 - $59,290— Debra Austin
That the Board of County Commissioners approve and authorize the Chairman to
execute the Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) Standard Agreement (IH026-9400)
with the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in the amount of $59,290 for the contract term
July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
d. 2026-2027 COMMUNITY CARE FOR TH …
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Fri Jun 5, 2026
Lake County Coalition Meeting
Coalition to hear updates on Lake Okeechobee management and county activities
This meeting of the County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee and its estuaries will include updates from county commissioners, agency project updates from the US Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District, and public comment periods. No votes on specific ordinances or contracts are listed; the agenda is primarily informational and procedural.
- Update on County Commission Activities from 12 counties including Highlands, Lee, Glades, Okeechobee, Charlotte, Martin, Palm Beach, Osceola, St. Lucie, Hendry, Broward, and Collier
- Agency Project Updates from US Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District (Jennifer Reynolds), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Dr. Thomas Reinert), and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Ed Smith)
- Public comments on agenda items and coalition-related topics (3-minute limit)
- Adoption of minutes from February 6, 2026, and Treasurer’s Report
- Next meeting scheduled for September 4, 2026
lake-okeechobeewater-managementcounty-coalitionestuaryenvironmentpublic-meeting
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Friday, June 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM
Judge William L. Hendry Courtroom
304 NW 2nd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972
1. Introductions (Organizations/Individuals)
2. Review/Adoption of Agenda
3. Adoption of Minutes from February 6, 2026
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Update on County Commission Activities and Actions:
a. Highlands County Commissioner Tuck
b. Lee County Commissioner Ruane
c. Glades County Commissioner Stanley
d. Okeechobee County Commissioner Hazellief (Secretary)
e. Charlotte County Commissioner Doherty (Chair)
f. Martin County Commissioner Heard (Treasurer)
g. Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter
h. Osceola County Commissioner Booth
i. St Lucie County Commissioner Townsend
j. Hendry County Commissioner Iglesias
k. Broward County Mayor Furr
l. Collier County Commissioner McDaniel
6. Comments from the Public on Agenda items (please observe a 3-minute limit)
7. Agency Project Updates
a. United States Army Corps of Engineers, Project Updates
b. South Florida Water Management District. Jennifer Reynolds, Director for
Ecosystem Restoration
c. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dr. Thomas Reinert
d. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Ed Smith
8. Comments from the public on Coalition related items (please observe a 3-minute limit) *
9. Board and Staff comments
Next Meeting: September 4, 2026
County Coalition for Responsible Management of
Lake Okeechobee • St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries
• Lake Worth …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu May 28, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
Board to approve $4.4M opioid settlement allocation and $21K sheriff crime prevention items
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will vote on several financial and operational items at this meeting, including opioid litigation settlement allocations, sheriff office requisitions for crime prevention items and used vehicles, and a fee waiver for a fishing event. The board will also recognize Global Maintenance Day with a proclamation.
- Approve $4,035,763.65 opioid litigation settlement allocation over 18 years for regional fund use
- Approve $21,192 sheriff office requisition for crime prevention items including K9 trading cards and brochures
- Approve $156,050 sheriff office requisition for 7 used vehicles from Law Enforcement Trust Fund
- Approve $400 fee waiver for Big O Teen Anglers Kids Day of Fishing at Agri-Civic Center
- Issue proclamation designating June 9, 2026 as Global Maintenance Day for county maintenance staff
budgetpublic-safetyopioid-settlementlaw-enforcementmaintenanceproclamation
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, May 28, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 5/22/2026 9:44 AM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
1. PROCLAMATION - GLOBAL MAINTENANCE DAY - JUNE 9, 2026 ISSUED TO
COUNTY MAINTENANCE STAFF— Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Okeechobee County
Maintenance staff designating Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as Global Maintenance Day in
Okeechobee County.
III.
Public Comments
IV.
Revisions to Agenda
V.
