Okeechobee public meetings in 2025
44 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider several funding approvals, including a $1.5 million budget amendment for community development and a list of 9 miles of roads for resurfacing. The body will also review a jail expansion progress report and a draft impact fee study update.
- Approval of Warrants list 2025-21 in the amount of $5,579,545.43
- Budget Amendment 26-09 in the amount of $1,500,000 for Community Development
- Purchase of a Caterpillar 285XE Tracked Skid Steer Loader for $142,005.00
- 30-year land lease for Okeechobee County Airport Lot 42 with AMS Okeechobee LLC at $2,739.05 monthly
- Grant amendment for Fire Station #2 increasing funding by $58,000
Board of County Commissioners
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will receive a progress report on the jail expansion and renovation project. They may also discuss potential amendments to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting includes public comments and a consent agenda with routine items.
- Progress report on jail expansion & renovation project
- Possible discussion of Comprehensive Plan amendments
- Approval of staff holiday party catered by Chick-fil-A and Starbucks
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will conduct its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Historic Courthouse Room 270. Key decisions include approving $4,479,709.48 in warrants, allocating $50,345 for sheriff rifle equipment, and voting on a zoning change from Agriculture to Planned Development for Lake Club Fields at 13493 US Highway 441 SE. The board will also hear public requests, receive reports on jail expansion and economic development, and consider proclamations for Farm-City Week and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
- Approve $4,479,709.48 in warrants (Consent Agenda)
- Approve $50,345 for Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office rifle equipment
- Vote on zoning change from Agriculture (A) to Planned Development (PD) for Lake Club Fields, 13493 US Highway 441 SE
- Approve $103,846 renewal contract with Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Inc.
- Approve $75,000 grant writing services contract with RMPK Funding
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review requests to abandon right-of-ways in two subdivisions and confirm a firm for building department services. The meeting also includes votes on several grants and a medical director renewal for Fire Rescue.
- Approval of warrants list 2025-19 for $3,370,462.11
- Public hearings to abandon right-of-ways in Riverside Park and Okeechobee Park subdivisions
- Confirmation of SAFEBuilt Florida, LLC for Building Department Services (RFQ 2025-13)
- Medical Director Agreement renewal for J. Michael Adelberg, M.D. at an annual cost of $24,000
- Grant approvals: $51,343 for FEMA Performance Grant and $69,587.50 for FDACS arthropod control
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider approving over $6.4 million in warrants and three separate vehicle purchase agreements for the Sheriff's office. The meeting includes reports on the jail expansion project and discussions regarding the County Comprehensive Plan.
- Approval of Warrants list 2025-18 in the amount of $6,455,745.27
- Three Sheriff's vehicle purchase agreements totaling $349,895.20
- 30-year lease agreement with Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County, Inc. for Headstart Program
- Lien reduction for PNW Holdings LLC from $81,700.00 to $3,290.64
- Request for Qualifications for professional services for the Lofton Road Improvements Project
Value Adjustment Board Organizational Meeting
The Okeechobee County Value Adjustment Board will hold its annual organizational meeting to appoint legal counsel and adopt Resolution 2025-01, which sets filing fees and procedures for property tax petitions. The board will also introduce members, staff, and discuss electronic hearings.
- Approve appointment of Attorney Aaron Thalwitzer as legal counsel for the Value Adjustment Board
- Adopt Resolution 2025-01 establishing filing fees (up to $50 per parcel) and uniform procedures for petitions
- Introduce Value Adjustment Board members and staff
- Discuss tentative hearing dates and electronic hearings
Value Adjustment Board Hearing
The Okeechobee County Value Adjustment Board will convene at 9:30 AM on October 21, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse to hear six property valuation appeals. The board will consider petitions from Jamila Ranch LLC, Zarif Ranch LLC, Blue Owl Estate Capital LLC, Walmart Inc, and Cattle Ranch Holdings LLC.
