WINTER 2008
THE MAGAZINE
Samantha Rivera Teen Tennis Phenom
Plus
Quail Creek Plantation: A Return to the Golden Era Sheriff Paul May Shopping with Candace Burke
RAULERSON
OSPITAL We Care From the CEO of Raulerson Hospital
e are proud to be part of Okeechobee The Magazine, promoting our community and its vision. This year, Raulerson Hospital celebrates its 29th Anniversary of service to Okeechobee and the surrounding areas. Raulerson Hospital is proud to serve this community and will continue to strive to be your first choice for all your medical needs. Raulerson Hospital provides a full spectrum of medical and surgical services performed by physicians and support staff who take a team approach to treating you like one of their own family. Whether it is a routine exam or a revolutionary procedure, Raulerson Hospital partners with you to provide everything you need -- including the services, physicians, surgeons, staff, and the latest high tech equipment -- right here in Okeechobee. As our community grows and the need for new technology increases, you can count on us to continue to invest in the resources necessary to ensure your family's well-being for years to come. Health Grades, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, recognized Raulerson Hospital as one of 23 hospitals selected in the State of Florida to receive the Distinguished Hospital Award for “Patient Safety.” This is a great honor for our facility and another testament to the “OUTSTANDING” work and effort put forth by the healthcare and administrative staff at Raulerson Hospital, says Robert Lee, CEO. Being named one of Health Grades' Distinguished Hospitals for Patient Safety is a tremendous accomplishment. We will continue to improve patient safety through the use of best practices, improved technology, and increased patient involvement in their healthcare, says Mr. Lee. As we continue to meet your needs, we encourage your feedback. Feel free to stop by anytime with comments and suggestions -- my door is always open. Robert Lee
Chief Executive Officer
is just around the corner. The Raulerson Hospital Emergency Room is available 24/7/365 Phone: 863-763-2151
1796 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, Florida 34972
www.raulersonhospital.com
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Job: GICH_0369 Size: 8.625” x 11.125” Color: FC Publication: Okeechobee Magazine Run Date: ?? Artist: Kirstin
Publisher’s Note
Looking Forward To The Season volume
It is wonderful to see our northern friends back in Okeechobee. The lake is up and I already see many of you out fishing every morning as I drive to work. If only we could all spend our days at the lake.
2, number 4 |Winter 2008
publisher/managing editor
Maureen Budjinski creative director
Bridgette Waldau office manager
Vickye Polizzi bookkeeping
Betty Buglio Robin Jones account executive
Gail Lockwood senior photographer
Rafael Pacheco contributing photographer
Sandra Pearce writers
Susan Etchey Jan Fehrman Marilyn Rinear Charles Murphy Joyce Murphy Michael W. White contributors
Michael Costopoulos Donna Helton ´ Mims Renee Michael Shellen Debra Wolfe distribution
Shelly Doyle Okeechobee The Magazine
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 Lew Blatte president
Joshua I. Manning vice president
WINTER 2008
Barry S. Manning chairman & ceo
8
Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2008, all rights reserved by Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC. 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 error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
With this issue of Okeechobee The Magazine we mark the end of our second year. It has been an exciting adventure for me and everyone involved in the publication. I’ve met so many wonderful people through the magazine and have learned so much about you and our community. As always, I continue to hear many positive comments, which I really do appreciate. I encourage you to contact me any time. As a former team tennis player, I am delighted to feature Samantha Rivera, a talented young tennis player from Okeechobee who works very hard in her sport and has quite a future in the game. Also, many of you have experienced the beautiful, tranquil yet action-packed part of our community at Quail Creek Plantation. Meet managing partners Fred and Maria Fanizzi and owner Whit Hudson as they share their facility on 3,300 unspoiled acres with you. And although you already know Okeechobee Sheriff Paul May, this month’s issue features an in-depth look into the life of this dedicated lawman and family man who still holds small-town traditions. Also in this issue, we learn about a very important organization as Michael White highlights what the ARC of Okeechobee does for the community. This month’s Okeechobee Shopper is Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Candace Burke, who spends time shopping at Wolfgang Jewelers, Badcock Furniture, Linda’s Styles and Trends then finishing her day of shopping with lunch at Kahootz. As a longtime school volunteer I continue to respect and admire teachers such as Okeechobee High School science teacher Sarah Bishop, winner of the Day of Beauty. She spent a very relaxing day at Main Street Salon. As always, we have many pages throughout this issue dedicated to events happening in Okeechobee. As we wrap up 2008 I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Now sit back and enjoy the winter issue of Okeechobee The Magazine, YOUR magazine,
Sincerely,
Publisher
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contents
WINTER 2008
38
48
departments
12
OKEECHOBEE SHOPPER
Candace Burke takes us on a shopping spree to Wolfgang Jewelers, Badcock Furniture & More, Linda’s Styles and Trends and Kahootz, where she also enjoyed lunch. BY JOYCE MURPHY
20 DAY OF BEAUTY
Sarah Bishop spends an afternoon at Mainstreet Salon.
features 24 SAMATHA RIVERIA
Tennis Plus Travel Turns Teen into a Tennis Phenom BY SUSAN ETCHEY
38 QUAIL CREEK PLANTATION A Return to the Golden Era BY JAN FEHRMAN
48 SHERIFF PAUL C. MAY Paul C. May holds to small town traditions BY SUSAN ETCHEY
BY JAN FEHRMAN
columns
53 THE ARC OF OKEECHOBEE BY MICHAEL W. WHITE
COMMUNITY EVENTS
30 34 56 60 62 64 74 76
Raulerson Hospital United Way Golf Tournament Williamson Educational Center Dedication First Coast Invitational Halloween Fest Okeechobee Blood Round Up Cattlewomen’s Association Dinner Dance Big Brothers Big Sisters Clay Shoot Boots & Pearls Gala
56
68 Happy Holidays and Tax Strategies
BY MICHAEL COSTOPOULOS, CPA AND DONNA HELTON, CPA
80 Fishing on Lake Okeechobee BY CAPTAIN MICHAEL SHELLEN
82 Brahman Girls Vollyball BY CHARLES MURPHY
WINTER 2008
70 84 86
BUSINESS PROFILES AROUND OKEECHOBEE ADVERTISERS INDEX
THE MAGAZINE
Samantha Rivera
WINTER 2008
Quail Creek Plantation: A Return to the Golden Era Sheriff Paul May Shopping with Candace Burke
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Read more about Samantha on page 24.
Teen Tennis Phenom
Plus
10
ON THE COVER Samatha Rivero
PHOTO BY RAFAEL PACHECO
Okeechobee Shopper Featuring Candace Burke
STORY BY JOYCE MURPHY O PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGETTE WALDAU
Each issue, Okeechobee The Magazine will send a local resident out into the community to visit local retailers on a $10,000 shopping spree. To help narrow the choices, each retailer selects three items for our shopper to consider. The shopping spree is imaginary; we don’t really fork over the cash. However, we do get a great look at what’s available at area stores.
Candace Burke has been the executive director of the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce since January 2008. Since her early years in high school, Burke has worked with the chamber in various capacities, including serving on the board of directors in 2002. Burke is a lifelong resident of Okeechobee, having graduated from Okeechobee High School and attended Indian River Community College. She is a proud parent of two boys: Colby, eight, and Mason, seven. Burke is a member of t h e O k e e c h o b e e Rotary Club and is a six-time Florida state champion in competi-
WINTER 2008
(Left) Candace purchased this beautiful two-toned diamond and gold cross. (Right) (l-r) The Cortez family: Wolfgang Jr., Karen, Ariana, Yolanda and Wolfgang greet Candace.
12
(Above) Candace is shown a wide variety of jewelry by Yolanda. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
tive shooting, a member of the National Rifle Association and founder of the Santa’s Angel Network, which helps needy families at Christmas. Candace began her shopping trip at Wolfgang Jewelers (357-3795). Owners Yolanda and Wolfgang Cortez greeted the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce executive director as she entered the store. As Candace looked over the wide selection of jewelry offered at the store, located at 1416 South Parrot Avenue, many items caught her eye. “I like big jewelry,” Candace told Yolanda. Yolanda showed her several pieces before Candace found a two-tone diamond and gold cross ($4,430) on a 14-
karat yellow gold herringbone necklace ($2,000) that she liked. Admiring the 14-karat gold and 1.50-karat diamond ensemble, Candace decided to use part of her shopping budget on the cross and chain. Yolanda told Candace her husband Wolfgang is a master jeweler and does custom pieces as well as repairs and restoration on jewelry of all types. Candace’s second choice was a little out of her budget, so the diamond earrings went on her wish list. A pair of 18-karat white gold and diamond art deco earrings was the perfect accessory for the cross Candace had chosen. The earrings were 7.55-karat diamonds with an intricate heart design behind the diamonds. “My mother would be proud of me for picking out such nice jewelry,” Candace laughed.
Inside the store located at 512 W. North Park Street, Candace found a wide selection of furniture, appliances and electronics. Owner Linda Ballinger greeted Candace as she entered the store. Badcock Furniture has been around Okeechobee for a long time. Candace explained to Linda that she was interested in a bedroom suite to replace the one she has. A bedroom suite from the Emperor II collection ($2,399.85 for a queen seven piece set) made an impact on Candace. The cherry wood traditional-style canopy bed was about seven-feet tall and Linda cautioned Candace that she would need tall ceilings to put the piece together.
Wolfgang Jewelry has been in Okeechobee since 2001. The jewelry store has been in its present location, next to Riverside Bank, since 2004. Wolgang and Yolanda invite everyone to stop in and check out their wide selection of fine jewelry. Layaway is available for the pieces you will find there.
Assuring Linda the piece would fit in her bedroom, Candace asked if she could order the king-size bed instead of the queen size that Badcock had. Linda told Candace she could have the king-size in a week if they did not have one in their warehouse behind the store. Linda explained that she receives two deliveries a week and Badcock has a large selection of furniture and appliances.
After promising to bring her boyfriend by, Candace was off to her next stop. Actually, Candace’s next two stops were both located at Badcock Home Furniture & More (763-3823).
Candace’s bedroom set included the headboard, footboard, rails and canopy as well as a dresser with mirror. A nightstand and TV armoire
(Left) Candace and Linda relax on one of the many sofas on sale in the store. (Above) Candace admires the dresser of her bedroom suite. (Above right) To finish the room, Candace found this tall hand-carved face mask. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
(Above) Linda shows Candace a bedroom suite from the Emperor II collection.
13
were an optional accessories. The bed had a 17” pillow top Serta Sleeper mattress and box spring ($2,100). The Cashmere Exquisite set is the top-ofthe-line Serta Sleepers. With her choice made, Candace was ready to have her selection delivered and set up ($39.95). “I just need something to finish the room,” Candace told Linda.
lection of fashionable pieces. From collegiate items such as hand bags and wall hangings to hip-hop jewelry, tiaras and crystal and porcelain pieces, Linda’s Styles and Trends offers one-of-a-kind items. A huge Gators fan, Candace chose a Gators purse ($30) for her and a Gators helmet wall hanging ($150) for the boys’ room.
