OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | GLADES COUNTY HENDRY COUNTY | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
A CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 2017-2018
Beauty Lou and the Country Beast September 30, 2017 Peter and the Wolf November 8, 2017 The 29th Annual Living Christmas Tree December 3, 2017
3 Redneck Tenors January 18, 2018
The Glenn Miller Orchestra January 23, 2018
Cirque Zuma Zuma February 1, 2018
The Modern Gentlemen January 8, 2018
Disco Inferno: a 70’s Celebration February 8, 2018
Live from Nashville: Country Legends February 19, 2018 Comedian Ventriloquist Taylor Mason February 23, 2018
The Annie Moses Band March 1, 2018 Million Dollar Quartet March 14, 2018
The MACG Band March 16, 2018 On Golden Pond March 23, 2018
All dates, artists and programs subject to change. Box Office 561-993-1160 Buy tickets @ www.dollyhand.org
Molodi May 4, 2018
1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts
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Content Discover the Beautiful Lake Okeechobee Region..................................................................11 Area Map................................................................................................................................23 Fishing On Lake Okeechobee................................................................................................27 Fishing Areas Map...........................................................................................................31 Fishing Tips.....................................................................................................................33 Welcome to Okeechobee County.................................................35 Chamber Welcome Letter............................................................41 History.........................................................................................47 Things To See & Do....................................................................54 Important Numbers....................................................................58 Places of Worship........................................................................63 Business Listings.........................................................................69 Welcome to Glades County........................................................72 Economic Development Council Welcome Letter.....................77 History........................................................................................78 Things To See & Do...................................................................80 Important Numbers....................................................................82 Places of Worship........................................................................83 Business Listings........................................................................84 Welcome to Hendry County......................................................86 Chamber Welcome Letter...........................................................91 History........................................................................................94 Things To See & Do...................................................................98 Important Numbers..................................................................103 Places of Worship......................................................................107 Business Listings......................................................................108 Welcome to Western Palm Beach County................................111 Chamber Welcome Letter.........................................................117 History......................................................................................121 Things To See & Do.................................................................128 Important Numbers..................................................................133 Places of Worship.....................................................................135 Business Listings....................................................................... 137 6 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | THE REGION
2018 Published by OTM Publications, Inc. dba Okeechobee The Magazine. 316 NW 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0054
Publisher
Susan E. Giddings
Art Director
Lorraine Vogel
Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener
Editor
Rachel Buxton
Contributors
Susie Hoover Joyce Klevin Koby Kreiger Thomas Markham Blake Marsocci Sandra Pearce Dana Williams
Advertising/Production Staff Patti Berglund Trish Grygo Jane VanTassell
Special thanks to the Chambers of Commerce of Belle Glade, Clewiston and Okeechobee, the Glades County Economic Development Council and the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and especially all of the executive directors of each. Many thanks to all the contributors who provided pictures as well as information, including the Anquan Boldin Foundation. Without the help of these and so many others, too numerous to mention, this guide would not have been possible. The information in this guide is intended to provide readers with resources and information which they may find useful and of interest. OTM takes all reasonable steps to keep this information current and accurate and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. 2018 Destination Lake Okeechobee, is published yearly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2017, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing. Š 2017 Okeechobee The Magazine
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OKEECHOBEE 1802 S. Parrott, Okeechobee, FL 34974 Direct: 863-763-7711
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Discover the Beautiful
Lake Okeechobee Region
I
f you’re looking at a map of Florida you can’t miss the big body of water smack dab in the middle of the state. Spanning 730 square miles and bordering five counties, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida and second largest in the U.S. When the lake is at full capacity, it can hold five trillion gallons of water. The Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District work together to maintain the water level.
Lake Okeechobee is surrounded by the Herbert Hoover Dike, which stands 30 feet high and stretches 143 miles. The dike was built after the deadly 1928 hurricane. Today, the lake includes several channels, locks and levees known as the Okeechobee Waterway. This manmade passageway stretches from the west coast of Florida at Ft. Myers, up the Caloosahatchee River and across the lake through the St. Lucie Waterway into Stuart. Five counties border Lake Okeechobee — Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Western Palm Beach and Martin. However, since the portion of Martin County that borders the lake is relatively undeveloped, with its main communities lying further to the east, the focus of Destination Lake Okeechobee is on the other four counties. Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry and Western Palm Beach County are all connected through history and the lake. Their communities share similar values,
all offering a combination of modern growth tempered with a relaxed country lifestyle. Yet, with all these similarities, each county and city possesses its own individual characteristics making it unique and worthy of a visit to explore. The counties around the lake provide an ideal home base that is centrally located with easy access to all of Florida’s events and attractions. Orlando and Disney World are just an easy drive north; Ft. Myers and Naples are a quick ride to the west; and the always-lively beaches of West Palm and Miami, simply minutes away to the east and south. No need to stay in one place. Pick a starting point and hop around the lake and visit each county and see what it has to offer. There’s enough to do to keep you busy day after day and weekend after weekend. All are thriving wonderful communities full of family-owned businesses and residents more than eager to support their small, locally owned mom and pop shops. Whether you want to make one of these counties your winter residence or perhaps your full-time home to raise your family or expand your business, you won’t be disappointed. Fishing may be what Lake Okeechobee and its surrounding communities are famous for, but once you take a look for yourself, you’ll see, there is so much ➢ more that this region has to offer. THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Lake Okeechobee’s main attraction, by far, is bass fishing, but the lake and the communities surrounding the lake have so much more to offer people, especially those who enjoy wildlife and pure scenic beauty. There are several ways you can enjoy nature on the lake. Boats, such as a pontoon boat, are a great way to cruise through the different locks enjoying wildlife sightings while friends and family sit back and enjoy. And if you prefer a little more excitement, a ride around Lake Okeechobee on an airboat is a must. Airboats are perfect for taking deep out in the marsh and shallow places to enjoy some of the lake’s more hidden beauties. There are numerous places around the lake offering sightseeing airboat rides, such as Billie Swamp Safari and the Roland & Mary Ann Martin Marina and Resort in Hendry County and Eagle Bay Airboat Rides in Okeechobee County.
Wildlife and Nature
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry ground, you might enjoy one of the many scenic trails along the lake, including the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), which connects all four counties. You can start in one county and finish in another. On this trail that was created along the top of the Herbert Hoover Dike, you can go hiking, cycling and sightseeing. In 1993 it became part of the 1,400-mile Florida Scenic Trail, which is a part of the National Scenic Trail. You can see wildlife of all kinds line the rim. There is no charge to use the trail and there are access points approximately every seven miles around the lake.
With all four counties lining the lake, each have either locks or piers that you can walk along and observe an overview of the lake or enjoy several different wildlife sightings, such as seagulls and turtles. Alligators and several species of birds can be seen among the lily pads in the water. There are several places on the water to take in the view around the lake. There’s Torry Island Campground and Marina in Belle Glade, the Pahokee Marina in Pahokee and the Roland & Mary Ann Martin Marina and Resort in Clewiston that all offer spectacular scenic views and fantastic service and accommodations. If birding is your interest, Okeechobee, Glades and Hendry Counties have thousands of acres of Stormwater Treatment Areas, which are wetlands constructed and managed by the South Florida Water Management District. On the land, there are trails where you can see the remnants of cypress trees and other wetland tree species. Birders can expect to see a variety of migratory and resident birds, including sandhill cranes, crested caracara, wood storks, great blue and tricolored herons, roseate spoonbills, black-necked stilts and white and glossy ibises. The Hendry-Glades Audubon Society has organized trips for anyone looking for a coordinated birding and wildlife adventure. ➢
12 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | THE REGION
There are many ways you can enjoy nature on and off the lake.
Thanks to Florida’s year-round summer-type weather, residents and visitors are able to stay busy outdoors all yearlong.
Fisheating Creek
Clewiston Golf Course
Outdoor Sports and Facilities Thanks to Florida’s year-round summer-type weather, residents, young and old, are able to stay busy outdoors all yearlong. From seasonal sports and racing to outdoor fun in the woods, visitors will never be left looking for something to do. With most days filled with sunshine and warmth, you never have to worry about it being “golf season.” Each county has courses open to the public, including one of Okeechobee’s located at the largest KOA in the system, as well as one in Moore Haven that is a nine-hole championship golf course designed by Mark Sauger located at The Glades RV Resort, Golf and Marina, and the championship 18-hole Clewiston Golf Course. With the several woodlands that surround Lake Okeechobee, hunting and shooting are a great way to pass the time. In Okeechobee, for example, there are two premier outdoor-shooting and recreational facilities, Quail Creek and OK Corral, which both offer pistol and rifle shooting and possible hunting packages depending on the season. There is also Okeechobee Shooting Sports, a 100-acre outdoor facility rated five stars by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Quail Creek Plantation
In Glades County located near the small town of Palmdale, Fisheating Creek Outpost gives visitors a chance to fish and hunt while enjoying the outdoors. And situated on the outskirts of LaBelle, in the small town of Muse, lies Silver Lakes Preserve, owned and operated by Lykes Bros. Inc. This pristine hunting preserve offers a variety of hunting and shooting opportunities, including deer, turkey, alligator and pheasant, along with spacious and comfortable accommodations for overnight guests. If your idea of fun is being in the driver’s seat then the lake region can oblige as there are dirt bike and ATV tracks. And if you prefer to experience speed by controlling vehicles via remote control, the lake region also offers gatherings ➢ and clubs for that liking. THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Wide-Open Spaces
Each county offers the advantage of being just next door to dense, action-packed cities, but the true advantage can be found right in their own backyards with wide-open space that leaves beautiful property that is covered with untouched hammocks and canopies of oak trees. It also provides the opportunity for the production of agriculture, something that has sustained each county over the years and throughout history.
Skydive Spaceland
Much of the land around Lake Okeechobee was converted to agricultural use once canals were created to help drain the Everglades, which made available the rich muck soil (known as “Black Gold” by locals) for farming, and provided a means of transportation. To the north in Okeechobee, dairy farms and beef cattle are the major land uses, while in the south and Glades region, sugar cane and vegetable farming are the primary use for much of the land.
Anything and Everything
As you can see, there is so much more the lake region has to offer than just fishing. If you have a hobby, one of the counties or cities is bound to be able to accommodate. If history is what interests you, there are several city museums you can visit and tour. Murals and statues can be located throughout the various counties depicting not just beautiful pieces of art but also a long history of perseverance and growth. Theaters, including the renowned Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center located on the Palm Beach State College campus in Belle Glade, showcase professional and local talent and provide clean, family entertainment. An abundance of events and festivals can be taken in and experienced throughout the year. There is always something to do, no matter where you are. From skydiving at Skydive Spaceland to star gazing in the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park to even mining for crystals at the Fort Drum Crystal Mine or trying your luck at the Seminole Brighton Casino, Lake Okeechobee and the many surrounding communities can keep you entertained.
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
Seminole Brighton Casino
16 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | THE REGION
Feeding the Nation Florida agriculture supports 1.4 million jobs and contributes $100 billion annually to our state economy. Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry and Western Palm Beach Counties all help Florida rank nationally in their production of cattle, vegetables and sugar cane. Together, the four counties cultivate over 970,000 acres of land and are the number one producers in the nation of sugar cane, citrus, sweet corn and winter leaf crops. Each spring, the Lake O region supplies millions of pounds of fresh produce by the truckload throughout the country. When other crops across the country are hit with cold weather, Lake O crops continue to thrive. Crop rotation, including the planting of rice during the summer, allows farmers to use fewer chemicals and increase production due to the fact that pests and weeds are under control. Florida also ranks tenth in overall cattle numbers nationwide, with Okeechobee County being the top producer in beef and dairy and the Florida Heartland counties, which includes Okeechobee, Glades and Hendry, representing 31 percent of the overall Florida cattle/calf herd size. Okeechobee alone milks approximately 25,000 head of dairy cows daily. Given the current market price of milk (not the price you see in the store) that equals $325,000 a day or $120,000,000 a year in dairy revenue ➢ for Okeechobee County.
– Farm to Table Florida agriculture supports 1.4 million jobs and contributes $100 billion annually to our state economy.
Regional Agriculture
Fun Facts
Florida Agriculture
• Supports 1.4 million jobs • Generates $100 billion annual economic impact in Florida • Responsible for $3 billion in tax revenue for local county and state governments
EAA Farmers Grow:
• Enough sweet corn to supply one billion people one ear a day for two months • Enough rice to feed 150 million people one time a day for two months • Enough lettuce for a billion salads a year • 36 million pounds of radishes • 120 million stalks of celery a year • Enough cabbage to make 250 million servings of coleslaw a year • 350 million servings of green beans a year
Florida’s Sugar Farmers
• Operate 4 raw sugar mills, 2 sugar refineries, and North America’s largest renewable power plant • Produce 50% of America’s raw cane sugar
Livestock
• Okeechobee is the top producer of beef cattle in Florida • Okeechobee milks approximately 25,000 head of dairy cows daily • The average milk produced per cow is 65 pounds 18 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | THE REGION
Florida’s sugar industry produces 50 percent of America’s raw cane sugar and contributes more than $3.2 billion to Florida’s economy. The sugar industry, including growing and processing sugar cane, provides over 12,000 jobs statewide with many of them created right here in our region. The Lake O region is home to U.S. Sugar in Clewiston, the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative in Belle Glade and Okeelanta/Florida Crystals in South Bay. For decades, local farmers have farmed sugar cane on more than 440,000 acres across Hendry, Glades, Martin and Palm Beach Counties, with most being in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). The EAA is the largest single producing region east of the Mississippi and the fifth largest in the nation. Farms in the EAA generated about $1.2 billion in sales for the agricultural year that ended in July. Florida’s economy wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for the hard work of local and family farms in Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry and Western Palm Beach Counties. Our regional farmers help provide American families with tables of homegrown fruits and vegetables. When looking at your plate at Thanksgiving dinner, almost everything on that plate could have come from one of the four counties around the lake.
Stewards of the Land
Local farmers and the agricultural community tend to get a bad rap due to the publicity surrounding the Lake Okeechobee water releases and back pumping. However, this reputation could not be further from the truth. Members of the EAA, U.S. Sugar, Florida Crystals, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative and other community farming groups are some of the most passionate stewards of the land. Local farmers have worked hard to ensure that lake water leaving farms is cleaner than most bottled natural spring water. In fact, U.S. Sugar and neighboring farmers have paid over $400 million to help build and operate Storm Water Treatment Areas known as STAs. STAs are manmade wetlands where overflow water from farmlands is filtered and cleaned. Farmers in the EAA reduced the phosphorous in the water by nearly three times the goal set by the State for the water year 2017. And if these numbers don’t prove their case, simply look at the fishing stats for the year. Lake Okeechobee is the healthiest it has been, with fishing tournaments producing some of the heaviest weights in years.
Something for Everyone
Packed with rich history, centrally-located cities, cultured activities and endless business opportunities, the Lake Okeechobee region has something for everyone. Fishermen, history buffs, outdoorsmen and even the wandering traveler will for sure find something to occupy their time no matter what county they may find themselves in. Each county thrives in its own unique way, but all offer safe and supportive communities that are excited about growth. So, if you are looking for the perfect place to launch a new business, start a family, or simply just relax ... take a look within this guide and see what the communities around the lake have to offer. l
• BEAUTIFUL LODGING • SPORTING CLAYS • • QUAIL, TURKEY AND PHEASANT HUNTING • • WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • SPECIAL EVENTS • Restaurant Open to the Public • Big Game Hunting Quail Creek Plantation 12399 NE 224th St. • Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.763.2529 www.quailcreekplantation.com
• Open to the public Wednesday thru Sunday, 8am-5pm
DISCOVER FLORIDA’S Torry Island Campground and Marina Campground Planned Activities • MONTHLY SOCIALS - POTLUCK DINNERS - PANCAKE BREAKFASTS • ICE CREAM SOCIALS • GAME & MOVIE NIGHTS • KARAOKE NIGHTS
• GOLF TOURNAMENTS & NIGHT GOLF • LADIES’ AND MEN’S PUTTING CONTESTS • EXERCISE CLASSES • CHURCH SERVICES
The City of Belle Glade Welcomes You!
FRESHWATER PARADISE! Second Largest Freshwater Lake in the United States Amenities • • • • • •
FISHING BOATING / AIRBOATS HIKING TRAILS BIKING TRAILS PICNIC AREA / PAVILION OBSERVATION TOWER
• • • • • •
GOLF COURSE (18 HOLES) 350 CAMPSITES ACTIVITY CENTER PLAYGROUND DOG PARK ON-SITE PUTTING GREEN
• BATHROOMS • LAUNDRY FACILITY w/AC • SECURITY GATES & CAMERAS • WiFi
500 0 W. Ca n a l St re et N o r t h , Be l l e Gl a d e, FL 33 430 ( 5 61 ) 9 96. 63 2 2 | To r r y I sl an dCam pgro u n d .co m
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY US 441
Okeechobee
US
Buckhead Ridge
98
US 27
Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
GLADES COUNTY
78 FL-
Lake Okeechobee Area Map
Palmdale
US 98
Lakeport
Port Mayaca
Canal Point
27 US
Ortona LaBelle
Pahokee
Moore Haven
FL-80
Clewiston
US 98
Muse
MARTIN COUNTY
US 27
Belle Glade South Bay
HENDRY COUNTY
WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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OPEN: 11-9 Sunday – Thursday 11-10 Friday and Saturday
1506 SW Parrott Ave Okeechobee, Florida 863.763.4276
Fishing ON
L AK E O K E E CH OBE E
L
ake Okeechobee, or the “Big O” as it’s commonly known as, is one of the most famed bass fisheries on the planet. Sprawling over more than 450,000 acres of prime largemouth habitat, the massive lake is relatively clear and sports an abundance of aquatic vegetation — hydrilla, eelgrass, peppergrass, hyacinth, reeds, cattails, lily pads — that holds loads of baitfish and bass. For its size, the lake is actually quite shallow, with an average depth of only nine feet. The abundance of shallow cover and ample supply of food are what makes this place a bass fishing Mecca. Anglers might feel overwhelmed with how to catch fish on Lake Okeechobee or where to even begin. In the following sections you will get expert advice on how to have a fun and successful day on the lake. Water levels play a major role in the health of the fishery in Lake Okeechobee. Due to an unusual dry year in 2016, water levels in the lake were down. This actually helped vegetation grow, which is where you often find the bass. Also, when the grass grows, grass shrimp breed and reproduce. This alone helps with water clarity. The numbers and quality on Lake O have been at an all-time high. Tournaments are producing higher weights and recreational fishermen are easily catching 50 to 100 quality fish in a day. Weights are ranging between five to eight pounds. Navigation on the lake can be difficult if you are not familiar with the area. There are many rocks scattered around the lake to help with formation, so it is important to run the outside grass lines where there is more water. Hiring a guide is always a great option to be on the safe side.
Fishing Information
Lake Okeechobee offers two types of bass fishing: • Artificial Lures • Live Bait (Golden Shiners)
Live bait is the “best bait” to catch giant bass on the Big O. Fish the shiners hooked in the nose or behind the dorsal fin. A 3/0 kahle hook or 5/0 light wire circle hook with a 1-1/2” to 2” bobber 2’-5’ above the shiner is recommended. These golden shiners produce 75 percent of the trophy bass caught on Lake Okeechobee. Local bait and tackle shops are at the heart of it all on Lake Okeechobee, providing visitors and anglers alike places to purchase souvenirs and fishing supplies. Souvenirs range from Florida alligator heads, area magnets, shot glasses, coffee cups, and T-shirts, plus everything in-between. Fishing supplies range from the newest rods/reels, soft baits, hard baits, and everything anglers would need for a day on Lake Okeechobee, including live bait (minnows, crickets, worms, golden shiners). If you want to get the latest fishing report or just hear some good fish tales, stop in at any of the locally owned and operated bait and tackle shops around Lake Okeechobee. Anglers and visitors will find these shops located in the city of Okeechobee, Moore Haven, Clewiston, and Belle Glade. If there is a boat ramp nearby, you can be sure a tackle shop is not far away. Stop in, walk around, and see what ➢ each of these unique stores has to offer. THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Your One-Stop
SHOP
Before Hitting
• LIVE BAIT • TACKLE • CLOTHING • FUEL • GROCERIES
Ready to Fish? 7 Professional Fishing Guides Available
Book Your Trip Today!
863.763.0973
1505 STATE ROAD 78 WEST OKEECHOBEE, FL Open 5 am – 9 pm 7 days
www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com
the Lake!
Hiring a Professional Guide
For experienced and inexperienced anglers alike, time on the water with a fishing guide can pay dividends. Some people hire guides simply so they can catch fish. Other folks want to learn the basics of the sport, or have the guide teach them a particular technique. Still, others hope guides can help them unlock the secrets of their favorite bodies of water.
Availability of Professional Fishing Guides
Lake Okeechobee is home to some of the best freshwater fishing guides in the United States, catering to thousands of anglers every year. Three hundred and sixty five days a year, rain or shine, anglers can always find a licensed guide available. During the “season” (December through March), some guides will be booked out a year or more in advance for certain dates. To guarantee your specific trip date and guide, it is recommended to book several months in advance during this time.
Why Hire a Local Professional Fishing Guide?
1. Unmatched knowledge – A guide can reduce the angler’s learning curve
drastically, allowing for more time catching fish then trying to figure out how to catch fish.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Fast Break Professional Guides
863-824-3474 | 866-213-2474 www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com
Captain Allen Duke Captain Wade Lightsey Captain Larry Crossman Captain Kyle Monti Captain Brad Gibson Captain Robbie Ward Captain Mike Jones
•••••••••
HENDRY COUNTY Roland Martin Marina Professional Guides
863-983-3151 | 800-473-6766 www.RolandMartinMarina.com
Captain Mike Balon Captain Fred Barraks Captain Chet Douthit Captain Terry Garrels Captain Mark King Captain Steve Lake
Captain Kevin Long Captain Tom Mann Captain Dave Schneider Captain Ed Steadley Captain Jerry Ware
2. A professional guide provides anglers with proven techniques and fishing
locations to assure a fun-filled experience on the water.
3. Lake Okeechobee is home to world-class largemouth bass and black
crappie fishing, and hiring a professional guide gives anglers their best opportunity to catch these world-class fish.
4. The shallow waters of Lake Okeechobee can give anglers new to the
lake a little trouble but the knowledgeable local fishing guides can provide new anglers navigation tips for staying safe.
➢
THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Your Adventure Starts Here
Condo Rentals • Motel Rooms • RV Park Fishing • Professional Fishing Guides • Boat Rentals • Airboat Tours The Tiki Bar Waterfront Dining • The Galley Restaurant 920 E. Del Monte Avenue • LAKE OKEECHOBEE CLEWISTON, FL 33440
800.473.6766
www.rolandmartinmarina.com
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8
13 7
14
6 5
1
2
3
15
4
Lake Okeechobee Fishing Areas
23
22 22 22 21 20
16 19 18
1- Indian Prairie 2- 4th Point 3- Tin House Cove 4- 3rd Point 5- Buckhead 6- King’s Bar
7- Open Water Drifting for Crappie 8- Kissimmee River 9- Little Grassy 10- Eagle Bay 11- Government Cut
17
12- Taylor Creek 13- Henry Creek 14- Rim Canal 15- J & S 16- Kreamer Island 17- Long Point
18- Rita Island 19- East Wall 20- Clewiston Canal 21- West Wall 22- Observation Shoal 23- North Shore
Tips for Fishing Areas by Season/Fish found on page 32-33. ➢ THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Fishing Tips
Use Fishing Area map on page 31 for number reference below.
BASS Summer Time (June, July, August) Areas
Look For
4 — 3rd Point 6 — King’s Bar (East Side) 12 & 14 — Taylor Creek/Rim Canal 15 — J & S 16 — Kreamer Island 17 — Long Point 22 — Observation Shoal
• Shad flickering • Outside grass edges • Diving birds • Depressions, offshore structure, and deeper water • Brim beds • Shad balls
Baits
• 4 x 4 Swim Jig (White) • Zara Spook (Okie Shad) • Rattletrap (Chrome/Black Back) • Trick Worm (Black) • Spinnerbait (White) • Stick Baits
Summer time is all about getting on the water early, typically 15 minutes before sunrise. The first hour or two is great for spinnerbaits, zara spooks and swim jigs fished along the outside grass lines or outer edge of vegetation. After the morning bite, slow down and fish a Carolina rig or Texas rig with a trick worm or 10” worm around deeper water.
