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Hi Okeechobee County, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Millions for community upgrades, Helice ZZ Bird challenge, Buddy Jewell at the fair, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Community upgrades gain momentum: In December, Gov. Ron DeSantis granted over $34 million for revitalization projects across Okeechobee County and the Treasure Coast, funding aimed at boosting local communities — read the full story.
Projects reshape local utilities: Florida has awarded $311 million for infrastructure repairs in 37 communities, including projects in Okeechobee County, with funding for stormwater, wells, and wastewater upgrades announced on December 18, 2025 — see where the money goes.
Statewide push for cleaner waterways: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced $25 million in December 2025 for water projects in the Lake Okeechobee Basin to reduce nutrient runoff and save millions of gallons — see which regions benefit.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Statewide connectivity rollout details: Comcast recently expanded across Florida, adding service to about 120,000 new addresses after a major buildout. Okeechobee is on the list, alongside Charlotte County and Lehigh Acres. More homes and businesses can connect, and eligible households may qualify for low cost Internet Essentials and support. See the new service areas.
A rare wild escape: When you crave wide-open headspace, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers miles of big-sky dry prairie, ridiculous stargazing, and regular cameos by caracaras and sandhill cranes. It’s the kind of backyard nature flex that reminds you why you live here.
Time for a cleanup: If your hair is plotting a coup, Jes’Us Kutz brings it to heel with crisp fades, tidy beard work, and old-school hot-lather shaves, plus precision lineups. Step out feeling light, sharp, and a little more aerodynamic.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐦 Helice ZZ Bird @ Quail Creek Sporting Ranch (Sporting Clays) | Friday (1/16) – Ready to take on Helice, the zig-zagging ZZ Bird that turns confident shooters into storytellers? It’s fast, frustrating, and weirdly addictive, in the best way. Call the clubhouse at 863.763.2529 for the scoop, bring your sense of humor, and a steady hand.
🤠 Buddy Jewell @ Okeechobee County Fair | Friday (1/16) at 3:00 PM – If your boots haven’t seen daylight since the fair, Buddy Jewell is at Yee Haw Music Fest 2026 in Okeechobee to fix that. Expect steady country chops, sing-along hooks, and a set that pairs perfectly with lawn chairs, friends, and a sunset.
🎣 Florida Bass Nation Southern Region Pro-Am @ Scott Driver Park Boat Ramp | Saturday (1/17) – Whether you’ve been skipping jigs on the Big O since bell-bottoms, or just dusted off the tackle, this Pro-Am qualifier launches from Scott Driver. Pros and weekend warriors chase big sacks, bragging rights, and a ticket down the trail, Florida BASS Nation membership in hand.
🎤 Dennis R. @ Okeechobee KOA Resort | Saturday (1/17) – Dennis R. is rolling in with shanty music, all rousing choruses, salty stories, and pint-raising singalongs. Bring your indoor voice, leave with a hoarse one. It’s the good kind of loud, and the perfect excuse to linger with old friends.
🎆 New Year’s Festival @ Orioles Club & Restaurant | Saturday (1/17) at 3:00 AM – New Year vibes call for a neighborhood festival, the kind where you bring the kids, bump into three people from high school, and leave full of snacks. Expect local vendors, festive bites, and cheer. Want a booth? Contact the organizer directly, not random DMs.
❤ Valentine Studio Minis @ Vogue Aesthetics | Sunday (1/18) at 8:00 AM – Take a break from crowded prix-fixe dinners, and snag a Valentine studio mini for proof you clean up nice. Quick, flattering shots in a cozy studio, no cheesy props unless you bring them. Bring your person, the kids, or the dog, then go get tacos.
🎲 Sunday Afternoon Bingo @ Okeechobee Moose Lodge 1753 | Sunday (1/18) at 3:30 PM – Sunday afternoon bingo is back at the Okeechobee North Moose Lodge, and yes, your lucky troll doll may resume duties. It’s three-card fun for Moose members, friendly faces, and low-stakes bragging rights. Come for the game, stay for the familiar banter, and maybe a win.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Okeechobee County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 66°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 43%
A chance of rain showers before 1pm. Partly sunny. High near 66, with temperatures falling to around 57 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Wind chill values as low as 26. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 65. North northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North northeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
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