After looking at several items, Candace found a tall hand-carved face mask ($29.95) that she felt went well with the bedroom set. The hand-carved and hand-finished piece was on sale and completed the bedroom.
Shopping always leaves you hungry and Candace was ready for lunch. Just up the road from Badcock at 702 NW Park Street is Kahootz Draft House (357-6101).
With six in her family, Candace needed to update her couch. A three piece chocolate brown leather sectional ($1,995.95) was the perfect piece for Candace. From the Lancelot Collection, the set included a 77” loveseat with dual recliners and storage and an 88” sofa. The casual style collection was beautiful yet tough enough to hold up to two boys, two girls and a boyfriend. In s i d e B a d c o c k , L i n d a has an area called Linda’s Styles and Trends. A collage of styles and pieces, Linda has collected an eclectic col-
The casual atmosphere of Kahootz made it the ideal place for a light lunch. Candace’s server Christina was very friendly and quickly brought the drinks and food to the table. The lunch special was popcorn shrimp with French fries and drink ($6.95). Instead Candace chose the hamburger with french fries and sweet tea. Family-owned and operated by Tommy Hoover with his wife Lorraine, sons Casey and Dustin and daughter Abbey, you will enjoy this down-to-earth dining experience. Famous for their “Bestest Burgers and Greatest Koldest Beer,” and known for their great wings, Kahootz has a variety of reasonably priced lunch and dinner items that are also available for take out.
(Above) Linda shows Candace crystal and porcelain pieces Linda’s Styles and Things offers. (Left) One of the many unique jewelry stands.
WINTER 2008
(Left) Candace talks with Linda about the Gator helmet wall hanging, which she purchased. (Above) A huge Gators fan, Candace chose a Gator purse for herself.
14
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Okeechobee’s Hometown Real Estate Company
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
www.CbBergerRealEstate.com
15
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Owner Tommy Hoover told Candace that they offer light catering as well as reception and wedding setups, which can include a licensed mobile ba r with f u ll liq u o r. Kahootz also offers in-house birthday or special parties. Kahootz is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with the kitchen open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays. Kahootz is closed on Sunday. It’s a great place to lunch for that busy business person during the week. You can also stop in after work for a drink and a game of pool. Whatever your choice, this familyowned local restaurant will treat you right. O
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Candace’s server Christina takes her order.
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WINTER 2008
marnie.m.lauter@wellsfargo.com
16
Home Mortgage Consultant
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Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2008 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All Rights Reserved. #60211 8/08-11/08.
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Candace receives her order, the popular Kahootz burger with fries.
Known for the company we keep. Riverside Bank
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make fast, local decisions— supported by a community board of people you know—friends and neighbors, business leaders, civic leaders, people who make things happen. You might say we put the “community” in community banking.
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Candace is ready to enjoy her lunch.
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863.824.0400 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
After lunch, Candace meets up with owner Tommy Hoover.
17
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WINTER 2008
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18
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Day of Beauty Main Street Glam and Glitter BY JAN FEHRMAN O PHOTOS BY MAUREEN BUDJINSKI Romance was definitely in the air at the Main Street Salon when Day of Beauty winner Sarah Bishop stepped inside the charming cottage on SW Third Ave. In one corner, stylist Laurie Stephen curled a bride’s hair for her wedding. Styles for weddings, proms and formal occasions are one of the salon’s specialties. Sarah herself will be married in March and felt like a day at the salon would help her relax and be at her best as she begins preparations. Diane Prescott helps Sarah begin her day by looking over hairstyle ideas.
Fiancé Doug Miller, a watermelon broker, proposed to Sarah on her 25th birthday, just before a big family birthday party. Ever the scientist, Sarah confided that she had studied the diamond in her engagement ring under her microscope. Sarah is well known at Okeechobee High School where she teaches integrated science to tenth-graders and is a junior class sponsor. A third generation Okeechobee County resident, Sarah also helps at the family dairy in her free time. She also likes to spend time with her 18-year old sister Rebekah who is undergoing chemotherapy for Ewing’s Sarcoma.
(Above) Diane foils Sarah’s beautiful hair with Blondor-Wella Perfect to add highlights. (Below) Sarah is treated with an eyebrow wax.
With such a busy life, Sarah seldom has time for herself. This made her Day of Beauty even more special. The pampering began when Main Street Salon owner Diane Prescott, and her staff graciously welcomed Sarah. First Diane foiled Sarah’s beautiful hair with Blondor-Wella Perfect to add highlights. She then cut, razored and styled her hair into a fashionable inverted bob. Diane and the other stylists keep up on the latest styles by attending classes. (Left) Sarah enjoys lunch provided by the Main Street Salon while her hair color is processed.
WINTER 2008
(Below) Manicurist Tish Prine helps Sarah select a stunning shade of OPI polish called Ecuadorable Coral.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
-
(Above) Mains Street Salon is located in this charming cottage on SW Third Avenue.
This busy salon maintains a friendly, efficient atmosphere with a staff of eight and volunteers Regina Mitchum (Diane’s mom), Mary Mitchum (Diane’s aunt) and friend Nicki White. The salon is well aware of the economic struggles in the community and has not raised its prices. To further benefit its clientele, the salon also offers complimentary scalp massages and deep conditioning treatments.
(Above) Sarah looks radiant after her day of beauty.
At the front counter, a dazzling array of bling and other economically priced jewelry and custom-decorated purses caught Sarah’s eye. With the holidays just around the corner, she found lots of gifts and stocking stuffers to add to her list. A full line of Aquage hair products is available for purchase, along with Pureology, Chi and Joico. After her eyebrows were waxed, Sarah moved on to the excellent skills of manicurist Tish Prine, who helped her select a stunning shade of OPI polish called Ecuadorable Coral for her fingernails and Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It for her pedicure. Once she’d experienced a relaxing hand massage with Vanilla Buttercream by Bodycology and a manicure, Sarah was ready for a pedicure by Kim Peters. After soaking her feet in a footbath, followed by a buffing, massage, trim and polish, Sarah slipped her feet into a pair of sparkling flip-flops decorated by Diane with Swarovski crystals, a Florida version of Cinderella’s glass slipper. Looking very glamorous, thanks to the staff at Main Street Salon, Sarah was ready for a night out with her own Prince Charming. Diane and the staff at Main Street Salon would like to wish all their clients and the community happy holidays! O (Below) Sarah enjoys a relaxing pedicure by Kim Peters. (Below right) Sarah slipped her feet into a pair of sparkling flip-flops with Swarovski crystals decorated by Diane. (Right inset) Sarah shows off her manicure, along with her beautiful engagement ring.
(Above) Main Street Salon staff. (sitting) Laura Stephen and Sharonna Burch. (standing l-r) Kim Peters, Diane Prescott, Tish Prine and Karen Rabon. (Not pictured) Brandy Bulger and Nichole Hedrick. (Below right) Designer-inspired jewelry is offered in the salon along with a variety of other gifts.
WINTER 2008
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Samantha Rivera
Tennis Plus Travel Turns Teen Into A Tennis Phenom BY SUSAN ETCHEY O PHOTOS BY RAFAEL PACHECO For 13-year-old Samantha Rivera, tennis is 90 percent mental. “As soon as I picked up my first tennis racket I knew it was the sport for me,” says the up-and-coming tennis prodigy, an eighth grader at Yearling Middle School. Samantha is too young for the high school tennis team, and because there are no tennis leagues locally in Okeechobee, she competes in regional United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments. Samantha prefers playing singles rather than doubles or team events, and enters tournaments every other weekend. Samantha’s family and coach will travel as far as Miami or Tampa on any given weekend so Samantha can compete in the 13- to 14-year-old Girls Junior Division of USTA.
Currently Samantha ranks 130th statewide, an i m p res s i v e ran k ing for a young player new to competitive tennis. There are thousands of USTA players in Samantha’s age group throughout the state, but many do not score enough to get a ranking. In recent months Samantha has played eight tournaments and won six of them. Her ranking qualified her to compete in a national tournament in Pembroke Pines in early November. Only the 64 highest-ranked youth that applied were qualified to compete. “When I am waiting for them to call my name I get nervous,” admits Samantha. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Most of the time I have never played against my opponent so I don’t know how good they are. Once I get out on the court and start to play I feel confident again, I feel free, I feel the best I have ever felt.” Her eyes sparkle as she remembers the feeling.
Samantha dreams of some day getting a tennis scholarship to college and competing in the Olympics. Not afraid to sound silly, she states her ambitious goal. “I want to be one of the best tennis players in the world,” Samantha says. “But I have smaller goals first. I have to make it to the Okeechobee High School team.” Don’t think she has parents whipping her to succeed. They only want the best. What is fueling her early ambition and success this year is having found a tennis coach who believes in her. “I won the singles championship 16 years in a row in the tennis circuit around here and I am pretty good teaching others what I know,” Okeechobee resident Jay Huffman says. Huffman has been teaching tennis since 1970, after graduating from Florida State University where he played intramural tennis. Since 1978 the businessman has coached Okeechobee High School tennis teams on the side. Huffman is a successful entrepreneur, working as a motivational speaker. Being a natural competitor, he knows a winner when he sees one. “Of all the people I have taught tennis over 40 years, Samantha has done the best job of appropriating the information,” says Huffman, whose parents
“As soon as I picked up my first tennis racket I knew it was the sport for me.” tices her strokes on a racquet ball court. However, because there is not a large pool of players in Okeechobee and no tennis club, she has to compete elsewhere. Samantha’s devoted parents Mairim and Armando believe children should be exposed early in life to many opportunities to identify and develop their talents and gifts. The handsome couple are Cuban natives with United States citizenship, their children Cuban-Americans — they are all blessed to speak two languages.
brought him to live in Okeechobee in 1958. “She writes down everything I tell her. Right now, at 13, she could probably teach tennis. But most important, she can apply the information in the heat of battle.”
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Huffman said he first noticed Samantha’s stunning tennis action when she was only a second-grade student at Grace Christian School (now Okeechobee Academy). She participated in the school’s tennis clinics taught by physical education teacher Dave Ellis. Even then, Huffman was impressed with Samantha’s aggressive approach and her attitude on court. Five months ago Huffman sat down with Samantha’s parents and agreed to coach her. Now she’s on a regimen.
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Samantha eats nutritionally, runs every day, takes vitamins and pracOKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
is already out performing players who practice six hours a day, Huffman says. “The biggest problem in Okeechobee is she doesn’t have enough people to play against her — and very few that are a challenge,” he says.