Fall Fishing (September, October, November) Areas
Look For
1 — Indian Prairie 2 — 4th Point 6 — King’s Bar (South End) 9 — Little Grassy 16 — Kreamer Island 17 — Long Point 18 — Rita Island 22 — Observation Shoal 23 — North Shore
• Topped out hydrilla • Lily pads • Pepper grass • Thick cover
Baits
• Popping Frog (Natural Green) • Gambler Big EZ (Copperfield) • Medlock Jig (1oz Black/Blue) • Speed Worm (Junebug)
The fall brings cooler weather and the bass start feeding heavily this time of year. Look for topped out grass to fish popping frogs and Gambler Big EZ over the thickest submerged grass you can find in the morning. After a morning bite, switch to targeting reed heads on the outer edge with a Medlock jig or a magnum speed worm. The popping frog and Medlock jig produce big fish, just be patient they are proven on the Big O.
Winter Fishing (December, January, February) Areas
3 — Tin House Cove 5 — Buckhead 6 — King’s Bar (North End) 13 — Henry Creek 17 — Long Point 19 — East Wall 22 — Observation Shoal 23 — North Shore
Look For
• Hard bottom in grass • Hydrilla, reeds, cattails • Matted hydrilla • Spawning Bass/Fry • Clean water • Isolated lily pads
Baits
• Swimbaits (Copperfield) • Devil’s Horse • Speed Worm & Senkos • Sweet Beaver & BB Cricket • Boy Howdy • Stick Baits • Buzz Frogs • Bladed Jigs
The winter puts the giant largemouth bass into spawning mode. Look for large groups of bass to move into the shallows to spawn a few days before both the new and full moons. Target and locate these fish with swimbaits, devil’s horse, and speed worms. Fish these baits around hydrilla, reeds, and any other areas with hard bottom. Look for isolated lily pad clumps and make long casts so you don’t spook the fish. If a cold front moves in, target the thickest cover with a 1oz-2 oz tungsten weight with a sweet beaver or BB cricket and pitch/flip/punch for some big fish. Clean water will increase your catch rate during the spawn (2 foot plus is sufficient).
Spring Time (March, April, May) Areas
1 — Indian Prairie 3 — Tin House 6 — King’s Bar (South End) 10 — Eagle Bay 16 — Kreamer Island 18 — Rita Island 19 — East Wall 22 — Observation Shoal 23 — North Shore
Look For
• Clean water 1’-3’ • Kissimmee grass lines • Topped out hydrilla • Reeds • Subtle points or depressions
Baits
• Spinnerbait (White) • Swim Jig (White) • Horny Toad (Black or White) • Medlock Jig (1oz Black/Blue) • Big EZ (White) • Skinny Dippers • Heavy Flipping Jigs • Buzz Frogs
March ends the bass spawn and starts the bluegill and shellcracker spawn. Look for bass to feed on these sunfish as they spawn in large groups creating a feeding ground for the bass. The bass will start to move to the outer edge of the cattail wall this time of year. Swim jig and Big EZ are the baits to target these areas. Shad will start to spawn on the outside grass lines for the first hour of daylight, look for shad flickering and bass busting. Target these areas by throwing spinnerbaits, swim jigs, horny toads, and Big EZs. Switch to a Medlock jig and fish reed heads after the morning bite.
32 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | THE REGION
Areas
1 — Indian Prairie 7 — 2 Miles SE of Kissimmee (Open Water Drifting) 8 — Kissimmee River (Mouth) 11 — Government Cut
CRAPPIE Look For
• Structure • Drop-offs, humps, deeper water • Schools of fish on sonar • Outside grass lines
Baits
• Minnows • Hair Jigs • Rubber Jigs
Prime crappie time is between November and April, providing anglers with great success. Although they are caught year round, the warmer months are much slower. The mouth of the Kissimmee River is the most popular spot, while government cut is the second most popular spot. Both provide anglers great opportunities. Target crappie by fishing minnows 3’-10’ deep under a small bobber. You will find success during the day and at night. Anglers can also jig for crappie in the grass and reeds to catch crappie around Little Grassy, King’s Bar, and Buckhead areas.
SUNFISH (BLUEGILL/SHELLCRACKER) Areas
5 — Buckhead 6 — King’s Bar (North End) 8 — Kissimmee River 11 — Government Cut 15 — J & S
Look For
• Hard Bottom • Reeds, eel grass, hydrilla • Grass points • Structure, Fingers, and banks of deeper water canals
Baits
• Red Worms • Crickets • Grass Shrimp • Beetle Spin
Looking for a good way to get kids into fishing, this is it! These sunfish spawn in groups of five to 2,000 fish in one little area with the average group being 20 to 50 fish. Look for these fish spawning anywhere with clean water and hard bottom. Ease around while looking down into the water until you find groups of small white circles together and start fishing. These small white circles are spawning beds and can be seen very easy in clean water.
Lake Okeechobee 2017/18 Fishing Tournaments OKEECHOBEE
October 28-29 Florida Bass Federation November 4-5 Lakeland Jr. Bassmasters November 18-19 Toho One Man Series January 4-6 FLW – Costa Tournament January 26-28 Florida Bass Federation February 10 OGS Florida Elite February 17 American Bass Anglers March 17 BFL Gator Division March 24 American Bass Anglers
CLEWISTON January 25-28 FLW Tour February 10 BFL Gator Division April 14 BFL Gator Division
THE REGION | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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GOVERNOR’S
Family owned and operated, Okeechobee Health Care Facility began providing Long-term and Rehab care to the citizens of Okeechobee and the surrounding communities in December of 1984. Rehab Therapy, consisting of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Out-Patient Therapy, is available six days a week in a kind, caring environment.
GOLD SEAL AWARD Of the 683 licensed nursing homes in Florida, Okeechobee Health Care Facility was one of only 37 recipients to receive the award to date!
Long-term care is available for loved ones who can no longer be cared for safely at home, in addition to a secured Dementia/Alzheimer Memory-Care Unit. • Dietitian-Developed Nutritious Meals & Snacks • Stimulating & Fun Daily Activities • Dedicated Nurses and CNAs Provide • Pastoral Services Personal Care 24 Hours Every Day • Home-Like Atmosphere • Loving End-of-Life Comfort Measures • Sit-and-Visit Spots • 5-Star Federal and State Rated
Okeechobee Health Care Facility Rehab Care • Long Term Care • Memory Care Personal Nursing Care 24/7 5 Star Federal and State Rated • Governor’s Gold-Seal Award Recipient
1646 US Highway 441 North • Okeechobee, Florida 34972
★★★★★
863.763.2226 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
www.Okeechobeehealthcare.com
34 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee
Okeechobee County Historic Court House
Lake Okeechobee North Pier Okeechobee County lifestyle
Welcome to
OKEECHOBEE County
S
ituated right on the northern point of Lake Okeechobee is its namesake, Okeechobee County, a growing community that prides itself on its rich past and history. This is a county that welcomes diversity but retains its small-town family atmosphere. Okeechobee offers yearround activities, quality education, cutting-edge medicine and open space for relaxation, all without the pressures of intense urban living.
Located conveniently right in the middle of the state, Okeechobee has a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging from 72 to 93 and mild winters from 49 to 73, making for comfortable days and cool evenings. With comfortable year-round temperatures and an average rainfall of only 53 inches, outdoor activities continue throughout the entire year. With Okeechobee only 70 miles from West Palm Beach, 115 from Tampa, 105 from Orlando and 135 from Miami, the crossroads in the center of town offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban settings but also provides convenience to Florida attractions, beaches and amenities of larger cities within a short drive. The major interstates, railway, waterways, ports and airport provide unlimited access. Okeechobee life extends past county limits, however. On Hwy 78, immediately across the Kissimmee River is the Glades County community of Buckhead
Ridge. Due to its proximity, residents of Buckhead Ridge work, attend school and otherwise participate in the life of Okeechobee.
If you continue on Hwy 78 W you will arrive on the outskirts of the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, also technically in Glades County, however, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Okeechobee residents have a longstanding relationship. Brighton residents play a very active role in Okeechobee’s community. Okeechobee is always looking for new ways to expand upon their culture and activities. A mural program depicting local historical times and events can be found on several buildings throughout the city. The city’s active cultural environment includes an annual arts festival held in the center of town, a community theater program that has entertained residents for over 35 years, as well as drama and art activities for the youth. Visitors can take a look back through Okeechobee’s history on display at the museum and library, with downloadable material, Internet access and various cultural programs. Throughout the year there is never a lack of activities and events for residents ➢ OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Okeechobee County Fair
to partake in. Many civic associations and service clubs help sponsor and put on events, such as a community blood drive, a Labor Day and Christmas parade, festivals in the park, year-round rodeos and an annual re-enactment of the battle of the second Seminole War called the Battle of Okeechobee. There are also monthly mixers and after-hour events that bring businesses and the community together. Okeechobee Music Festival
One of Okeechobee’s newest annual events, the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival draws thousands of visitors from all across the world for a four-day concert event that features award-winning artists such as Usher and Hall and Oates. Okeechobee is a perfect getaway for someone who wants to stay active. It is home to two highly acclaimed public sporting venues that offer all types of shooting as well as hunts. Okeechobee is also home to the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which offers hiking, wildlife viewing, camping and one of the darkest night skies. The park is designated as an “International Dark Sky,” one of only 20 in the world.
Downtown Okeechobee murals
36 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Downtown Okeechobee
Top of the Lake Art Fest
KOA Golf Course
With an excellent road system encircling the lake, travelers have several scenic viewpoints to visit, such as several campgrounds and RV parks including the Okeechobee KOA — the largest KOA with a nine-hole golf course. Several restaurants and recreational facilities can also be located along the lake’s perimeter. C. Scott Driver Park, located on Hwy 78 W at the Kissimmee River, provides facilities for hikers, boaters and fishermen. Just north of town, nature enthusiasts can take a walk, run or bike ride along a winding path through 170 acres of trees and wetlands where Taylor Creek once flowed. Three miles of the trail is compacted shell-rock making it wheelchair and baby stroller accessible. Known as the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area, it is the perfect destination for bird watchers and photographers, as it attracts a variety of migratory and resident birds. Wild turkeys, deer and alligators are also occasionally seen on the trail. The lake isn’t the only thing this small vibrant county is nationally known for. All that one must do is simply drive outside of city limits and instantly Okeechobee’s other commodity becomes visible — cattle. Okeechobee has been recognized as the top cattle and calf-producing county in the state of Florida with over 180,000 head. Many of Okeechobee’s original cattle farms are now owned and operated by third and fourth generation farmers.
Residential community
Nationally, Florida ranked tenth in beef cows, with Okeechobee County producing the largest head at roughly 82,000. The beef cattle industry in Okeechobee primarily produces feeder calves, which are sold off annually at 6 to 10 months of age and around 500 pounds. Many are auctioned off at the Okeechobee Livestock Market, a must see for anyone visiting or passing through. Along with leading the state in beef cows, Okeechobee is also a leading dairy county in Florida. Okeechobee alone is milking approximately 25,000 head of dairy cows daily resulting in $120,000,000 a year in dairy revenue for Okeechobee County. All of the dairies in Okeechobee are part of Southeast Milk Co-op, which sells to various retailers throughout the state including Publix ➢ and Winn-Dixie.
Okeechobee Livestock Market OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Indian River State College (IRSC)
With an ever-growing campus, Indian River State College (IRSC) is becoming a top college choice for graduating seniors in Okeechobee. With over 100 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and technical certificate programs available, IRSC Dixon-Hendry Campus is making college more affordable and accessible to students. Students no longer have to travel to receive a quality education. Along with the college being nationally recognized, Okeechobee’s hospital and nursing home have also made names for themselves. Raulerson Hospital has been recognized as a ‘Top Performer’ by the Joint Commission on Key Quality Measures for five years in a row. It is one of only 117 hospitals nationwide to achieve this recognition. And Okeechobee Health Care Facility received the 2017 Governor’s Gold Seal Award for its excellence in providing long-term care and has been a 5-Star rated facility each year for the past 15 years. Okeechobee High School
38 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Okeechobee may be small but it offers everything one needs and at a topquality level. A community where residents once had to drive out of town for basic conveniences is no more. Okeechobee has it all and then some. From fishing on the lake to sightseeing to sports shooting and cultural familyfriendly events, this community offers a unique and diverse atmosphere that is the perfect place to live and play. l
Broker-Realtor
Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast
N O M L A S NIKI
(863) 532-9096
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863.532.9096
505 NE Park Street • Okeechobee, FL www.uniquegifts4u.com • www.rusticnow.com nikirusticnow@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OKEECHOBEE BOARD OF REALTORS & OKEECHOBEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A Full Service Accounting Firm Business Consulting & Support Tax Planning & Return Preparation
Thankful to be serving the community we grew up in.
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Payroll Ethical & Quality Service Se Habla Español
500 NW 6th ST. • 863.357.1099 • www.cpataxsolutions.net
A Full Service Accounting Firm ✔ Business Consulting & Support
The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of
L
Okeechobee County
ocated at the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee, the year-round population in Okeechobee County is 40,314 with an additional estimated 30,000 winter residents from November to May.
We live a Florida lifestyle that surrounds us with a unique natural habitat in a beautiful rural environment complete with expansive oak hammocks, a famous lake and river, diverse culture, rich history and a vast array of recreational, educational, employment and business opportunities. Okeechobee County offers undeniable business advantages, abundant land, a ready workforce, a four-year college and additional colleges and universities within a half hour drive. The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County plays a significant role in promoting economic development through grants from the County as well as the City of Okeechobee. Whether your business is new to Okeechobee or you are seeking to expand in Okeechobee, the Chamber of Commerce can assist you.
welcomes you to our paradise!
As a member of the Chamber, you gain a network of business partners who work together to help and promote Okeechobee’s growing economy. Each month the Chamber has a number of networking and educational events planned that can help you get to know our businesses better while introducing yourself to people within the community that you’ll be able to network with. Relationships with fellow Chamber members are a positive way to grow your business. When consumers know that a small business is a member of the local Chamber, they are 63 percent more likely to think favorably of the business. Come for a visit and join us “IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL”.
Paulette Wise Executive Director Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County
Russ Brown, Christine Brennan-Bishop, Bobby Keefe, Niki Salmon, Paulette Wise, Jeff Jones, Tabitha Trent, Brian Melear, Wayne Cunningham and Bill Dover.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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50 Yard Indoor Archery Range Bow Shooting Lessons Tournaments Bow Fishing
Bow Service of ALL Makes and Models
1505 C SOUTH PARROTT AVENUE • OKEECHOBEE, FL 863.484.0032 • WWW.SKULLHILLSTEEL.COM
42 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
WJ
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Fine Jewelry Appraisal We Buy Scrap Gold & Silver Coins & Diamonds
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Announces Season 39
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March 9, 10, 16 & 17
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Unfortunate events bring people together in this comic-drama
Evening Performances at 8pm - Saturday Matinees at 2pm FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL: 863.763.1307 www.okeechobeecommunitytheatre.com All performances at 610 SW Second Avenue • Okeechobee
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Porcelain Esthetics
Well & Water Treatment Business
Serving The Lake Okeechobee Region Water Conditioners Salt Delivery | Water Softeners Drinking Water Systems Whole-House Reverse Osmosis Systems
“Begin your journey to healthier beautiful skin.” Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion Light therapies Therapeutic customized facials Acne treatment Resurfacing
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Water Treatment System
863.763.3417
204 Southeast 10th Avenue Okeechobee FL 34974 www.DomersInc.com
44 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
863.634.3615 221 NE Park St.
• Okeechobee, FL
Cheryl Daniels, Licensed Esthetician, Certified Skin Specialist License # FB9750329
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HOURS: M-F 8am-5pm 265 HWY 98 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.467.1691 • www.lehmanautobody.com
Unify your staff’s apparel with custom embroidery
SHOP OUR STORE OR BRING IN YOUR ITEMS FOR EMBROIDERY Locally Owned & Operated One-on-One Service Timely Turn-Around
116 S.W. 4th Ave. Okeechobee, FL • 863-532-2973
Title Insurance • Real Estate Closings
202Insurance NW 5th Street•• Real Okeechobee, 34972 Title EstateFLClosings Telephone: 863.824.6776 Fax: 863.824.6778
Refrigeration ~ AC ~ Ice Machines Serving the Lake Okeechobee Region Since 1929
Jim and Monica McCarthy Clark
800.763.2114
Carrier
St. Lic. #CMCO54668
Telephone: 863.824.6776 Fax: 863.824.6778 titleandlegal@ymail.com OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Park Street c.1940
Okeechobee County
5
HISTORY
Louisiana and Peter Raulerson
O
dredges. Disston began work on the Kissimmee River in an attempt to open the land for development. At that time, only wild game, birds and Native Americans occupied the region.
Disston began work on a route through land covered with keechobee means “big water” water oak, cypress, rubber and palmetto trees, beginning in the in the Seminole Indian lanCity of Kissimmee and heading south to Lake Okeechobee. guage, an appropriate name being that Lake Okeechobee is the Soon after the excavation began people started to take second largest fresh water lake in the First schoolhouse c.1909 notice of the beautiful land and lake. In October 1896, PeUnited States, second in size only to ter and Louisiana (Chandler) Raulerson arrived at Taylor Creek, a few miles Lake Michigan. Over the years, Lake Okeechobee has had many names, the north of the lake. The Raulersons stretched 30 miles of fence from Taylor earliest of which being Mayaimi (an early Indian Tribe). It has also gone by Creek to the Kissimmee River, enclosing the river’s bend. the names Laguna del Esperitu Santo, meaning Lake of the Holy Spirit, Lake Mayacco and Lake Mayoco before finally being named Lake Okeechobee. Shortly thereafter, other settlers began to arrive. W.A. “Buster” Ferrell built a home just west of Taylor Creek and Samuel L. Gray paddled his way down Until the late 1830s, the dense untamed landscape of Central Florida deterred the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee in 1899. exploration. Following efforts to relocate native tribes to the west, the Seminole Indians had only one avenue of escape, south. The U.S. Army pursued a band of Seminoles to the shoreline of Lake Okeechobee in an event that would later be referred to as “Col. Zachary Taylor’s Christmas Party.” On Dec. 25, 1837 the Battle of Okeechobee was fought between the Seminole Indians and Col. Zachary Taylor’s U.S. Army unit. What became the bloodiest battle of the Second Seminole War ended with many U.S. casualties and the Seminole Indians retreating deep into the swamp. Today, the 145-acre Okeechobee Battlefield State Park, commemorating the event, is located just off US Hwy 441 SE, just a few miles southeast of the city. Following the Seminole’s escape, the marshy region on the lake’s northern coast remained unexplored until the 1880s when Hamilton Disston brought
A year earlier, the Raulerson family built the first schoolhouse at the river’s bend to provide an education for their children. At the time six children were required to start a school. To have enough children the Yates children were “borrowed” from Fort Drum, just to the north. Dr. George M. Hubbard, Seminole Indians c.1850 a Connecticut Yankee the children nicknamed “Mother Hubbard,” served as the first teacher. ➢ OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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The U.S. Government sent Henry Hudson Hancock and his brother James to survey an area of the lake. Henry decided to move his family to Taylor Creek and took over as the schoolteacher. Later, he became instrumental in establishing the area’s first voting precinct in 1903 with seven voters. As the popRaulerson cattle crew ulation increased, Tantie Huckabee, a well-educated lady from South Carolina was brought down to teach. The community honored her energy and enthusiasm by naming the school after her. Her name was also given to the first post office, and the town began to be known as Tantie. A thriving economy drew even more settlers to Tantie. Numerous industries such as hunting, citrus and farming were already growing, but none as much as the catfish industry. In 1906 the steamer Success carried 6,000 pounds of fish from the lake on its first haul. In 1912, Robert Upthegrove established Upthegrove Beach, a tiny town on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee. In time, it became a large fishing site on what is now Hwy 441 SE. In 1911, the St. Lucie County Tribune announced that work would soon start on a branch line of the Florida East Coast Railway that would run from Maytown, north of Titusville on the east coast, to Tantie. Because of the new developments in and around the town, on Oct. 4, 1911 the name Tantie was deemed inappropriate and was changed to Okeechobee. Later that year, P.L. Jenkins enlisted a civil engineer to lay out and survey the new city. Many of the street names originated from the area’s Indian heritage:
Fish house on Taylor Creek c.1915 Okeechobee, Seminole, Osceola, Hicpochee, Miami, Kissimmee, Parrott, Tallahassee, Cherokee, Hiwasee, Micanopee, Meridith and Oklosnokee. Those names remained until the 1970s when streets and avenues were given new names and numbers. After a visit to the region, South Florida Railroad Company owner Henry Morrison Flagler initiated a re-design of the city to include wide streets, a central park and many wooden buildings, some of which still exist today. He envisioned it becoming the “Chicago of the South.” Created from portions of Osceola, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties, the boundaries of Okeechobee County and the incorporation of the city were formalized on June 4, 1915. Florida Gov. Park Trammell (1913 to 1917) appointed municipal officers that included Mayor Peter Raulerson, Clerk of Accessory Henry Chandler, and Councilmen L.M. Raulerson, W.L. Coats, Dr. C. R. Darrow, S.J. Drawdy and C.L. Hatch. The first city council meeting was held on July 13, 1915. Okeechobee’s first chief of police or city marshal was Benjamin F. Hall, who was appointed July 14, 1915 and served until September 1915. He was succeeded by J.W. Raulerson and William E. “Pogey Bill” Collins. Okeechobee was finally recognized as a county on May 8, 1917. In 1919 the name of the city was changed from Okeechobee City to the City of Okeechobee. Over the years, Okeechobee has endured many devastating storms and hurricanes. Two of the most deadly occurred within two years of each other. In 1926, a storm came rolling through with 125 mph winds. Lake Okeechobee flooded killing hundreds and injuring thousands. But the real blow came in 1928 when a second and even worse storm struck. As it moved throughout South Florida the floodwaters of Lake Okeechobee rose as high as 12 feet. The death toll went into the thousands. To prevent such devastation in the future, the Hoover Dike was created in 1929. The dike protects areas around the lake from flood damage during hurricane season. Lake Okeechobee is the water lifeline for South Florida. It stores and supplies water to many cities and agricultural communities to its south. Locks located approximately every seven miles around the lake provide fishing and boating access. Today, Okeechobee is truly a crossroads linking the east and west coasts of Florida. The county comprises 771 square miles with a population of approximately 40,000, with 5,500 of whom reside in the City of Okeechobee. It is known for dairy and beef cattle, fishing and tourism industries. The industrial park located next to the county airport is a growing area that provides several advantages to manufacturers.
Peter Raulerson’s log cabin
Florida East Coast Railway 48 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Okeechobee may be considered small in size but its history is long and rich. The small-town community is largely cultured and diverse having gone through many changes over the past several centuries. Different names, different people, different buildings. But all the changes, big and small, have made Okeechobee what it is today, a place many are proud to call home. l
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106
(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson
Your Top Realty Company Anderson Realty Co. is seasoned at aiding new and in Okeechobee That Your Family Can Trust experienced buyers and sellers in all areas of real estate. to be There For You! Serving ALL Your Real Estate Needs 21442 E. SR 78 - Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net
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Expanding Aeronautical & Business Opportunities for the Lake Okeechobee Area Okeechobee County General Aviation Airport and Industrial Park
History
Okeechobee County Airport was first built in the 1940’s by the military. In 1947, the airport was turned over to the County and has since been utilized as a Public General Aviation Airport with expansion of an Industrial Park for Aviation and Business Development.
Amenities
AIRPORT - Two (2) Runways (RW) RW 5-23 - Primary runway – 5,000 ft. – Equipped with Lighting RW 14-32 - Crosswind runway – 4,000 ft. – Visual runway only TERMINAL BUILDING - Houses the Fixed Based Operator (FBO), Airport Personnel Offices & Landing Strip Cafe HANGARS - T & Box Hangars, Business & Private FUEL FARM - Competitively priced AvGas & Jet A Fuel provided by Okeechobee Jet Center (FBO). Full Service truck for Jet A BUSINESSES: Okeechobee Aviation Paint Shop, Forestry Division (FWC) OTHER: Beacon, Lighted Wind Cone Indicator, AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) and Security System INDUSTRIAL PARK - Approximately 108 acres of land Paved Roads - Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) water & sewer Florida Power & Light (FPL) service with three phase accessibility. Telephone and Internet providers-Century Link & Comcast Cable. Lot sizes vary in size and can be combined to accommodate the needs of the business. Several lots adjacent to Taxiway B with two areas that have paved entrance to Taxiway B. Lots are available on a Land Lease basis.