Agenda
1. Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES May 14, 2026 REGULAR SESSION— Armanda Joiner
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from May 14, 2026
Regular Session.
b. WARRANTS 2026-10— Kristen Lightsey
That the Board of County Commissioners approve Warrants list 2026-10 in the
amount of $797,402.16.
c. APPROVE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REQUISITION TO
PURCHASE CRIME PREVENTION ITEMS AND BUDGET TRANSFER 26-103—
Stacey Nelson
That the Board of Co …
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Thu May 14, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
Public hearing on ordinance to regulate short-term vacation rentals
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt Ordinance 2026-0002 creating a regulatory framework for short-term vacation rentals. They will also continue a hearing on proposed amendments to the county comprehensive plan. Other business includes approving a $5.96 million warrant list, awarding a five-year auditing contract to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and authorizing a $75,000 budget transfer for legal services.
- Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance 2026-0002 regulating short-term vacation rentals
- Continuation of public hearing on proposed comprehensive plan amendments
- Award of RFP 2026-03 for professional auditing services to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP ($140,000 first year, with annual increases)
- Approval of warrants list 2026-09 totaling $5,955,407.40
- Budget transfer of $75,000 from reserve funds for legal services
short-term-rentalscomprehensive-planbudgetauditingpublic-safetyinterlocal-agreementszoning
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, May 14, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 5/11/2026 2:14 PM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
1. (2) PROCLAMATIONS - MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH - MAY 2026 - MRS.
LEAH SUAREZ, OUR VILLAGE AND MR. GREGORY JACKSON, NEW HORIZONS
OF THE TREASURE COAST AND OKEECHOBEE— Denise Whitehead
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Mrs. Leah Suarez,
Chief Executive Officer of Our Village Okeechobee, Inc., and Mr. Gregory Jackson of
New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, designating the month of May
2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Okeechobee County.
2. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK - MAY 3-9,
2026 PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR/FIRE CHIEF JUSTIN HAZELLIEF— Denise
Whitehead
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Public Safety
Director/Fire Chief Justin Hazellief designating the week of May 3-9, 2026 as National
Hurricane Prepar …
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Thu Apr 23, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
Board to appoint Jessica Bezares as County Administrator starting May 1
The Board of County Commissioners will vote on appointing Jessica Bezares as County Administrator effective May 1, 2026, and will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan. They will also consider a consent agenda including $4.4 million in warrants, grants, and resolutions, along with several regular agenda items such as a jail chiller control system purchase and Text-to-911 deployment.
- Approve employment agreement for Jessica Bezares as County Administrator starting May 1, 2026
- Public hearing on proposed amendments to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan
- Consent agenda includes warrants totaling $4,488,069.13
- Authorize $109,245 for a new Trane control system at the county jail chiller plant
- Authorize Text-to-911 deployment via INdigital for the Public Safety Answering Point
county-administratorcomprehensive-planpublic-hearingconsent-agendawarrantsinfrastructurepublic-safetybudget
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, April 23, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 4/21/2026 4:33 PM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
1. EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS JANUARY 1, 2026 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026—
Laura Mejia
That the Board of County Commissioners present service awards to qualifying
employees for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
2. PROCLAMATION FOR SOIL AND WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK - APRIL 25, 2026
TO MAY 6, 2026 MS. VICKI WHEELER, PROGRAM SPECIALIST FOR
OKEECHOBEE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT— Deborah Manzo
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Ms. Vicki Wheeler,
Program Specialist for Okeechobee Soil & Water Conservation District, designating April
25 through May 6, 2026 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week in Okeechobee County.
3. PROCLAMATION - FLORIDA WATER REUSE WEEK - MRS. ELIZABETH PIGMAN
MAY 17-23, 2026— Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Mrs. Eli …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Apr 9, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
County to consider $2.72M grant for bridge resiliency and two zoning changes
The Board will vote on a $2.72 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant for bridge resiliency projects, along with public hearings on two zoning changes: one from Planned Development to Heavy Commercial at 4959 US Highway 441 SE, and another from Residential Single Family to Neighborhood Commercial-2 at 9381 State Road 78 W. The board will also consider approving a $3.78 million warrant list, a fire rescue fee schedule update, and several routine consent items.