“Samantha has unlimited potential,” Huffman says. “How far she goes depends on her work ethic from here on out. She has two things to watch out for — boys getting her sidetracked and staying in good health. She’s so good now she wouldn’t have to get much better to get a scholarship. She’s fast enough, she’s smart enough, she works hard enough, she has all the strokes, she’s got the guts, she plays According to Mairim, Saman- well when she’s behind and she plays tha plays the piano exceedingly well when she’s ahead. She’s focused well and has taken classes in and she loves it.” ballet, tap and gymnastics. But it is tennis that has taken over Mairim Rivera supports her daughher life. Still, first and foremost ter’s goals but said at first she was disin the Rivera family is getting appointed her daughter gave up piano. good grades. Samantha is an A But now she is amazed at Samanstudent with awards for perfect atten- tha’s strengths in tennis. “She is dedidance. At Yearling she serves on the cated, has perseverance and puts a lot Student Advisory Committee and is of hours into tennis,” Mairim Rivera honored as the eighth grade represen- says. “It’s her dream and obviously tative on the Student Advisory Coun- she knows if she wants to get better cil that meets monthly with School she has to work at it.” Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cooper. When Samantha loses a match she Samantha really likes to hang out with says she feels that she has learned her friends. But her schedule is so something important. “You always get busy she has less time now. “Tennis a little bummed out when you lose,” does take up a lot of time,” Samantha she says. “But I can correct my misshrugs, admitting she doesn’t mind. “I takes and that’s when I play better and am thinking of tennis 24/7 and prac- better. When I do lose a match against a good player it lets me know that I am tice constantly.” not one of the best players and I have Samantha reads everything she can to work to get better. It doesn’t let me about tennis and watches tennis videos get too full of myself.” and TV matches. “I love to watch Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Mairim Rivera wants to encourage Agassi, and Anna Ivanovich, my youths who wish to play tennis to parfavorite player,” she says. Samantha ticipate in USTA as a way to get started is coached two hours a week but she in the sport. It is a more flexible sched-
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ule than participation in organized team sports. You can pick and choose when and where to play. “We do have a handful of players in Okeechobee and some belong to USTA,” Mairim Rivera says. “But they also play other sports and everyone is so busy. If you have more than one child and they are struggling to play this sport, the beauty of tennis is you can actually be your own manager. There are tournaments everywhere throughout the nation. We are always traveling. Samantha loves to travel and meet new people. We are always trying to find better players for her to play. That’s how you get to the next level.” Florida is one of the top states hosting tournaments for teens. The 2009 National Junior Tennis schedule on the USTA web site lists approximately 19 Florida tournaments that are open to 13- and 14-year-olds girls in Samantha’s age bracket. There are many more tourneys for the older maturing teens. In years to come, if Samantha advances significantly and qualifies for tougher eligibility, it would include traveling to other states. It’s a big wide world out there in the sport of tennis, and Samantha Rivera intends to be a part of it. O
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
BY DEBRA WOLFE
Raulerson Hospital Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit United Way On Saturday, October 18, Raulerson Hospital held its annual golf tournament to benefit United Way at the Okeechobee Golf and Country Club. Bill Casian, director of public relations for Raulerson Hospital and a United Way board member, organized the event.
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Participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf before returning to the clubhouse for lunch, door prizes and the announcement of the winners.
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United Way Board Members: (l-r) Sam Smith, Maria Hurley, Bill Casian and Theresa Alexander. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
1. Richard Stock watches as Terry McAuliffe putts. 2 Sam Smith tees off. 3. Ron Corroda won longest drive award. 4. Billy Dean won Closest to the pin award 5. The winning team was the Gateway Medical team. Pictured (l-r) Sam Smith and John Smith (not pictured) Hammad Ahmed and Dr. Arif Shakoor. 6. Corey White, OHS golf team MVP, participated in the tournament.
Okeechobee Main Street thanks our community for your support! Corporate Members Aaron’s Sales & Lease Audibel Hearing Care Center Big Lake Cancer Center Cheney Brothers, Inc. Edward Jones Investments
Abney & Abney Construction Accident Law Office of Philip Deberard Across The Lake Accurate Insurance Ameriprise Annie's Consignment Austin Sewer and Septic, Inc. B & B Site Development Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home Beef O’Bradys Berger Real Estate, Inc. Bert's Tax Service Big Lake Eye Care Big Lake Hospice Big Lake Roofing Enterprises, Inc. Big Lake Signs Boyle Engineering Corporation Brahma Bull Restaurant Breakthrough Recovery Services, Inc. Brennan Eye Care Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design Bright Futures Pre-School Bruce Homer Insurance Agency Buxton Funeral Home CEECO Century 21 Horizon Properties Chloe’s Closet Coast to Coast Design Countryside Florist Costopoulos & Helton, P.A. Custom Graphics & Signs Inc. Custom Window and Doors Custom Windows Treatments & Blinds Daniels' Plumbing Dehays Design
Adams, Laurie Altman, Sandy Altobello, Frank Amiet, Rick Arnold, Mimi Barber, Rebecca Barr, Fawn McNeil Bickel, Penny Boni, Jonathan
Florida’s Blood Centers First Bank & Trust of Indiantown Hoskins and Turco P.L. Seacoast National Bank Syfrett Feed Company
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, Fl 34972 863-357-MAIN
Business Members
Perfect Pools of Okeechobee, Inc. Physicians Weight Loss Centers Pier 2 Resort Plaster Playtime Platinum Performance Builders Platinum Performance Realtors Preferred Properties of Okeechobee Pristine Properties Pritchard & Associates Rafael - Creations In Fotografia Raulerson Hospital Reach FM 90.5 Riverside National Bank Sherwin-Wiliams Company Silver Palms RV Village Solar Shade South Florida Water Management Special Occasions St. Lucie Battery & Tire State Farm Insurance Stitchin' Post & Advanced Engraving Syble's Flowers & Gifts Taylor Rental The Alarm Company of Okeechobee The Chiropractic Group The Tucker Group, LLC The Sign Guy The UPS Store Tires Plus Total Car Care Tradewinds Surveyors & Mappers Western Living Decor Wicks, Brown, Williams & Co CPAs Winn Dixie WOKC 100.9 FM Wright's Helecopter Service
East Coast Signs and Shirts Elite Title Elliot's Pawn Shop Flower Petals Fra-Mar Enterprises Freshwater Development Company, LLC Garrard’s Tackle Shop Gloria's Sweets & Blooms Glady's Restaurant Golden Corral Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Hospice of Okeechobee ICS Computers Jeff Fadley, P.A. Jeff Robinson Electric Jones Supplies Sales & Service K Builders Lake View Builders Landing Strip Café, LLC Laura K. Sims, CPA Law Office of Colin Cameron Lehman Auto Body Luviano Roofing Mavroides, Dr. Chris Maxwell & Maxwell, P.A. McAlpin, Cavalcanti & Lewis, CPAs Mike’s Okeechobee Guns Mims Veterinary Hospital National City Bank Neese Enterprises Newman Air Conditioning Okeechobee Abstract and Title Insurance Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. Okeechobee The Magazine
Friends of Main Street
Bridges, Linda Bryant, Jerry Cates, Steve Creasman, John Dangremone, Diane Davies, Jay & Debbie Deusinger, Raye Doyle, Shelly & Justin Doyle, Toni & Joe
Fehrman, Jan George, Susan Gurney, John Hadley, Marilyn Hall, Diane Harper, Michelle Heil, Diane Huffman, Faye Huth, Donna
Irwin, Jane Jackson, Pamela Jenkins, Stephanie Kirsch, Lonnie Lauter, Marnie Moldenhauer, Betty Padgett, Shanda Parker, Anita Pierce, Stephanie
Pittman, Karla Renfranz, Lisa Reynolds, Mark & Billie Jean Ricker, Cynthia Sauls, Willie Shockley, June Schwartz, Dorothy Taylor, Bettye
The City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners
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Community Event
BY DEBRA WOLFE
Williamson Educational Center Dedication On October 28, Indian River State College held a grand opening and dedication ceremony for the IRSC Williamson Conference and Education Center. The building was Community Event named in honor of Frank “Sonny” Williamson and Betty Williamson, lead contributors to the IRSC Foundation fundraising campaign for the facility. In addition to providing educational opportunities in nursing, biology, business and culinary arts, the $5.2 million center has 15,000 square feet that can be used for seminars, conferences, community activities and other large-scale events. (l-r) Edwin R. Massey, Ph.D., Betty and Frank Williamson and State Senator Ken Pruitt display the medallion of excellence certificate. 1. (l-r) Dawn Hoover, Justin Hoover & Joey Hoover. Justin is an Okeechobee High School student dual enrolled at IRSC. 2. Nursing student Ilina Garcia gave a student perspective speech during the ceremony.
3. Sam Smith, Provost of Okeechobee County Indian River State College.
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(l-r) Student David Delano, instructor Jack Frederichs and student Wesley Spivey made use of the Pete and Suzanne Clemons/Chuck and Linda Syfrett Culinary Arts Center. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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4. The Williamson family (l-r): great- granddaughter DeLainey Rucks, Clint and Heather Williamson Rucks, Karen Williamson Larson, Frank and Betty Williamson, Kim E. Williamson grandson John Wesley and wife Megan Williamson and Wes and Darin Williamson.
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Mary Helen and her husband, Dean, at the beach in 1934
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A Return to the Golden Era Creek Plantation BY JAN FEHRMAN O PHOTOS BY RAFAEL PACHECO
H
ave you ever wanted to experience Old Florida when its natural beauty was free from shopping malls, highways and crowded cities? If you travel to northern Okeechobee County, you will find just such a place at scenic Quail Creek Plantation, located on 3,300 unspoiled acres. As you pass through the rustic entryway and travel down the drive you wind through pines and oaks draped with Spanish moss. A 14-acre lake full of bass sparkles in the distance. This lovely southern-style hunting plantation transports the hunter back in time to the days of the classic hunt. Quail Creek Plantation flourishes under the creative and capable leadership of managing partners Fred and Maria Fanizzi, and owner Whit Hudson. The Fanizzis oversee all of Quail Creek Plantation’s offerings, from turkey and quail hunting and clay-target shooting to accommodations and gourmet dining. Fred says they are in the entertainment business, and their goal is to make sure their guests are treated to the best in Southern hospitality. Fred and Maria’s backgrounds prepared them well for managing the plantation. Both graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in agriculture. Fred ran large ranches, managed cattle and sold livestock feed before coming to Quail Creek Plantation. Fred says he feels very fortunate that he makes a living from his passion for the outdoors. Maria brings her “people skills” and experience in meeting and convention planning to the business. She enjoys the outdoors and area wildlife, and has become a hunter since working at the plantation. The Fanizzis live just a half-mile down the road from the entrance to the plantation in a cypress house that Fred had built from native cypress lumber and calls it the “house of their dreams.” Maria is originally from Venezuela but has lived in Florida for 20 years. Fred was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. They are the proud parents of five-year-old Joseph, who attends kindergarten at Peace Lutheran School in Okeechobee and enjoys the plantation lifestyle.
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Ten years ago Quail Creek Plantation was a working cattle ranch with no amenities. At that time, Whit Hudson, a South Florida entrepreneur in the international refuse business, purchased the land. Mr. Hudson was looking for somewhere to get away from the stress of the corporate world and relax with friends. Born in Tennessee, he has enjoyed a lifelong interest in hunting, including the ownership of an elk- and deer-hunting lodge in northwest Colorado.