Location
Central Florida location on Highway 98 North with easy access to Highway 70 East/West, Highway 441 North/South, I-95, I-75 and the Florida Turnpike
For further information or schedule a site visit: Call 863.467.5505 / www.okeechobeecountyairport.com 2800 NW 20TH Trail, Okeechobee, Florida
We invite you to be part of our Aviation community, start or build a business or just bring your family to enjoy breakfast or lunch while viewing Aircraft of all kinds land and depart in Okeechobee County.
Lunch Buffet:
7 days a week 11 am to 1:30 pm
5050 NE 128th Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974
52 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
OPEN: Monday-Saturday 5:30am to 2:30pm Sunday: 7:00am to 2:30pm
863-763-8333
2018 OKEECHOBEE COW TOWN RODEO P.R.C.A EVENT Saturday, March 10th @ NIGHT & Sunday, March 11th @ 2:30pm $18 in advance / $20 at the gate / Kids 5 and under FREE
2018 OKEECHOBEE LABOR DAY BULL BASH Saturday, September 1st & Monday, September 3rd Gates open @ NOON $12 in advance / $15 at the gate / Kids 12 and under FREE www.TheOkeechobeeRodeo.com
The Cattlemen’s Outdoor Grandstand Arena • 1885 US Highway 441 North, Okeechobee, FL 34972
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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o Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center With new species arriving at any given time, Arnold’s Wildlife is home to over 50 species of mammals, birds and reptiles, with 11 of them on the endangered list. Arnold’s Wildlife is a non-profit educational-based wildlife care facility that rescues, rehabilitates and releases animals back into their natural habitats. Arnold’s Wildlife also has a butterfly garden with 500 to 800 free-roaming butterflies and 88 species identified by the National Butterfly Association. The garden has created its own ecosystem with Mother Nature taking care of it. The rehabilitation center is located just off US Hwy 441 SE. For more information visit www.arnoldswildlife.org.
Okeechobee County
Battle of Okeechobee
o Battle of Okeechobee Every February history comes alive when the final battle of the Second Seminole War is re-enacted just off US Hwy 441 SE. It is known as the largest and fiercest battle during the Seminole Wars that pitted the Seminole Indians, who fought to escape relocation to western reservations, against U.S. troops led by Col. Zachary Taylor on December 25, 1837. Participants wear authentic costumes of the era and re-enact the bloodiest battle, giving viewers an inside look into history. For further information contact 863-610-2333 or visit www.okeechobeebattlefield.com.
Things To See Do
&
County Fair
o Fort Drum Crystal Mine Located on the outskirts of town, Fort Drum Crystal Mine is a bit of a hidden gem where visitors can possibly unearth a few hidden “treasures” of their own. What once used to be a former mining operation for the fossilized shell rock is now a place where eager diggers can search for fossilized clams the size of your hand filled with honey-colored calcite crystals. For more information call 863-634-4579.
Top of the Lake Art Fest
o Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
o OK Corral Gun Club
Located 25 miles north of Okeechobee on Hwy 441, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. The park consists of over 100 miles of multi-use nature trails where hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can explore the grasslands. Guided swamp buggy tours are also offered seasonally through the 54,000-acre preserve. And for those who want a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, they can reserve a campsite and view the dark night sky over the prairie. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, the first in Florida. For more information call 863-462-5360 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.
Open to the public seven days a week, OK Corral Gun Club is a premier shooting sports club featuring trap and skeet, two championship sporting clay courses, covered pistol and rifle ranges, a wobble deck, 5-stand, 10 cowboy action stages and a competition steel park all spread out along 350 acres of real Florida country land. Lodging and picnic areas are also available. To find out more visit www.okcorralgunclub.com.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
o Okeechobee Community Theatre Founded in 1979, the Okeechobee Community Theatre is a volunteer-based organization of local adults and young people who present high quality live Broadway-style musicals, comedies and dramas at a reasonable price for audiences in South Central Florida. They specialize in entertainment that is suitable for the entire family. All performances are presented in the historic Okeechobee Auditorium located at 610 SW Second Avenue in downtown Okeechobee. The intimate 260-seat facility keeps you close to the action on stage. For more information visit www.okeechobeecommunitytheatre.com or call 863-763-1307.
o Okeechobee County Fair March welcomes the fair held at the Agri-Civic Center on Hwy 70 E. The fair features rides for young and old, as well as local vendors displaying their unique products. During the weeklong festival, several competitions are held, including beauty pageants, barbecue contests, craft competitions and 4-H’s annual livestock show and sale. The fair offers a little something for everyone ranging from food to entertainment. For further information visit www.okeechobeecountyfair.com.
o Okeechobee Historical Society Museum and Schoolhouse
Located on Hwy 98, Okeechobee’s museum is housed in the old school house, which was built in 1907. The museum showcases a selection of collectables and newspaper clippings encompassing more than a hundred years of Okeechobee’s rich history. For more information or hours call 863-763-4344.
o Speckled Perch
Festival and Parade
Speckled Perch Festival and Parade
Hosted by Okeechobee Main Street in March, the annual Speckled Perch Festival and Parade is the oldest celebration in Okeechobee, dating back to 1965. At that time, the festival honored the fishing industry with a parade and fish fry in the park during the height of the tourist season and the tradition continues today. There is local talent, food, arts and crafts and fun. The Speckled Perch Festival also includes a parade on Saturday to kick the weekend off. For more information visit www.okeechobeemainstreet.org.
o Top of the Lake Art Fest & Taste of Okeechobee
Held in January, this festival highlights both local and area-wide artists, as well as youth and amateur artists, and takes place in downtown Okeechobee. The Art Fest has grown to represent art in all forms — chalk artwork done as you watch, paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, woodcarvings and more. The Taste of Okeechobee takes place the first night of the Art Fest and for a small fee participants are able to enjoy an evening of tasty samplers from local restaurants. For further information contact Okeechobee Main Street at 863-357-6246 or visit www.okeechobeemainstreet.org. Okeechobee Music & Arts Fest
o Okeechobee Music & Arts Fest Held in the Sunshine Grove, deep in the heart of Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Music and Arts Fest is a four-day musical experience comprised of multigenre music, immersive art and transformative events. It is an annual event that began in 2016 and brings over 32,000 spectators. It is the largest camping music festival held in Florida. The grounds include a white-sand beach, coined Aquachobee Beach, where attendees can relax and sunbathe or join a game of volleyball. Yoga and holistic workshops are also available to those who desire a calmer break in their day. The Okeechobee Music and Arts Fest is held in the beginning of March and offers a little bit for everyone with major recording artists, such as Usher, Kendrick Lamar, Robert Plant and Hall and Oates, and over 100 other various artists performing late into the evenings. For more information visit www.okeechobeefest.com.
o Rodeo Celebrations Various rodeos, including ranch and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, draw competitors from all around the country and are held either at the Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena on 441 N or the Agri-Civic Center on Hwy 70 E. Events include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, roping, bulldogging and team roping. For further information contact Okeechobee Main Street at 863-357-6246 or the Chamber of Commerce at 863-467-6246.
Quail Creek Plantation
o Quail Creek Plantation Tucked away in the NE section of town is Quail Creek Plantation, a state-of-the-art hunting and shooting lodge where Florida land still exists as nature intended it to be. It has two 14-station sporting clay coures, wobbletraps and a comfortable, covered 5-stand. Seasonal hunting packages for hog, quail, turkey and pheasant hunting are also offered. Overnight accommodations are available with fully equipped dog-friendly cottages. Visit www.quailcreekplantation.com for more information.
o Wagon Wheel Horse Farm Another chance to experience “old Florida” is in the heart of the city at the Wagon Wheel Horse Farm. There, visitors can rent horses for a ride through native trees and trails, camp overnight, take the kids on pony rides or get up-close-and-personal with the animals at the petting zoo. Call 863-634-6397 for more information. l OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Okeechobee County
IMPORTANT NUMBERS All Emergencies.............................................911 Police, Fire and Rescue.......................................911 Poison Control Center.........................800-222-1222
FIRE Fire Emergency....................................................911 City Fire...............................Business 863-467-1586 County Fire..........................Business 863-763-5544
Martha’s House Domestic Violence Shelter ............................................................863-763-0202
Environmental Protection....................863-462-5888
Mental Health Services .....................................New Horizons 863-462-0040 .........................................After hours: 888-468-5600
Health Department..............................863-462-5819
Missing Children Information ......................1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774) Okeechobee Senior Services..............863-462-5180
Forest Fire Reporting...........................863-462-5160
Physician’s Referral Service .............................................(24 hour) 863-763-9228
POLICE
Pregnancy Center................................863-467-8748
Police Emergency................................................911
Public Safety........................................863-763-3212
City Police............................Business 863-763-5521
Senior Services...................................863-462-5180
County Sheriff ..........................Business 763-3117, TDD 763-0077
Shared Services Network......863-462-5000 ext. 257
Project 1511........................................863-763-1511
Veterans Service Office.......................863-763-8124
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Coast Guard Marine & Air Emergency .........................................Fort Pierce: 772-464-6100 .....................................................FBI: 772-461-6142 ................................FL Marine Patrol: 561-624-6935
Animal Control.....................................863-357-3225
HOSPITAL
Tax Collector........................................863-763-3084
Raulerson Hospital..............................863-763-2151
CITIZEN SERVICES Abuse, Elder & Child Hotline...............800-962-2873 Al-Anon, Alateen, N.A., Adult Children of Alcoholics & AA...................................863-763-1006 Children’s Services Council ..............................................863-462-5000, ext. 255 Consumer Affairs Complaints.............800-435-7352 Florida Abuse Hotline..........................800-962-2873 Hospice of Okeechobee......................863-467-2321 Hope Connections....................(BHR) 863-763-2404 Hope Hospice (Glades Co.)................863-763-2404 or.........................................................800-835-1673
Driver’s Licenses.................................863-462-5225 Emergency Management....................863-763-3212
CITY, COUNTY AND STATE OFFICES Attorney General (FL) Office...............866-966-7226 City Planning & Zoning.........863-763-3372 ext. 218 City Hall..............................................863-763-3372 City Street Department........................863-763-3926 County Clerk, Courthouse..................863-763-2131 County Commission Office..................863-763-6441 County Finance Office.........................863-763-6553 County Judge’s Office.........................863-763-3193 County Planning and Development ............................................................863-763-5548 Dept. of Children & Families................863-462-5700 Division of Forestry..............................863-462-5160
58 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
FL Fish & Wildlife Commission...........863-462-5190 Insurance (Fla. Dept. of Financial Services) ............................................................800-693-5236 Internal Revenue Service (IRS)...........800-829-1040 Okeechobee Landfill............................863-357-0824 Okeechobee Sports Complex-Pool ............................................................863-467-7667 Okeechobee Utility Authority .................................863-763-9460 or 863-763-3793 .......................After-hours emergency 863-357-0490 Parks & Recreation Department..........863-763-6950 Post Office...........................................863-763-3616 Property Appraiser...............................863-763-4422 Public Defender...................................863-763-7977 Public Library.......................................863-763-3536 Rehabilitation Facility...........................863-763-6226 School Superintendent........................863-462-5000 Social Security.....................................800-772-1213 TDD.....................................................800-325-0778 Tourist Development Council...............863-763-3959 State’s Attorney....................................863-763-5557 Supervisor of Elections........................863-763-4014 Tax Collector........................................863-763-3084
UTILITIES Florida Power & Light..........................800-226-3545 Glades Electric Cooperative................863-946-6200 CenturyLink..........................................800-201-4099 Comcast...............................................800-934-6489 Florida Public Utilities...........................863-763-2115 Okeechobee Utility Authority (water) ............................................................863-763-9460
CIVIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Okeechobee County Board of Realtors ............................................................863-467-0004
South Elementary ..............2468 S.W. 7th Avenue, K-4, 863-462-5087
Okeechobee Co. Education Association ............................................................863-467-1564
Osceola Middle .................825 S.W. 28th Street, 5-8, 863-462-5070
Okeechobee Historical Society & Museum ............................................................863-763-4344
Yearling Middle ..................925 N.W. 23rd Lane, 6-8, 863-462-5056
Okeechobee Golf Association .................................(Mens & Ladies) 863-763-6228
Okeechobee Freshman Campus .........610 S.W. 2nd Avenue, grade 9, 863-462-5288
American Red Cross...........................863-763-2488
Okeechobee Main Street ................................................863-357-MAIN (6246)
Okeechobee High School ............2800 Highway 441 N., 10-12, 863-462-5025
Business Women’s Referral Network ............................................................863-610-2176
Okeechobee Co. Recreational Association ............................................................863-763-6950
Okeechobee Achievement Academy ......................1000 N.W. 34th Street, 863-462-5125
Chamber of Commerce (Okeechobee) ............................................................863-467-6246
Overeaters Anonymous
East Coast Migrant Head Start...........863-467-0702
Retired Senior Volunteer Program......863-450-9402
There are numerous clubs and organizations in Okeechobee that offer opportunities for locals and guests to receive help or become involved in community activities. American Business Women’s Association ............................................................863-763-3131 American Legion #64..........................863-763-2950 American Legion Auxiliary...................863-763-4953
Economic Council Okeechobee County ............................................................863-467-0200 Elks Lodge...........................................863-254-8083 Fraternal Order of Eagles #4137.........863-763-2552 Fraternal Order of Eagles #4509.........863-467-1154 Friends of the Okeechobee Library......863-763-3536 Girl Scouts...........................................863-801-7365 Guardian ad Litem...............................863-697-1717 Habitat for Humanity............................863-763-1371 Kiwanis Club........................................863-634-1778 Loyal Order of the Moose #2417........863-763-2250 Masonic Lodge #237...........................863-763-1610 Ministerial Association.........................863-697-1308 Moose Lodge #1753..........................863-763-4954 Okeechobee Battlefield Friends..........863-763-6246
................................863-763-7165 or 863-763-5324 Retired Teachers Association..............863-763-5755 Rotary Club.........................................863-763-4224 Shrine Club..........................................863-763-3378 Tantie Quilters......................................863-357-0868 VFW Post #4423.................................863-763-0818 VFW Post #10539...............................863-763-2308 VFW Post #9528.................................863-467-2882
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Okeechobee Adventist Christian School ..........................412 N.W. 6th Street, 863-763-0763 ......................john.sufficool@floridaconference.com Okeechobee Christian Academy ......................701 S. Parrott Avenue, 863-763-3072 ..............................................................Grades K4-8 ....................www.okeechobeechristianacademy.net Peace Lutheran School ..........................750 N.W. 23rd Lane, 863-763-7566 ........................Lutheran VPK Program, 2 year to 5K .......................ksmith-peaceokee@embarqmail.com
Central Elementary .................610 S.W. 5th Avenue, K-4, 863-462-5077
Rock Solid Christian Academy ..............401 S.W. 4th Street, 863-763-1847, Baptist ..................................rocksolidca@embarqmail.com
Everglades Elementary ....................725 S.E. 8th Street, K-5, 863-462-5108
COLLEGES
North Elementary .............3000 N.W. 10th Terrace, K-5, 863-462-5100 Seminole Elementary ............2690 N.W. 42nd Avenue, K-5, 863-462-5119
Indian River State College .......................(Okeechobee campus) 863-824-6000 Indian River State College ..................(Main Campus-Ft. Pierce) 866-792-4772
14k
GOLD STORE
IN HOUSE JEWELRY REPAIR STATE OF THE ART LASER WELDING Gift Certificates Available 411 W.S. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.763.8883 OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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mping • Cabins • Dining • Spa • Bike Riding • Fishing
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863-357-7100 www.bestwestern.com
60 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Syfrett Feed Co. manufactures fresh Beef, Swine, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Game feed and more! We have feed programs— from great starter/growers and finish/withdraws, to a special layer ration for poultry. Drive into The FeederyTM, buy your feed direct from the mill in any quantity. Bring your own container [any size], drive up and be well taken care. If you don’t have a container or need more, we carry barrels w/lids [up to 300 lbs], sacks [up to 100 lbs], or super sacks [up to 2000 lbs]. Feed is also available in 50 lb. bags. Give us a try, experience superior nutrition, unsurpassed support and competitive pricing.
FRESH | LOCAL | 3RD GENERATION FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED OPEN|M - F 7:30 - 5:30 SAT 8 - 2 3079 NW 8th St|Okeechobee, FL 34972 Office: 863.763.5586 Jose|863.634.6547
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Family Owned & Operated
Since 2007
Stop By and
See Mitch & Kodiak! He’s a Sweetheart Guy and will work with you!
BUY HERE / PAY HERE We have a vehicle for every budget! 3565 HWY 441 N • Okeechobee, FL 34972
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Okeechobee County PLACES OF WORSHIP African Methodist Episcopal New Street, Stephens AME
1050 N.E. 16th Avenue, 863-763-5018 _______________________
Assembly of God
Abiding Help Worship Center Assembly of God
4550 Highway 441 N., 863-763-3736
Bethel Assembly of God
1109 S.E. 7th Street, 863-467-0060 _______________________
Catholic
Nondenominational
701 S.W. 6th Street, 863-763-3727
3121 S.E. 32nd Court, 863-763-4843
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Back Porch Church
Street, Teresa of the Child Jesus
Believers Fellowship
1027 Chobee Loop, BHR, 863-824-8701 _______________________
300 S.W. 6th Avenue, 863-763-6848
Christian
1963 N.W. 38th Avenue, 863-467-0863
3055 S.E. 18th Terrace, 863-467-7858
701 S. Parrott Avenue, 863-623-4784
Okeechobee Christian Church Westside Christian
Calvary Chapel
Christ Fellowship
Dunklin Memorial Church
8082 Highway 70 W., 863-467-2278 _______________________
3342 S.W. Hosanah Lane, 772-597-5060
Church of Christ
3075 S.W. 3rd Terrace, 863-623-4233
Brighton First Baptist Church
1115 S.W. 3rd Avenue, 863-467-6758
7595 N.E. 128th Avenue, 863-763-4224
Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church
1401 S. Parrott Avenue, 863-763-4477 _______________________
32415 Highway 441 N., 863-467-1733
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Church of God
1302 S.W. 32nd Street, 863-763-8945
Everglades Baptist Church
16050 Highway 98 N., 863-467-5789
11655 Highway 441 S.E., 863-763-9800
Faith Alive Fellowship
301 N.E. 4th Avenue, 863-763-4127
First Baptist Church of Okeechobee
102 N.W. 10th Street, 863-763-4059
Baptist
Bethel Baptist Church
1258 N.E. 13th Avenue, 863-763-6512 Brighton Reservation, 863-763-6626 1043 Cypress Street, 863-763-7532
18387 Highway 441 N., 863-763-3338 at Everglades Elementary, 863-261-2499 3075 S.W. 3rd Terrace, 863-623-4233 401 S.W. 4th Street, 863-763-2171
First Baptist Church of Basinger 19836 Highway 98 N., 863-763-0437
First Missionary Baptist Church 906 N.W. 9th Avenue, 863-763-0716
Mission Okeechobee
309 S.W. 14th Street, 863-763-6573
New Testament Baptist Church
535 N.E. 28th Avenue, 863-763-6682
Northside Baptist Church
51 N.W. 98th Street, 863-763-3584
Oakview Baptist Church
677 S.W. 32nd Street, 863-763-1699
Okeechobee Missionary Baptist Church 4212 Highway 441 N., 863-763-7743
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana 5051 N.W. 30th Street, 863-357-1300
Seminole Bible Baptist Church 200 S.W. CR721, 863-824-6785
Treasure Island Baptist Church
4209 Highway 441 S.E., 863-763-0550
Trinity Freewill Baptist Church
1840 N.E. 39th Boulevard, 863-763-4962
Victory Baptist Church
500 S.W. 9th Street, 863-763-0669
Faith Alive Fellowship
Big Lake Church of Christ
Faith Farm Ministries
Okeechobee Church of Christ
Basinger Church of God
Ft. Drum Community Church Fountain of Life
Freedom Ranch
Church of God
The Gathering
1735 S.W. 24th Avenue, 863-357-4418
Church of God of Prophecy
Gideon’s – Okeechobee
North Okeechobee Church of God
P.O. Box 2205, 863-610-6863
Haven of Rest
15949 N.W. 30th Terrace, 863-467-6066 _______________________
912 N.W. 2nd Street, 863-357-3053
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1167 Linda Rd., BHR, 863-357-6500
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 310 S.W. 6th Street, 863-467-2425 _______________________
His Church
Jesus Holy Ghost Crusade
1401 N.E. Park Street, 863-357-3053
Life Community Church
701 S. Parrott Avenue, 863-763-3218
Church of the Nazarene
Living Word of Faith, 863-697-8517 More 2 Life Ministries
Church of the Nazarene
425 S.W. 28th Street, 863-763-3519 _______________________
605 S.W. Park Street, Suite 214, 863-467-0796
Resurrection Life Church
Episcopal
Church of Our Saviour
1803 S.W. 3rd Avenue, 863-763-7770 _______________________
Jehovah’s Witnesses
3666 Highway 70 E., 863-357-2264
200 N.W. 3rd Street, 863-763-4843 _______________________
Pentecostal
Bible Church of God
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 8250 Highway 70 W., 863-763-9229 _______________________
Lutheran
Peace Lutheran Church
750 N.W. 23rd Lane, 863-763-5042 _______________________
Methodist
First United Methodist Church 200 N.W. 2nd Street, 863-763-4021
United Pentecostal Church
405 S.W. 10th Avenue, 863-763-5300 _______________________
Presbyterian
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church (USA) 312 N. Parrott Avenue, 863-824-0013 _______________________
Seventh Day Adventist
Seventh Day Adventist Church 412 N.W. 6th Street, 863-763-0655
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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704 N Parrott Ave Okeechobee, FL 34972 HOURS: 9:00am – 7:00pm
863.484.8207
www.searshometown.com
Our goal is to make you feel fabulous...affordably! 205 SW Park Street
863.623.5786
Monday thru Friday 10am - 6pm & Saturday 10am - 3pm
Serving Great Mexican Food in Florida and the Treasure Coast Since 1999
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Bienvenidos!
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Open for Lunch & dinner
7 Days a Week • 11:00am to 10:00pm
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Happy Hour 7 Days a Week All Day Long Draft Beer, Margarita and House Sangria:
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(Located at the Publix Shopping Center)
863.357.9641
www.puebloviejofl.com
Now Offering Catering! 64 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
400 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.763.1994
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5 W. Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430
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of Belle Glade SERVING THE GLADES SINCE 1929 TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
65
Pat’s Floral Design
Fresh Flowers • Plants World Wide Delivery 210 N Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.763.9232
patsfloraldesign@gmail.com
The Beauty of Our Business is Flowers!
Okeechobee Livestock Market Cattle Auctions Monday & Tuesday 863-763-3127 Restaurant Open Monday - Wednesday 863-467-0285
Advertise With Us in Print and On-Line
Get Your Business Known Around the Lake
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Shirlean Graham
Okeechobee County’s #1 Lifestyle Magazine
“Best Burgers in South Florida!”
Email: info@okeechobeethemagazine.com 863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
SATI GUARSAFACTION NTEED ! “You H My Pe ave rsona l Guara Shawn ntee!” Ow Owne ens, r
Family Owned & Operated Heating • Air Conditioning • Commercial Refrigeration • Mini-Split Systems • Ice Machines Sales Service • New Installation • Warranty • Maintenance • Residential • Commercial
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS
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www.CRSOkee.com
863.467.4733 863.634.2836 Monday - Friday 9-5 | Saturday 9-3 After Hours Appointments Available
66 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
www.staffordssalon.com
Sandwiches Salads • Quiche Coffee • Lattes Frozen Blends Chocolate Ice Cream
1527 US HWY 441 SE Okeechobee, Florida 34974 (Next to the Bowling Alley)
All rooms with Stove, Full Refrigerator and Microwave Pet Friendly Rooms Free Boat Parking with Plug-Ins Recently Renovated
863-824-3431
www.travelodge.com/okeechobee
Daily Specials
(1 & 2 Queen Beds Available)
Owners Ranell & John Conner
863.357.3311
FAX: 863.357.3322 \ EMAIL: CCINDENT1@AOL.COM
109 NW 9th Ave. \ Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.357.3357
103 SW Park Street • Okeechobee Mon. - Thurs. 7am-7pm • Fri. 7am-8pm • Sat. 8am-8pm
BOUTIQUE
Sou t hern Belle R u l es T h r o u g h & T h r o u gh
1113 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.623.4267
Tues - Fri: 10am-6pm / Sat: 10am-3pm / CLOSED Sunday & Monday OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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established 1979
Raulerson Hospital is a 100-bed facility serving Okeechobee and the surrounding areas with a wide range of medical and surgical services. We are one of only 117 hospitals nationwide to be recognized by The Joint Commission as a
Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.
