Happy weekend, Okeechobee County! In today’s happening-today edition: Algae-fighting lake pilot, Mom Mobile prenatal care, and artisan market + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New algae-fighting approach: A pilot at Lake Okeechobee used a clay treatment to lock phosphorus, the fuel for harmful algae. It could become part of Florida’s broader water quality strategy -- see the algae pilot results.
Summer nutrition for families: Free summer meals are available now for Florida kids 18 and younger through USDA’s Summer Food Service Program at schools, parks, and neighborhood sites, with locations listed across many counties -- see all participating locations.
Care closer to home: Prenatal care comes directly to Okeechobee families as the 38-foot Mom Mobile sets up at the public library every Tuesday, offering hour-long visits after demand surged in its first days -- meet the Mom Mobile.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Low-key local escape: If your RV needs a no-fuss home base close to the water, Lake Okeechobee RV Park is a neighborly spot to catch your breath, swap stories with fellow campers, and squeeze in sunrise or after-work lake time. Keep it simple this week with an easy little reset.
Craving local catch? For a no-fuss seafood fix with serious Southern comfort, Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant hits the spot. Expect crispy catfish, gator bites, and chowders that taste like someone’s grandma still runs the kitchen... perfect for a midweek treat or a lazy night when cooking feels optional.
Need a range day: Whether you're dialing in a deer rifle or finally trying clays, Okeechobee Shooting Sports spreads out across nearly 100 acres with rifle and pistol lanes, trap, skeet, sporting clays, steel galleries, plus a monthly 500-yard day. On-site gunsmithing and rentals keep the fun easy and local.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
💃 Dancing Hearts Father Daughter Dance @ Osceola Middle School | Saturday (6/20) at 5:30 AM – Break out the tie you wear for school recitals, and get ready to twirl at the annual father-daughter dance. Expect music, sweet treats, photo ops, and memories, plus glitter in the truck for days. Fathers, grandpas, uncles, and father figures welcome, tickets at the link.
🔥 The Heat Is On @ OK Corral Gun Club | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Whether you crush clays or just like the smell of gunpowder, this squadded shoot serves up 100 targets over 15 South Course stations, plus a 70-bird Super Sport on the sub-gauge course. Lunch is included, carts are limited, and yes, lunch counts as a trophy.
👨 Special Needs Families Monthly Meet Up @ The Wooden Jungle | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Think of it as recess for them, sanity for you. This monthly meet-up for special needs families lands at The Wooden Jungle in Okeechobee, with the Sports Complex Pavilion on deck if the skies misbehave, and it rolls on the third Saturday.
🛍 Artisan Market @ The Pottery Place Art Studio | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Nothing beats browsing a cozy artisan market while you paint something that might actually make the wall. Think sourdough, jam, pottery, soap, candles, jewelry, matcha, cookies, and more, all from locals you probably run into at the farmers market anyway.
🏊 Father's Day Poolside BBQ Party @ Okeechobee KOA Resort | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Skip the prix fixe and give Dad what he actually wants, a poolside BBQ with good smoke, cold drinks, and plenty of shade. Think cannonballs optional, grill vibes strong, family hanging out without chores, and the chance for Dad to relax, brag, and not cook.
🎸 Jim Clark @ Okeechobee KOA Resort | Saturday (6/20) at 6:30 PM – Nothing beats live tunes under the palms, a cold drink, and a crowd that actually listens. Jim Clark is holding court at The Shanty at the Okeechobee KOA, easygoing set, easy pour, zero pretense, the kind of weekend night locals actually make time for.
🎳 Bowling Pin Shoot @ OK Corral Gun Club | Sunday (6/21) at 1:30 PM – Sunday at OK Corral Gun Club means swapping gutter balls for flying pins, thanks to Bowling Pin Shoot. Bring your favorite handgun or pistol-caliber carbine, test your speed and accuracy, and trade laughs with fellow locals. No pros needed, just aim, patience, and ear protection. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Okeechobee County report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 49% A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny. High near 94, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 102. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then patchy fog. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 58% Patchy fog before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southwest wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. This house is wildThis 2004 CBS home in The Oaks at Blue Heron blends country quiet with city convenience on just over a half acre. Mature grandfather oaks and pasture views frame the setting, while a metal roof, oversized two-car garage, open island kitchen, screened porch, and spa-style primary bath add comfort, style, and plenty of room to breathe.
Take a peek inside → | | |