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Fred is also an avid hunter and has traveled throughout North and South America as well as Africa, where he saw concepts he wanted to include in a full-service hunting operation. Mr. Hudson asked Fred and Maria to manage his property, and by 2002 they utilized their combined expertise and hunting experiences to transform Quail Creek into a public venture. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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If you think a morning on the Lake is relaxing... When you get back, Call me.
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Above (l-r) Whit Hudson, Fred and Maria Fanizzi enjoy the tranquil surrounding at Quail Creek.
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Fred says that when he started working on the plantation, Mr. Hudson told him, “I don’t like anything built in a straight line, and I don’t like anything painted white.” True to these specifications, Fred created an old ranch look for the buildings at Quail Creek Plantation. Today the plantation offers a lodge with a dining room, five private cabins, an open-air pavilion that can host in excess of 300, and a unique clubhouse with a dramatic deer chandelier lighting the room. Quail Creek Plantation offers two fully automated, 14-station sporting clays courses, guided quail and Osceola turkey hunting, continental pheasant tower shoots and hunting for various species of exotic big game. The turkeys are all wild birds and are hunted under “fair chase” rules in the spring. Fred says that South and Central Florida are the only areas where a hunter can find the Osceola. This is important if he is going for the “grand slam,” which means they must harvest all four sub-species of wild turkeys in the lower 48. Both wild and stocked quail offer world-class shooting opportunities to their guests. For the sporting clays enthusiast, private lessons are available from club pro/ assistant manager Gary Bloom. An on-site gunsmith is also available.
ing Care Centers r a e H J.C. Cardwell, Hearing Instrument Specialist
Half of the plantation’s business comes from its sporting clays. Three million sporting clay targets were thrown in 2007. Their single biggest event of the year is the Seminole Cup, now in its fifth year with 250,000 clays thrown at each tournament. This is one of the topfive clay tournaments in the U.S. sanctioned by the National Sporting Clays Association. Six hundred-plus participants from as far away as Europe, Canada and the West Coast attend the weeklong event. Fred and Maria encourage them to acquire accommodations, shop and dine in Okeechobee and hope this helps the economy of the community. Fred and Maria say that whether someone arrives by helicopter or pickup, they are all treated with the same cordiality. At the continental pheasant tower shoots, hunters can expect a safari style gourmet lunch on white china and linens with fine wines and cigars to help savor the successes of the day. The hunter at Quail Creek enjoys style and elegance along with a top-notch hunt, just like in the golden era of the hunt.
If you are currently using hearing aids and are not completely satisfied with the way you are hearing, we welcome you to come in and see us. Perhaps you are thinking about trying hearing aids and want to ask some questions, J.C. and our staff will be glad to answer your questions regarding testing, verification and programming. Our team approach is designed to help you get the best service possible and hear your very best.
What makes Audibel different? Audibel was established in 1967 and is respected as the world leader in hearing technology research for the human ear. Audibel Hearing Care Centers are dedicated to providing the full scope of hearing care services to the communities of Florida. We emphasize individual patient care, and aim to provide hearing correction of the highest quality.
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3545 Hwy 441 S. Okeechobee OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE 
WINTER 2008
Quail Creek Plantation also offers gourmet lunches in their dining room on the weekends to the public. Texas style barbecue briscuit or southern
J.C. is considered an expert in his field and is dedicated to helping the hearing impaired in Okeechobee County. J.C. has extensive knowledge about hearing aids, and his specialization is in patient care and satisfaction, as well as modification and fine-tuning of hearing aids. J.C. is factory-trained in hearing aid repairs and has the ability to make most hearing aid repairs on-site, while you wait.
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Call today for a free estimate.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Sporting dogs are part of the hunting package and Quail Creek Plantation has 40 bird dogs, pointers and retrievers, to assist in the hunt. For additional diversion, catch and release fishing is available in the lake or water holes around the property. Three customized hunting buggies also make touring the landscape at Quail Creek an enjoyable experience. As one of their guests said, “I really look forward to coming to Quail Creek Plantation. When I begin to head west I feel my blood pressure go down.” Nineteen employees help Quail Creek Plantation run smoothly with an emphasis on southern hospitality. During tournaments up to 85 parttime employees may be added. Chefs, guides, office and cleaning personnel are part of the staff that Fred credits with making the plantation a success. He says of all the features of the plantation, it’s the staff that receives the most compliments. Fred has heard more than one guest say, “it’s easy to go to the plantation but hard to leave.” Besides hunting and sporting clay shoots, the plantation hosts weddings, fundraisers, tournaments and association events such as those they have held for Hospice of Okeechobee, Women in the Outdoors, Okeechobee
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fried quail may be on the menu along with homemade desserts. Maria says to call ahead for lunch during the week.
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“I really look forward to coming to Quail Creek Plantation. When I begin to head west I feel my blood pressure go down.”
Main Street, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Cattlemen’s Association, the Boy Scouts of America and the Citrus Association. There is something happening every weekend at the plantation. While Fred and Maria enjoy working at Quail Creek Plantation and living nearby, they also feel it is important to be involved in the Okeechobee community. Fred is a member of the Economic Development Council and has served on the Okeechobee Livestock Show Committee. Maria is a past member of the Tourist Development Council and the American Cancer Society.
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Hunters travel from far and wide to partake of the world-class hunting, gorgeous rural landscape, and gracious service at Quail Creek Plantation. Mr. Hudson retreats to his plantation to get away from the rigors of corporate life, as do many of the guests. Fred and Maria Fanizzi see to it that everyone has a great time. As Fred often says, “we’re not in the hunting or restaurant business. We’re in the entertainment business. Customers make themselves at home and allow us to provide them with a pleasurable outdoor experience.” For more information on Quail Creek Plantation, call (863) 763-2529 or visit www.quailcreekplantation.com. O
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Radiology Services at
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James Bradfield, M.D. FACOG Board Certified Gynecologist Menopausal - Disorders - Endometriosis - Incontinence Infertility - Menstrual - Abnormalities - Sterilization Laser Surgery - Minimally Invasive Surgery Dr. Bradfield’s office is located at 1713 Hwy 441 North - Suite F Call 863-763-8000 All Major Insuranaces Accepted
Albert Bravo, M.D. Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Diseases of the Digestive System - Endoscopy - Colonoscopy Treating conditions of the Esophagus, Stomach Small Intestines Colon, Liver, Gallbladder & the Biliary System Dr. Bravo’s office is located at 225 Northeast 19th Drive Call 863-357-8222
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Board Certified General/Vascular Surgeon Diplomate American Board of General Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery - Skin Cancer Procedures Brest Cancer Procedures - Vascular Surgery - Hernia Repair Varicose Vein Surgery - Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Vascular Access for Kidney Failure Thyroid and Other Endocine Surgical Procedures WINTER 2008
Dr. Moyer’s office is located at 245 Northeast 19th Drive Call 863-357-0045 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
BY DEBRA WOLFE
Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Okeechobee came out in force to support the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K Walk on October 4, 2008. October was breast cancer awareness month and Flagler Park, located in the heart of Okeechobee, provided a beautiful place for activities with teams and breast cancer survivors supporting the fight against breast cancer. Pictured left: 10-year survivor Lisa Husted (standing) and 20-year survivor Roellen Husted. Pictured above: “Why we fight” memorial board.
1. Rhonda Grant, an eight month survivor, at the finish line. 2. Team Seacoast National Bank takes off at the start line.
3. (L) Malinda Wood, survivor raising the most money as an individual, is shown with Maureen Budjinski. 4. Third year participants, Okeechobee Business Women’s Referral Networking Group. 5. Breast cancer survivors (l-r) Louise Davis and Nancy Dawn.
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6. Breast cancer survivors pose for a photo before the walk.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Join us today to find out if AdvantageCare is right for you! Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 3101 Hwy. 441 S., Okeechobee Dec. 16 at 10 am Okeechobee Fitness Center 308 NE 3rd St., Okeechobee Dec. 1, 22 at 9:30 am For information, reservations or for accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call: 1-888-805-7861, TTY: 1-800-955-8771, 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week. An HMO with a Medicare contract available to anyone enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare through age or disability. Enrollment period restrictions apply, call Metcare for details. Plans may be renewed annually. Copayment, service area, and benefit limitations may apply. You must continue to pay your Medicare applicable premiums if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or by another third-party. A sales representative will be present with information and applications. 1 Other plans are available. Benefits differ by plan. 2 An HMO plan with a Point-of-Service (POS) option. Higher copays may apply. wBecause of the processing time with the Federal Government, you will not see additional funds in your Social Security check for several months after the effective date. However, when the U.S. Social Security Administration completes the process, you will see a total reimbursement in your next check retroactive to your enrollment date in the plan. After that, you will see a standard increase in your monthly Social Security check.
H5426_ GHA03BYRR_A 10/08
Sheriff Paul C. May Holds To Small-Town Traditions BY SUSAN ETCHEY O PHOTOS BY RAFAEL PACHECO
In the simply furnished office of Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul C. May there hangs an amusing poster on a plain wall. It’s Andy Griffith as the famous TV character Sheriff Andy Taylor. Perhaps May identifies with this folksy lawman with a good heart, always looking out for the welfare of the people of Mayberry. May has a similarly likeable and easygoing heart of gold. Although Okeechobee’s population keeps expanding, plenty of residents can pick May out of a crowd. May and his lovely wife of 41 years Delores have lived and raised their two daughters in the Lake Okeechobee region. In many ways May understands the psyche of most Okeechobee residents because he loves to fish and hunt. His family is close and with four grandsons — his greatest joy — he can share these leisurely pursuits with them. Speck fishing is his favorite hobby, but not at night. “It’s too dangerous out on the river at night with all the boats out there, and some boats without lights,” May says. May was a Florida state trooper for 34 years, first stationed in Pahokee and later Okeechobee. He became sheriff of Okeechobee County in 2005. “This is still a small town and people want to be able to see or talk to their sheriff if they need him,” May says. “If I’m at the office, I’ll see anyone who wants to see me and if I’m not there, I’ll call them as soon as I can. I know that someday Okeechobee will grow out of this. But right now that’s the way I like it.” May is following the advice of his former mentor and friend, the late sheriff O.L. Raulerson Jr. “He told me, ‘if you have to wear a uniform for people to know that you are the sheriff, then you are not getting out in the community enough for people to know who you are,’” May says. That’s why May takes pride in not wearing a sheriff’s uniform. After four years he doesn’t need to wear it to be known. People often see May at local festivals, events and as a volunteer for a civic organization. It’s easy to talk to him. Okeechobee is growing, but May is still carrying on the tradition of close personal touch with the public that is rarely seen in larger communities.
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Although he is not a cattle owner, May is a member of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association. “Cattle owners are some of the finest people I have ever met,” he says. May is also member of the Masonic Lodge and Amara Temple of the Shrine, and he serves on the board of the Okeechobee County Executive Roundtable and Okeechobee County Communities in Schools.