{ We are Raulerson: { Founded on Integrity, Driven by Quality, Inspired by Caring To speak to a Registered Nurse, find a physician or learn about our classes & events, call
863-763-9228
Okeechobee County BUSINESS LISTINGS A/C & HEATING CONTRACTORS CRS – Cooling Refrigeration Services 250 N.W. 102nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-4733 www.CRSOkee.com
Echols Plumbing & Air Conditioning
2233 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6461 www.EcholsPlumbingAndAC.com
Glades Air Conditioning
804 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2114 | Monica McCarthy Clark
ACCOUNTANTS CPA Tax Solutions, LLC 500 N.W. 6th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1099 www.CpaTaxSolutions.net
ADVERTISING/MEDIA
Okeechobee The Magazine
316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
AIRPORT Okeechobee County Airport & Industrial Park 2800 N.W. 20th Trail Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-5505 www.co.Okeechobee.fl.us/ departments/airport
ARCHERY Skull Hill Steel
1505 C S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-464-0032 | Brandon Baughman www.SkullHillSteel.com
ATTRACTIONS/TOURS Arnold’s Wildlife Rehab Center
Skydive Spaceland
1090 Airglades Blvd. Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6151 www.SkyDiveSpaceland.com
Sugarland Tours
109 Central Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7979 | Mary Ann Muniz www.Clewiston.org
AUTO SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES Lehman Auto Body
265 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-1691 www.LehmanAutoBody.com
Total Roadside Services
3176 SR 710 East Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-8772 www.TotalRoadSideServices.com
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS
Commuter Cars
1002 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 772-985-5781 | Jake Montgomery www.CommuterCars.net
Gilbert Chevrolet / Ford
3550 U.S. Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-3780 www.GilbertHasIt.com
M & M Auto Brokers, Inc.
3565 US Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-0330 www.MandMAutoBrokersInc.com
BEAUTY SALONS/SPAS/ COSMETICS
Main Street Salon
306 S.W. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-2519
Mary Kay
561-801-1336 www.MaryKay.com/Gaylemolyneaux
14895 N.W. 30th Terrace Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4630 www.arnoldswildlife.org
Porcelain Esthetics
Gatorama
Staffords Salon
6180 N. US Highway 27 Palmdale, FL 33944 863-675-0623 www.Gatorama.com
211 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-3615 | Cheryl Daniels 313 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3933 www.StaffordsSalon.com
BOAT RENTALS
Jolly Roger Marina
1095 E. Highway 27 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6766 www.JollyRogerMarina.com
BOATS/OUTBOARD MOTOR SALES & SERVICE
Jolly Roger Marina
1095 E. Highway 27 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6766 www.JollyRogerMarina.com
CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTORS
Abney Building & Consulting 205 N.E. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-623-4459 www.AbneyBuild.com
Penrod Construction Company 210 N.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-0546 | Corey Penrod www.PenrodConstruction Company.com
SK Services, Inc.
719 US Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-261-8668
DENTAL
Family Dentistry of Okeechobee 202 N.E. 3rd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2765 www.FDofOkeechobee.com
Okeechobee Dental Care – Dr. Moeshing
175 S.W. 28th Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-7385 | 863-467-2241 www.OkeechobeeDentalCare.com
Wemmer Family Orthodontics 2025 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2332 | Dr. David Wemmer www.WemmerOrthodontics.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Palm Beach State College 1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-993-1160 | Leigh Woodham www.PalmBeachState.edu/Theatre/ DollyHand
Okeechobee Community Theatre 863-763-1307 | Ron and Jacque Hayes www.OkeechobeeCommunity Theatre.com
Seminole Brighton Casino
17735 Reservation Road Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-9998 www.SeminoleBrightonCasino.com
EYE CARE SERVICES Big Lake Eye Care
606 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3937 www.BigLakeEyeCare.com
FARM EQUIPMENT/ TRAILER SALES Eli’s Trailer Sales
908 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-4620 www.ElisTrailers.com
FEED/SUPPLY Syfrett Feed Co.
3079 N.W. 8th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-5586 | Melissa Syfrett www.SyfrettFeed.com
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT SERVICES Edward Jones Investments
107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite J Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4724 | Sharon Covey www.EdwardJones.com/Sharon-Covey
FISHING AND FISHING GUIDE SERVICE Fast Break Bait & Tackle
1505 SR 78 West Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0973 | 863-824-3474 www.OkeechobeeBass FishingGuide.com
Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina Resort 920 E. Del Monte Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-3151 | 800-473-6766 www.RolandMartinMarina.com
FLORIST Pat’s Floral Design & Gifts
210 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-9232 www.PatsFloralDesignOnline.com
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
FURNITURE SALES/ HOME DÉCOR Badcock Home Furniture & More 512 W. North Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3823 | Linda Ballinger
Morgan’s Furniture
707 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-2072 www.MorgansFurn.com
Royal’s Furniture
804 East N. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6293 www.RoyalsFurnitureInc.com
HEALTH CARE
Okeechobee Health Care Facility 1646 U.S. Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2226 www.OkeechobeeHealthCare.com
Raulerson Hospital
1796 U.S. Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2151 www.RaulersonHospital.com
HOME INTERIORS – FLOORING/WINDOWS/PAINT
Custom Window Treatments & Blinds 1409 Chobee Loop Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-6555 | Val Douglas www.cwtblinds.com
HOTELS/MOTELS Best Western
3975 Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-7100 www.BestWestern.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3101 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3529 www.IHG.com
The Historic Clewiston Inn 108 Royal Palm Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 800-749-4466 | 863-983-8151 www.ClewistonInn.com
Travelodge Suites
1527 US Highway 441 S.E. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-3431 www.Travelodge.com
Buxton Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory
400 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-1994 www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Okeechobee County BUSINESS LISTINGS HUNTING/SHOOTING SPORTS & CLUBS
Quail Creek Plantation
12399 N.E. 224th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2529 www.QuailCreekPlantation.com
INDUSTRIAL/HARDWARE
C & C Industrial Enterprise 109 N.W. 9th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3311 CCIndent1@aol.com
INSURANCE
Pritchards and Associates 1802 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 877-763-6625 www.PritchardsInc.com
State Farm – Gretchen Robertson Insurance Agency, Inc.
309 N.E. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-5561 | Maurisa Tremain www.GretchenRobertson.com
JEWELRY STORES
14K Gold Store
411 W. South Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-8883 | Cookie Smith
Wolfgang Jewelers
1904 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3795 | Yolanda Cortez YCortezf25@gmail.com
LAWN AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES
S.Cruz Lawn Service P.O. Box 1332 Okeechobee, FL 34973 863-801-5352
LIVESTOCK
Okeechobee Livestock Market
1055 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3127 www.OkeechobeeLivestockMarket.com
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
U.S. Sugar
111 Ponce De Leon Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8121 www.USSugar.com/Careers
NON-PROFIT
Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association
1885 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 www.OkeechobeeCattlemen.com
PROPANE GAS
Glades Gas of Belle Glade 5 West Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3046 Dennis and Karen McCarthy www.GladesGasAC.com
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Anderson Realty Co.
21442 East SR 78 Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-634-4106 | Vicki & Eric Anderson www.AndersonRealtyCo.com
Clear Title & Legal Services 202 NE 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-824-6776 | Pat Ragan TitleandLegal@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker Berger Real Estate
425 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5335 | Philip & Lori Berger www.CBBergerRealEstate.com
Lake O Real Estate
RESTAURANTS/CATERING
Beef O’Brady’s
608 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-7300 www.BeefOBradys.com
Brown Cow Sweetery
103 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3357 | Paulette Bragel Paulette@BrownCowSweetery.com
Crossroads Restaurant 5050 N.E. 128th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-8333
D & G Catering
505 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-532-9096 Niki@RemingtonRealEstate.com
LuLa Roe
P.O. Box 3166 Okeechobee, FL 34973 863-634-9792 | Desiree Penrod LuLaRoeDesireePenrod@gmail.com
Mill Iron Metalworks
14695 Reservation Road N.E. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0474 www.BrightonRVResort.com
City of Belle Glade Torry Island Campground 5000 W Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33440 561-996-6322 www.TorryIslandCampground.com
Okeechobee KOA
4276 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0231 www.KOA.com/Campgrounds/ Okeechobee
Nature’s Pantry
Lightsey’s Fish Co. & Seafood
Rustic Style Gift Shoppe and Home Décor
Okeechobee County Tourism Development Council
Sears Hometown Store
Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council
1111 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4745 www.LakesideOkeechobee.com 1506 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4276
Los Cocos
107 N.W. 6th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0922
Pueblo Viejo
Remington Real Estate
205 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-1694 | Lacy Rock www.LilliesandLaceBoutique.com
Brighton RV Resort
Lakeside Grill
Mira Realty
1306 S.W. 2nd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-6000 www.MixonGroup.com
Lillies & Lace Boutique
RV PARKS/RESORTS
719 US Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-261-8668 www.MillIronMetalWorks.com
Pizza Heaven
Mixon Real Estate Group
907 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 1-800-226-3570 www.ElisWesternWear.com
863-634-7480 | 863-634-3131 Diane Conway | Gary Burks www.DGCaters.com
4251 Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5253 www.LakeORe.com 104 S.W. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-261-4141 | Joe and Kristina Stas www.MiraRealtyLLC.com
Eli’s Western Wear
208 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-9299 3415 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-9641 www.PuebloViejoFL.com
RETAIL/SPECIALITY SHOPS
Andrea Noelle’s Boutique 113 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-623-4267
Beautiful Mess Boutique
213 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1118 | Katie Kennedy Nelson BeautifulMessBoutique@outlook.com
Don’s Appliances
417 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-1243
505 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-532-9096 www.RusticLogCabinHomes.com 704 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-484-8207 www.SearsHometown.com
Shoe Box
1138 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4401 www.ShoeBoxandMore.com
SupplyLine
1113 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1203 TiffSupplyLine@gmail.com
Okeechobee RV Repair
Mobile Repair 863-261-3892 | Dennis Reynolds Denykayl@yahoo.com
TOURISM
2800 N.W. 20th Trail Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3959 www.VisitOkeechobeeCounty.com
2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-233-3130 www.ThePalmBeaches.com
WATER TREATMENT
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
WELL DRILLING
Taylor Rental
American Drilling Services, Inc.
Thread Works Embroidery
Domer’s Inc.
523 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2239 www.TaylorRentalOkeechobee.com 116 S.W. 4th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-532-2973 | Georgie Myers OkeeThreadWorks@gmail.com
405 S.W. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3221 www.AmericanDrillinc.com
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
317 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2220
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Glades County Court House
Chalo Nitka
Welcome to Brighton Field Day
Caloosahatchee River
GLADESCounty G
lades County, named for the Florida Everglades, is one of the five counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee. And although Glades County may be small in comparison to other south central Florida counties, it is by far the one that has the most growth and economic potential. Each year, Glades County continues to thrive and grow with an ever-increasing infrastructure. Located on the western bank of the famous Big O, Glades County consists of 986 square miles; 774 square miles of land and 213 square miles of water. The county seat is Moore Haven, and there are five unincorporated communities also situated within the county, including Buckhead Ridge, Lakeport, Muse, Ortona, Palmdale and Brighton, which is home to the Seminole Tribe Reservation. Each community offers their own unique heritage and culture, as well as opportunity.
72 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | GLADES COUNTY
Seminole Brighton Casino
It is important to note that two of the communities share a local address with Glade County’s neighboring county, Okeechobee. The residents of Buckhead Ridge along with the Seminole Indians residing on the Brighton Reservation often refer to their home as Okeechobee only because of the close proximity and convenience. Their physical address may say Okeechobee, however, their roots run deep within both counties. With a population of roughly 13,000, there is very little congestion and pollution in Glades County, and they have been recognized as having one of the lowest crime rates within the state of Florida, making it not only a clean place to live and visit, but also a safe one. Tourism is popular as there is much to see and do in this small but active county. Local attractions, such as Gatorama in Palmdale, the Seminole Brighton Casino located on the Brighton Indian Reservation and the several campgrounds and RV parks spread out across the county that offer numerous outdoor activities including canoeing and boating, draw visitors year round. The abundance of festivals, such as the two long-time running Chalo Nitka and Brighton Field Day events, bring people from all over the country to take part in the festivities. But the biggest draw to the area is most definitely the fishing and hunting on Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. For anyone looking for a place to unwind and relax, they need look no further than one of the lovely communities in Glades County. From beautiful and breathtaking sunsets on the lake to the numerous wildlife species found in and around Fisheating Creek and the fascinating history found in Ortona, it ➢ just doesn’t get any better or well rounded.
Gatorama
River Forest Yacht Center
Fisheating Creek
GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Riverwalk
Seminole Veterans Building
Its central and strategic location along US 27, one of the major connectors between the north and south within the state, has made Glades County a prime location for industrial hubs and supply centers for agriculture produced in and around the surrounding areas. In the early years, Moore Haven was often referred to as a “Little Chicago” because of its location and industrial boom. And today, thanks to the construction of Americas Gateway Logistics Center, it is slowly beginning to earn that title once again. Americas Gateway Logistics Center is being developed as a rail-served industrial park that offers efficient clusters for warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, outside storage and transportation to the South Florida business market. Wedgworth Fertilizer Plant
Another addition to Glades County that has had a huge impact on not only the economy and workforce but also on Glades County’s overall future is the development of the Glades County Regional Training Center. The Training Center is a 40,000-square-foot training facility that offers fast-track routes to certification within various trade industries. Even with the great industrial growth, Glades County’s roots cannot be overlooked. Much of the land in Glades County is used for agriculture, including cattle, sugar cane, produce and citrus, and if you add hunting and of course fishing into the mix, it is these industries that have made Glades County so prosperous and desirous to the many outsiders looking for a place to call home or a place to start a business. No matter the time of year, Glades County is the perfect getaway for someone looking for a quiet place to visit but yet just a quick car drive to the bustling metropolis. In Glades County, everything is at your fingertips, housing, employment, fun, history and most of all, family! It is a place anyone can call home. l
Love’s Truck Stop
74 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | GLADES COUNTY
mping • Cabins • Dining • Spa • Bike Riding • Fishing
OME TO STAY & COME PLAY! TO STAY RV Camping • Cabins • Dining • Spa • Bike Riding • Fishing
&PLAY!
MAKE A RESERVATION
TODAY! TODAY!
Laura G. Smith Licensed Real Estate Broker
O: 863.805.0529 C: 863.599.1209 laura@a1realty.net
330 W. Sugarland Hwy. #9 Clewiston, FL 33440 www.a1realty.net
Call (863) 467-0474 or visit Call (863) 467-0474 or visit www.brightonrvresort.com
MAKE A RESERVATION
www.brightonrvresort.com
Serving the Lake Area for Over 40 Years
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www.MandMAutoBrokersInc.com GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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hunting fishing loving every day
Come play...come stay... IN GLORIOUSLY NATURAL GLADES COUNTY www.
Welcome to gloriously natural
Glades County!
W
ith more than 30 miles of trailheads along the western shore of Lake Okeechobee, 62 miles of waterfront along the Caloosahatchee River and 52 miles of paddling trails along Fisheating Creek in Palmdale, Glades County offers something for everyone, be they bikers, boaters, birders or snowbirds.
south of the city. Oldcastle, Cemex and Vulcan Materials have operations in Glades County, as does Wedgworth’s, Florida’s largest custom fertilizer dealer. All have been drawn to Glades County by its centralized location, highway, and rail infrastructure, offering access to the Florida market south of the I-4 corridor.
Located on US 27, one of the major north-south connectors in the state, Moore Haven, the county seat, was founded in 1915 and designed to front the Caloosahatchee River — the western half of the Okeechobee Waterway which crosses Lake Okeechobee and connects the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Moore Haven is almost equidistant from West Palm Beach and Ft. Myers and just over two hours from Miami and Orlando.
This centrality also offers unparalleled access to a growing workforce in excess of 100,000 within 45-minutes; upwards of a million in an hour.
Glades County is also home to five unincorporated communities: Ortona, Lakeport, Buckhead Ridge, Palmdale and Muse, and the Seminole Indian Reservation at Brighton. Each has a unique history and character. Lakeport is known for attracting fishermen and duck hunters. Buckhead Ridge and Moore Haven and its environs also offer boat ramps, accommodations, and bait shops for fishermen. Ortona is home to River Forest Yachting Center, one of the newest businesses in Glades County, and the Ortona Indian Mound Park, a natural history hiking trail celebrating the Calusa Indians who lived in Glades County nearly 2,000 years ago. Palmdale is home to Gatorama, in operation for 60 years as one of Florida’s premier roadside attractions, and Fisheating Creek Outpost, which draws paddlers from around the world. Muse is home to Silver Lake Preserve, a premier guided hunting establishment. Brighton is home to the Seminole Veterans Museum, Josiah’s Lounge and the Seminole Casino at Brighton. Known for its agricultural heritage, cattle ranching, sugar cane, and citrus production, as well as fishing and hunting, residents believe Glades County to be an amazing place that’s home to an abundance of natural resources, which they enjoy sharing with visitors and newcomers alike. Annual events, like the Chalo Nitka Festival, which marks its 70th anniversary this year, and the Ortona Cane Grinding Festival, celebrate the county’s heritage, while new events and venues are being developed to attract new businesses and new types of visitors, be they bikers attending the annual Party Under the Bridge or hikers who come to traverse the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. The people of Glades County are varied in their heritage, colorful in their history, and strong in their faith. The schools are small, but growing, the teachers are dedicated, and the children behave (most of the time). Traffic congestion is low, pollution is low, and the cost of living is low, while the crime rate is the lowest in the state of Florida. Glades County has a strategic location in the center of the state at the intersection of major highways. This centrality has led to a number of national brands, most recently Love’s Travel Stops, located in Glades County. Scott’s Miracle Gro operates a mulch and soil bagging and distribution center just north of Moore Haven, while Quikrete operates a mortar bagging operation
And because of that confluence of markets and manpower, Glades County is the land for opportunity for new and expanding businesses with the development of Americas Gateway Logistics Center, a 770-acre master-planned industrial park. The tourism industry is growing as well with an expansion planned at River Forest Yachting Center, new sites being developed at a number of RV parks and new businesses coming online. As people begin to discover Glades County, we’re working to be ready for them, developing state-of-the-art facilities, such as the new LEEDS-Silver Certified Glades County Health Department which houses Florida Community Health Centers, offering primary care (including dentistry), and the new Glades County Emergency Operations Center offering emergency services including fire and EMS. The new $26 million Moore Haven Junior Senior High School aims to provide a scholarship to every senior who applies, while the Glades County Regional Training Center offers customized, grant-funded training for businesses to expand or locate in Glades County. There is also Suncoast Trucking Academy that offers CDL training on-site. New housing options in Glades County are also growing. Branch Countryside Estates will build 51 homes, while Haven Homes is now home to seven site built homes. A new 50-unit affordable housing rental complex with a community center is also under construction. Everything grows naturally in glorious Glades County. Come grow with us.
Tracy Whirls Executive Director Glades County Economic Development Council
Tracy Whirls
GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Moore Haven Train Station c.1917
Opening of the Moore Haven Clewiston Railroad c.1917
Glades County
G
lades County was created in 1921 carved from DeSota County. It lies directly west of Lake Okeechobee, and although it was named partly for the Everglades, only a small part of the county is actually close to the Everglades. Early settlement was limited due to the swampy terrain and mainly consisted of Native Americans, first the Calusa Indians and then later the Seminole Indians. It wasn’t until the 1880s when Hamilton Disston, an industrialist and real estate developer from Philadelphia, made a deal to drain and reclaim millions of acres of land in South Florida that the area known as Glades County today and surrounding communities became populated with settlers. Once the Caloosahatchee Canal, known as the Three-Mile Canal back then, was dug out and opened, freight and passenger service became available. Mail and supplies, such as fish, furs and alligator skin, were brought out of the region. At the time, the only navigation guide on the lake was a cypress tree with a flag. The sole cypress tree would later become Moore Haven.
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HISTORY Almost 30 years later, a businessman from Seattle, James A. Moore, purchased the Henderson Tract for $550,000 and platted out a town adjacent to the lone cypress tree. The town was named Moore Haven and began to be developed. Moore promoted the fertile land through the South Florida Land Company, and being the businessman that he was, he sent salesmen across the country promoting his “farming paradise.” It didn’t take long for Moore to sell hundreds of people land in his newly developed town. The small town quickly drew 397 men and three women. Because of its central location, Moore Haven became the supply center for the surrounding area that produced crops, sugar cane and cattle. Tents and shacks were used for housing until permanent homes could be built.
In 1884, the state hired John W. Henderson to survey the land Disston purchased. For his work, Henderson was compensated 98,000 acres of land around Lake Okeechobee. Sadly, Henderson died in 1887 and what became known as the “Henderson Tract” was passed down to his heirs.
Three-mile Canal as seen from Lake Okeechobee Entrance to Moore Haven & Coloosahatchee River c.1920s 78 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | GLADES COUNTY
Chalo Nitka Festival in Moore Haven
Moore Haven at Caloosahatchee River Locks c.1940 Moore Haven began to grow and develop great potential, but unfortunately, Moore began to suffer financially and his interests in the new town was purchased by Atlantic City developer and banker, Clarence M. Busch, Philadelphia city editor, John J. O’Brien and Philadelphia lawyer, George Q. Horwitz. The partnership was short lived due to management discrepancies. Horwitz died in 1916 and his land was left to his widow, Marian Newhall Horwitz. Prior to Horwitz’s death, he and O’Brien partnered and created the DeSoto Land Company. Mrs. Horwitz had never been to the area so after acquiring the land, she made a trip to Moore Haven to check out her late husband’s financial holdings. She quickly became interested in the new town and began promoting the community and the welfare of the citizens herself. While living in Philadelphia, Mrs. Horwitz was extremely involved and known for her civic and social affairs. She carried that trait to Moore Haven and developed a 2,000-acre farm. In September 1917, Mrs. Horwitz and O’Brien married. Together, they helped grow Moore Haven by building a general store, forming a vegetable exchange, and by planting large farm tracts. They also promoted various civic and cultural projects for the town. Moore Haven became incorporated in 1917 and held its first election on July 17, 1917. Mrs. Horwitz was elected the first mayor, also becoming the first female mayor in the state of Florida and of the southern United States. Moore Haven was quickly deemed as a prosperous and progressive town.
Juke Joint, Moore Haven c.1932 city’s historical records. Also in that year, floods overcame much of the area, driving many people away. The remaining citizens began to pick up the pieces and reopen their businesses. Slowly, the city began to rebuild itself and the population grew to about 1,000 residents. But on September 18, 1926, Moore Haven and the surrounding areas suffered yet another blow in the form of a great hurricane. Winds reached 160 miles per hour and 12-foot tidal waves crashed over the entire area, demolishing most of the community. Moore Haven was left under 10 feet of water forcing many to relocate and ultimately destroying the once prosperous city’s status. Through great perseverance, Glades County continued on and rebuilt yet again and continues to thrive today. The Lone Cypress tree once used as a navigational marker continues to stand today as a visual and poetic marker. l
Over the next several years, Moore Haven began to develop and became the commercial center for the entire region. However, in 1921, a series of events began that would change Moore Haven’s industrial course and growth. First, a fire broke out on April 26, 1921 in a rooming house along Avenue J. Twenty-two businesses and six residences were destroyed. The very next year, another fire broke out destroying the Moore Haven Times building, along with much of the
Downtown Moore Haven c.1941 Moore Haven Court House c.1936 GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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o Buckhead Ridge Catfish Festival Sponsored by the Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Department as a way to raise money for the department, the Catfish Festival is a family-friendly event that features live country music, craft vendor booths and lots of door prizes. A catfish dinner is included with the entry fee. The Ladies Auxiliary hosts a bake sale with lots of goodies to choose from. For more information visit www.visitglades.org.
o Cane Grinding Festival Ortona hosts the annual Cane Grinding Festival at the Ortona Indian Mound Park on the first Saturday of February each year. The festival commemorates the early settlers’ cultivation and processing of the delectable sugar cane syrup. The festival features bluegrass music, clogging, arts and crafts booths, and barbecue chicken and rib dinners. Proceeds from the festival benefit the local fire department. For more information visit www.visitglades.org. Brighton Field Day
o Art in the Park Sponsored by the Glades County Public Library, Friends of the Library and Library Advisory Board, this annual event is held in January and features live music, arts and crafts booths, food and a car show. Admission is free. For more information call Mary Booher, director of libraries at 863-946-0744.
o Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo Held in February, the Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo gives spectators and visitors an inside look into the rich heritage of the Seminole Indians. People from all over the country attend the action-packed weekend experiencing aspects of the Native American culture, including native PowWow dancing, alligator wrestling, venomous snake show demonstrations, Indian arts and crafts, and authentic Seminole cuisine. Several musical concerts are also held throughout the weekend, as well a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo where professional bull riders wow the crowds. The event is held on the Brighton Seminole Reservation, just west of Okeechobee. 500 E. Harney Pond Road Okeechobee, FL 34974. Visit www.semtribe.com for more information.
