FALL 2013
Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee
Okeechobee Cattlemen Carrying On A Proud Tradition
Plus Domer’s Inc.
Okeechobee’s Oldest Business
Joe Dorsey
Former Actor Now Calls Okeechobee Home
Looking Back
Pioneer Churches of Okeechobee
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Publisher’s Note volume
7, number 3 | Fall 2013
publisher/managing editor
Maureen Budjinski creative director
Bridgette Waldau copy editor
Welcome to the fall issue of Okeechobee The Magazine. It’s hard to believe that summer is over and the fall season has begun. We have some wonderful Okeechobee events to show off in this issue, including the Okeechobee FOP Fourth of July festival and fireworks display, Okeechobee Idol, National Day of the American Cowboy and many more. Speaking of National Day of the American Cowboy, this issue’s cover story features the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and the importance of the cattle industry to Okeechobee and the state of Florida. History abounds in this issue as we learn about the Domer family business (Okeechobee’s oldest business), and Okeechobee Historical Society President Betty Williamson writes about our many historic churches in this month’s Looking Back feature. Also, read about the interesting life of retired Hollywood actor Joe Dorsey. Our Behind the Business profiles showcase two unique local businesses: the The Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre and USA Mobile Drug Testing. I am still working remotely as my son, Jason, is recovering from his first surgery. I continue to appreciate all the love and support I am still receiving from our wonderful community, and I thank you all. I want to give a big shout-out to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Susan Giddings. Susan has stepped in to help me with Okeechobee The Magazine, and she has done a fantastic job. I thank Susan from the bottom of my heart. With her help, I’m sure you will enjoy this issue of Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.
Anne Checkosky office assistants
Patti Berglund Rose Brennan bookkeeping
Carol Lieberman account executive
Trish Grygo photographers
Sharon Cannon Sandra Pearce writers
Raye Deusinger Angie Francalancia Renée Mims contributors
Maureen Burroughs Charles Murphy Michael Shellen Betty Williamson distribution
Jackie Martin Ryan Martin Vicky Shanklin Okeechobee The Magazine
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Maureen Budjinski president
Joshua I. Manning vice president
Barry S. Manning chairman & ceo Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2013, 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 the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
8 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 9
Contents
Fall 2013
features
20 Okeechobee Cattlemen Carrying On A Proud Tradition By Renée Mims
56 Domer’s Inc.
56
Okeechobee’s Oldest Business By Raye Deusinger
66 Joe Dorsey
Former Actor Now Calls Okeechobee Home By Raye Deusinger
departments
30 Looking Back By Betty Williamson
66
Behind the Business 48 USA Mobile Drug Testing 50 The Law Office of Gerald LeFebvre
columns
74 Fishing on Lake Okeechobee By Capt. Michael Shellen
78 Brandon Ball By Charles Murphy
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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12 Chobee Idol 14 Huey Helicopter Dedication 15 Independence Day Celebration 18 National Day of the American Cowboy 36 Native American Youth Baseball Tournaments 38 Charles Composites Honored by Governor 44 Florida Airboat Unity Weekend 53 WOKC Texaco Country Showdown
80 Around Okeechobee 82 Advertiser Index
14 10 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
FALL 2013
Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee
THE MAGAZINE
Okeechobee Cattlemens Carrying On A Proud Tradition
Plus Domer’s Inc.
Okeechobee’s Oldest Business
Joe Dorsey
Former Actor Now Calls Okeechobee Home
Looking Back
Pioneer Churches of Okeechobee
ON THE COVER Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Assoc. Executive Board of Directors Story on page 20 Photo by Sandra Pearce
Upcoming Shoots Sept. 7- Visiting Nurse Association Fundraiser Shoot Sept. 14- NSCA Shoot Oct. 1- Quail Season opens Oct. 6- NSCA Shoot Oct. 18- South Florida Boy Scouts Shoot Oct. 25- Central FL Boy Scout Shoot Oct. 26- John Carroll High School Shoot Nov. 3- NSCA Shoot Nov. 9- AGC Fun Shoot Nov. 15- Westminster Academy Shoot
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Fall 2013 | 11
Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
Second Annual
Chobee Idol The Okeechobee Substance Abuse Coalition presented the second annual Chobee Idol on June 29. The event took place at the Okeechobee KOA, with 12 finalists competing for the $500 cash prize. The event was a huge success with a soldout crowd.
(Above) Hannah Whiting and Frank Whiting present the grand prize to Sara Douglas, the Idol winner. (Left, L-R) Judges Rhonda KIaplan, Dorothy Yanes Horstman, Monique McCall and County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper.