- Approve $2,720,000 CDBG-DR grant for Bridge Resiliency Project with no local match
- Public hearing: rezone 4959 US Highway 441 SE from Planned Development to Heavy Commercial (C-2)
- Public hearing: rezone 9381 State Road 78 W from Residential Single Family to Neighborhood Commercial-2 (NC-2)
- Approve warrants list 2026-07 totaling $3,779,536.42
- Adopt Resolution 2026-28 updating Fire Rescue user fee schedule
budgetgrantszoningpublic-safetyinfrastructureresiliencyfire-rescue
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, April 9, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 4/6/2026 1:11 PM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Jessica Bezares
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
1. PROCLAMATION - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH (APRIL 2026) - MS.
AMANDA RIEDEL ON BEHALF OF HIBISCUS CHILDREN'S CENTER— Jessica
Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Ms. Amanda Riedel
on behalf of Hibiscus Children's Center designating April 2026 as National Child Abuse
Prevention Month in Okeechobee County.
2. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK - APRIL 19-25, 2026 MS. KRESTA
KING, LIBRARY DIRECTOR— Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Ms. Kresta King,
Library Director, designating April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week in Okeechobee
County.
3. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH APRIL 2026 -
CHAIRMAN DAVID HAZELLIEF— Jessica Bezares
That the Board of County Commissioners issue a Proclamation to Board Chairman …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Wed Apr 8, 2026
Tourist Development Council Meeting
TDC to consider funding for Smithsonian Native American Exhibition
The Tourist Development Council will review a funding request for the Smithsonian Native American Exhibition scheduled for late 2026. The board will also consider the current Tourist Development Tax treasurer's report and review advertising and promotional updates for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
- Funding request for Smithsonian Native American Exhibition (Oct 17-Dec 5, 2026) at the Historic Courthouse
- Treasurer's Report on Tourist Development Tax
- FY 25/26 Second Quarter Advertising Report
- FY 25/26 Second Quarter Promotional Events Update
- Approval of January 14, 2026 regular session minutes
tourismfundingculturebudgetadvertising
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Tourist Development Council
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Meeting
863-763-3959
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Tourist Development Council
Page 1
Updated 4/6/2026 11:02 AM
Roll Call
Bradley G. Goodbread
Chairman
Monica Clark
Councilwoman
Dave Desai
Councilman
Mary Hayes
Councilwoman
Margaret Garrard Helton
Councilwoman
Jerri Lynn Hill
Councilwoman
Bob Jarriel
Councilman
Rebecca Marsocci
Councilwoman
Dwayne Rexroad
Councilman
Denise Whitehead
Assistant County Administrator: Community Services
Thomas Hudek
Deputy Clerk
I.
Commencement
II.
Public Comment
III.
Revisions
IV.
Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES - JANUARY 2026 REGULAR SESSION— Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board consider minutes from the
January 14, 2026 regular session meeting.
V.
Regular Agenda
1. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX - TREASURER'S REPORT— Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board consider the Treasurer's
Report to date on the Tourist Development Tax.
2. SPECIAL FUNDING REQUEST - SMITHSONIAN NATIVE AMERICAN EXHIBITION—
Jacalyn Schooley
That the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board consider a funding request
from the Okeechobee Historical Society and Okeechobee Main Street for the
Smithsonian Native America …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Thu Mar 26, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting (03/26/2026)
Board considers $1.4 million in warrants and multiple flood mitigation grants
The Board of County Commissioners will review a warrants list totaling $1,419,050.41 and several grant modifications for stormwater and flood risk projects. The meeting also includes requests for fee waivers for community events and several code enforcement lien reductions.