Glades County
Things To See Do o Chalo Nitka
Started in 1948, Chalo Nitka is one of Florida’s oldest continuous festivals. Meaning “Big Bass” in the Seminole Indian language, this festival showcases the friendship between Glade’s County and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Held in March and in downtown Moore Haven, Chalo Nitka is a weeklong event that includes a parade, ranch rodeo, livestock show, beauty pageant, bass fishing tournament, fair festival and so much more. The weekend festival that wraps up the celebration offers a little bit of everything, including midway rides, local vendors, live music, alligator wrestling, Seminole demonstrations and authentic Seminole cuisine. For more information visit www.chalonitka. com or call 863-946-0300. Chalo Nitka
Cane Grinding Festival
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o Fisheating Creek Outpost Located in Palmdale, Fisheating Creek Outpost offers spacious campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, hunting, eco-tours and much more. Open 365 days a year, this remote campground is the perfect getaway from the bustling city. A camp store is available for items you may need during your visit. Call 863-675-5999 to make reservations.
Gatorama Fisheating Creek Outpost
o Gatorama An original roadside attraction, Gatorama allows spectators to get up close and personal with many Florida native and exotic animals. This long-standing family-friendly attraction is located in Palmdale, deep in the Glades, and showcases alligators and crocodiles, among many other wildlife species, in their natural habitat. Gatorama also offers exclusive hands-on experiences where tourists can learn how to catch juvenile gators with their bare hands or sit on the back of a seven-foot gator for a photo-op. The top-rated destination is open seven days a week and features alligator shows and a gift shop that even sells alligator meat. For more information visit www.gatorama.com.
o Silver Lake Preserve Comprised of 1,876 acres of pristine land, Silver Lake Preserve is an old Florida style hunting facility that offers a variety of hunting experiences. Guests can book guided tours for wildlife, including alligators, deer, turkey and quail. Silver Lake Preserve also offers a five-station multi-level wobble clay shooting experience, ranging from beginner to advanced. On the property there is a lodge that can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests and offers several amenities. To make reservations contact 863-273-7712 or visit www.silverlakepreserve.com.
o Sour Orange Festival & Rib Cook-Off Hosted by the Lakeport Community Association, the annual Sour Orange Festival is held on the first Saturday in February each year. This festival features the celebrated “Sour Orange Dessert Contest,� in which residents and visitors alike are encouraged to enter desserts using the wild oranges, which give the festival its name. Along with listening to live music, visitors can peruse the many vendors on site selling arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and much more. For more information call 863-227-4674 or 863-233-3014. l
Seminole Brighton Casino
o Seminole Brighton Casino Centrally located in Florida, the Seminole Brighton Casino brings a little bit of Las Vegas to the South featuring over 400 gaming machines, video poker and high-stakes bingo. There is a full-service restaurant and lounge open 24/7 on site and the casino frequently hosts live entertainment. For more information call 863-467-9998 or visit www.seminolebrightoncasino.com.
Sour Orange Festival & Rib Cook-Off GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Glades County
IMPORTANT NUMBERS ALL EMERGENCIES...........................................911
FIRE Glades County Fire Department...........863-946-0711
LAW ENFORCEMENT Glades County Sherriff’s Office Business . ...........................................................863-946-1600
CITIZEN SERVICES Animal Control......................................863-946-6001 E-911 Coordinator & Addressing..........863-946-2860 Emergency Management.....................863-946-6020
COUNTY OFFICES Appraiser’s Office................................863-946-6025
CIVIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS American Legion..................................863-946-0066
Building Department............................863-946-0533
Florida Cattlemen’s Association..........407-846-6221
Circuit Court.........................................863-946-6031
Fraternal Order of Eagles....................863-946-1523
Clerk.....................................................863-946-6010 Emergency Service..............................863-946-0566
Glades County Economic Development Council ............................................................863-946-0440
Health Department Clinic.....................863-946-0707
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Planning and Zoning............................863-946-0309 State Attorney......................................863-946-0077 Supervisor Elections............................863-946-6005
Moore Haven Elementary....................863-946-0737 Moore Haven Junior/Senior High........863-946-0811
Tax Collector Office..............................863-946-6035
Rcma-Glades Early Childhood School ............................................................863-946-0116
City Hall Moore Haven.........................863-946-0711
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Moore Haven Motor Vehicle Services
Library..................................................863-946-0744
............................................................863-946-6035
Post Office...........................................863-946-0747
Social Services.....................................863-946-0411 Veterans Services...............................863-946-1313
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Agape Christian Academy....................407-298-1111
UTILITIES Glades Electric Cooperative................863-946-6200
Glades County PLACES OF WORSHIP Baptist
Catholic
Church of God
First Indian Baptist Church of Brighton 20060 Reservation Road, Okeechobee 863-357-0013
Saint Joseph the Worker 24065 U.S. Highway 27, Moore Haven 863-946-0696
Moore Haven Church of God 129 Palm Avenue, Moore Haven 863-946-1574
First Missionary Baptist Church 1112 Green Street, Moore Haven 863-946-2000
St. Teresa Church 1027 Chobee Loop, Okeechobee 863-824-8701
_______________________
Maple Grove Baptist Church 12777 E. State Road 78, Moore Haven 863-946-2850
_______________________
Moore Haven First Baptist Church 300 Avenue J S.W., Moore Haven 863-946-1522
Church of Christ
Lakeport Church of Christ 10947 E. State Road 78, Moore Haven 863-946-1747
New Hope Baptist Church 1051 E. Yaun Road, Moore Haven 863-946-1852
Methodist
First United Methodist Church 300 Avenue L, Moore Haven 863-946-1457 _______________________
Pentecostal
Centro Misionero Agape 24068 U.S. Highway 27, Moore Haven 863-946-1894
7 Cooperative Principles
1. Voluntary & Open Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Member’s Economic Participation 4. Autonomy & Independence 5. Education, Training & Information 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives 7. Concern for Community
G
LADES
Electric Cooperative, Inc.
“Neighbors Working for Neighbors” Your Touchstone Energy® Cooperative
863-946-6200
Proudly serving Okeechobee, Glades, Highlands, & Hendry Counties
Over 20+ Years of Experience
A name you can trust.
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • CONSULTING Call us about our
FREE or DISCOUNTED Engineered Plan Design Offer!
863.623.4459
www.AbneyBuild.com
207 NE 2nd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972
LIC #CBC058152
GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Glades County BUSINESS LISTINGS A/C & HEATING CONTRACTORS Echols Plumbing & Air Conditioning
2233 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6461 www.EcholsPlumbingAndAC.com
ACCOUNTANTS CPA Tax Solutions, LLC 500 N.W. 6th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1099 www.CpaTaxSolutions.net
ADVERTISING/MEDIA
Okeechobee The Magazine
316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
ARCHERY Skull Hill Steel
1505 C S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-464-0032 | Brandon Baughman www.SkullHillSteel.com
ATTRACTIONS/TOURS
Gatorama
6180 North US Highway 27 Palmdale, FL 33944 863-675-0623 www.Gatorama.com
Skydive Spaceland
1090 Airglades Blvd. Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6151 www.SkyDiveSpaceland.com
Sugarland Tours
109 Central Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7979 | Mary Ann Muniz www.Clewiston.org
AUTO SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES
Lehman Auto Body
265 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-1691 www.LehmanAutoBody.com
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS
Commuter Cars
1002 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 772-985-5781 | Jake Montgomery www.CommuterCars.net
M & M Auto Brokers, Inc.
3565 US Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-0330 www.MandMAutoBrokersInc.com
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS First 1 Bank
24704 US Highway 27 Moore Haven FL 33471 863-946-1515 www.First1Bank.com
BEAUTY SALONS/SPAS/ COSMETICS
Mary Kay
561-801-1336 www.MaryKay.com/Gaylemolyneaux
CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTORS
Abney Building & Consulting 205 N.E. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-623-4459 www.AbneyBuild.com
Penrod Construction Company
210 N.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-0546 | Corey Penrod www.PenrodConstructionCompany.com
DENTAL
Family Dentistry of Okeechobee 202 N.E. 3rd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2765 www.FDofOkeechobee.com
Wemmer Family Orthodontics 2025 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2332 | Dr. David Wemmer www.WemmerOrthodontics.com
ENTERTAINMENT Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Palm Beach State College 1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-993-1160 | Leigh Woodham www.PalmBeachState.edu/Theatre/ DollyHand
Okeechobee Community Theatre 863-763-1307 | Ron and Jacque Hayes www.OkeechobeeCommunity Theatre.com
Seminole Brighton Casino
17735 Reservation Road Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-9998 www.SeminoleBrightonCasino.com
Gilbert Chevrolet / Ford
3550 U.S. Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-3780 www.GilbertHasIt.com
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EYE CARE SERVICES Big Lake Eye Care
606 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3937 www.BigLakeEyeCare.com
FARM EQUIPMENT/ TRAILER SALES
Eli’s Trailer Sales
908 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-4620 www.ElisTrailers.com
FEED/SUPPLY Syfrett Feed Co.
3079 N.W. 8th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-5586 | Melissa Syfrett www.SyfrettFeed.com
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT SERVICES
Edward Jones Investments
107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite J Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4724 | Sharon Covey www.EdwardJones.com/Sharon-Covey
FISHING AND FISHING GUIDE SERVICE
Fast Break Bait & Tackle
1505 SR 78 West Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0973 | 863-824-3474 www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com
Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina Resort 920 E. Del Monte Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-3151 | 800-473-6766 www.RolandMartinMarina.com
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
Buxton Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory
400 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-1994 www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
FURNITURE SALES/ HOME DÉCOR
Royal’s Furniture
804 East North Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6293 www.RoyalsFurnitureInc.com
HEALTH CARE Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. – Moore Haven Center 1021 Health Park Drive Moore Haven, FL 33471 863-946-0405 www.FCHCInc.org
HOTELS/MOTELS The Historic Clewiston Inn 108 Royal Palm Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 800-749-4466 | 863-983-8151 www.ClewistonInn.com
HUNTING/SHOOTING SPORTS & CLUBS
Quail Creek Plantation
12399 N.E. 224th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2529 www.QuailCreekPlantation.com
INDUSTRIAL/HARDWARE C & C Industrial Enterprise 109 N.W. 9th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3311 CCIndent1@aol.com
INSURANCE
Anderson Realty Co.
21442 East SR 78 Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-634-4106 | Vicki & Eric Anderson www.AndersonRealtyCo.com
Coldwell Banker Berger Real Estate
425 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5335 | Philip & Lori Berger www.CBBergerRealEstate.com
Lake O Real Estate
4251 Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5253 www.LakeOre.com
RESTAURANTS/CATERING D & G Catering
863-634-7480 | 863-634-3131 Diane Conway | Gary Burks www.DGCaters.com
Lightsey’s Fish Co. & Seafood 1506 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4276
Pueblo Viejo
3415 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-9641 www.PuebloViejoFl.com
RETAIL/SPECIALTY SHOPS
Joanne Jordan Agency State Farm
Eli’s Western Wear
Pritchards and Associates
Sears Hometown Store
100 W. Ventura Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7410 www.JoanneJordanInsurance.com 1802 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 877-763-6625 www.PritchardsInc.com
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
U.S. Sugar
111 Ponce De Leon Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8121 www.USSugar.com/Careers
PROPANE GAS
Glades Gas of Belle Glade 5 West Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3046 Dennis & Karen McCarthy www.GladesGasAC.com
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
A-1 Realty
330 W. Sugarland Highway, # 9 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-805-0529 www.A1Realty.net
907 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 1-800-226-3570 www.ElisWesternWear.com 704 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-484-8207 www.SearsHometown.com
Shoe Box
1138 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4401 www.ShoeBoxandMore.com
SupplyLine
1113 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1203 TiffSupplyLine@gmail.com
Taylor Rental
523 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2239 www.TaylorRentalOkeechobee.com
RV PARKS/RESORTS Brighton RV Resort
14695 Reservation Road N.E. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0474 www.BrightonRVResort.com
City of Belle Glade Torry Island Campground 5000 W. Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33440 561-996-6322 www.TorryIslandCampground.com
Okeechobee KOA
4276 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0231 www.KOA.com/Campgrounds /Okeechobee
TOURISM Glades County Tourist Development Council P.O. Box 1003 Moore Haven, FL 33471 863-946-0300 www.VisitGlades.org
Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council 2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-233-3130 www.ThePalmBeaches.com
TRUCKING/ PERMITTING & TAXES
Logo Design
JC Tax Solutions
208 E. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-473-4001 | Jorge Caro
UTILITIES
Brochures
Glades Electric Cooperative 26733 US Highway 27 Moore Haven, FL 33471 863-946-0061 www.GladesEc.com
WATER TREATMENT
Marketing Collateral
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
Branding
Your One-Stop Shop
For All Things Marketing
Newsletters
Flyers
WELL DRILLING American Drilling Services, Inc. 405 S.W. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3221 www.AmericanDrillinc.com
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
D E S I G N • L AY O U T • P R I N T 863-467-0054 • Email: info@okeechobeethemagazine.com
Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106 Your Top Realty Company in Okeechobee That Your Family Can Trust to be There For You!
(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson Anderson Realty Co.
is seasoned at aiding new and experienced buyers and sellers in all areas of real estate. Contact us if your needs include Serving ALL Your Real Estate Needs a real estate pro Shelly Doyle experienced 21442 E. SR 78 - Buckhead Ridge Personal Assistant at the business Okeechobee, FL 34974 863.801.8463 side of real estate. shellydoyle@ymail.com Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net
For All of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website @ www.AndersonRealtyCo.com GLADES COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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The Historic Clewiston Inn
Skydive Spaceland
Clewiston Golf Course
Welcome to
HendryCounty Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation — Billie Swamp
Photo: J. Terto de Amorim
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86 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
elcome to Hendry County, perhaps Florida’s best kept secret! Whether you are looking to relocate, become a seasonal resident or just wanting to visit, Hendry County has it all and can accommodate and satisfy. With a rich history and rural charm, Hendry County is a never-ending thriving community that is the perfect place to start a business, call home or make it your one-stop vacation destination. LaBelle, Clewiston and the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation make up this small-town county, and each offer their own places for work and play. Together they have a combined population of over 39,000. The City of Labelle, known as the “City Under the Oaks” for its draping canopies of oak trees, is proud of its humble beginnings and maintains its
Roland Martin Marina
rich history with a picturesque town and strong sense of community. With the motto “The Belle of the Caloosahatchee”, LaBelle is situated on the south side of the Caloosahatchee River and is 14.50 square miles. Being located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee provides LaBelle residents and visitors with an abundance of recreation possibilities. LaBelle also hosts several rodeos throughout the year at its state-of-the-art rodeo complex. Clewiston, “America’s Sweetest Town”, is known for its temperate climate and multinational enterprises. As the Gateway to Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston is a prime destination spot for fishermen from all over the world. Clewiston occupies 4.57 square miles and is located midway between West Palm Beach to the east and Ft. Myers to the west. Much of the land is used to grow and process sugar cane, hence its nickname. Clewiston is also home to the popular Roland Martin Marina, owned and operated by professional sport fisherman Roland Martin. The Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation is old Florida at its best. The Big Cypress Reservation invites visitors deep into the swamp to learn about the rich culture known as the Seminole Indians. And along with teaching outsiders about the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Tribal members on the Big Cypress Reservation help to bring tourists up close and personal with Florida ➢ wildlife at Billie Swamp Safari.
Billie Swamp Safari
Together, the three communities make up miles of trails, including the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, Clewiston Walking Tours and the Big Water Heritage Trail, as well as parks and untouched Florida land, giving residents and tourists a chance to surround themselves with nature. Visitors can fish on Florida’s largest fresh water lake, take a stroll down the quaint and welcoming streets and visit the one of many artisan markets, galleries and crafts workshops or they can immerse themselves in culture and history at one of the historical museums, including the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum on the Big Cypress Reservation. With year-round festivals and events, including the Swamp Cabbage Festival and the Sugar Festival, Hendry County has no shortage of events to keep residents and tourists busy and entertained. Entertainment is easy to come by, especially during season when the Firehouse Community Theatre located in downtown LaBelle puts on their stage production on “Bridge Street.” And for adrenaline junkies, they can stop off at Hendry County’s nationally recognized skydive facility and take a true leap of faith and get a bird’s-eye view of the region. Along with its friendly, family-oriented, small-town culture and great outdoor activities and wide-open spaces, Hendry County is a place of much opportunity with its well-developed infrastructure and central location to major global ports. Hendry County also is home to U.S. Sugar, a historic local company that employs over 2,500 American farmers, engineers, scientists, sugar technologists, skilled tradesmen, office workers, and others who provide 10 percent of all sugar produced in the United States, up to 90 million gallons a year of premium Florida orange juice and half of Florida’s sweet corn crop. Since its inception, U.S. Sugar has expanded to be able to produce over 800,000 tons of sugar each year. U.S. Sugar has been farming sustainably for more than 85 years, helping to feed the country, improve the local economy and provide employment in rural Armadillo Race
Sugar Festival Concert
Swamp Cabbage Festival
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Florida. The company also helps to protect and preserve its natural resources and the Everglades by taking care of its land, utilizing advanced soil and water management practices. With improved and advanced farming technology, U.S. Sugar works every day to ensure that every drop of water that leaves its farms has been cleaned and meets protective water quality standards set by the 1994 Everglades Forever Act. Hendry County is a tight-knit community with strong values. Those strong values are evident in the growth and advancement at Hendry Regional Medical Center (HRMC). HRMC has been in operation for over 65 years and prides itself in providing top healthcare to the residents of Hendry County. There are at least four families currently employed at HRMC that have had two or three generations working under the roof at HRMC, proving those strong values run deep.
Hendry Regional Medical Center
With nearly 7,000 students in grades K-12, the Hendry County School System takes seriously its mission to provide students with the best possible education in a safe and orderly learning environment. The county is striving to improve academic performance by offering various programs including STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This program of studies was initiated to better prepare students for college and the workforce. History. Entertainment. Prosperity. Hendry County has it all. When referring to Hendry County, many residents claim, “there is no place like home.” And with an unofficial county motto as, “Sweet, Friendly…Country,” it’s no wonder why so many come to this neck of the woods, or lake to be exact, to call home. l
Clewiston High School HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Historic
CLEWISTON INN
Discover Southern Charm and Hospitality REL AXED EL EG A N C E / C H A RM I N G SU I T E S EVERGL ADES L OUN G E / BUS I N ES S FAC I L I T I E S
108 Royal Palm Avenue • Clewiston, FL 33440
863.983.8151 • 800.749.4466 www.ClewistonInn.com
Welcome to
T
Hendry County.
he Clewiston Chamber invites you to discover all that Hendry County has to offer! Lake Okeechobee as a whole is what some refer to as “the eighth wonder of the world”, but here I would like to tell you a little bit about what we have dubbed “the sweet spot.” On the southern shores of Lake Okeechobee sits “America’s Sweetest Town.” Clewiston is best known for two things, our agricultural contributions and being the premier place to come fish, as the bass capital of the world! Here at the Chamber of Commerce, we know that our town is so much more, while we take tremendous pride in our agricultural heritage and our wonderful gem (Lake Okeechobee), it is our people and our community as a whole that has given us the title of “America’s Sweetest Town!” Our economic climate here in Clewiston is absolutely poised for growth. Our largest employer, U.S. Sugar boasts employment for roughly 2,500 people; other key employers include Hendry County Public School, Hendry Regional Medical Center, Walmart and a wide variety of small businesses and banking institutions. We have several large projects on the horizon, including the expansion of Airglades International Airport (AIA). AIA’s location in a rural community and its proximity to Hwy 27 make it an ideal spot for an international perishable cargo hub. With spaces also available in the City of Clewiston’s Industrial Park, we are ready for the expansion that has historically shown to be moving inland in South Florida. Here in Clewiston we consider ourselves “out in the middle of EVERYWHERE”, we have many of the amenities of the larger cities but maintain the rural, small-town feel we have come to love. Clewiston is located in South Florida, approximately 160 miles south of Orlando, 63 miles west of West Palm Beach, 78 miles northwest of Ft. Lauderdale, 90 miles northwest of Miami and 62 miles east of Ft. Myers. Clewiston is situated on the second largest fresh water lake in the country. Lake Okeechobee, or Lake “O” as the locals call it, has fostered the careers of several bass fishing greats. Scott Martin, a Clewiston native was awarded the
2015 FLW Angler of the Year award and has now been chosen to lead the USA Bass team that will be competing in South Africa later this year. Once you get out on Lake O, you’ll be hooked! The services and amenities that you will find here in Clewiston are sure to meet all of your needs. Start your day with a morning walk on the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST). The trail sits atop the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding the lake and built for flood protection. For this reason, the trail offers a grand vantage point to view everything from the scenic lake to agricultural landscapes. From there, swing on in to the Chamber of Commerce, we can direct you to a number of activities including airboat tours, fishing expeditions, swamp buggy rides or farm tours. If you are looking for an educational treat, visit the Clewiston Museum or the Seminole Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Looking to pamper yourself, we have a variety of local day and medical spa options. Dining here in Clewiston, well that’s a tough choice. From breakfast to dinner, we’ve got you covered with a large variety of choices. We even have a local hangout or two for those night owls! Whether you are relocating, starting a new business or vacationing, Clewiston is sure to be just the right fit for you! We here at the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce would love to see you stop in.
Hillary Hyslope
Executive Director Clewiston Chamber of Commerce
Hillary Hyslope
HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Feeding families F
or more than 85 years, the people of U.S. Sugar have been planting, growing and harvesting crops to produce local food from our family to yours. Each year we produce enough sugar to provide every American a 5-pound bag, nearly half a million glasses of pure Florida orange juice and nearly ½ of Florida’s sweet corn crop.
Providing local jobs W
e are an employee-owned 100% Florida company and our employees represent thousands of local families with deep roots in our local communities. Our high tech operations on the farm, in the Sugar Factory and on our railroad provide many high-skilled jobs in modern, highly automated environments.
Protecting our environment O ur farming practices are sustainable, environmentally responsible and efficient. Our green energy initiatives and innovative soil and water management practices help protect and conserve our natural resources and maintain the healthy soil, water and air that sustain and nurture our crops. Our farms also provide thousands of acres of safe and valuable wildlife habitat.
Since 1931.
Hometown Healthcare Providing Personalized Care in Your Own Backyard
New modern emergency department, along with imaging services, surgery suites, laboratory services, and outpatient services
H
endry Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is a 25bed critical access hospital delivering a personal touch through doctors and nurses whom you know and trust, in a warm and friendly environment. Hendry Regional provides healthcare to the residents of Hendry County, Southern Glades County and Western Palm Beach County. HRMC strives to meet the needs of the residents by incorporating modern technology with compassionate and competent medical staff to care for its patients. Convenient locations are available in Clewiston and LaBelle. Hendry Regional Medical Center recently opened at the hospital a new modern emergency department, along with imaging services, surgery suites, laboratory services, and outpatient services. HRMC also has 6 additional facilities located throughout Hendry County. In Clewiston the Dr. James D. Forbes Family Care Center hosts a dynamic team providing Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Corporate Health Services offers preventative health programs for employers and their employees including worker’s compensation management, testing, screenings, site assessment’s, and wellness education. Hendry Regional Rehabilitative Services offers a variety of
Hendry Regional Convenient Care Center is located in the heart of LaBelle
rehabilitation and therapeutic services designed to evaluate and treat problems affecting mobility and function. The Hendry Regional Convenient Care Center is located in the heart of LaBelle. The facility includes Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and specialty care including gynecology, surgery, orthopedics, and physical and occupational therapy services. Hendry Regional Medical Center offers a wide array of specialty services for residents. Cardiology Partners offer a wide range of high quality diagnostic services, medical care, treatment and therapeutic interventions to patients with conditions affecting the heart. Surgical care needs are in capable hands with general surgeons Dr. Leonard Carroll and Dr. Darayes Mobed. These highly skilled surgeons along with our experienced staff address your healthcare concerns and offer the most advanced and appropriate surgical techniques. Dr. Jacob Glock is dedicated to delivering high quality, individualized gynecological care with compassion and respect to the women in our community. Dr. Andrea Livingston provides state-of-the-art audiology services utilizing today’s most innovative hearing technology. Dr. Gonzalo Echavarria, board-certified anesthesi-
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
ologist, specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to help people take an active role to relieve, reduce, or manage pain and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Stephen Purvis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is dedicated to finding personalized solutions for those struggling with pain, limited movement, or a sudden injury. Understanding the need of the community HRMC continues to add services and providers to its already expansive list. The most recent additions have been Orthopedics and Infusion Services, and an additional pediatric physician. With the continued growth of services and providers HRMC built a new Medical & Rehabilitative Services building. The new building provides additional space for rehabilitative services and dedicated medical space for orthopedics. The facility also houses an additional medical office which will be dedicated to future expansion of services as volume and need dictates in the near future. At HRMC healthcare is a team effort. The staff is courteous, respectful, and enthusiastic in serving healthcare needs at any of the multiple locations. Hendry Regional has proudly been providing healthcare for over six decades, with roots that run deep within the community!