(Above) Winner Sara Douglas. (Left) Contestants line up moments before the winner is announced. (Below) Hostess Hannah Whiting and Director of the OSAC & NOPE Task Force, Frank Whiting.
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Fall 2013 | 13
Community Event
Photos By Raye Deusinger
Huey Helicopter Dedicated
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A very patriotic Fourth of July got underway with the dedication of a Huey UH-1H Model 205 helicopter, which will be proudly displayed in Veterans Park. Through the dedicated efforts of County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper and Senior Detective Marty Faulkner, along with numerous special committee members, the Huey was procured. A huge crowd listened to speeches, prayers and thanks. A motorcycle contingent composed of veterans of several wars escorted the Huey to the park and later to an “old-fashioned Fourth” at Okee Tantie Park. (Above) A Huey helicopter flies over the event. Below (L-R): American Legion Commander Larry Richardson and past American Legion Commander Dan Fennel.
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Above (L-R): Councilman Mike O’Connor, Sheriff Paul May, Judge Jerry Bryant, Commissioner Frank Irby, American Legion Commander Larry Richardson, past American Legion Commander Dan Fennel, Detective Marty Faulkner, Councilman Dowling Watford, City Public Works Director Dave Allen and Commissioner Bryant Culpepper.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
1. County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper leads the dedication ceremony. 2. Senior Detective Marty Faulkner speaks about the Huey. 3. Chris Noel remembers the Huey from entertaining the troops in Vietnam. 4. County Commissioner Frank Irby recites the Declaration of Independence. 5. W. Dillehay and his dog Huey. 6. (L-R) Frank DeCarlo, Detective Marty Faulkner and Commissioner Bryant Culpepper. 7. Motorcycle veterans comprised the honor guard that escorted the Huey Helicopter.
Photos By Sharon Cannon
2013 Independence Day Celebration Okeechobee enjoyed its best Fourth of July festival in many years, as the Okeechobee Fraternal Order of Police hosted a celebration at Okee Tantie Park. Presenting sponsors were the Florida Public Utilities Company and Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee. Thousands turned out for a fun-filled day that included games for kids, a watermelon-eating contest, ice cream and hotdogs, a blue-ribbon baking contest, a frozen T-shirt contest, a salute to veterans and more. The day of family fun concluded with a spectacular Zambelli fireworks display. Supporting sponsors were: Dairy Queen of Okeechobee, WOKC 100.9 FM, American Drilling Services, Tobacco Free Partnership of Okeechobee, 1 Stop Party Shop and J.D. Mixon of UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Boaters enjoy the fireworks.
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1. (L-R) The Dairy Queen mascot, Grand Marshal Kaden Reno, Frank DeCarlo and J.D. Mixon. 2. Sheriff Posse members Matt Dorriety on Dude and Brad Phares on Moochie. 3. Officer Carlton Elliot and Jake from the Okeechobee Correctional Institution. 4. Rebecca Rhoden was declared the icecream-eating contest winner. 5. Watermelon-eating contest winner Angelica Lainez. 6. Frank DeCarlo takes aim shooting T-shirts to the crowd. 7. Emily Shorter enjoys the celebration. 8. Kids enjoy the frozen T-Shirt contest.
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Fall 2013 | 15
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Fall 2013 | 17
Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
National Day of the American Cowboy The National Day of the American Cowboy, presented by Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and Okeechobee Main Street, was held Saturday, July 27 in Okeechobee. The festivities began with a cattle drive through downtown Okeechobee, ending at the Agri-Civic Center. There were western exhibits, crafters, food vendors and barbeque for all to enjoy. In addition, two Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeos were held, with approximately 20 teams competing.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
1. Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Kelly Steinruck, Miss Teen Rodeo Florida Sierra Coward and LaRanda Southerland. 2. Sherri Howard enjoys the rodeo with granddaughters, Makayla Pena and Kinsley Pena, daughter Jessica Douglas and grandbaby Lacey Bryner. 3. The Overland Stage Line stage coach is always a crowd favorite. 4. Okeechobee Main Street volunteers (front row, L-R) Rock Turgeon, Yvonne Morgan and Autumn DeCarlo; (middle row) Mark Bragel, Angie Griffin, Frank DeCarlo, Pam Peppers, Dale Nowlin and J.D. Mixon; (back row) Heath Everhart, Thomas Barber and Ted Denisuk. 5. Dalton Gay likes the balloon animals Maria Carrillo and Miriam Rodriguez were selling. 6. The cattle drive through downtown Okeechobee.