- Jamila Ranch LLC Petition 2025-VAB-003 at 9:30 AM
- Zarif Ranch LLC Petitions 2025-VAB-004 and 2025-VAB-005 at 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM
- Blue Owl Estate Capital LLC Petition 2025-VAB-007 at 10:15 AM
- Walmart Inc Petition 2025-VAB-028 at 10:45 AM
- Cattle Ranch Holdings LLC Petition 2025-VAB-006 at 1:30 PM
Tourist Development Council Meeting
The Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council will receive reports on the Tourist Development Tax, host funding applications, and advertising/promotional updates. The board will also reconsider a host funding application for Baylins Bakery LLC and correct a funding award for the Florida BASS Nation.
- Reconsider Baylins Bakery LLC host funding for Hometown Hangout events including The Christmas Market ($3,000)
- Correct funding award for Florida BASS Nation Florida Elite High School Tournament Series ($6,000)
- Receive Treasurer's Report on Tourist Development Tax ($428,600 to date)
- Review FY24/25 fourth-quarter advertising report ($10,700.50 total)
- Receive update on FY24/25 promotional events ($173,181 spent of $230,000 budget)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will vote on several contracts, including fire station building hardening and disaster debris removal. The meeting includes public hearings for two zoning changes and a discussion on revised transportation impact fees.
- Award RFP 2025-04 for Fire Rescue Station 1 and 2 Building Hardening to Boromei Construction, Inc. for $661,400.00
- Public hearing for Petition L-2025-0003 to change zoning from Agriculture (A) to Planned Development (PD) at 13493 US Highway 441 SE
- Public hearing for Petition R-2025-0774 to change zoning from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to Residential General (RG) at 4555 SE 50th Avenue
- Approval of Warrants list 2025-17 in the amount of $2,567,299.16
- Approval of $67,873.00 for Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office uniforms using Law Enforcement Trust Fund
Central Florida Regional Planning Council Meeting
The Central Florida Regional Planning Council will consider several grant agreements for transportation and emergency preparedness. The body will also receive activity reports from Okeechobee County and the South Florida Water Management District.
- FDEP Resilience Project Grant for a Regional Resiliency Toolkit
- FY 2025-26 Hazards Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Agreement
- Resolution 2025-10A for FTA 5339 Capital Project transportation funding
- Resolution 2025-10B for FTA 5310, 5311, and 5339 Grant applications
- Federal Highway Administration grant for Heartland Regional Safety Action Plan demonstration activities
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on creating a new article for Uniform Community Development Districts in the land development regulations. The board is also reviewing numerous FY25/26 contracts and grant agreements.
- Proposed Ordinance 2025-0009 to create 'Uniform Community Development Districts' regulations
- Interlocal Agreement for Animal Control Operations with Sheriff's Office for $692,234
- Warrants list 2025-16 in the amount of $1,952,615.13
- Resilient Florida Program Grant Application for Lazy 7 basin drainage in the amount of $228,252
- Contract with Florida Department of Health for $210,000
Board of County Commissioners Budget Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt the final budget and millage rate for fiscal year 2025-2026. The proposed budget is based on a millage rate that is 5.62% above the rolled-back rate.
- Resolution 2025-55: Adoption of final FY 2025-2026 budget in the amount of $168,540,698
- Resolution 2025-54: Adoption of final general millage rate of 7.8000 mills
- General Fund ad valorem taxes estimated at $33,485,865
- Millage rate increase of 5.62% over the rolled-back rate of 7.3847
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review several grant applications for infrastructure and library services. The body will also discuss a draft Parks & Recreation fee for an impact fee study and approve various proclamations.
- Grant application for Okeechobee County Airport (OBE) expansion totaling $4,480,000
- Grant application to repair five County Bridges totaling $2,720,000
- FDOT grant agreement for 120th Street (Dark Hammock Rd) improvements for $2,260,764
- Warrants list 2025-15 in the amount of $1,812,457.11
- State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 estimated at $132,316
Board of County Commissioners Budget Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a public hearing to discuss and adopt a tentative budget and millage rate. The proposed budget totals $168,540,698 and includes a millage rate that is 5.62% above the rolled-back rate.