With the continued growth of services and providers HRMC built a new Medical & Rehabilitative Services building
524 West Sagamore Avenue | Clewiston, FL 33440 | 863-902-3000 | www.hrmc.us
Cutting cane for U.S. Sugar Clewiston c.1943
U.S. Sugar
Hendry County
M
ajestic cypress and interlacing rubber trees formed a green canopy along the meandering ridge that sloped softly into the pristine waters of Lake Okeechobee. There glistening, white sands lay like great mounds of sugar in the breaking surf, foretelling a future destiny. This picturesque setting was first inhabited by Native Americans, first the Mayaimis and then the Seminole Indians in the 1800s.
5
HISTORY
Hendry County was established on May 11, 1923, as Florida’s 63rd county. It was created from the eastern part of Lee County after the creation of Collier County. The county was named after Captain Francis Asbury Hendry who first came to the area in the mid 1800s as a scout for the U.S. Army. Military outposts were formed in efforts of capturing and relocating Seminole Indians west of the Mississippi. Between 1838 and 1841, Fort Denaud and Fort Thompson were established on the Caloosahatchee River, which flows across the northwest corner of the county. Fort Denaud served as a supply depot for troops in the Lake Okeechobee area. Fort Thompson was a military post that was used to raise cattle for the troops. Settlers began to slowly make their way to the area with the hope and belief that the lush land would be prosperous for tropical fruits and vegetables. The Caloosahatchee River was the main source of irrigation for crops; however, because of its inability to drain quickly and efficiently during the
rainy season and following seasonal hurricanes, the land, including the forts, was abandoned. In 1881, Hamilton Disston, a Philadelphia entrepreneur, signed a deal with the trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund to drain the lands surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Disston successfully connected the lake and the Caloosahatchee River, which allowed Lake Okeechobee to flow right into the Gulf of Mexico. This also allowed for the start of a steamboat service to transport passengers. Disston’s drainage improvement helped transform much of the Everglades, including what became known as Hendry County. With floodwaters under control, land began to become populated. Captain Francis Asbury Hendry acquired the land known as Fort Thompson and made it his permanent home. He platted the settlement, known as Belle and later LaBelle after two of his daughters, Laura Jane Hendry Thompson and Carrie Belle Hendry Evans. Captain Hendry and his son, George, started a successful cattle raising and export business in which they exported cattle to Key West and Cuba. By the early 1900s, commercial fishermen had established fish camps, and in 1905, Edgar Everett Goodno purchased Fort Thompson and built an ice plant and an electric plant to serve a growing population. In 1915, Japanese families arrived and started the first farming settlement. The drainage made the land suitable for vegetable farms, citrus groves and tropical fruit plantations along the Caloosahatchee. There were also a large number of furbearers in the area, such as otters, fox, bobcats and Florida panthers, making hunting and trapping a popular means of living.
Clewiston c.1941 94 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
By this time, the remaining Seminole Indians were forced into what became established as the Big Cypress Reservation located in the southeastern corner of Hendry County. They were left alone and only came to “town” to trade or sell their skins and pelts for groceries. The Seminoles began to herd cattle on the reservation, something they had done over 100 years ago in North Florida and something that would eventually grow into one of the biggest operations in the U.S.
Clewiston watermelon fields c.1920 Sugar cane had yet to become produced on a large scale even though the possibility of raising it was recognized as early as the 1870s. However, it quickly became a reality shortly after another small community, Sandpoint (now Clewiston), was developed.
Sugar Transport
Brahman cattle
The most sparkling personage to settle Sandpoint was Marian O’Brien, who in 1917, became the first mayor of Moore Haven and historically, the first female mayor east of the Mississippi River. On boating trips, Marian and her husband John O’Brien cruised past Sandpoint and the beckoning scenic ridge inspired them to start a new community on its lovely shores. The O’Briens shared their idea with business associate, Alfonso C. Clewis, a Tampa banker. Mr. Clewis partnered and the O’Briens responded graciously, naming the new community “Clewiston” in honor of Mr. Clewis. In 1921, the O’Briens and Mr. Clewis completed the construction of a railroad line they named M.H. and C. (Moore Haven and Clewiston). Its completion ensured transportation for the area’s abundant winter vegetable crops. Mrs. O’Brien envisioned the Glades area becoming the winter breadbasket for the nation and Clewiston a little Chicago. She commissioned the famous city planner, John Nolan, to create a plan for her visionary city. The waterfront city plan was unveiled in 1925. However, the O’Brien’s grand dream was soon forfeited by personal financial losses. In 1925, Bror G. Dahlberg, president of the Celotex Corporation in Louisiana, purchased the O’Briens entire holdings. Mr. Dahlberg manufactured Celotex, a boarding material produced from crushed sugar cane fiber. His plan was to grow sugar cane and manufacture sugar and Celotex. It was unfortunate that the Great Depression of 1929 coincided with the year his new business, Southern Sugar Company, completed its sugar factory.
Clewiston locks c.1941 In 1931, Michigan industrialist, Mr. Charles Stewart Mott, purchased the Southern Sugar Company and renamed it United States Sugar Corporation. His philosophy was simple and honest, “what is good for the community is good for the company.” It was a motto that bore fruit for Clewiston and United States Sugar Corporation as they grew and prospered together in the upcoming years. During World War II, Clewiston was home to the Number 5 British Flying Training School, established west of the city at Riddle Field. Over 1,800 cadets trained at Riddle Field as RAF pilots during the war. The post-war years brought further expansion of winter vegetable farming and ranching operations. With the termination of sugar imports from Cuba in the early 1960s, the area underwent a massive expansion of its sugar cane industry. In 1961, former President Herbert Hoover visited Clewiston and was honored with the naming of the dike, Herbert Hoover Dike, which was constructed through his efforts around Lake Okeechobee after the terrible hurricanes of 1926 and 1928. Severe freezes in Central Florida in the 1980s resulted in a shift of the Florida citrus industry into South Florida. Hendry County now leads the entire state in citrus production and is home to Southern Gardens Citrus Corporation, the largest orange juice processing facility in the nation.
Clewiston airfield where British pilots trained during World War II
Hendry County has continued to retain its rural atmosphere and is the gateway to the nation’s bass capital, “Lake Okeechobee,” the second largest lake in the continental United States. Each year, thousands of bass-fishing enthusiasts visit Hendry County to fish the lake waters, while enjoying the county’s southern charm. l HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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96 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
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HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Clewiston Sugar Festival
o Big Cypress Shootout This event, held in March, is a re-enactment of the Second Seminole War. Held on the Big Cypress Reservation, the battle re-enactment honors the Seminole’s struggles and sacrifices to remain on their land. Authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War are used during the three-day event. The event also includes music, authentic Seminole food, Seminole arts and crafts, alligator wrestling, cultural displays and much more. Visit www.bcshootout.com for more information.
o Brown Sugar Festival Founded and hosted by the Harlem Alumni Association, the Brown Sugar Festival educates the general public about Black arts through exhibits including dance, visual arts, music and theater. The Brown Sugar Festival will celebrate its 40th year in 2018 and is held the first Saturday of May. The multi-day art festival is held in the Harlem Community of Clewiston and funds raised from the event are used to provide scholarships to local students. For more information visit www.brownsugarfestival.com.
Hendry County
Things To See Do
&
o Clewiston Sugar Festival
Held each year in mid-April, the Clewiston Sugar Festival offers a little something for everyone. The multi-day event includes live entertainment, cane grinding, a car show, a kids’ park and a variety of food booths sponsored by local civic, school and church organizations that offer the best of local cuisine. Over the years, a rodeo and fishing tournament have been added to the list of events. The Clewiston Sugar Festival is in celebration of a successful sugar cane harvest. For more information visit www.clewistonsugarfestival.net. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
o Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show Held in February, the weeklong fair has provided fun for the entire family since 1953. Guests can enjoy rides, entertainment, games, exhibits and more. A parade is held on the first Saturday, along with beauty pageants and the livestock show and sale later in the week. The annual livestock show and sale celebrates local agriculture, giving youth the opportunity to showcase their hard work and effort. For more information visit www.hendrycountyfair.com.
o Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum has more than 30,000 artifacts that are unique to the culture of the Seminole Tribe. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum helps to preserve and interpret the history of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is located in the heart of the Everglades on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation. Guests can take a walk on the mile-long boardwalk through a natural cypress dome, which leads to a living village featuring Seminole artisans. Call 863-902-1113 or visit www.ahtahthiki.com for more information.
98 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
o Billie Swamp Safari Billie Swamp Safari is located on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation and is a place where visitors can enjoy and experience the untouched wonders of nature. The safari consists of 2,200 acres of untamed land in the Florida Everglades that is preserved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Open every day except for Christmas, Billie Swamp Safari offers swamp buggy tours, airboat rides, animal exhibits and uncaged animal demonstrations. Visit www.billieswamp.com for more information.
o Clewiston Museum The Clewiston Museum tells the rich history of Clewiston through a mixture of artifacts, photographs and stories. The museum houses an impressive fossil collection that displays artifacts that were found around Hendry County. Visitors can relax in the museum’s 60-seat theater and watch a video on the history of Clewiston, which includes the growing and processing of sugar cane and oranges. For more information call 863-983-2870.
Billie Swamp Safari
o Jolly Roger Marina Located on the south side of Lake Okeechobee, the Jolly Roger Marina is a full-service marina that is fully accessible from the lake. It offers a bait and tackle store, guided services, boat rentals and dockage. The marina also has a sales and service department that has a full line of Triton boats, Allison boats, Alumacraft boats and Mercury outboards. A factory-certified outboard technician can be found on hand at the marina. For more information call 863-983-7402 or visit www.jollyrogermarina.com.
o Roland Martin Marina and Resort Family owned and operated since 1981, Roland Martin Marina and Resort is a full-service marina and vacation destination situated right on Lake Okeechobee that offers boat rentals, professional fishing guides, transient dockage, boat storage, airboat tours and several overnight accommodations, including motel rooms, condo rentals and a RV park with a swimming pool. The resort offers dining options that include a restaurant and a tiki bar with live entertainment. There is a tackle shop as well as a gift shop on site. Call 1-800-473-6766 or visit www.rolandmartinmarina.com for more information.
Skydive Spaceland
Roland Martin Marina and Resort
o Sugarland Tours Organized by the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, Sugarland Tours gives visitors an up-close look at a sugar cane farm. Passengers are able to chop down an actual sugar cane to chew. They also get to view the latest in farming techniques as well as visit the Clewiston sugar mill, the sugar refinery and citrus juice plant. Tours run October-March, Monday-Friday from 9:30 am-1:00 pm. Price of tour includes admission to the Clewiston Museum. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce at 863-983-7979.
o Skydive Spaceland For anyone in search of a thrill, Skydive Spaceland provides an experience of a lifetime. As one of the longest-running skydiving centers in the state, Skydive Spaceland offers skydivers a chance to see Lake Okeechobee from 14,000 feet in the air. At Skydive Spaceland, individuals can freefall skydive or get hands-on training to earn their skydiving license. Call 1-800-533-6151 or visit www.skydivespaceland.com for more information. l HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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CLEWISTON
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100 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
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HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Hendry County
IMPORTANT NUMBERS ALL EMERGENCIES CALL.........................911 FIRE Clewiston Fire Department..................863-983-1499 LaBelle Fire Department......................863-675-1537
LAW ENFORCMENT Hendry County Sheriffs Office.............863-983-1440 Clewiston Police Department............. 863-983-1474 Sherriff Department Clewiston............863-805-5000 Sherriff Department LaBelle................863-674-5600
HOSPITAL Hendry Regional Medical Center........863-902-3000
CITIZEN SERVICES Health Department..............................863-674-4041 Hendry Regional Convenient Care Center . ...........................................................863-675-2356 Hope Hospice......................................800-835-1673 Social Security Services......................863-675-5297
UTILTIES
Big Lake Cruiser..................................561-261-2291
Clewiston Utilities................................863-983-1454
Clewiston Bass Anglers......................863-228-7662
Water Department Clewiston.. .............863-983-1454
Clewiston BPOE Lodge #1853 (Elks Club) ............................................................863-983-7471
HENDRY COUNTY PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Clewiston Chamber of Commerce......863-983-7979
Clewiston Christian School..................863-983-5388
Clewiston Garden Club.......................863-677-0105
Community Christian School of LaBelle . ...........................................................863-675-3277
Clewiston Ministerial Association........863-983-3181
Harvest Academy Christian Academy . ...........................................................863-805-0485 International Christian Academy of LaBelle . ...........................................................863-675-4227
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Family Service Network.......................863-675-8383
Central Elementary (K-5).....................863-983-1550 Clewiston High (9-12).........................863-983-1520 Clewiston Middle School (6-8)............863-983-1530 Country Oaks Elementary (K-5)..........863-674-4140 Eastside Elementary (K-5)..................863-983-1560 LaBelle Elementary (K-5)...................863-674-4150
COUNTY OFFICES
Montura Early Learning Center (Pre-K) . ...........................................................863-983-1417
Clerk of Court LaBelle.........................863-675-5217 Election Supervisor Clewiston.............863-983-1592 Election Supervisor LaBelle.................863-675-5230 Emergency Management.....................863-674-5400 Hendry County Emergency Services . ...........................................................863-983-1450 Planning and Zoning............................863-675-5240 Property Appraiser Clewiston..............863-983-1591
Clewiston Women’s Golf Association ............................................................863-983-1854 Disabled American Veterans Chapter ............................................................863-675-9956
LaBelle High (9-12).............................863-674-4120
Clerk of Court Clewiston......................863-983-1586
Clewiston Rotary.................................863-983-8191
Rcma-Mira Verde Coc.........................863-674-4104
Veterans Services................................863-675-5250
Animal Control.....................................863-983-1474
Clewiston Museum.............................863-983-2870
LaBelle Middle (6-8)............................863-674-4646
Up The Grove Elementary (K-5)..........863-612-0750
Green Thumb Garden Club................863-946-3376 Gulf Coast Girl Scout Council.............800-586-3186 Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association ............................................................863-673-5939 Hendry County Cattlewomen..............863-675-5261 Hendry County Rodeo Association......863-599-1169 Hendry Glades Audubon Society........863-674-0695 LaBelle Bass Busters..........................863-946-2744 LaBelle Boy Scouts Troop 9...............863-675-3222 LaBelle Cub Scouts Pack 9................863-675-8892 LaBelle Chamber of Commerce.........863-675-0125
Westside Elementary (K-5).................863-983-1570
LaBelle Community Woman’s Club....863-675-4041
COLLEGE
LaBelle Literacy Council......................863-675-0656
Florida South Western State...............863-674-0408
LaBelle Heritage Museum...................863-674-0034 LaBelle Masonic Lodge No.379..........863-675-7159 LaBelle Moose Lodge..........................863-675-6285
CIVIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Alcoholics Anonymous........................941-675-1366 4-H Club of Hendry.............................863-675-5261
LaBelle Quarterback Club...................863-675-2789 LaBelle Rotary Club............................239-250-4795 LaBelle Shrine Club............................863-675-9943
Property Appraiser LaBelle..................863-675-5270
American Business Women’s Association . ...........................................................863-675-4523
Public Defender...................................863-675-5263
American Legion Post.........................863-675-9956
State Attorney......................................863-674-4034
American Red Cross............................800-992-9933
Tax Collector Clewiston.......................863-983-1593
Barron Library......................................863-675-0833
Clewiston Public Library......................863-983-1493
Tax Collector LaBelle...........................863-675-5280
Bass Busters........................................841-232-9539
Harlem Library.....................................863-902-3320
LaBelle Kiwanis...................................863-675-4043 Overeaters Anonymous.......................863-675-4383
HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
103
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104 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | HENDRY COUNTY
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Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106 Your Top Realty Company in Okeechobee That Your Family Can Trust to be There For You!
Se Habla Español
(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson Anderson Realty Co.
is seasoned at aiding new and experienced buyers and sellers in all areas of real estate. Contact us if your needs include Serving ALL Your Real Estate Needs a real estate pro Shelly Doyle experienced 21442 E. SR 78 - Buckhead Ridge Personal Assistant at the business Okeechobee, FL 34974 863.801.8463 side of real estate. shellydoyle@ymail.com Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net
For All of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website @ www.AndersonRealtyCo.com HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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T h e
ROYAL
C O M P A N I E S
Building Commercial Real Estate Relationships Since 1929 www.theroyalcompanies.com
165 South Lee Street Suite 100 Labelle, FL 33935 561-996-8080
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Okeechobee Plaza
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Hendry County PLACES OF WORSHIP African Methodist
New Bethel AME Church
959 Della Tobias Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-5086 _______________________
Baptist
Charismatic
370 Holiday Isles, Clewiston 863-983-3181 Church of God Labelle 590 E. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-1664
Big Cypress New Testament Baptist
525 San Luiz Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-7006
Caloosa Baptist Church
80 Florida Street, LaBelle 863-675-1388
34800 Josie Billie Highway, Clewiston 863-983-9333 550 W. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-4673
Calvary Baptist Church
1019 S. Gratton Road, Clewiston 863-983-8066
Eastside Baptist Church
601 E. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle 863-673-2346
First Baptist Church-Clewiston 102 E. Ventura Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-5555
LaBelle Baptist Temple
5520 W. State Road 80, Alva 863-675-4807
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 851 Suwanee Avenue, Labelle 863-612-0424
Palmdale Baptist Church
8010 Seminole Avenue S.W., LaBelle 863-675-1331
Pioneer First Baptist Church 995 Riviera Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-0900
Victory Baptist Church
705 S. Olympia Street, Clewiston 863-983-5594 _______________________
Catholic
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 355 Bridge Street, LaBelle 863-675-0030
Saint Margaret’s Catholic Church 208 Deane Duff Street, Clewiston 863-983-8585
Life Ministries
725 W. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-8855
Real Life Church
953 W. Sugarland Highway, Clewiston 863-301-3108 _______________________
207 Pine Lane, Clewiston 863-983-7555 _______________________
Pentecostal
Assembly of God
Episcopal
139 Fraser Street, LaBelle 863-675-0900
Church of the Good Shepherd
Community Harvest Worship Center
1098 Collingswood Parkway, LaBelle 863-675-0385
55 Orange Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-0938
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
Grace Baptist Church
Greater Friendship Baptist
4501 N. Birchwood Parkway, LaBelle 863-234-1477
Turning Point Church of God
Jehovah’s Witness Places of Worship
901 Della Tobias Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-8477
Healing Waters Family Life Center
First Church of God
First Baptist of Labelle
4200 N.E. Eucalyptus Boulevard, LaBelle 863-675-3349
138 Ford Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-1366
Clewiston Church of God
207 S.W. C Owen Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-7960 _______________________
330 N. Main Street, LaBelle 863-675-2171
First Christian Church
Church of God
Big Cypress First Baptist Church
34850 First Baptist Church Drive, Clewiston 863-983-9859
First Christian Church
201 N. Francisco Street, Clewiston 863-983-6704
New Harvest Church
El Faro Assembly of God 431 Bryan Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-5947
Evangel Assembly of God
350 S. Berner Road, Clewiston 863-983-5131
Jehovah’s Witness
Full Gospel Tabernacle
538 Glades Avenue, LaBelle 863-675-0878
1058 Phigpen Road, LaBelle 863-675-1222
Kingdom Hall
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Mi
217 E. El Paso Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-5558 _______________________
312 S.W. C Owen Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-3333
Lutheran
LaBelle Revival Center
3025 County Road 78, Fort Denaud 863-674-1711
Christ the King Lutheran Church 350 Old County Road 78, LaBelle 863-675-2733
Lighthouse Apostolic Church 911 Evercane Road, Clewiston 863-983-2338
Faith Lutheran Church
810 Cedar Street, Clewiston 863-983-7302 _______________________
True Vine Church
Methodist
2100 10th Street, Clewiston 863-805-0700 _______________________
21440 Pearl Street, Alva 239-728-2277
Clewiston Church-Christ
Alva United Methodist Church
Presbyterian
Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church 310 Campbell Street, LaBelle 863-675-0656
First United Methodist Church 331 W. Osceola Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-5269 _______________________
Non-Denominational Church of Christ Central 60 Hendry Street, LaBelle 863-675-4796
719 Seminole Avenue, Clewiston 863-902-8822
Community Presbyterian Church 407 Royal Palm Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-9406 _______________________
Seventh-day Adventist
Clewiston Seventh Day Advntst 545 E. Obispo Avenue, Clewiston 863-983-4100
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Hendry County BUSINESS LISTINGS A/C & HEATING CONTRACTORS Echols Plumbing & Air Conditioning
2233 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6461 www.EcholsPlumbingAndAC.com
Glades Air Conditioning
804 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2114 | Monica McCarthy Clark
ACCOUNTANTS CPA Tax Solutions, LLC 500 N.W. 6th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1099 www.CpaTaxSolutions.net
ADVERTISING/MEDIA Okeechobee The Magazine
316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
AGRICULTURE U.S. Sugar
111 Ponce De Leon Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8121 www.USSugar.com
ARCHERY Skull Hill Steel
1505 C S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-464-0032 | Brandon Baughman www.SkullHillSteel.com
ATTRACTIONS/TOURS
Gatorama
6180 N. US Highway 27 Palmdale, FL 33944 863-675-0623 www.Gatorama.com
Skydive Spaceland
1090 Airglades Blvd. Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6151 www.SkyDiveSpaceland.com
Sugarland Tours
109 Central Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7979 | Mary Ann Muniz www.Clewiston.org
AUTO SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES
Lehman Auto Body
265 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-1691 www.LehmanAutoBody.com
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS
Commuter Cars
1002 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 772-985-5781 | Jake Montgomery www.CommuterCars.net
Gilbert Chevrolet / Ford
3550 U.S. Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-724-3780 www.GilbertHasIt.com
M & M Auto Brokers, Inc.
3565 US Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-0330 www.MandMAutoBrokersInc.com
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS
First 1 Bank
300 E. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8191 www.First1Bank.com
BEAUTY SALONS/SPAS/ COSMETICS
Mary Kay
561-801-1336 www.MaryKay.com/Gaylemolyneaux
BOATS/OUTBOARD MOTOR SALES & SERVICE
Jolly Roger Marina
1095 E. Highway 27 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6766 www.JollyRogerMarina.com
BOAT RENTALS
Jolly Roger Marina
1095 E. Highway 27 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6766 www.JollyRogerMarina.com
CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTORS
Abney Building & Consulting 205 N.E. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-623-4459 www.AbneyBuild.com
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Penrod Construction Company 210 N.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-0546 | Corey Penrod www.PenrodConstruction Company.com
DENTAL Family Dentistry of Okeechobee 202 N.E. 3rd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2765 www.FDofOkeechobee.com
Okeechobee Dental Care – Dr. Moeshing
175 S.W. 28th Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-7385 | 863-467-2241 www.OkeechobeeDentalCare.com
Wemmer Family Orthodontics 2025 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2332 | Dr. David Wemmer www.WemmerOrthodontics.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Palm Beach State College 1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-993-1160 | Leigh Woodham www.PalmBeachState.edu/Theatre/ DollyHand
Okeechobee Community Theatre 863-763-1307 | Ron and Jacque Hayes www.OkeechobeeCommunity Theatre.com
Seminole Brighton Casino
17735 Reservation Road Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-9998 www.SeminoleBrightonCasino.com
EYE CARE SERVICES Big Lake Eye Care
606 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3937 www.BigLakeEyeCare.com
FARM EQUIPMENT/ TRAILER SALES Eli’s Trailer Sales
908 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-4620 www.ElisTrailers.com
FEED/SUPPLY
Syfrett Feed Co.