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May was raised in rural Florida. When he was six years old, a state trooper was assigned to work Levy County. The trooper was the first lawman to work in his town of Gulf Hammock. “Everybody knew the trooper; he was a good man,” May says, adding that the trooper was his hero and he decided at that tender age he wanted to be a lawman.
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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The late sheriff O.L.
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WINTER 2008
Raulerson Jr. told me ‘if you have to wear a uniform for people to know that you are the sheriff, then you are not getting out in the community enough for people to know who you are.’ OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Bienvenidos!
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807 SW 2nd Avenue - Okeechobee, FL OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
May’s law enforcement career started in the Air Force in 1964 where he served with the military police for four years. Law enforcement is the only job he has ever had. “It was in my heart at a young age and my calling in life,” he says. “This I believe: you either get into law enforcement and stay, or you get out of it very quickly. If you love it you will never do anything else.” May considers the people who work for him his second family. “I am very proud of the people who work here,” He says of the 225 paid employees and 100 volunteers under his direction. May says that although most residents consider Okeechobee to be a safe place to live, times aren’t what they used to be. “Compared to the rest of South Florida we are a safer community, but we are having crimes committed I wouldn’t have believed a few years ago,” he says. “The biggest problem we have now is the use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription drugs. It covers all ages, from 11- and 12-yearolds to people in their 60s and 70s. Almost all of the people in our jail are here due to drug- or alcohol-related crimes.” May says the drug epidemic is hitting rural America as much as larger cities and it outrages him. “We are actually seeing more deaths from prescription drugs than the illegal drugs,” he says. “Prescription medication is easy to obtain and often falls into the wrong hands. People don’t realize these drugs are as dangerous as the illegal drugs.” May advocates the creation of a Florida registry on prescription drugs in which a computer can check who is being prescribed drugs and how often. It would stop doctor-shopping and pharmacyshopping, which allow people to get more drugs than recommended. Some states have seen a reduction in misuse of prescription drugs because of a prescription registry.
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Flowers & Gifts
Sheriff May (sitting) with his department heads. (l-r) RP Captain Bud Slay; CID Captain Dale LaFlam, Jail Adminstrator Ronnie White, Undersheriff Noel Stephen and Executive Assistant Juanita White.
May believes it takes the community coming together to defeat the drug problem. Unfortunately, the county’s budget is decreasing because of the sagging economy and May is facing cutbacks in his budget as well. He realizes there are numerous ministries willing to help, but the problem is getting bigger. One organization May works with, the Okeechobee County Substance Abuse Coalition, is doing its part to find answers. It is made up of businesspeople and volunteers. Parents come to see May because they want advice on what to do when their child gets involved in drugs. He sits down with the youth in his office and
talks straight to them about what will happen if they continue on the path they’re on. “It is worth a try,” May says. “For some of these kids it is the last resort before they end up incarcerated or dead.” May says that anyone going into law enforcement shouldn’t expect to get rich, “but when someone calls me on the phone or stops by the office to tell me they appreciate what my office did for them or that what we did possibly saved a life, then that’s a satisfaction and richness that money will never buy. And I’ll take that over money anytime. That’s when I know that I have the best job in town.” O
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The ARC of Okeechobee Encouraging Independence Since 1967 BY MICHAEL W. WHITE You know a dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows. And a dreamer’s just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what’s behind you and never knowing what’s in store, makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores. – Garth Brooks and Victoria Shaw Most Okeechobee residents know of the Okeechobee Rehabilitation Facility. The facility was established in 1967 as a non-profit corporation that deals with local developmentally disabled citizens. In 2000 they became affiliated with the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Florida and the ARC of the United States. Okeechobee Rehabilitation Facility Executive Director Nancy Zeigler said it is a training center that teaches everyday basic skills. “We teach our clients skills that all of us take for granted each day,” Zeigler said. “For example, basic math and counting.”
care facility, the Louisiana Raulerson Hospital, and is an important part of the history of Okeechobee. The hurricanes of 2004 caused serious damage to the building, which required it to
possible. The entrance to the store is located on the back side of the facility off NW Fourth Street facing the new courthouse.
(l-r) Jeannie Bramlett, adminstrative assistant; Nancy Zeigler, executive director; Gwen Marsh, board member; Ray Carr, board member; Brenda Byrd, support Services coordinator; Mary Autrey, board member; Fran Syfrett, Acting Chair. (Not pictured) Toni Doyle, board member.
Clients are at the facility from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is important they receive treatment through support of living coaches and practice everyday living skills. “The developmentally disabled regress if they stop their work after high school, which is why we offer a transition program through the high school which helps them continue to work at their skills,” Zeigler said. “This is their home.”
The ARC of Okeechobee currently provides services for 43 clients daily.
Dealing with those who have developmental disabilities is a full-time job. Many families struggle day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute with their loved ones. It is a very difficult part of human life to see and deal with the turntable of success and heartbreak. But it has to be done. Fran Syfrett, acting board chairperson of the ARC of Okeechobee, explained the challenges that face each of them every day. “This has been such a revelation for me, to see the clients and the love they have for each other,” Syfrett said. I think everyone needs to know a mentally or OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
The facility, located at 403 NW Second Avenue in Okeechobee, is the site of Okeechobee’s first health-
undergo a complete renovation. With the help of FEMA, that was a success. To this day it still maintains the original blueprint of the original hospital. Also in 2004, the facility had the good fortune to take over the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. This is a special gift to the facility for it provides life training and job skills for the clients. There are currently 13 clients that are on the payroll at the store. It remains busy with shoppers and the clients really enjoy the experience of having a job and being responsible. The clients are demonstrating increased self-esteem, self-worth and independence as they prepare to live as independently as
Besides financial donations, the Okeechobee Rehabilitation Facility is in constant need of simple things such as classroom supplies, arts and crafts, old computers, treadmills, stationary bikes, furniture to sell in the thrift store, volunteers in the thrift store, and donated time from professionals with specialties such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others in the health field who wish to donate time.
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physically disabled person to understand fully what we are dealing with.” Board member Toni Doyle got her sister-in-law Connie involved in the ARC when she moved to Okeechobee to live with them. “What a difference in Connie’s life ARC has made. She goes to school every day, earns a little spending money and truly feels like she is a member of society,” Doyle said. Being mentally or physically disabled is challenging, not only to those with the disability, but to their caretakers as well.
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The staff of the ARC works hand in hand with caretakers and clients to aid in establishing and meeting the needs of each one. Doyle said, “I believe everyone should visit the ARC at least once in order to see and feel the warmth and happiness.” O
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Community Event
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDRA PEARCE
First Coast Invitational Grand Prix BY RENÉE MIMS
I
t was a mad dash to the finish line during the first week of competition at the $30,000 First Coast Invitational show jumping event. The show was hosted at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, and managed by World Wide Horse Shows, LLC. The Week 1 grand prix win went to rider Margie Engle and her horse Hidden Creek’s Tosca, owned by Hidden Creek Farm of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Engle and Tosca went double clear in a time of 35.497 seconds with the win over Pablo Barrios and his horse Lagran, with just 4/100ths of a second difference in the dash to jump 12 and the finish line. Barrios and Lagran, owned by Barrios, also went double clear with their time of 35.545 seconds. Thirty-three riders competed in the $30,000 First Coast Invitational Grand Prix event held during the first week of the two-week event. Engle, a member of the 2000 Sydney Olympics US Equestrian Jumping Team, said she had only been riding Hidden Creek’s Tosca for about a year. She said that the two won the 7/8 -Year-Old Championship in Kentucky during the summer but they had not jumped since that event except for the classes held earlier in the week at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. This was Tosca’s first grand prix event.
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Engle said she was impressed by the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center facility and the First Coast Invitational Event. She said that there were plenty of places to ride with lots of grass and that the stalls are bigger than what is typical at the big shows. “It’s a great place to come with some of the younger horses that are just starting out,” Engle said.
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1 1. Mireya Godoy on Bon Vivant. 2. Juliane Fischer on Lola. 3. Saturday’s winner of First Coast Invitational, Margie Engle, with (l-r) John Franzreb III, Pete Keogh, director of Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center; Commissioner Marvin Wherrell; Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center board member; and course designer Frank Chapot. 4. (l-r) Bill Joyce, First Coast Invitational Producer; Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center Board Member and Mason Phelps, Phelps Media Group International President. 5. Aaron Vale on Verrazano.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
BY DEBRA WOLFE
The Halloween Fest held at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center and sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street, Okeechobee County and the City of Okeechobee was a spooktacular event that provided a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Ghosts and zombies mingled peacefully with princesses and pumpkins as families visited the booths sponsored by area businesses to fill their goody bags, play games or enjoy special treats like cotton candy and popcorn. There was also a haunted house for the bravest of the brave, while younger children (and cowards) could take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road to Oz. The festivities, which also included pony rides and a costume contest, were emceed by WOKC’s Billy Dean and prizes given out were donated by local businesses.
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1 1. Caitlyn Gehle, 4, is adorable in her fairy costume. 2. Princess Marilyn Rinear. 3. Move over Cleopatra! (l-r) (Maureen Burroughs and Toni Doyle. 4. Jailbird monster Steve Cates. 5. (l-r) Judges Sharon Robertson and Celeste Watford are greeted by goulish Terry Burroughs. 6. First place winner ages 0-2 (l-r) Cody Cabeza with his mom and Melody Hodges from Seacoast Bank. 7. First place winner ages 3-5 (l-r) Wyatt Friend with Jon Geitner. 8. First place winner ages 6-10 (l-r) Michael Muros with Billy Dean and Paul Mitchell. 9. First place winner ages 11-14 (l-r) Joey Allen with Billy Dean, Mary Barber, Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen, and Paul Mitchell.
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Big Lake Halloween763-EYES Event To School Exams! Back
Most Glasses Ready in 1 Hour Buying new books, paper, and pencils do nothing if your child can’t SEE to study. Your child’s vision is the most important tool he or she has to SUCCEED in school. In fact, ONE in every FOUR school age children may have vision problems that can affect their ability to LEARN!
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Community Event
BY JOYCE MURPHY
Okeechobee Blood Roundup The third annual Okeechobee Blood Roundup attracted more than 200 donors during the two day blood drive held on November 15 and 16. The blood drop logo did not have a name, so Raulerson Hospital held a contest for all area elementary schools. The winning entry is “Hemoglobin Harry,” nominated by Mrs. Pritchard’s 4th grade class from Central Elementary School. 1. Kathy Stake donates blood at the blood drive. 2. Raye Deusinger, chairman of the Okeechobee Blood Roundup.
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3. Volunteers Bill Casian and Marilyn Rinear announce the winner of the blood drop naming contest.
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Okeechobee Main Street’s Events!
Under New Ownership Jim Harvey & Celeste Hawk
609 SW Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34974
7th Annual Top of the Lake
BBQ
AFFAIR January 23rd - 24th Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center
BBQ Cooks from the Southeast competing for prize money!