- Approval of Warrants list 2026-06 in the amount of $1,419,050.41
- Grant modifications for Berman Road Flood Risk Reduction and the County Watershed Master Plan
- Proposed $525,000 project for an airboat launch at Clif Betts Jr. Lakeside Recreational Area
- Budget transfer of $46,245.00 for a Sheriff's Office server and vehicle upfits
- Five requests to reduce code enforcement liens, including one from $45,300.00 to $4,530.00
budgetflood-mitigationgrantscode-enforcementpublic-safety
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting Location
304 NW 2nd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Regular Session
863-763-6441
www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov
~ Agenda ~
Thursday, March 26, 2026
9:00 AM
Historic Courthouse, Room 270
Board of County Commissioners
Page 1
Updated 3/20/2026 2:37 PM
I.
Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
David Hazellief
Chairman
Terry W. Burroughs
1st Vice-Chair
Bradley G. Goodbread
2nd Vice-Chair
Frank DeCarlo
Commissioner
Michael Sumner
Commissioner
Deborah Manzo
County Administrator
Gemma Torcivia
County Attorney
II.
Awards and Proclamations
III.
Public Comments
IV.
Revisions to Agenda
V.
Agenda
1. Consent Agenda
a. MINUTES MARCH 12, 2026 REGULAR SESSION— Thomas Hudek
That the Board of County Commissioners approve the Minutes from March 12, 2026
Regular Session.
b. WARRANTS 2026-06— Kristen Lightsey
That the Board of County Commissioners approve Warrants list 2026-06 in the
amount of $1,419,050.41.
c. APPROVE MODIFICATION 2 OF GRANT AGREEMENT - HAZARD MITIGATION
GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP) (CONTRACT #H1080 (PROJECT #4673-028-R)) -
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, BERMAN ROAD, FLOOD RISK REDUCTION - PHASE I
- FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FDEM), FEDERAL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)— Steph Matthes
That the Board of County Commissioners approve and authorize the Chairman to
execute Modification 2 to the Florida Division of Emergency Manage …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
Showing the 30 most recent meetings of 43 on record. See the yearly meeting archives below for the full history.
💰 Federal awards (top 10 by amount)
Largest recent federal contract/grant awards to recipients in this city (2023–present), via USAspending.gov.
| $937,216 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Veterans Affairs · GENERAL SURGEON SERVICES |
| $234,514 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY26 B1 AFILY8 CONTRACT PHYSICIAN JAN 26- APR26 |
| $225,506 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY24 B1 AFLIY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC QTR 2 AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLU |
| $171,443 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY26 B1 AFILY8 CONTRACT PHYSICIAN JUL 26 |
| $145,259 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY25 B1 AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS APR 25 |
| $101,619 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY25 B1 AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS QTR 4 |
| $85,826 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY25 B1 AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS QTR 2 |
| $56,888 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY26 B1 AFILY8 CONTRACT PHYSICIAN MAY 26 |
| $54,758 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY26 B1 AFILY8 CONTRACT PHYSICIAN DEC 25 |
| $51,952 | AFILY8 GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Department of Justice · FY26 B1 AFILY8 CONTRACT PHYSICIAN JUN 26 |
Source: USAspending.gov (U.S. Treasury) — federal awards only, not city budgets.
🌐 County-level context (Okeechobee County)
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Traffic fatalities1 (1 pedestrian · 2024)
Business establishments922 (7,980 employees · 2023)
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$1,112/mo (2025)
Adults with low literacy35.8% (low numeracy 50% · 2017)
Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD, NCES PIAAC
City profile
Everything below is drawn from this city’s own public record and primary-source government data. AI-written summaries are a finding aid, not a citable quote.
88
Permitted housing units
Outcomes — economic mobility
source: Opportunity Atlas (Harvard) · research useFor kids who grew up here in low-income households, their adult household-income rank (0–1). The average hides a gap by race:
Research-only layer, shown here for context — not included in the CC BY 4.0 bulk download.
Where it’s happening
geocoded land-use decisions🗺 Interactive map
Every rezoning, development approval, and permit — explore the geocoded records in the research explorer.