3079 N.W. 8th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-5586 | Melissa Syfrett www.SyfrettFeed.com
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT SERVICES
Edward Jones Investments
107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite J Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4724 | Sharon Covey www.EdwardJones.com/Sharon-Covey
FISHING AND FISHING GUIDE SERVICE
Fast Break Bait & Tackle
1505 SR 78 West Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0973 | 863-824-3474 www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide .com
Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina Resort 920 E. Del Monte Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-3151 | 800-473-6766 www.RolandMartinMarina.com
FLORIST
Clewiston Florist & Gifts
336 W. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8196 | Alethea Hansen
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
Buxton Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory
400 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-1994 www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
FURNITURE SALES/ HOME DÉCOR
Royal’s Furniture
117 South Dean Duff Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-4121 www.RoyalsFurnitureInc.com
HEALTH CARE
Hendry Regional Medical Center 544 West Sagamore Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-902-3000 www.HendryRegional.org
HOTELS/MOTELS
The Historic Clewiston Inn 108 Royal Palm Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 800-749-4466 | 863-983-8151 www.ClewistonInn.com
HUNTING/SHOOTING SPORTS & CLUBS
Quail Creek Plantation
12399 N.E. 224th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2529 www.QuailCreekPlantation.com
INDUSTRIAL/HARDWARE
C & C Industrial Enterprise 109 N.W. 9th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3311 CCIndent1@aol.com
INSURANCE
Hughes Insurance, Inc. – Allstate 220 S. Berner Road Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8179
Joanne Jordan Agency State Farm
100 W. Ventura Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7410 www.JoanneJordanInsurance.com
Pritchards and Associates 1802 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 877-763-6625 www.PritchardsInc.com
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
U.S. Sugar
111 Ponce De Leon Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8121 www.USSugar.com/Careers
PROPANE GAS
Glades Gas of Belle Glade 5 West Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3046 Dennis and Karen McCarthy www.GladesGasAC.com
Hendry County BUSINESS LISTINGS REAL ESTATE SERVICES A-1 Realty
330 W Sugarland Hwy # 9 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-805-0529 www.A1Realty.net
Anderson Realty Co.
21442 East SR 78 Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee , FL 34974 863-634-4106 | Vicki & Eric Anderson www.AndersonRealtyCo.com
Coldwell Banker Berger Real Estate
425 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5335 | Philip & Lori Berger www.CBBergerRealEstate.com
RE/MAX Prestige Teresa Sullivan
The Royal Companies
165 S. Lee Street, Suite 100 Labelle, FL 33935 561-996-8080 www.TheRoyalCompanies.com
RESTAURANTS/CATERING D & G Catering
863-634-7480 | 863-634-3131 Diane Conway | Gary Burks www.DGCaters.com
Lightsey’s Fish Co. & Seafood 1506 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4276
McDonald’s
905 W. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-9521 www.McDonalds.com
1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-644-3186 TersulREMx@gmail.com
Popeyes Louisana Kitchen
Remington Real Estate
Pueblo Viejo
505 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-532-9096 www.nikisalmonrealestate.com
504 E. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-2640
3415 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-9641 www.PuebloViejoFl.com
• Agricultural Driveline Assembly and Repairs • Assembly of Custom Suction and Discharge Hoses • Custom Steel Fabrication
RETAIL/SPECIALITY SHOPS Eli’s Western Wear
907 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 1-800-226-3570 www.ElisWesternWear.com
Sears Hometown Store 704 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-484-8207 www.SearsHometown.com
Sugarland Liquor
208 S. Berner Road Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-1111 www.SugarlandLiquor.com
SupplyLine
1113 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1203 TiffSupplyLine@gmail.com
Taylor Rental
523 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2239 www.TaylorRentalOkeechobee.com
RV PARKS/RESORTS Brighton RV Resort
14695 Reservation Road N.E. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0474 www.BrightonRVResort.com
City of Belle Glade Torry Island Campground 5000 W. Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33440 561-996-6322 www.TorryIslandCampground.com
Okeechobee KOA
4276 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0231 www.KOA.com/Campgrounds /Okeechobee
TOURISM Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council
TRUCKING/ PERMITTING & TAXES JC Tax Solutions
208 E. Sugarland Highway Clewiston, FL 33440 863-473-4001 | Jorge Caro
WATER TREATMENT Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
WELL DRILLING
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-233-3130 www.ThePalmBeaches.com
Industrial Hardware Machine Shop • Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs and Hydraulic Hoses Water Treatment • Metal Sales Well Drilling • Welding Repairs on Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Steel
• Fabrication of Custom Branding Irons
863.763.3417
www.DomersInc.com 204 Southeast 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974
Serving The Lake Okeechobee Region HENDRY COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Yesterday S Today S Tomorrow Serving The Glades Communities Since 1963
108
S.E. Avenue D
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Belle Glade, FL 33430
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Torry Island Marina & Campground
Torry Island Golf Course Pahokee Marina and Campground
Welcome to
Western Palm Beach County
O
n the southeastern rim of Lake Okeechobee lie the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. Together, they make up the westernmost communities in Palm Beach County. The three cities, known as “the Glades” (not to be confused with Glades County), are all connected within 10 miles of each other and 10,000 acres of land. With a combined population of over 41,000, this lake region is home to a variety of industries that help to support its local economy and drive tourism.
Conveniently located 38 miles from the Palm Beaches, 90 miles from Ft. Myers and 90 miles north of Miami, the Glades is the crossroads for over 12 million residents in South Florida. The Glades offers the perfect combination of modern growth tempered with a relaxed country lifestyle. The three cities maintain their “small-town roots” even though being situated in one of Florida’s booming areas. Within minutes and just a short drive, Western Palm Beach County residents can be in the middle of a variety of city attractions. The Glades area has an average annual temperature of 74 degrees and an average rainfall of about 40 inches, most of which arrives in the form of summer
showers. The sun shines nearly every day and cold days are few and short lived, bringing many seasonal residents to the area.
Belle Glade, the largest city within the 2,862,000-acre subtropical Everglades in the heartland of Florida, prides itself on its diverse ethnic background and its agricultural role in the area’s development. With its motto, “Her Soil is Her Fortune”, the city has taken advantage of the nutrient-rich soil, earning the nickname muck and black gold. Belle Glade is home to the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and is one of the largest producers of sugar cane, vegetables, ornamental landscaping, and sod farming. Pahokee is a Seminole Indian word meaning “grassy waters.” Located directly on the shore of Lake Okeechobee, Pahokee is often referred to as Palm Beach County’s other coast. Pahokee is the only city that has direct access to Lake Okeechobee, meaning boaters do not have to enter through one of the many waterway locks. The Pahokee community is working hard to preserve and ➢ WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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renovate their quaint town. Big plans are in progress, which include beautiful road improvements and streetscapes, as well as the restoration of historic buildings. South Bay, the smallest of the cities, is situated where State Road 80 and US 27 intersect, making it the crossroads of South Florida. Even with just roughly 5,000 residents, South Bay was ranked as the third fastest growing major metropolitan area in the U.S. during the last few decades. With available labor, low taxes, cooperative government, and strong infrastructure, South Bay is ideal for almost any industry, including distribution, manufacturing, tourism and recreation. Another very small community found within Western Palm Beach County is Canal Point. With a sparse population, Canal Point is primarily populated with independent farmers or employees. Combined, the Glades region harvests 500,000 acres of crops annually, primarily sugar cane and 30 different types of vegetables. Originally, green beans and potatoes were the main producing crops, but today, aside from sugar cane, celery, lettuce and sweet corn are the main harvested vegetables. Palm Beach County, being part of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), leads the nation in the production of sugar cane and fresh sweet corn, and leads the State in the production of rice, lettuce, radishes, Chinese vegetables, specialty leaf, and celery.
Lakeside Medical Center
112 112 2018 2018| |Destination DestinationLake LakeOkeechobee Okeechobee| WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
The EAA is the largest single producing region east of the Mississippi and the fifth largest in the nation. The local economic impact on Palm Beach County alone is about $3 billion. EAA farmers are the best stewards of their land and advocate for the future generations of growers and farmers. The 2016-17 water year resulted in the EAA providing clean, quality water once
Photo: Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College Belle Glade campus
again with a 70 percent reduction in phosphorous, nearly three times the goal. EAA farmers are working collectively with the science/research community and regulators to ensure long-term solutions to the east coast estuary’s water quantity and pollution problems that will not hurt local food supply or hard-working farmers providing for their families. The Glades region takes an enormous amount of pride in its educational achievements. Among the three cities there are several public, private and charter schools. And unlike many rural areas, the Glades has a higher than average graduation rate within the state of Florida. Students from the region also consistently score higher on standardized tests. There is the opportunity for vocational training and higher education as well. West Tech, a branch location of the School District of Palm Beach County located in Belle Glade, offers vocational training for trades including HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, electrical and welding. Classes are available on site and online, delivered by Florida Training Services, an FDOE approved provider.
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
Also located in Belle Glade is a campus for Palm Beach State College. The Belle Glade Campus opened in 1972, with a permanent facility built in 1977. The College provides general education, occupational training, student services and community outreach to meet the diverse educational needs of ➢ the area.
Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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Black Gold Jubilee
On the Belle Glade Campus resides the 470-seat Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, which was completed in 1982. The theater offers a variety of cultural and entertainment performances providing much fun for residents and tourists alike.
Black Gold Jubilee
Along with the theater, these great communities have an abundance of entertainment opportunities that help attract tourists to the area, as well as bring the regulars out to have some fun. History buffs will enjoy the Lawrence E. Will Museum located in Belle Glade. The museum educates and brings to life the rich history of the southeastern shores of Lake Okeechobee. The museum also serves as a research center that is the initial processing lab for prehistoric artifacts collected. Art enthusiasts may take an interest in the murals at the Bank of Belle Glade and the Belle Glade Library that depict the history and early pioneers of Belle Glade and surrounding areas. Also, at the many festivals, including the Black Gold Jubilee and the Afro Arts Festival, local artists have several pieces on display for viewing enjoyment as well as purchase. Fourth of July
Being situated on the southern part of Lake Okeechobee, Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay each offer a fishing paradise for freshwater anglers and boaters. Many come from near and far to test the waters of the Big O. Outdoor and fishing enthusiasts have plenty of options in the Glades region. Near Belle Glade is the Torry Island Campground and Marina that allows access into the lake, in Pahokee there’s also a marina and campground and in South Bay a municipal boat ramp can be utilized by all.
Pahokee Marina
Torry Island Marina & Campground
High school football is also a popular pastime for locals and sport fanatics. Many look forward to the much anticipated annual Muck Bowl, played between Glades Central and Pahokee. The schools have won several state titles among them as well as produced countless current and former NFL players. The quality of life is high within the Glades region and Lakeside Medical Center, a 70-bed acute care facility located on a 50-acre medical campus, helps to maintain that positive well-being. The medical center was built in 2009 and is Joint Commission accredited. It offers modern technology and excellence in Women’s Health, Emergency Care, Critical Care and Surgery.
Muck Bowl
Photo: Palm Beach Post
There are countless trails including the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail that nature lovers can explore and watch wildlife congregate. Or they can take in a picturesque view of the lake from some of the best vantage points, such as at the Port Mayaca Lock. There is a little something for everyone, no matter what your interest may be.
Q-Fest
Thanks to the region’s accessible location, it is within an easy commute for over three million workers. CareerSource of Palm Beach County is an organization chartered by the State of Florida that works with local businesses to provide job placements, recruitment assistance and funds for skills training. The Glades region has ample opportunity for business startup and growth with the help of various incentives, grants and low-cost loan programs provided by the county and state. Photo Courtesy of Lachica Sports
Whether you are looking for a quick getaway from West Palm Beach or even Ft. Myers, the Glades region will have something to keep you busy and entertained. This conveniently located region is the perfect spot if you want to use it as a home base and make your way across central and south Florida. With lots to do and the never-ending possibility for business and economic growth, Western Palm Beach County truly is a place to explore. l OKEECHOBEE COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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The
L
Belle Glade Chamber
welcomes you to our community.
ocated on the southern shores of beautiful Lake Okeechobee, Belle Glade is a great place to find a more relaxing lifestyle where fishing, farming and friendly people are in abundance. One of three cities forming a tri-city area that includes Pahokee, South Bay and Belle Glade is just a 30-minute drive from West Palm Beach, but far from the hustle and bustle of city life. “Her Soil is Her Fortune” is the motto for Belle Glade, and for good reason. Agriculture is our number one industry and our region is truly a land of abundant produce! Thanks to great weather and our rich organic “muck” soil, the Glades is known as the “Winter Vegetable Capitol of the World.” Here we grow food to feed our state, our nation and beyond. Crops such as sugar cane, sweet corn, rice and leafy vegetables as well as cabbage, green beans, celery and radishes thrive in our rich black soil. Our farmers are proud to produce quality crops while meeting and exceeding stringent environment regulations! Belle Glade is the largest city within the 2,862,000-acre subtropical Everglades in the heartland of Florida. Originally known as Hillsboro, Belle Glade was incorporated in 1928 with a population of less than 500. Today, our city has an estimated population of 18,000, and growing. Noted for its largemouth bass, beautiful Lake Okeechobee provides unlimited fishing and boating or just plain relaxing on a lazy afternoon. Torry Island Marina and Campground has something for everyone, and a nearby 18-hole golf course promises laidback enjoyment for the pro and duffer alike. Belle Glade welcomes you to avoid the hassles of metropolitan city life and come grow with us…discover Florida the way it should be! The City of Belle Glade is business friendly and welcoming. Mayor Steve Wilson and City Manager Lomax Harrelle invite companies to come and see what we have to offer. They would welcome you to visit with them and give them the opportunity to share some of the exciting things going on in our city. The mission of our city’s government is to move into the future by improving the quality of life and promoting growth through economic diversification and development of human and natural resources while providing a safe and healthy environment. One of our most active economic engines of the Glades is the LORE Alliance of Palm Beach County, a non-profit entity created in 2006. It is composed of a group of Chamber business leaders, educators, and city managers to act as a voice for the entire Glades region — with a focus on high-quality economic development, education, and infrastructure. If you are looking for higher education opportunities or job skills training, Palm Beach State College, Glades Campus, located on SR 715, has been serving residents of the western communities of Palm Beach County since 1972. The permanent campus was built in 1977 and occupied in January 1978. Guided since 1999 by a consortium of educational, community and civic leaders called the Glades Initiative Partnership Council, the College has expanded general education, occupational training, student services and community outreach to meet the diverse educational needs of the area. The Belle Glade location offers comprehensive courses for college transfer to four-year institutions as well as career, technical and continuing education courses. High-skills career programs are housed at the newly constructed Technical Education Center completed in 2010.
Our tri-city hospital, Lakeside Medical Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate care. The hospital’s dedicated medical staff has earned high marks for quality care and patient satisfaction compared to public hospitals nationwide. Lakeside Medical Center is a 70-bed, acute care facility accredited by The Joint Commission that provides a 24-hour physician-staffed emergency room with access to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Trauma Hawk air ambulance. The hospital is one of the largest employers in the Glades region. Often called “The Jewel of the Glades”, the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located on the campus of Palm Beach State College. The 470-seat theatre was opened in 1982 and has been a wonderful addition to Palm Beach County’s art and entertainment scene. The Center’s typical season presents play productions, ballets and music of all genres. Over the years, various nationally known celebrities have come to perform at the Center. Noteworthy for the Chamber, we are celebrating our 70th anniversary in 2018. Incorporated in 1938, the Chamber opened its doors with just a few businesses. Today, we have over 200 business and individual members. We are adding to that number every year as new business comes to our area and other businesses expand and diversify. The Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interest of the City of Belle Glade and vicinity. We continue to do so by encouraging our residents to shop at home as much as possible. We support the economic viability of our community through events we host throughout the year. We help put on the end-of-harvest celebration known as the Black Gold Jubilee Festival. Traditionally held in April, the festival draws several thousand people for a full day of activities on Torry Island. Our next festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018. We encourage you to come out and enjoy a great day of food, free entertainment, free children’s rides and games and other activities, culminating in fireworks at dusk. The Chamber also co-hosts the annual City of Belle Glade Fourth of July Celebration each year. The Afro Arts Festival also draws a great crowd every third Saturday of March at Lakeshore Park. Stop by the Chamber located on SR 80 in front of City Hall to see what’s currently happening and what’s coming up in the near future in the City of Belle Glade.
Brenda Bunting and Melanie Grimes Co-Executive Directors Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce
Brenda Bunting
Melanie Grimes
WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
117
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Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
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118 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
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Healthcare
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www.LakeHDWE.com WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
119
At Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade we have advanced technology and a medical staff who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. But what really sets us apart is the personal attention and care that we give to each and every patient.
We are proud that our staff has twice earned the Joint Commission’s “Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®” designation. We are also the only hospital in the county to be recognized by the Florida Hospital Association in 2016 for “Significant Achievement in Reducing Harm Across the Board.”
Compassion. Commitment. Quality Care.
39200 Hooker Hwy. Belle Glade, FL 33430
For more information visit www.LakesideMedical.org
That’s The Lakeside Difference.
Belle Glade c.1948
Dixie Building, Main Street c.1938
Western Palm Beach County
5
HISTORY
T
he history of the Glades is just as rich as its dark soil that earned the rural area its nickname “Muck City.” The first inhabitants of the area were Native Americans belonging to the little known Belle Glade archaeological culture. Pre-historic habitation areas, massive earthworks and associated burial mounds/cemeteries are scattered around the circumference of the lake. The type-site for the Belle Glade culture is located in the City of Belle Glade.
the swamp, land became of interest. The Florida Legislature began pushing for the drainage of land. This led to the Swamp Act of 1850 being passed, which granted roughly 20 million acres to the state for public use.
The Smithsonian Institution excavated two important Belle Glade culture sites in the early 1930s as part of the federal WPA programs that put Americans back to work after the Great Depression.
The northern lake areas began to thrive as the area became a prime cattle industry location. Land sales boomed and populations rose. However, the southern lake area, including the Glades, remained relatively quiet with just a few inhabitants per square mile. The population mainly consisted of fishermen and hunters who relied on the land for survival.
Today, there is a renewed interest in the archaeology of the Glades region. Teams from FAU, UF, FGCU, Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach County’s Historic Preservation office take part in ongoing research in the area. The areas’ Indian mounds were used for hundreds of years. Notably, the Belle Glade mound was used by survivors of the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane who rode out the storm on the relatively safe, artificially elevated aboriginal mound. Artifacts and interpretive displays regarding the Belle Glade culture are on permanent display at the Lawrence E. Will Museum of the Glades. As a result of the Indian Wars in the 1830s that forced the Seminoles into
Dredging New River Canal c.1912
Soon, reports began to surface about the rich black soil that covered the wetlands in the southern end of Lake Okeechobee. This brought much attention to Hamilton Disston, a wealthy Pennsylvania industrialist who made a deal with the state to drain overflowed land along Lake Okeechobee for development. He purchased four million acres for a mere 25 cents per acre. Disston was responsible for the placing of drainage canals all the way around the lake. He also helped establish a sugar plantation along with scientific studies into the growing of fruits and vegetables. With the development of land increasing, land sales began to take off. It was said that many salesmen were selling “land by the gallon” because of all the water that still remained on the land. The salesmen pushed the land as being fertile and ready for instant cultivation. Sales scandals, failing promotions and the untimely death of Disston in early 1896 put an end to land development and any further land drainage expected. ➢ As a result, most of the land reverted back to the state. WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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New River Canal c.1914
Suwannee on the New River Canal c.1914 In 1912, construction began in an effort to control Lake Okeechobee’s floodwaters. In 1913, three major canals were completed: the Hillsboro Canal, the North New River Canal and the Miami Canal. Along with canal construction workers, the first real settlers began to arrive and establish communities where drainage was easier. Boat transportation was the only means available at the time. Small settlements popped up at the junction between the North New River Canal and the Hillsboro Canal, now referred to as South Bay. The Torry Island general store opened and soon after a post office was added inside where mail was brought from Ft. Lauderdale twice a week by boat. In 1917 only 12 families lived in South Bay. To the north of South Bay, Belle Glade, which was originally called Hillsboro, and Pahokee, first known as East Beach and then Ridgeway Beach, began to become settled. The neighboring communities continued to grow but it wasn’t until the railroad arrived that any real permanent structures were built. After the closing of the Torry Island post office, Belle Glade applied and was permitted an official post office in 1921. Between the mail boat and the railroad, crowds began to come to the small developments.
Pahokee gained attention after a crop-damaging frost came through Florida. Because of a high ridge, the crops in Pahokee were not damaged. Once that news began circulating and the West Palm Beach Canal opened, farmers were drawn to the small settlement that was incorporated in 1922. In the early years, children rowed down the North New River Canal each day to attend school in Okeelanta. When South Bay opened a school in 1919, the children of Belle Glade were sent there until Belle Glade established their own, which was located at McDonald Park where the Lawrence E. Will Museum of the Glades is located today. The Hillsboro Community Council, which was formed in 1919, was the governing body until Belle Glade’s incorporation in 1928. The Council was responsible for the location of the Everglades Experiment Station, an agricultural research and experiment station established by the University of Florida. It was this very station that discovered the key ingredient that was missing from the muck soil to make it unbelievably fertile as previously thought and touted as. When copper was added to the 90 percent organic soil crops increased drastically. However, it was not until the devastating hurricane of 1928 that vegetable crops reached true prominence. On September 16, 1928, a hurricane more devastating than any storm before came through and almost wiped Belle Glade off the map. The fierce winds pushed all the water from the northern part
Shipping green beans c.1940 122 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
West Palm Beach docks near end of Palm Beach Canal. Beans from Belle Glade are in hampers on the dock c.1922
Belle Glade produce
Thinning celery In the 1930s beans were the money crop, with excess beans being able to be frozen and canned. In 1945 amidst World War II, German prisoners of war (POWs) were sent to a camp east of Belle Glade and next to the Everglades Experiment Station. The war prisoners worked in a bean-canning factory or in the sugar cane fields. Local farmers had to be persuaded to hire the men for just 80 cents a day.
Migrant labor camp water supply c.1936 of the lake down south drenching the Glades. Water rose four to eight feet in just an hour. In some places, water reached as high as 25 feet above sea level. Houses were ripped off their foundation and torn apart by the surging water and raging winds. It is estimated that 2,500 people died as a result of the hurricane. Hundreds of Pahokee residents survived by taking shelter in the Pahokee High School that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The high death toll gained national attention, which eventually resulted in the construction of the Hoover Dike to control Lake Okeechobee flooding. The dike proved worthy surviving the severe storm of 1947, assuring people that the lake waters no longer posed a threat to residents nearby.
Over time, farmers began to look at other crops for diversification and as a way to stabilize the economy. Celery and sweet corn became popular crops that turned into moneymakers. At the same time, beef cattle sales increased and in 1960 the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida Inc. was formed to add stability to the Glades’s agricultural industry. Over the years and into today, the Glades maintains being a major hub of the Florida Heartland as one of the country’s top suppliers of vegetables, fruits and sugar cane. With a history as rich as its soil, Western Palm Beach County continues to be diverse and unique. Little tidbits, such as author Nora Zeale Hurston being a resident of the Glades while writing her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God and the abundance of NFL talent that has come out of “Muck City,” including, Fred Taylor, Santonio Holmes, Ray McDonald and Anquan Boldin, keep this rural lake region unique, diverse and so inviting. l
Following the hurricane of 1928, the true pioneers picked up and started over planting new crops. One pioneer in particular had an active role in the development of the Glades prior to and after the storm. Lawrence E. Hill, along with four others, started the settlement of Okeelanta where he cleared sawgrass for farming. He became a licensed boat operator and helped provide transportation between the Glades settlements. He later settled in Belle Glade and opened an automobile dealership with a service and parts store. Hill continued to play an instrumental role as a member of the town council and part-time fire chief for 30 years. He eventually became known as the Cracker Historian writing several books on the history of the Glades. Farming lands were slowly extended and roads paved. Packinghouses were created by farmers as a way to easily and efficiently pack truckload after truckload into crates to be placed in railroad cars for shipment to the market. Market demands and production played a major role in changes in crops.