A Full Service Salon for Men & Women
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Top of the
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Art Fest
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(Just North of the Livestock Market)
February 28th & March 1st
A True Juried Fine Art Show featuring Okeechobee & National Artists, Children's Gallery of Art & Art Activities, Art Demonstrations
Entertainment on both days!
Featuring a Variety of Talented Professional Musicians! Including Jazz, Folk, Pop, Classical & a Barbershop Quartet Sunday Afternoon Concert In The Park with Performer "Billy Bones" Also Supported By:
Call to Artists!
Applications are available online and at the Main Street Office!
For More Information on All Main Street Events go to our Website!
www.mainstreetokeechobee.com Telephone 863-357-6246 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
Office Phone 863-763-3763 Cell Phone 863-610-0168
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Community Event
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDRA PEARCE
Cattlewomen’s Association Dinner/Dance The Cattlewomen’s Association held its annual dinner/dance at the Okeechobee Shrine Club on August 29. Proceeds raised at the event go towards scholarships.
1 4 1. David Hazellief and family members enjoy the evening. 2. (l-r) Dudley and Cheryl Kirton, Alisha and Matt Pearce. 3. Kristi and Rafe Durrance. 4. Seth Louthan and Megan McClel land.
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Servicing Highlands and Okeechobee Counties. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Claudia's COOKIES & CANDY
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Specializing in Unique Hancrafted and High Quality Furnishings 123 SW Park Street Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Hours Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday by Appointment
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Beer & Wine Available
863-763-2114
863.467.6828
804 N.Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972
Experienced Service Technicians 24 Hour Service
2800 NW 20th Trail
Okeechobee County Airport
www.landingstripcafe.com
Accessory Center Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 - 5:30
863-763-3555 Front End Alignments Trailer Wiring Spray-In Bedliner Auto Detailing
Trailer Towing Products & Accessories Ranch Hand Bumpers Real Cracker Cowboy Camp!
Brake Repair Performance Programmers
WINTER 2008
265 Hwy 98 N. Okeechobee, Florida
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"Okeechobee's Original Custom Truck Shop!" OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
F
h Rantlce Ranchenter m o reed y Cat ing C
Da ain dern Based Tr stry Historical Tour o M i A Min aith & A F ecovery Whip Cracking R r Fo Calf Roping Riding Demos 863-634-1680 Hay Rides 863-634-1410 Animal Petting 11655 Highway 441 SE Alligators Okeechobee, FL 34974 Good Food
Under New Ownership!
863.763.6157
Full Service Salon Hair . Nails . Facials . Waxing Body Wraps . Massages . Prenatal Massages
909 South Parrott Avenue 7G - Okeechobee, Florida
ALL OVER BAIL BONDS IT AIN’T OVER ‘TIL IT’S “ALL OVER”
863-467-2021
863-467-2031 - Español
Gordon Suleiman Cynthia Suleiman
Servicing: Martin, St.Lucie,Glades, Palm Beach, Okeechobee, Indian River, Desoto, Hendry & Highlands Counties. WINTER 2008
909 S. Parrott Avenue 9E - Okeechobee, FL 34974 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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The Chiropractic Group Acupuncture & Chiropractic Dean D. Schincariol, D.C. Robert W. Scarnecchia, D.C., C.S.C.S. Auto & Sports Injury Worker's Compensation Slip and Fall Healthcare Physical Therapy Cold Laser Nutritional Counseling Wellness Care Children Physicals Low Force Activator Emergency Patients Seen The Same Day Auto Insurance and Most Medical Insurance Accepted
1140 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, Fl 34974
863.357.3800 Se habla Español
The Foot Doctors DR. BRIAN DAVID FINKE, P.A.* DR. ARTHUR CARL HASPEL *^ Podiatric Physician & Surgeon Diseases of the Foot and Leg Preventative Diabetic Foot Care DR.COMFORT SHOES - HOUSE CALLS
3912 SE 18th Terrace Okeechobee, FL 34974
Board Certified by: American Board Medical Specialties in Podiatry * American Board of Ambulatory Foot Surgery *^
863-467-6577
Suncoast Medical Equipment Complete Line of Home Medical Supplies Contracted Medicare Assignment
863-467-8711
24 Hr Oxygen Service Specialty Walkers - Wheelchairs We are open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Lift Chairs & Hospital Beds Se Habla Español Rentals Available
412 NE Park Street - Okeechobee, FL
Using gentle Manual Therapy to encourage healing of ... Chronic Pain - Headaches - Sciatica Fibromyalgia - Arthritis - Orthopedic Injuries Parkinson’s Disease and Much More
Preya Persaud, MPT
WINTER 2008
Physical Therapist Specializing in: Myofascial Release - Visceral Mobilization Lymph Drainage Therapy - Craniosacral Therapy
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Cell 561-271-6830
3633 SE 26th Street - Okeechobee, FL 34974 PNP, INC.
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
www.pnpincorporated.com
Happy Holidays
L
iving in Florida is wonderful this time of year. The air is filled with anticipation of cooler weather, enjoying the great outdoors, holiday magic and, of course, the annual changes Congress makes to our beloved tax code. So here are a few highlights to ponder while the turkey is cooking and the big game is yet to start. Sales Tax Deduction If you itemize, the deduction for sales taxes has been extended through 2009. Consider using the actual amount paid if you made large purchases, such as a vehicle or boat, rather than using the IRS’ optional state sales tax tables. Higher Education Tuition If you incur expenses for tuition and fees paid for post-secondary education, you have three options for lowering your taxes — the HOPE or Lifetime learning education credits or the deduction for tuition and fees paid. Different rules apply for each, and only one is best for you. Property Tax Standard Deduction If you do not itemize, there is now a deduction for real estate taxes up to $1,000, depending on your filing status. Higher Code Sec. 179 Limit For tax years beginning in 2008, businesses can now deduct up to $250,000 of equipment purchased. There are limitations so check the rules before going shopping. First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit For qualifying first-time homeowners who purchase their homes on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009, you may be eligible for a refund-
Tax Strategies BY MICHAEL COSTOPOULOS, CPA AND DONNA HELTON, CPA
able tax credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price. The credit is up to $7,500 depending on your filing status and income level, and must be repaid in equal annual installments over 15 years. Interestingly, a first-time homebuyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a principal residence anytime in the three-year period before the new home purchase. Charitable Contributions from IRAs This option, extended through 2009, allows taxpayers who are age 70 and a half or older to distribute up to $100,000 directly from their IRAs to charitable organizations without incurring a tax liability. This is a significant benefit to taxpayers in a higher tax bracket. Now before you settle in to watch the big game, keep in mind that the tax strategies mentioned above do not include all of the fine print. So remember to talk to your tax advisor and review all of the qualifications and limitations before implementing any tax strategies.
Wolfgang Jewelers
Specializing In The Design of Custom Jewelry
Mountings • Gold Plating • Prongs Rebuilt • Chains Repaired • Custom Designing Hooks & Safety Chains • Custom Made Bracelets • Bead & Pearls Restrung Silver Repaired • Scrapped Gold Create Into New Designs Antique Jewelry Restoration • Engagement Rings • Engravings • Platinum Repaired Gemstones, Diamonds & Marcasites Replaced Watch Repair • Battery Changes Expert Jewelry Repair • Master Jeweler on Premises
Family Owned & Operated 1416 S. Parrott Ave.
Layaway Plans Available
863-357-3795
WINTER 2008
Michael L. Costopoulos, CPA/PFS and Donna L. Helton, CPA/PFS are registered representatives with Genworth Financial Securities Corp., member FINRA/ SIPC, investment adviser representatives of Genworth Financial Advisers Corp., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser and partners in Costopoulos & Helton, PA, a Certified Public Accounting and a State of Florida Registered Investment Adviser firm located in Okeechobee, Fla.; (863) 763-1120; www.chcpa.com. Costopoulos & Helton, P.A. is not affiliated with Genworth Financial Securities Corp. or Genworth Financial Advisers Corp. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the two authors.
Okeechobee, Florida OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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BUSINESS PROFILES BY MARILYN RINEAR
Claudia’s Cookies
Emory Walker Company
Maximum Tanning
The Stitchin’ Post
Claudia’s Cookies owner Claudia Hufford operates out of her home in Seminole Cove. Having baked cookies and breads as Christmas gifts for years, Hufford was encouraged by friends to produce her goodies for profit.
Emory Walker Co. Inc. is a family-owned and operated business committed to excellence. Located at 208 SW Fifth Avenue, Emory Walker Company provides the highest quality service and most dependable products in the air conditioning industry. In 1966, founder Emory Walker slowly built a business on the solid foundation of dedication to quality and integrity. Steve and Scott Walker, sons of the founder, guarantee the same quality and dependability that has distinguished this company for over 40 years.
Maximum Tanning (7637434) is a locally owned and operated business, located at 609 SW Park Street. In January 2008, Jim Harvey purchased the business, which was successfully operated for almost a decade by its previous owners. Manager Celeste Hawk worked in the tanning salon while still in high school and encouraged Harvey to buy the business, which Hawk knew could be a thriving commercial venture.
The Stitchin’ Post at 620 S. Parrott Avenue is owned by Tony and Marcia Crane. Famous locally for their advanced engraving service on trophies and plaques, the Cranes do custom monogramming and screen printing, as well as selling and customizing ribbons and awards. The laser engraving technique allows them to engrave wine glasses for weddings, proms, anniversary parties and other special occasions.
Hufford produces seven types of cookies, some of which include chocolate chip, peanut butter, molasses crisp, Russian tea balls and sour cream cookies. She also bakes small gift-sized loaves of sweet breads; however, she will make full-sized loaves by request. Her candies include peanut butter balls, peanut brittle and pecan brittle. The holidays being her biggest sales time, Hufford says she begins decorating and baking right after Thanksgiving to satisfy her Christmas customers. Her baking delights are packaged in decorative containers with ribbons.
WINTER 2008
Planning a party, entertaining guests or want homemade holiday gifts? Just give Hufford a call at (863) 357-5733.
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“Whether you are interested in a new air-conditioning system, or you need service on your existing air conditioner, our comfort specialists are eagerly waiting to help you with sales, installation or service of the air conditioning system that is ideal for your home or business,” Steve Walker says, “We guarantee that our repairs are fixed right or they are free.” Emory Walker Co. offers free estimates, 100-percent financing with approved credit and is a participating independent FPL contractor. For all your home comfort needs, call Emory Walker Co. at (863)7 6 3 - 6742, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a 24-hour emergency answering service.
In addition to providing seven tanning beds, the business also has a full skate shop, with skateboards and all accessories to build custom boards.
The Stitchin’ Post has a full line of flags and flagpoles, and also carries Tervis Tumblers, which can be personalized with your business logo or Harvey and Hawk are sup- brand name. porters of many community fundraising events, The Stitchin’ Post is a providing retail merchan- UPS shipping and packdise and gift certificates to ing center. boost fundraising efforts for Okeechobee non-prof- The Stitchin’ Post was its. Determined to con- opened 25 years ago by tinue Maximum Tanning’s Marcia’s mother Carol stature as a premier tan- Hennessey when she ning salon, Hawk and her moved to Okeechobee to friendly staff offer courte- be near her parents. ous and professional service. Drop in and treat The Stitchin’ Post is a oneyourself or visit the skate stop shop for all business and individual needs. For shop. personalized service, call Open seven days a week, (863) 763-1111 or (863) their hours are 9 a.m. to 763-7398, or stop by the 10 p.m. Monday through shop Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday from 8:30 a.m. to on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 5 p.m. p.m. on Sunday.