- Resolution 2025-52: Tentative millage rate of 7.8000 mills
- Resolution 2025-53: Tentative FY 2025-2026 budget of $168,540,698
- General Fund ad valorem taxes estimated at $33,485,865
- Final budget and millage rate public hearing scheduled for September 25, 2025
Tourist Development Council Meeting
The Tourist Development Council is reviewing host funding applications for various 2025 and 2026 events. The board will also consider a proposal for annual holiday lighting contributions and a sponsorship for the 2026 Jack Link's Cup.
- Proposed $50,000 annual contribution for 2025 and 2026 for professional holiday lighting in city parks
- Okeechobee Music Fest funding application for $25,000
- All Florida Junior Rodeo Association and Florida Junior Rodeo Association applications for $30,000 each
- Florida High School Rodeos funding application for $21,000
- Double K Productions application for $15,000 for three rodeo events
Lake County Coalition Meeting
The County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee and associated estuaries will meet to receive updates from county commissioners and agencies. The body will discuss legislative priorities and the renewal of the DeLisi contract.
- DeLisi Contract Renewal
- Legislative Priority Discussion
- Updates from South Florida Water Management District
- Updates from United States Army Corps of Engineers
- FWC Aquatic Plant Management Program
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will meet to approve routine minutes, warrants totaling $2,470,821.19, and several sheriff-related budget recognitions and purchases. The board will also hear public hearings on annual rate resolutions for street lighting, solid waste, EMS, and fire rescue services, and discuss capital projects including airport parking lot upgrades and drainage planning.
- Approve warrants list 2025-14 for $2,470,821.19
- Recognize $101,354 in lightning damage funds for sheriff’s jail budget
- Recognize $106,470 in additional income for sheriff’s capital expenditures
- Approve sheriff’s purchase of 3 printers for $16,725 and vehicles totaling $618,193
- Approve $93,750 FDEP solid waste grant for FY2025-2026
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review a warrants list totaling $4,910,130.90 and several grant applications for infrastructure and planning. The meeting includes requests to reduce code enforcement liens and the issuance of youth sports proclamations.
- Approval of Warrants list 2025-13 in the amount of $4,910,130.90
- Grant application for NW 176th Avenue Bridge hardening at a proposed cost of $636,000
- Grant application for Fort Drum Drainage project at a proposed cost of $739,394
- Contract for Darrell Enfinger Sports Complex pool chemicals estimated at $45,000 annually
- Lien reduction requests for properties owned by David Pascarella, Luis Sanez/Marlen Carolina Barahona Matute, and Otter Creek Investment Group LLC
Executive Session
The Board of County Commissioners will meet in a closed session to discuss legal strategy and expenditures. The session concerns the case Floyd O'Bannon vs. Martinez-Esquivel and Moonline Maintenance, LLC (Case No: 47-CA-2023-000353).
- Executive session for Case No: 47-CA-2023-000353 (Floyd O'Bannon vs. Martinez-Esquivel and Moonline Maintenance, LLC)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will determine the General Fund and Law Enforcement MSTU millage rates for the 2025 tax year. The body is also deciding on preliminary assessment rates for fire rescue, EMS, solid waste, and street lighting.
- Approval of warrants list 2025-12 in the amount of $8,672,089.30
- Proposed FY 2025/26 Fire Rescue residential rate of $143.34 and EMS residential rate of $179.11
- Five-year elevator maintenance contract with ThyssenKrupp Elevator for $89,195
- FAA grant of $128,250.00 for Wildlife Hazard Assessment at Okeechobee County Airport
- Amendment to Airport Commerce Park lease with Concrete Products of the Palm Beaches Inc
BOCC Budget Workshop
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a final discussion and address remaining concerns regarding the FY26 Budget. This follows budget workshops held on July 15, 16, and 17, 2025, where the Board received funding requests from constitutional officers, outside agencies, and non-profit organizations.