Belle Glade packing house area c.1940 WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
123
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126 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
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The Glades Festival of Afro Arts is sponsored annually by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the City of Belle Glade. It is held on the third Saturday of March at Lake Shore Park and Recreation Complex in Belle Glade. The festival, going into its 39th year, gives charities and other organizations an opportunity to raise funds by setting up booths. Along with local vendors displaying various types of arts and crafts, the event kicks off with a parade, followed by a day of live music and lots of food. In previous years, entertainment has included the Young Choir of the Glades, Motown Magic, MAC G and Liberty & Favor live band. For more information call 561-914-0280 or 561-983-2425. Black Gold Jubilee
Q-Fest
Photo Courtesy of Lachica Sports
o Afro Arts Festival
o Q-Fest The annual Q-Festival is a football lover’s dream. Hosted by pro NFL player Anquan Boldin’s foundation Q81, the three-day weekend brings together more than 30 NFL athletes and celebrities, such as Boldin himself, Terry Bridgewater, Larry Fitzgerald, and NFL Hall-of-Famers Marcus Allen and Rickey Jackson, for a weekend of health, fitness, and fun. Held in Pahokee, where Boldin grew up, Q-Fest usually includes a celebrity golf tournament, basketball game and a signature “Fun Day in the Park” where Boldin and his Q81 Team provide food, live entertainment, contests, and giveaways. All activities are free to the community. This festival helps to raise over $100,000 annually for kids in underserved communities. Visit www.q81.org for more information.
o Fourth of July Event and Fireworks Held at the Pahokee Marina and Campground as well as Torry Island Marina and Campground in Belle Glade, the Fourth of July celebration welcomes spectators from near and far to watch the fireworks light up the lake. The fireworks display is a longtime tradition that draws anywhere from 800 to 1,000 spectators. The celebration held in Belle Glade includes local vendors and family-friendly activities and entertainment including live music.
o I Love Pahokee Day o Black Gold Jubilee Typically held in April, the Black Gold Jubilee marks the annual end of the harvest season, which brings the entire Glades Region — Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay — together. The annual Black Gold Jubilee begins the weekend before the actual Jubilee with a Tiny and Little Mr. and Miss Black Gold Pageant and a children’s fishing contest. A Harvest Queen Pageant is also held at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center prior to the Jubilee. The end of harvest celebration is the best-attended festival in the area, drawing thousands of residents and visitors from across South Florida. The Jubilee is an all-day affair for the family consisting of free children’s activities, rides, games, dunk tank, non-stop entertainment, food and arts and crafts booths, art show, car show, volleyball tournament, corn contest, photography display and much more! A spectacular fireworks display concludes the celebration at dusk. For more information visit www.bellegladechamber.com.
128 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
Held at Commissioners Park, I Love Pahokee Day is a celebration of the longstanding history and culture of the city of Pahokee. Residents come out for a day of family fun filled with food, music, games and events for the entire family. Exhibitors and vendors are set up across the park offering a little bit of everything. For more information visit www.cityofpahokee.com.
o Lawrence E. Will Museum Located on Main Street in Belle Glade, the Lawrence E. Will Museum is a not-for-profit cultural and historical museum that preserves and displays the history of the Glades area. The museum collects and showcases a variety of artifacts, memorabilia, and photographic and written records all pertaining to the history of the upper Everglades. The museum was founded as part of the National Bicentennial Year Celebration in 1976 and was funded by local donations. For information call 561-853-4443.
Pahokee Marina and Campground
Torry Island Marina & Campground
o Pahokee Marina and Campground
Western Palm Beach County
Things To See Do
&
o Torry Island Marina & Campground A home away from home for many visitors, this lovely campground features 360 sites with full hookups. It is a great place to have a fishing vacation as you can have direct access to “America’s Bass Fishing Capital of the World”. It has a brand new six-lane boat ramp with ample parking, bait and tackle store, picnic areas, scenic walking trails, a recreation center, playground, a pavilion, an amphitheater and an 18-hole golf course. Enjoy a variety of animals and birds as you stroll along a nature trail, which winds around the rim canal. For more information about the campground, call the Torry Island Marina Office at 561-996-6322.
A destination location for tourists around the country, this campground offers 125 RV and tent hookup sites along Lake Okeechobee. The marina and campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the lake rim, fishing, bird watching, airboat rides or even archeological searches into the golden history of Lake Okeechobee. All registered guests can also enjoy access to a beautiful lakeside swimming pool. Call 561-924-7832 for more information.
o South Bay RV Campground Centrally located, South Bay RV Campground is the perfect place for visitors to stop and relax while traveling through South Florida. The relaxing RV park offers a picturesque view of the lake with access to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail located on top of the levee. For more info call 561-992-9045.
o Port Mayaca Lock With a tranquil setting and gorgeous sunsets like no other, the Port Mayaca Lock is definitely worth the visit. Located adjacent to US 441 and US 98, the lock offers an expansive view of Lake Okeechobee while offering a reprieve from the city. Visitors can fish, watch wildlife or just simply soak in Mother Nature’s beauty atop the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam on any given day. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
o The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Often called “The Jewel of the Glades”, the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located on the campus of Palm Beach State College. The 470-seat theatre was opened in 1982 and has been a wonderful addition to Palm Beach County’s art and entertainment scene. The Center’s typical season presents play productions, ballets, and music of all genres. Over the years, various nationally known celebrities have come to perform at the Center. Special holiday performances and events include the Festival of Trees and the Living Christmas Tree. For information on the season performances call 561-993-1160 or visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/theatre/DollyHand/ WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
129
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WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY | Destination Lake Okeechobee | 2018
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THE GLADES REGION BELLE GLADE / PAHOKEE / SOUTH BAY We’re OPEN for BUSINESS
Agri-Business • Distribution/Logistics Manufacturing • Healthcare Available Land The Glades Region features over 14,300 acres of readily developable industrial and commercial land available within multiple zoning uses. Incentives The Glades Region is a state-designated Rural Area of Opportunity which may qualify your business for additional financial incentives. Access The Glades Region offers excellent access with major intersecting highways, CSX Railroad and a Regional Airport.
Workforce The Glades Region has a workforce with generations of experience in hands-on work and is within an easy commute for 3 million additional skilled workers. Quality of Life The Glades Region sits along the southern shores of beautiful Lake Okeechobee and offers a combination of modern growth tempered with a relaxed country lifestyle situated only 38 miles from the Palm Beaches.
LiveWorkPlay www.PBCGLADES.org
In the Crossroads of Florida
PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY THE H.E. HILL FOUNDATION
Western Palm Beach County IMPORTANT NUMBERS
ALL EMERGENCIES CALL.........................911
Police, Fire and Rescue...................................... 911 Poison Control Center........................800-222-1222
FIRE
Fire emergency.....................................................911 Belle Glade Fire Station.......................561-996-2032 Pahokee Fire Station...........................561-924-0011 South Bay Fire Station........................561-996-2032 Forest Fires and Burning Authorization . ...........................................................561-791-4725
POLICE / SHERIFF / LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Police/Sheriff Emergency.....................................911 Sheriff Non-Emergency.......................561-996-1670 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) . ...........................................................561-833-7517 ...... If no answer call 1-305-944-9101 (Miami Office) Florida Department of Law Enforcement . ...........................................................561-740-7010 U.S. Coast Guard (Search and Rescue) . ...........................................................561-844-5030 ....................If no answer call 305-415-6800 (Miami) U.S. Marshal........................................561-655-1827 U.S. Secret Service..............................561-659-0184 Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives...........................................800-800-3855
HOSPITAL
Lakeside Medical Center.....................561-996-6571
CITIZEN SERVICES
Abuse, Elder and Child Hotline ..............800-962-2873 (voice), 800-453-5145 (TYY) Alzheimer’s Community Care Crisis Line . ...........................................................800-394-1771 Domestic Abuse (YMCA) Hotline........800-973-9922 Children’s Services Council................561-740-7000. Florida Abuse Hotline...............900-453-5145 (TYY) . ...........................................................866-891-7273 Rape/Crime Victim Hotline.........561-355-1772 (TYY) Trustbridge Hospice............................888-848-5200 Victim Services (Rape Crisis Center/ Victims of Violent Crimes)....................561-996-4871 Crisis Unit (Mental Health)...................561-992-1336
West County Senior Services Center . ...........................................................561-996-4818 City Of Belle Glade..............................561-996-0100 Canal Point..........................................561-924-0048 Pahokee...............................................561-924-5534 South Bay............................................561-996-6751
COUNTY OFFICES
Animal Care & Control.........................561-924-5656 Board of County Commissioners (District 6) Melissa McKinlay................561-996-4815 Clerk & Comptroller.............................561-996-4843 Court Administration............................561-355-2431 Guardian Ad Litem...............................561-992-1108
LIBRARY
Belle Glade..........................................561-996-3453 Pahokee..............................................561-924-5206 Parks and Recreation (Main Office)......561-966-6600 Property Appraiser...............................561-996-4890 Public Defender (15th Judicial Circuit) . ..........................................................561-996 -4880 State Attorney (15th Judicial Circuit) . ...........................................................561-996-4820 Supervisor of Elections........................561-992-1114 Tax Collector........................................561-355-2264
STATE OF FLORIDA
Business and Professional Regulation .............................................................850-488-1122 Children and Families, Department of . ...........................................................561-837-5078 Florida Fish and Wildlife (Emergencies and Violations)............................................888-404-3922 Florida Fish and Wildlife (General Information) ............................................................561-625-5122 Health Department (Children’s Medical Services) ............................................................877-822-5203 Department of Revenue (Child Support Enforcement).......................................800-622-5437
SCHOOLS (PUBLIC)
School District of Palm Beach County ............................................................866-930-8402 West Area Administrative Offices........561-996-4900
Belle Glade
Belle Glade Elementary.......................561-829-4800 Crossroads Academy...........................561-993-8400 Glades Central Community High School . ...........................................................561-993-4403 Glades View Elementary......................561-993-8800 Gove Elementary.................................561-993-8700 Lakeshore Middle School....................561-829-1100 Pioneer Park Elementary.....................561-993-8600
Canal Point
K.E. Cunningham Elementary School . ...........................................................561-924-9800
Pahokee
Pahokee Elementary............................561-924-9700 Everglades Preparatory Academy.......561-924-3002 Pahokee Middle / Senior High School . ...........................................................561-924-6400
South Bay
Rosenwald Elementary........................561-993-8900
SCHOOLS (PRIVATE)
Glades Day School.............................561-996-6769 Good Shepherd...................................561-924-7284
COLLEGES
Palm Beach State College...................561-993-1122
University of Florida (IFAS)
Education and Research Center..........561-993-1500 West Tech............................................561-842-1063
UTILITIES
Palm Beach County Water Department . ...........................................................877-477-1305 Florida Power and Light......................800-375-2434 (To Report an Outage).....................800-4OU-TAGE
CIVIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
American Legion Post 20....................561-996-6444 American Red Cross............................561-833-7711 Chamber of Commerce – Belle Glade . ...........................................................561-996-2745 Chamber of Commerce – Pahokee . ...........................................................561-924-5579 Elks Lodge...........................................561-996-1716 East Coast Migrant Headstart.............561-996-2232
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At Tripp Electric Motors, a well-tuned motor is music to our ears.
Specializing in the repair, redesign and rewinding of AC & DC motors and pumps. 1233 Northwest Ave L Belle Glade, FL 33430 561.996.3333 • TrippMotors.com
Western Palm Beach County PLACES OF WORSHIP
African Methodist Episcopal Harvest AME Church
825 Larrimore Road, Pahokee 561-924-4263
Mt. Zion AME Church
908 S.W. Avenue B Place, Belle Glade 561-983-8230
New Bethel AME Church
200 N.W. 12th Avenue, South Bay 561-996-2009
St. James AME Church
465 S. Lake Avenue, Pahokee 561-924-7582
Apostolic
Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ 1316 W. Canal Street, Belle Glade 561-996-7700
Church of the Lord Jesus Christ 577 S.W. 8th Street, Belle Glade 561-996-1904 _______________________
Baptist, Missionary or Other Baptist
Methodist, UMC
Canal Point United Methodist Church
100 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Pahokee 561-924-7534
Community United Methodist Church
37050 2nd Street, Canal Point 561-924-7325
Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
401 S.W. 1st Street, Belle Glade 561-996-5568
Mount Calvary Baptist Church 399 Canal Street, Belle Glade 561-996-8238
First United Methodist Church 491 E. Main Street, Pahokee 561-924-7241 _______________________
Mt. Calvary First Baptist Church 190 S.W. 10th Avenue, South Bay 561-996-3116
Methodist, Independent
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church 225 N.W. Avenue G, Belle Glade 561-996-8911
St. John First Missionary Baptist Church
Lake Harbor Community Methodist Church 29 W. Corkscrew Boulevard, Clewiston 561-996-8934 _______________________
600 S.W. 8th Street, Belle Glade 561-708-8921 _______________________
Non-Denominational Churches
Catholic
625 S.W. Avenue B, Belle Glade 561-992-8070
St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church
Church of God by Faith
Compassion Christian Center
Baptist, Independent Baptist
710 S. Main Street, Belle Glade 561-996-3870
3055 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee 561-924-7592 _______________________
1200 East Main Street, Pahokee 561-924-7305 _______________________
Baptist, Southern Baptist
Christian and Missionary Alliance Church
Glades Covenant Community Church
425 E. Canal Street North, Belle Glade 561-996-9914 _______________________
1540 N.W. Avenue L, Belle Glade 561-983-8750
Lakeside Baptist Church
Canal Point Baptist Church 37061 1st Street, Canal Point 561-924-7346
First Baptist Church
17 N.W. Avenue B, Belle Glade 561-996-5596
First Baptist Haitian Church 200 S.W. Avenue B, Belle Glade 561-996-6625
Grace en Creole-Belle Glade (Grace Fellowship, West Palm Beach) 233 W. Avenue A, Belle Glade 561-333-4222
Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer
224 N.W. Avenue G, Belle Glade 561-444-9951
St. Mary’s
Alliance Church of Belle Glade
Church of God
Good Shepherd Church of God 1800 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee 561-924-7284
Pahokee Church of God 245 W. 3rd Street, Pahokee 561-924-5549 _______________________
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 601 N.E. Avenue A, Belle Glade 561-996-6355 _______________________
Church of the Nazarene Iglesia del Nazareno
480 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee 561-924-0076
417 N.W. 16th Street, Belle Glade 561-709-8130
First Haitian Community Church 400 S.W. 4th Street, Belle Glade 561-709-8316
240 U.S. Highway 27, South Bay 561-993-9395
God’s Stone Ministries
Pahokee Deliverance Christian 168 E. 4th Street, Pahokee 561-924-0079 _______________________
Pentacostal
Church of Jesus Christ
37805 Canal Street, Canal Point
First Holiness Church
125 S.W. 12th Avenue, South Bay 561-996-6929 _______________________
Pentacostal Holiness
Gospel Prayer Band Church of Jesus Christ 420 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Belle Glade 561-996-0529 _______________________
Seventh Day Adventist Seventh Day Church of God International Ministries 630 S. Main Street, Belle Glade 561-996-7479
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Cuisine for the Soul
M
364 South Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430
561.996.0228
www.KandMDrugs.com
A Hometown Pharmacy Serving Hometown People! KASEM KAKI, PHARMACIST
KIRCHMAN OIL CORPORATION Serving Belle Glade Since 1929
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R E S TA U R A N T & E V E N T H A L L
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1533 NW AVENUE L BELLE GLADE, FL 33430 561.992.0303 OPEN 7 DAYS M-F 7am-7pm Sat & Sun 7am–5pm
932 South Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430
561.996.5089
1201 W. Canal Street North / Belle Glade, FL 33430 / 561.996.2033
LUMBER | HARDWARE | WINDOWS | DOORS | TOOLS Serving the Glades – Generation after Generation
SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. 407 South Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430
P: 561-996-2041
• F: 561-996-3110
www.SeminoleSupply.com
Professional Quality with a Personal Touch Diane Conway & Gary Burks 863.634.7840 or 863.634.3131 chefs@dgcaters.com www.dgcaters.com
136 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
833 S. Main Street
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Belle Glade, FL 33430
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561.996.7122
Western Palm Beach County BUSINESS LISTINGS A/C & HEATING CONTRACTORS Echols Plumbing & Air Conditioning
2233 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-6461 www.EcholsPlumbingAndAC.com
Glades Gas of Belle Glade 5 West Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3046 Dennis and Karen McCarthy www.GladesGasAC.com
ACCOUNTANTS
CPA Tax Solutions
500 N.W. 6th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1099 www.CpaTaxSolutions.net
ADVERTISING/MEDIA
Okeechobee The Magazine
316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
AGRICULTURE
Grower’s Management, Inc. P.O. Box 130 Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-6469 www.GrowersManagement.com
Orsengio Farms, Inc. P.O. Box 130 Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-6469
ARCHERY
Skull Hill Steel
1505 C S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-464-0032 | Brandon Baughman www.SkullHillSteel.com
ATTRACTIONS/TOURS
Gatorama
6180 N. US Highway 27 Palmdale, FL 33944 863-675-0623 www.Gatorama.com
Skydive Spaceland
1090 Airglades Blvd. Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-6151 www.SkyDiveSpaceland.com
Sugarland Tours
109 Central Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-7979 | Mary Ann Muniz www.Clewiston.org
AUTO SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES
Lehman Auto Body
265 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-1691 www.LehmanAutoBody.com
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS Commuter Cars
1002 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 772-985-5781 | Jake Montgomery www.CommuterCars.net
Gilbert Chevrolet / Ford
3550 U.S. Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-3780 www.GilbertHasit.com
M & M Auto Brokers, Inc.
3565 US Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-0330 www.MandMAutoBrokersInc.com
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS Bank of Belle Glade
108 S.E. Avenue D Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-6711 www.BankOfBelleGlade.com
First 1 Bank
325 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-993-1005 www.First1Bank.com
BEAUTY SALONS/SPAS/ COSMETICS
Mary Kay
561-801-1336 www.MaryKay.com/Gaylemolyneaux
BUILDING SUPPLY Seminole Supply Company Inc. 407 South Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-2041 | Matt Weeks Matt@SeminoleSupply.com
CHURCHES Canal Point Baptist Church 37061 1st Street Canal Point, FL 33438 561-924-7376 www.CPBaptistChurch.org
Community United Methodist Church 401 S.W. 1st Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-5568 www.Flumc.org
First Baptist Church of Belle Glade 17 N.W. Avenue B Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-5596 www.FirstBelleGlade.com
CONSTRUCTION/ CONTRACTORS Abney Building & Consulting 205 N.E. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-623-4459 www.AbneyBuild.com
Penrod Construction Company
210 N.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-634-0546 | Corey Penrod www.PenrodConstructionCompany.com
DENTAL Family Dentistry of Okeechobee 202 N.E. 3rd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2765 www.FDofOkeechobee.com
Okeechobee Dental Care – Dr. Moeshing
175 S.W. 28th Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-824-7385 | 863-467-2241 www.OkeechobeeDentalCare.com
Wemmer Family Orthodontics 2025 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2332 | Dr. David Wemmer www.WemmerOrthodontics.com
EDUCATION
Palm Beach State College 1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-7222 www.PalmBeachState.edu
Edward Jones Investments
107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite J Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4724 | Sharon Covey www.EdwardJones.com/Sharon-Covey
Morgan Stanley
1100 N. Main Street, Suite 101 Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-0404
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Palm Beach State College 1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-993-1160 | Leigh Woodham www.PalmBeachState.edu/Theatre/ DollyHand
Okeechobee Community Theatre 863-763-1307 Ron and Jacque Hayes www.OkeechobeeCommunityTheatre.com
Seminole Brighton Casino
17735 Reservation Road Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-9998 www.SeminoleBrightonCasino.com
EYE CARE SERVICES
Big Lake Eye Care
606 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3937 www.BigLakeEyeCare.com
FARM EQUIPMENT/ TRAILER SALES
Eli’s Trailer Sales
FEED/SUPPLY 3079 N.W. 8th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-5586 | Melissa Syfrett www.SyfrettFeed.com
Quail Creek Plantation
12399 N.E. 224th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2529 www.QuailCreekPlantation.com
INDUSTRIAL/HARDWARE
C & C Industrial Enterprise
FISHING AND FISHING GUIDE SERVICE
1505 SR 78 West Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0973 | 863-824-3474 www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com
1225 N.W. Avenue L Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3333 www.TrippMotors.com
Fast Break Bait & Tackle
Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina Resort 920 E. Del Monte Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-3151 | 800-473-6766 www.RolandMartinMarina.com
FURNITURE SALES/ HOME DÉCOR
225 West Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-7646 www.RoyalsFurnitureInc.com
Tripp Electric Motors
INSURANCE Pritchards and Associates 1802 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 877-763-6625 www.PritchardsInc.com
JEWELRY STORES Gilbert’s Jewelers & Gifts
200 S.W. 1st Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3000 | 561-996-8664 fax GotGold24K@aol.com
GAS & OIL Kirchman Oil Corporation 1201 W. Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-2033
Rodriguez Food Store 1240 N.W. 16th Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-992-0202
HEALTH CARE Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. – Pahokee Center 170 S. Barfield Highway Pahokee, FL 33476 561-924-6100 www.FCHCInc.org
Lakeside Medical Center 39200 Hooker Highway Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-6571 www.LakesideMedical.org
HOTELS/MOTELS The Historic Clewiston Inn
908 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-4620 www.ElisTrailers.com
HUNTING/SHOOTING SPORTS & CLUBS
109 N.W. 9th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3311 CCIndent1@aol.com
Royals Furniture
ENTERTAINMENT
Syfrett Feed Co.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT SERVICES
108 Royal Palm Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 800-749-4466 | 863-983-8151 www.ClewistonInn.com
First 1 Bank
LOANS
325 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 863-902-3467 Jacqueline Guerra, Loan Officer www.First1Bank.com
MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION
U.S. Sugar
111 Ponce De Leon Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 863-983-8121 www.USSugar.com/Careers
NON-PROFIT
H.E. Hill Foundation 1324 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-4524 www.HEHill.org
LORE Alliance of Palm Beach County P.O. Box 2077 Belle Glade, FL 33430 Chris Radentz Info@LoreAlliance.com
PHARMACY
K & M Drugs
364 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-0228 www.KandMDrugs.com
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Western Palm Beach County BUSINESS LISTINGS PROPANE
Glades Gas of Belle Glade 5 West Avenue A Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3046 Dennis and Karen McCarthy www.GladesGasAC.com
REAL ESTATE SERVICES A-1 Realty
330 W. Sugarland Highway, #9 Clewiston, FL 33440 863-805-0529 www.A1Realty.net
Coldwell Banker Berger Real Estate
425 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-5335 | Philip & Lori Berger www.CBBergerRealEstate.com
RE/MAX Prestige – Teresa Sullivan
1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-644-3186 TersulREMx@gmail.com
Remington Real Estate
505 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-532-9096 niki@remintonrealestate.com
RESTAURANTS/CATERING Banyan Tree Restaurant 1533 N.W. Avenue L Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-992-0303
D & G Catering
863-634-7480 | 863-634-3131 Diane Conway | Gary Burks www.DGCaters.com
Dixie Fried Chicken 133 S.W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-4000
Lightsey’s Fish Co. & Seafood 1506 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-4276
McDonald’s
833 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-7122 www.McDonalds.com
Mr. Shrimp
329 N. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-992-4838
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 932 S. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-5089
Pueblo Viejo
TOURISM
www.SearsHometown.com
3415 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-9641 www.PuebloViejoFl.com
Sugarland Café
313 N. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-983-8900
RETAIL/SPECIALITY SHOPS
Eli’s Western Wear
907 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 1-800-226-3570 www.ElisWesternWear.com
Lake Hardware & Farm Supply, Inc. 219 N. Main Street Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-6776 www.LakeHdwe.com
Rustic Style Gift Shoppe and Home Décor 505 N.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-532-9096 niki@rusticnow.com
Sears Hometown Store
SupplyLine
1113 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-357-1203 TiffSupplyLine@gmail.com
Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council
Taylor Rental
523 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-2239 www.TaylorRentalOkeechobee.com
RV PARKS/RESORTS
2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-233-3130 www.ThePalmBeaches.com
WATER TREATMENT
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
Brighton RV Resort
14695 Reservation Road N.E. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0474 www.BrightonRVResort.com
WELL DRILLING SERVICES
City of Belle Glade Torry Island Campground 5000 W. Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33440 561-996-6322 www.TorryIslandCampground.com
Okeechobee KOA
American Drilling Services, Inc. 405 S.W. 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3221 www.AmericanDrillinc.com
Domer’s Inc.
204 S.E. 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3417 | Justin Domer www.DomersInc.com
4276 US Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0231 www.KOA.com/Campgrounds/ Okeechobee
704 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-484-8207
Industrial Hardware Machine Shop Water Treatment Well Drilling
• Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs and Hydraulic Hoses • Agricultural Driveline Assembly and Repairs
• Metal Sales
• Assembly of Custom Suction and Discharge Hoses
• Welding Repairs on Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Steel
• Custom Steel Fabrication • Fabrication of Custom Branding Irons
863.763.3417
www.DomersInc.com 204 Southeast 10th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 138 2018 | Destination Lake Okeechobee | WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY
Serving The Lake Okeechobee Region
OUR MISSION
Established 1924
Established 1950
Established 1933
Established 2013
Est.
HasIt.com HasIt.com
1924
Established 2011
Established 1933
Established 1971
Established 2016
Proudly Serving the Lake Okeechobee Area Since 1924