Physicians Weight Loss Center For more than 29 years Physicians Weight Loss Centers of America has operated commercial weight loss centers nationwide, offering the highest quality standards in healthy weight loss practices requiring no prescription diet pills. Locally owned and operated by Connie Lowe and Pam Williams, the Okeechobee Physicians Weight Loss Center at 441 S. Parrott Avenue is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Lowe is a retired registered nurse with extensive experience. Dr. Trini Garcia is the center’s physician. Nikki, Tina, Ashley and Kim are all trained, certified diet counselors. The program begins with a comprehensive screening, which includes lab work, an EKG and a physical exam by Dr. Garcia. Each client’s medical history is reviewed and carefully monitored throughout the program.
Gerald Lefebvre
“Compare my experience & credentials to any other attorney’s”
Practicing Law in Okeechobee Since 1981
Practice Limited to Personal Injury Auto Accidents Defective Products Wrongful Death State and Nationally Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Certified Circuit Civil Mediator Martindale-Hubbell Highest Rating “AV” Voted “Super Lawyer” 2007 & 2008 Rated “Excellent” by AVVO.com
863-763-3333 ~
Se Habla Espanol 1910 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974 WINTER 2008
Lowe thinks the center has been successful due to the intensive one-on-one counseling and motivational support each client receives. Call 357-9967 to make an appointment for a free, no-obligation body-fat analysis.
The Law Office of
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Free Hearing Test Senior Citizens If you have trouble hearing clearly, you may be missing out on special moments and conversations with the ones you love.
Real Estate Investors Specializing in Foreclosures
Phone 863-824-004C Fax 863-357-0064 Toll Free 1-888-824-004C If you are an
Visit Beltone today and find out how you can make the most of these special times with family and friends. 10 Warning Signs of Hearing Loss 1. People seem to mumble more frequently. 2. You hear, but have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation. 3. You often ask people to repeat themselves. 4. You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult. 5. Your family complains that you play the radio or TV to loudly.
If you experience these problems repeatedly or in combination, they may indicate a hearing loss.
Investor
looking for properties at 50, 60 & 70 cents on the dollar, please call I can help.
6. You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as dripping of a faucet or the ringing of a doorbell. 7. You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker. 8. You have been told you speak too loudly. 9. You experience ringing in your ears. 10. You have difficulty understanding conversation when in a large group or crowd
Call for an Appointment
863-763-9700
3268 US Hwy 441 - Okeechobee (Inside Winn Dixie Plaza)
Satisfaction Guaranteed - All Major Credit Cards Accepted - Interest Free Financing Available Most Insurance and HMO Plans Welcomed - Special Humana Discounts Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing evaluation and proper fit. Beltone Hearing Care Centers are independently owned and operated.
Betty Vucelich Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist
Forclosure If you are in
please call I can help. I help homeowners that are facing forclosure keep their homes or buy their homes.
OKEECHOBEE'S FINEST OPEN MRI
Free
Our services are always
Ask your doctor for OPEN MRI of Okeechobee
to the homeowner.
Specialty Trained/Board certified radiologists
Call Today! I am not a Real Estate Agent, nor do I act as one.
4C Properties, LLC
WINTER 2008
Robert & Jacqueline Claxton
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Please Visit Us At:
www.ccccproperties.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
The Latest In Diagnostic Performance & Patient Comfort
863-824-6736
Quality Patient Care Pleasant Waiting Room Large, Private Dressing Room Evening and Weekend Hours Your Report in 24 Hours Most Insurance Accepted 2 Blocks North of CVS Pharmacy
115 N.E. 3rd Street - Suite A Okeechobee, Fl 34972
Big Lake
h c t a c s & n 763-EYES o a i k t s p i a r l c A s e e r e P s & d l u s o e . c s e l r l s a a a l C e W ith Sung ake Eye L w g r i e B t bet from
tels r a B arles askey h C . r s, D , Doug L s a B , Joel ike Boling n o s r Ande Davis, M l l i B vis, Dr. Roger a D d r. Ro aldron, D ) r (l orace W 606 N.Parrott Avenue H WINTER 2008
Okeechobee, FL 34972
www.biglakeeyecare.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE 
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Community Event
BY DEBRA WOLFE
Big Brothers Big Sisters Fun Shoot Big Brothers Big Sisters held a fun shoot to benefit their organization on Saturday Nov. 1 at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee. The event raised $4,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs.
Pictured above (l-r) Board members Bennett Yeilding, Gay Carlton, Kristy Crawford, Nick Blunt, Judy Hamner, Jenny Pung, Paul Hiott, Bill Parrish, Sharon Vincent and Debbie Gillette.
Pictured above (l-r) Jenny Pung and Kristy Crawford with Ryan Hawley, who won $515 in the Green Bird competition.
1. (l-r) Steven Swann, Koufax and Jennifer Williamson helped organize the event. 2. Melodee Daniello and Jay Sizemore serving the food. 3. (l-r) Jenny Pung, Cliff O’Donnell, who made the high score with 98 out of 100, and Kristi Crawford. 4. The crowd of participants gather under the pavillion at Quail Creek Plantation.
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Above: First Bank and Trust of Indiantown’s team of four (l-r) Brian Powers, Chip Allen, John Long and JD St. Clergy, took home the first-place trophy.
Shop Early for Christmas!
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Making a difference, one smile at a time. Creating beautiful smiles in Okeechobee and Vero Beach for over 24 years! 113 N.E. 19th Drive - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
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wemmerorthodontics.com
Vero Beach 772-562-5876
Sebastian 772-589-5959
Dr. David Wemmer Dr. Jennifer W. Schoenfeld
We Buy Scrap Gold
“Where quality counts” Mitchell Kerr
863-467-6665 Cell 863-801-9825 Licensed & Insured
John & Linda
Woloski
863-634-7267 863-532-0790
Becky Barber 863-697-9786
1023 Elm Street - Okeechobee, Florida 34974
JULIE TURNER LICENSE BROKER
Nobody knows Country like we do! Affordable - Gated Community Commercial - Land
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
www.myspace.com/alittlepain4u
United Country MidFlorida Realty 210 NW Park St. - Suite 202 Okeechobee, FL 34972
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Community Event
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDRA PEARCE
Boots & Pearls Gala
Hospice of Okeechobee
Hospice of Okeechobee held their annual Boots & Pearls Gala – “Gone Wild” – on October 10 at the KOA Convention Center. The gala was well attended and proceeds from the gala will stay in Okeechobee for patient care.
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3 1. (l-r) Brad and Sam Phares, Amy and Judd Shirley, and County Commisioner Margaret Helton. 2. Heather and Eric Pope (center) with the UPS Store crew. 3. (l-r) Brad Phares with the buyers of his painting, Anita and David Nunez. 4. (l-r) Paige Sherman, Amy Neil, Lynda Durrance. 5. Earl and Phoebe Raulerson. 6. Mark and Christa Luna. 7. Sandra Pearce McAuley (r) with buyer of her painting, Spencer Kirton.
4072 Highway 441 N
WINTER 2008
863-763-2636 76
The Most Trusted Name In Water Since 1985 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Best Rates In Town Guaranteed Waterfront Pool & Decks! Boat Ramp (863) 763-8003 Fishing Piers (800) 874-3744 Pet Friendly
PIER HOUSE LOUNGE ON THE WATER!
Join us for Fun and Entertainment in the Lounge! 5
Thursday
Happy Hour
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Ladies Nite - FREE Drinks for Ladies From 9 pm - Midnight
$1.00 Drafts - $2.00 Wells Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 4pm - Late Saturday - Sunday 1pm - Late
2200 US HIGHWAY 441 SE OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
Friday, Saturday & Sunday Drink Specials! Live Bands & Live Entertainment
Under New Ownership!
www.pier2resort.com
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WINTER 2008
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Introducing...
Single Stream Recycling Brought To You By: WASTE MANAGEMENT No
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WINTER 2008
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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118 SE Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE 
WINTER 2008
Self Storage
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BY CAPTAIN MICHAEL SHELLEN
W
elcome back to Okeechobee, all of our winter friends. The biggest and most important change that has taken place in your absence is the fact that our beautiful lake is once again navigable and fishable. Thanks to Tropical Storm Fay the Okeechobee area received huge amounts of rain. Reports varied from 15 to 18 inches, locally. Lake Okeechobee responded by rising six feet in a very short time. The lake would have risen even more, but water was released toward both coasts to stabilize the lake level around the 15-foot level. Bass dispersed into the newly flooded areas as the lake rose. With thousands of acres of grassy marshland to feed
and hide in, the fish have a tremendous advantage. Several tournaments have been held since the lake has risen, and it has taken a four-pound average to win most events. The largest problem bass anglers will have this winter is finding and staying on the fish. The bass have been moving constantly — a situation bass anglers will find challenging. We are approaching the time of year when the huge spawning females will be moving into the shallow water to spawn. If you are one of the lucky anglers to catch an Okeechobee trophy-sized bass, please treat her with respect by handling her gently, snapping a few good pictures and then releasing her to continue spawning. These big female bass are the future of our great fishery.
We Create Some Of The Best Selling Custom T-Shirts Designs Around.
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863-763-0902
2344 Highway 70 West Okeechobee, Florida 34974
WINTER 2008
Owned and Operated By Scott & Michelle Dawson
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www.EastCoastScreenPrinting.net OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
For you anglers who are strictly speck fishermen, there are grass lines galore to explore. When the specks start moving shallow to spawn, the grassy edges will be the place to catch good numbers on a jig. The Kissimmee River has already yielded limits to those anglers who are putting in a lot of hours on the water, watching a bobber with a minnow dangling below. There is still a good bite in the canal near J&S Fish Camp for bluegill. There are still a lot of chunky fish hanging close to the shoreline. Crickets have been the go-to bait so far but this is subject to change at the drop of a hat. With the water three to four feet deep in the grassy areas, there should be a big movement by shellcracker toward the shallows to spawn starting as early as March. Have a great season and be safe on the water! O
Captain Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service
(863) 357- 0892
www.OkeechobeeBassFishing.com
DRAFTHOUSE
Bar & Grill
Full Menu Bestest Burgers Koldest Beer Full Bar Appetizers - Sandwiches Salads - Seafood - Wings Quesadillas - Dinner - Kids Menu
Also for fun!
Pool Tables - Darts - Juke Box Entertainment - Special Events
Take-Out Available
863-357-6101 702 N.W. Park Street Okeechobee AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
A unique and collaborative approach to Financial planning.
cleartitle & Legal Services, Inc.