- Wrap-up discussion for the FY26 Budget
BOCC Budget Workshop
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a workshop to receive proposed budgets for the 2026 fiscal year. The session covers multiple specialized funds, including infrastructure, legal services, and public safety.
- Proposed FY26 Landfill Trust Fund budget of $10,630,048
- Proposed FY26 Cemetery Trust Fund budget of $499,670
- Proposed FY26 Court Innovation budget of $718,868
- Proposed FY26 Driver Education Safety Trust Fund budget of $150,705
- Proposed FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget of $61,533
BOCC Budget Workshop
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing proposed budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The workshop includes presentations on public safety, tourism, and various county service funds.
- Proposed FY26 Tourist Development Fund budget of $511,905
- Proposed FY26 State Attorney budget of $101,961
- Proposed FY26 Victim Advocate budget of $26,084
- Proposed FY26 Guardian Ad Litem budget of $14,732
- Budget reviews for Fire Rescue, Planning & Zoning, and Residential Solid Waste
BOCC Budget Workshop
The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing proposed budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The session includes presentations from the County Administrator, constitutional offices, and various county departments to determine funding allocations.
- Total projected budget of $169 million
- Proposed residential solid waste curbside collection fee of $392.52
- Proposed Fire Rescue Residential Unit fee of $143.34
- Proposed EMS Residential Unit fee of $179.11
- Proposed $37,136 three-year quote for KnowBe4 cyber security training
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will vote on several construction bids, grant amendments, and land use changes. Key discussions include affordable housing properties on Southeast 10th Ave and a public education campaign regarding tax spending.
- Award Bid #2024-13 to Boromei Construction, Inc. for Agri-Civic Center East Roof Extensions for $709,500
- Public hearing to expand the Lazy 7 Rural Activity Center by 150 acres (Ordinance 2025-0006)
- Award Bid #2025-08 to In Depth, Inc. for waterway markers at Taylor Creek/Rim Canal and Kissimmee River for $70,000
- FAA Grant Agreement for airport apron rehabilitation design in the amount of $202,825
- Purchase of a Sandbagging Machine Model II from The Sandbagger, LLC for $23,336
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review a request to rezone a property from residential to light industrial. The body is also deciding on the use of over $4 million in opioid litigation settlement funding and approving several grant applications for bridge hardening.
- Zoning change request for 3352 US Highway 98 N from Residential (RSF) to Light Industrial (I-1)
- Implementation plan for $4,035,763.65 in State of Florida Opioid Litigation Settlement funding
- Warrants list 2025-11 in the amount of $4,929,216.15
- Hazard Mitigation Grant applications for SW 67th Drive Bridge ($449,000) and SW 87th Terrace Bridge ($287,700)
- Budget amendment of $97,780 for Sheriff's Office equipment via the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Board of County Commissioners Workshop
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a joint workshop with City of Okeechobee sub-committee appointees to review proposed amendments to the Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) Interlocal Agreement. The workshop will discuss two OUA-proposed amendments (board member residency and compensation) and one county-proposed amendment (fifth board member residency). No final decisions will be made; recommendations will be brought back to the respective boards.
- OUA proposes deleting and replacing Paragraph 4.3 to require City-appointed board members and alternate to be residents of the Authority Service Areas
- OUA proposes deleting and replacing Paragraph 4.9 to set board member compensation at $______ per meeting (amount blank in agenda)
- County proposes amending Paragraph 4.17 to allow the fifth board member to be from the service area, not exclusively from Glades County
- Joint workshop between county and city sub-committee appointees to review proposed amendments
- No financial impact stated in agenda
Lake County Coalition Meeting
The Lake County Coalition will meet to discuss activities from various county commissions and receive state legislative updates. The body will also hear project updates from the South Florida Water Management District and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- State Legislative Update from Dan DeLisi
- South Florida Water Management District update on current projects
- United States Army Corps of Engineers update on current projects
- Reports from 12 county commissioners and representatives
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will meet to approve warrants totaling $5,706,475.00 and allocate $4,035,763.65 in opioid litigation settlement funds over 18 years. The board will also consider proclamations for Emergency Medical Services Week and National Public Works Week, a fee waiver for a local fundraiser, and a progress report on the jail expansion project.