(Above) Logan Perry did an excellent job roping. (Below) The chute opens for the next bronc ride.
(Top) Josh Mercer patiently waits his turn. (Above) The Ranch Rodeo opening ceremony.
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Fall 2013 | 19
okeechobee Cattlemen
Carrying On A Proud Tradition By Renée Mims O Photos by Sandra Pearce
B
eef. It’s not only what’s for dinner, it’s the lifeblood of Okeechobee County. In fact, the county ranks second in the state in beef production. Members of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association take beef seriously. They are devoted to beef production and the future of the cattle industry. The group includes men and women, cattle owners and non-cattle owners. “Even the mascot of Okeechobee High School is a Brahman bull,” joked Todd Clemons, president of the Cattlemen’s Association. The beef cattle industry has always had a huge influence on the economy and development of Okeechobee. Initially organized in the late 1930s, the group was formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 1972. Its mission is to disseminate information as it becomes available from the cattle industry, to
protect and preserve the industry, promote it for future generations and promote cattle shows and rodeo. The original articles of incorporation were signed by some very well-known members of the community, including J.C. Bass, Forest Pearce, Pete Clemons, O.L. Daniel, Robert Arnold, Elwyn Bass, W.B. Carlton, Clyde Durrance, L.E. Larson, John A. Louthan, Gerald Matthews, Ephraim Norman, George Norman, J.O. Pearce Jr., Earl Raulerson, Curtis Waldron, Jack Williamson and Howard Wise. Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association members also belong to the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Okeechobee County has always been well represented in leadership positions in the state organization. Past presidents of the FCA from Okeechobee include J.O. Pearce Jr., J.O. Pearce III, Jim Alderman and Mike Milicevic. In 2012, Woody Larson of Okeechobee became president and during the annual Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention at Marco Island in July, Larson handed over the reigns to Wes Williamson of Okeechobee. Matt Pearce is a state director representing Okeechobee County. As president, Williamson travels throughout the state meeting with Florida beef cattle ranchers, emphasizing the importance of telling the story of the beef industry to Floridians. “Most Floridians do not know that the first cattle and horses brought to North America, landed near Tampa nearly
“The cattle industry is the heart and soul of Okeechobee County.” Todd Clemons, president of the Cattlemen’s Association
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Fall 2013 | 21
500 years ago brought in by Ponce de Leon in 1521. They do not know that Florida has three of the top five and eight of the top 25 largest cattle operations in the U.S.,” Williamson said. “In other words, one-third of the largest cow calf operations in the U.S. are here in Florida. They need to know that Florida ranks 12th in the nation in the total number of beef cows with over 900,000 head of mama cows and that we have 1.3 million total cattle and calves, and that cattle operations encompass 5 million acres of Florida.” One fun but serious day at Florida’s capitol in Tallahassee is Beef Day, Williamson said. Cattlemen representing the state converge on the hill annually to discuss issues related to the industry with members of Florida’s Senate and House. The cattlemen, who don attention-grabbing cowboy hats and boots, visit the of-
fices of state senators and representatives, discuss current bills that are under consideration and attempt to persuade members to vote in the best interests of the cattle industry. Okeechobee cattlewomen are also well represented at the state level. In December, President-Elect Denise Bass Colgan of Okeechobee will be inducted into office. That means the president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the president of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association are both from Okeechobee County at the same time. This happened once before, when Melissa Montes DeOca was president of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association during the first half of Larson’s term as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. “I’m looking forward to representing the Florida Cattlewomen as
their president,” Bass Colgan said. “I will work hard to promote the importance of beef production in Florida and the rich legacy that our ranching families have worked hard to create and maintain throughout the state.” The cattlemen also support youth in the community. Cattlemen and cattlewomen work together to raise money for college scholarships presented to graduating seniors from Okeechobee High School. One such event is a cake auction held during membership dinner meetings. The fancy homemade gourmet delicacies have been known to auction for more than $700. Now that’s a valuable piece of cake. During rodeo events, the cattlemen help the Okeechobee County 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) clubs by allowing them
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
4-H Summer Camp visited Okeechobee Landfill for a tour of the compost site, landfill operations, recycling and wildlife habitat. Tours were lead by Organics Manager Karen Hawkins and Community Relations Teresa Chandler. The 26 students received prizes and enjoyed lunch in the boardroom.