Professional & Quailty Legal Document Preparation Real Estate Closings Title Insurance For Sale By Owner Transactions Divorce Custody/Support Modifications Adoptions Name Changes Quiet Title Proceedings Evictions Quit Claim Deed Corporations Wills Immigration Power of Attorney Contracts If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. Provide us with your prior policy and receive a reissue credit. Member of Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc.
phone 863 824 6776 titleandlegalservices@yahoo.com
Se Habla Español
White House Plaza
1138 South Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, Florida
Morgan’s Furniture Furniture For Your Entire Home
“Your Comfort Is Our Business.”
Howard Miller
David Fritts, CFP®, CLU®, CRPC® 8300 Dunwoody Pl Ste 240 Atlanta, GA 30350 770-641-0980 george.d.fritts@ampf.com
Yankee Candles
YANKEE CANDLE® a passion for fragrance
Gifts & Accessories Family Owned & Operated Since 1983
863.467.2072 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WINTER 2008
707 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974
Grandfather Clocks
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Girls Volleyball Has Great Season BY CHARLES M. MURPHY
T
he Okeechobee High School girls volleyball team reached the Region 4-4A semifinals this year before they were eliminated by Jensen Beach, the defending state champions.
Florida Gator alumnus Jacque Robinson took over the program last year and worked hard to get the program back to the playoffs. “I had a fabulous team,” she said. “Not only do they work hard, they listen and they are great students. We had so much fun together.” Only two seniors will graduate this year. Kari Berger was the team setter and led the squad in assists. She called reaching the post-season tournament a dream come true. Berger said she would like to play college volleyball at Florida Golf Coast University. “I’ve enjoyed my career here,” she said. “It was really important to go to the regional. We came close to beating Jensen.”
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The other senior, Courtney Marker, had a solid year and was a huge presence at the net for Okeechobee. She said the post-season was really important for the team. “We weren’t that far behind Jensen,” she said. Younger players such as LeAnna Cotton praised Robinson for teaching them tips that improved their games this year. Cotton said she really worked to improve her serves and that Robinson was really important to her improvement. Other top players included Monica Koger, a three-sport start in track and girls basketball, and Megan Clements, who also stars in softball and soccer. “I’m very excited about what we did,” Clements said. “I knew we could get far and we proved it.” Robinson also thanked Okeechobee High School Principal Toni Wiersma for her huge support this year. O
Okeechobee
Golf & Country Club Okeechobee's only Championship Course 18 Holes - Par 72 Located Directly Across The Street From Lake Okeechobee
We invite you to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of a true country club!
Full Kitchens 26" Flat Screen TV's Complimentary Continental Breakfast Free High Speed Wireless Internet Access Pet Friendly Rooms Free Boat Plug-ins American Owned & Operated
863-824-3431 1527 SE Highway 441 Okeechobee, FL 34974 ________________________________________________
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Pro Shop - Golf Lessons Ginn Handicap System Locker Rooms - Swimming Pool Restaurant and Lounge
Seasonal Thanks!
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863-763-6228 405 NE 131st Lane (From St. Road 70, take 441 North 9 miles)
WINTER 2008
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Around Okeechobee
2008 O.C.R.A. Cheerleading
Okeechobee County Recreation Association football cheerleading season ran from September through November. Pictured above: (l-r) Savannah Hunter, Allison Chandler, Amy Smith, Teresa Chandler, Tona Hunter and Chrissy Hunter.
March of Dimes March for Babies Kick-off
(l-r) John and Karen Cassels will serve as honorary co-chairs for 2009 March for Babies which will be held on March 7, 2009.
Okeechobee Main Street Fall Mixers
The following Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top left) Seacoast National Bank, (top right) Pritchard’s and Associates, (bottom left) Annie’s Consignment and Mike’s Okeechobee Guns, (bottom right) Sybles Flowers and Gifts.
WINTER 2008
15th Annual Farm-City Week Luncheon
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Alto “Bud” Adams of Adams Ranch spoke on November 20 at the event, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis and Ag Council. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
The Fabulous Fifties Reunion 1950-1959
(l-r) Betty Williamson, Emory Walker, Anna Jane Evans O’Steen and Charles Breland.
Around Okeechobee Kickoff Reception for the Battle of Okeechobee Reenactment on Aug. 21
Back Row (l-r) Dowling Watford, Willie Johns (Seminole Tribe Brighton Community Outreach Specialist), Nicholas Flood. Front Row (l-r) Ashley Gopher & Lewis Gopher. Background is the 26-star flag of 1837.
American Cancer Society is Back in the Saddle with Cattle Barons’ Ball
Billy Dean and Keith Stripling are leading the roundup as 2009 chair & co-chair. 2009 Cattle Barons’ Ball committee: (l-r) Amy Smith, Frank & Debbie Riddle, Mr. & Mrs. Sonny Williamson, Teresa Chandler, Billy Dean, Keith Stripling, Bob Thompson and Cindi Domer (not pictured).
Sandra Pearce McAuley was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Professional Photographers at the State convention August.
2008 Labor Day Rodeo, Wild Horse Race
First Place Winners: (l-r) Joel Rodriguez, rider; Bebo Rodriguez, anchor; and Tommy Carter, mugger.
5th Street Pharmacy Celebrated New Name
Above: To celebrate the new name, the pharmacy held daily drawings. Lynn Shain (r) won the grand prize, a 32” flat-screen TV. Presenting the prize: (l-r) Tom Benhow and Blair Kuhlewind.
Harvest Festival at Freedom Ranch Pictured left: Kellie Sims (r) prepares a group of kids for piñata at the Harvest Festival held at Freedom Ranch on October 31st.
Locals Take Tour of YMCAs in Indiantown and Stuart.
WINTER FALL 2008
Pictured Left: Back Row (l-r) Brandon Tucker, Ted Kelchner, YMCA President John Lass, Melissa Arnold, Sam Smith, Front Row (l-r) Teresa Chandler, Allison Chandler, Cindi Fairtrace, Cathleen Blair, Mary Hurley, and YReads Director Kathleen Snore. The tour of the YMCAs was taken to get an idea of how Ys work and how Okeechobee will benefit from a Y. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Okeechobee List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store .................................................. 75 4C Properties .................................................. 72 5th Street Pharmacy ..................................... 5 Aaron’s Sales & Lease ....................................65 Advantage Care ............................................ 47 Alarm Company ............................................. 37 Ameriprise Financial ..................................... 81 Audibel ............................................................ 41 Badcock Furniture .......................................... 52 Beltone ............................................................ 72 Berger Real Estate .......................................... 15 Bevis Construction Company ........................64 Big Lake Eye Care .. ............................. 3, 61 & 73 Big Lake Hospice ....................................... 37 Big Lake Roofing .......................................... 29 Brahma Bull Restaurant .............................. 58 Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design ................. 55 Charlie’s Landscaping .................................... 43 Chiropractic Group ......................................... 68 Chloe’s Closet and Coast 2 Coast Design ................................. 22 Claudia’s Cookies .......................................... 65 Clear Title & Legal Services ............................. 81 Clock Family Restaurants ............................... 54 CoCo Sod Farm .............................................. 71 Costopoulos & Helton, P.A. .............................. 9 Cracker Cowboy Experience.......................... 66 Custom Window Treatments & Blinds ........... 28 East Coast Screen Printing ............................... 80 Emory Walker Company ............................... 42 Faith Neilson .................................................. 18 Ferrell Gas .................................................... 54 First Bank & Trust of Indiantown .............. 4
Foot Doctors .................................................. 68 Gilbert Chevrolet ............................................ 7 Gilbert Oil .......................................................... 62 Gilbert Snapper & Golf Cars ............................ 40 Glades Gas ................................................... 66 Golden Corral ............................................... 37 Green Day Oncology ....................................... 18 Heller, Leland M. MD ................................ 32, 33 Highland Pest Control .................................... 79 Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd ........................... 16 ICS Computers ............................................... 28 Jeffrey Fadley, P.A. ....................................... 50 K & N Welding ............................................... 77 Kahootz Draft House .................................... 81 K Builders ....................................................... 69 Kerr’s Bobcar Service ................................... 75 Lake View Builders ...........................................54 Landing Strip Restaurant ................................ 66 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ....................... 71 Law Offices of Philip DeBerard ....................... 87 Lehman Auto Body ......................................... 66 Leslie’s Dance Studio .................................... 63 LiAnn Whipple, LMT........................................40 Liberty Fence Company.....................................42 Linda ‘s Styles & Trends ................................. 57 Main Street Salon ........................................... 63 March of Dimes .............................................. 57 Maximum Tanning ......................................... 63 MidFlorida Hardware ..................................... 65 MLE Transcription & Billing ............................ 51 Morgan’s Furniture .......................................... 81
Mossel Construction ..................................... 6
Syble’s Flowers & Gifts .................................... 51
Okeechobee Golf & Country Club .............. 83 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps ............. 86 Okeechobee Main Street ......................... 31, 63 Open MRI of Okeechobee ............................. 72
Tattoos with Style .......................................... 75 The Canvas Shop .......................................... 58 The Tucker Group ........................................... 36 Travelodge................................................... 83 Treasure Coast Dermatology .......................... 35 Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ....................................... 29
Pet Paradise ................................................... 63 Physicians Weight Loss Centers ..................... 52 Pier 2 Resort .................................................. 77 Plaster Play Time .......................................... 58 Platinum Performance Builders ....................... 43 Platinum Performance Realty ......................... 27 PNP, Inc. ......................................................... 68 Porter’s Dry Cleaning ....................................... 69 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant ............................. 50 Quail Creek Plantation .................................... 11 Rafael Pacheco-Creations in Fotografia ......... 55 Raulerson’sAbsolutelyArt ............................. 37, 52 Raulerson Hospital ......................................... 2 Raulerson Hospital ........................................ 44, 45 Raulerson Hospital .............................Back Cover Razz-Ma-Tazz and All Over Bail Bonds ..................................... 67 Renaissance Health Systems ........................82 Riverside Bank .............................................. 17 Sandra Pearce Photography ......................... 75 Seacoast National Bank ............................... 23 Silver Palms RV Resort ................................. 59 Soaps ‘n Scents ............................................ 79 Stafford’s Salon ................................................ 69 St. Lucie Battery Tires ................................... 58 Stitchin Post .................................................... 79 Stuart RV Sales ............................................... 65 Suncoast Medical Supply ............................ 68 Superior Water Works ..................................... 51
United Country MidFlorida Realty ................. 75 Warehouse Rentals ...................................... 79 Waste Management ......................................... 78 Wells Fargo ..................................................... 16 Wemmer Family Orthodontics........................ 75 Western Living Decor .................................... 65 WOKC 1570 AM .......................................... 83 Wolfgang Jewelers .......................................... 69 Women’s Health Specialists .......................... 19
Frank the cat works daily in the graphic arts department to assure quality of the magazine.
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RAULERSON
OSPITAL
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We Care Celebrating 29Years of service to Okeechobee! (863) 763-2151 Raulerson Hospital Okeechobee, Florida
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