- Approve warrants list 2025-10 for $5,706,475.00
- Allocate $4,035,763.65 in opioid litigation settlement funds over 18 years
- Approve fee waiver of $500 per day ($1,000 total) for Our Village Okeechobee fundraiser at C. Scott Driver facility
- Conduct public hearing on Resolution 2025-22 for online publication of legal notices
- Receive progress report on Jail Expansion & Renovation Project
Value Adjustment Board Hearing
The Okeechobee County Value Adjustment Board will hold a hearing to decide on four property tax valuation petitions: Cattle Ranch Holdings LLC, two from Area 51 Sanctuary Inc., and Walmart Inc. The board will also vote to approve minutes from its October 17, 2024 organizational meeting. No financial impacts are listed beyond the petitions themselves.
- Approve minutes from October 17, 2024 VAB hearing
- 9:00 am – Cattle Ranch Holdings LLC Petition 2024-VAB-001
- 10:00 am – Area 51 Sanctuary Inc. Petition 2024-VAB-002
- 10:30 am – Area 51 Sanctuary Inc. Petition 2024-VAB-003
- 11:00 am – Walmart Inc. Petition 2024-VAB-008
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The board will hold public hearings on two ordinances: one creating trespass warning procedures at county facilities, and another revising citizen participation rules to comply with Florida's Sunshine Law and First Amendment. The consent agenda includes a $1.66 million change order for the jail expansion project, applications for CDBG grants totaling over $3.1 million for drainage improvements and a special needs shelter, and a $93,750 solid waste grant. Other items include a pre-budget development discussion for FY2025/26, a presentation from Bautech USA on expansion, and the creation of a Tourism & Event Center Manager position.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-0004 to create trespass warning procedures at county facilities
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-0005 to revise citizen participation requirements
- Approval of Change Order No. 14 with Ajax Building Co. for jail expansion, increasing GMP by $1,665,693.43
- Submit CDBG grant applications: $1,661,122 for Fort Drum Drainage Improvements and $1,508,785 for HRS Special Needs Shelter
- Creation of Tourism & Event Center Manager position (pay grade 20) and reclassification of Agri-Civic Center Manager to Park Maintenance Technician (pay grade 6)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will receive a progress report and Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal for Unit A of the Jail Expansion & Renovation Project, and consider using $1.49 million in opioid settlement funds to support the jail expansion. A public hearing is scheduled for a comprehensive plan amendment to expand the Lazy Seven Rural Activity Center. The consent agenda includes approval of a $6.6 million warrant list, a 2.4% CPI increase in towing/storage rates, and a $75,000 budget amendment for a build-out analysis.
- Jail Expansion & Renovation Project – GMP proposal for Unit A (item 2)
- Opioid litigation settlement allocation of $1,493,822.76 for jail expansion (14a)
- Public hearing on Comprehensive Plan amendment for Lazy Seven Rural Activity Center (Petition C-2024-0001)
- Preliminary plat approval for 26-lot Ranches at Quail Creek subdivision (7a)
- Resolution 2025-17: 2.4% CPI increase in maximum towing/storage rates (1g)
Tourist Development Council Meeting
The Tourist Development Council will consider approving the FY 2025/2026 budget of $457,061 and a staffing reorganization that creates a Tourism and Event Facility Manager to oversee both tourism and the Agri-Civic Center. They will also review a proposal to authorize up to $40,000 in TDC funds for hosting the 2026 Bassmaster College Series tournament at C. Scott Driver Recreation Area. Other agenda items include the tourist development tax treasurer's report, second-quarter advertising report, and a potential WOKC fishing sponsorship.
- Approval of FY 2025/2026 budget ($457,061) and proposed reorganization merging Agri-Civic Center management under Tourism
- Authorization of up to $40,000 in TDC funds for 2026 Bassmaster College Series tournament at C. Scott Driver Recreation Area
- Consideration of WOKC fishing sponsorship at $112 per week
- Review of second-quarter advertising report totaling $13,167.72
- Treasurer's report on Tourist Development Tax collections (FY 23/24: $497,720; FY 24/25 partial: $253,661.72)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will meet to discuss county facility trespass ordinances and review professional water quality candidates. The body is also deciding on several lien reductions and the adoption of a 2025-2028 housing assistance plan.
- Work Authorization with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for $245,615.00 for impact fee development
- Warrants list 2025-07 in the amount of $1,412,350.83
- Lien reduction for Sarah Reno from $22,725.00 to $3,665.87
- Lien reduction for Excell Homevestors LLC from $35,000.00 to $3,731.54
- Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program budget amendment of $10,000
Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially update General Rules and Procedures for their meetings, including decorum, civility, and public participation guidelines. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the item is listed as a discussion only.
- Discussion of General Rules and Procedures for BOCC meetings, including possible changes to citizen comment periods and registration requirements
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will review a warrants list for payment and consider several grant applications for public safety and recreation. The meeting includes progress reports on the jail expansion and a discussion on impact fee calculations.
- Approval of Warrants list 2025-06 in the amount of $4,555,014.46
- Grant application for a new airboat launch at Clif Betts, Jr., Lakeside Recreation Area up to $250,000
- Ratification of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for Sheriff's Office equipment totaling $97,780
- Proposed lien reductions for Shawn Robert Estes Lindquist and Ryan/Thressa O'Callaghan
- Fee waiver requests for Our Village Okeechobee totaling $5,650
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will hold three public hearings on proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations: exempting facilities for vertical take-off aircraft from aviation facility definitions, revising site plan definitions and review procedures, and establishing a dark sky buffer area with exterior lighting regulations. The board will also consider a consent agenda including $4.8 million in warrants, federal grants for the methamphetamine task force and justice assistance, an ambulance chassis refurbishment for $254,683, and a utility easement with Florida Power & Light. Later items include a discussion on Community Development Districts at 1:00 P.M., approval of a third amendment to an economic development grant with Brightmark Energy, a new county attorney agreement with TG Law PLLC, purchase of a Type 1 ambulance for $398,195 plus equipment, and a medical examiner salary increase raising Okeechobee's share by $12,184 annually.
- Public hearings on three LDR amendments: vertical-takeoff aircraft exemption, site plan revisions, and dark sky buffer with lighting rules
- Consent agenda includes $4,823,479.58 in warrants, federal JAG grants ($30,558 and $12,647), and a $254,683 ambulance chassis purchase
- Purchase of one Type 1 ambulance ($398,195) plus $186,000 in equipment, funded by a $636,000 budget amendment
- Discussion on Community Development Districts at 1:00 P.M. to receive a presentation
- Medical examiner salary increase from $367,140 to $494,997 district-wide, with Okeechobee's share rising by $12,184 annually
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Commission will approve a consent agenda including $2,850,185.50 in warrants, a $28,500 sheriff's office purchase for cell phone extraction services, and multiple code enforcement lien reductions. Public hearings include appointments to the Utility Authority, Planning Board, and Construction Industry Licensing Board. The board will also receive progress reports on the jail expansion and District 19 Medical Examiner Facility, interview and select a county attorney, and consider job description changes for the Agri-Civic Center Manager and a new Facilities Director position.
- Approve warrants list 2025-04 for $2,850,185.50
- Approve $28,500 from Law Enforcement Trust Fund for sheriff's cell phone extraction services
- Reduce code enforcement liens: Blanco ($54,390 to $2,342), Papasso ($37,600 to $3,905), Rucks ($258,800 to $9,844)
- Receive progress report on Jail Expansion & Renovation Project
- Interview and select a law firm to serve as County Attorney
Lake County Coalition Meeting
The coalition will elect a treasurer and vice chair, then receive updates from county commissioners. The US Army Corps of Engineers will present on the Recover System status and the Integrated Delivery Schedule for Lake Okeechobee. A separate presentation examines the relationship between red tide bloom duration and nitrogen loads in Southwest Florida. Public comments are taken twice, and the meeting also includes an update from the South Florida Water Management District.
- Election of Treasurer and Vice Chair
- US Army Corps of Engineers: Recover System Status Report and Integrated Delivery Schedule presentation
- Presentation on red tide (Karenia brevis) blooms and watershed nitrogen loads by Carbon-Life, LLC and Coastal and Heartland Estuary Program
- South Florida Water Management District update on Lake Okeechobee
- County commission activity updates from 12 member counties
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board will consider approving a service agreement for the allocation of State of Florida Opioid Litigation Settlement funds totaling over $5.5 million over 18 years. Also on the agenda are approvals of a $1.17 million contingency transfer from Phase 1B to Phase 2 of the Jail Expansion and Renovation Project, a $124,000 budget transfer for comprehensive plan updates, and a discussion on updating impact fees. Several consent items include warrants of $6.47 million and a grant application for EMS equipment.
- Warrants list 2025-03 for $6,467,579.19
- Transfer of $1,173,476.79 in contingency funds from Phase 1B to Phase 2 of Jail Expansion & Renovation Project
- Approval of service agreement for opioid litigation settlement allocation (over $5.5 million over 18 years)
- Work authorization with Kimley-Horn for comprehensive plan updates and $124,000 budget transfer
- Discussion on updating impact fees and level of service studies
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will hold a regular session on January 23, 2025, to consider consent items including budget amendments, a FEMA reimbursement, and a $2 million reduction in state funding for the Berman Road stormwater project. They will also receive a progress report on the jail expansion and renovation project, discuss revisions to major development criteria, and consider a dark sky ordinance. Public hearings include fee waivers and an alcohol permit for events at the Douglas Brown Community Center.
- Budget amendment BA25-14 and Resolution 2025-04 to decrease state appropriation by $2,000,000 for Berman Road stormwater project
- FEMA reimbursement of $248,000 to Sheriff's Office for Hurricane Milton preparation and recovery
- Progress report on Jail Expansion & Renovation Project Phase 1B (kitchen/laundry) and Phase 2 (Housing Pod C)
- Discussion on revisions to criteria for major development under County Land Development Regulations
- Discussion on exterior lighting standards / dark sky ordinance to reduce light pollution
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Okeechobee County Commission will hold a public hearing on a $13.7 million budget amendment to carry forward prior-year encumbrances and adopt Resolution 2025-01. The consent agenda includes a $182,790 jail expansion change order, a $49,500 body scanner maintenance agreement, and a $32,670 cemetery improvement project. Commissioners will also vote on two citizen requests for fee waivers and alcohol use at a community center.
- Public hearing on Budget Amendment BA25-08 ($13,706,154) to carry forward prior-year encumbrances
- Change Order No.13 for Jail Expansion & Renovation Phase 1B, increasing GMP by $182,790.39
- Approval to submit SAFER grant application for 13 firefighters to FEMA
- Budget Transfer BT25-15 ($32,670) for concrete pads and shed removal at Evergreen Cemetery
- Budget Transfer BT25-16 ($49,500) for 5-year extended maintenance on jail body scanner
Tourist Development Council Meeting
The Tourist Development Council will review the Treasurer's Report on the Tourist Development Tax. The board will also receive reports on advertising and promotional event spending for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024/2025.
- Review of Tourist Development Tax Treasurer's Report
- FY 24/25 First Quarter Advertising Report
- FY 24/25 First Quarter Promotional Events Update
- Approval of November 12, 2024 meeting minutes
Florida Legislative Delegation Public Meeting
The body is meeting to receive presentations from local government leaders and community organizations. The agenda consists of reports from city, county, and school officials along with several social service agencies.
- Presentation by Mayor Dowling Watford (City of Okeechobee)
- Presentation by Chairman David Hazellief (Board of County Commissioners)
- Presentation by Sheriff Noel Stephen
- Presentation by Superintendent Dylan Tedders (Okeechobee County Schools)
- Public comment period