Okeechobee Girls Academy visits Landfill The Home Builders Institute (HBI) students at Okeechobee Girls Academy visited the Okeechobee Landfill and received a guided tour conducted by Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop and Organics Manager Karen Hawkins. The girls learned about the daily landfill operations, process of the organics facility and wildlife program.
Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association board. Front row (L-R) Matt Clemons, Fritz Brewer (vice president), Nicki Smith, Audra Corson (secretary), Denise Coleman and Todd Clemons (president); middle: Seth Louthan, Susan Clemons, Allen Smith, John Williams (treasurer) and Mack “Hoot” Worley; back: John Williamson, Wayne Prevatt, Jacob Larson and Billy Marcum. Back row: Robert Claxton and Matt Pearce (State director). Not pictured: Bob Riedel, Bobby Fulford, Brad Phares, Chuck Syfrett, Nano Corona, Rafe Durrance, Roland Durrance, Tina Clemons, Woody Larson and Joanne Bass.
to organize and run the concession stan ds . Th e yout h or ga niza tions then use the money raised to participate in local and state events and competitions. Promoting rodeo is also a high priority for the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association. Rodeo is considered a dangerous sport. They show the pure power of the animals that the cowboys and cowgirls work with every day. “The Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association, representing the economically important cattle industry of Okeechobee, takes pleasure in showcasing cattlemen and cattlewomen, several times a year in the rodeos we provide for Okeechobee,” Williamson said. The spring rodeo, held in March, is a sanctioned event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Cowboys and cowgirls compete to
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Okeechobee Cattlemen participate in the cattle drive during the annual National Day of the American Cowboy.
earn points to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas held each December. A professional rodeo is also held in Arcadia in the spring, so contestants can travel to Florida to compete in more than one rodeo to earn points toward qualification for the NFR.
The legacy rodeos held in Okeechobee include competitions in bull riding, calf roping, bareback bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding for the cowboys. Women compete in barrel racing. Kids can also get involved by competing in mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble.
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Okeechobee County
The Labor Day Rodeo held on Sept. 2 marked the 62nd annual Labor Day Rodeo sponsored by the cattlemen’s association. It included the finals of a ranch rodeo series that was held in conjunction with the Seminole Tribe of Florida at the Brighton Arena in August. And it marked the return of the Labor Day Rodeo to the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena. Ranch rodeos have become extremely popular with both competitors and spectators. Teams of five older than 18 compete and at least one member must be a woman. The teams are sponsored by businesses and are usually dressed in matching shirts printed with the businesses they represent. Events at the Okeechobee Ranch Rodeo held during the Labor Day Rodeo included ranch bronc riding, team branding, team tying, team sorting and steer decoration. On the fourth Saturday of July, the community celebrated the seventh annual National Day of the American Cowboy with a rodeo. It was a qualifying event for the state finals that will be held in Kissimmee during the Florida Ranch Rodeo and C ow b oy He r i tag e Fe s t i va l fro m
Sept. 27-28. The national event encourages everyone to celebrate cowboys and cowgirls for their enduring contributions to the courageous, pioneering spirit of America. In 2005, President George W. Bush issued a statement of support, proclaiming, “We celebrate the cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.” Okeechobee also held a cattle drive through the center of Okeechobee City to mark the event. Riders from the community helped drive the cattle and stagecoaches sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida were part of the drive.
“The Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association takes pleasure in showcasing cattlemen and cattlewomen, several times a year in the rodeos we provide for Okeechobee.”
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- Wes Williamson Today’s association is very busy with its Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena restoration project. Built in the early 1950s, the arena has felt the pain of the harsh Florida environment over the years. Six years ago, the group contracted with the county for a five-year agreement to hold its rodeos at the new Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. But in order to return rodeos to the arena, the facility required restoration. A fundraiser kicked off and a goal was set based on estimates to repair and update the facility. A sign in the center of Okeechobee displays www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 25
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
the progress being made in funding the restoration. As an incentive to raise the required funds and help meet their goals, Eli’s Western Wear, Gilbert Chevrolet and Okeechobee Livestock Market agreed that if the association can raise $50,000 they will collectively donate an additional $50,000. Community support of the effort has included in-kind donations by some members of the community who have volunteered their services including welders, plumbers and laborers. “The cattle industry is the heart and soul of Okeechobee County. Our Cattlemen’s Arena is the ‘poster child’ that shares our history and heritage with others. We need to do everything possible to make sure that never changes,” Clemons said. The association’s plan is to restore the arena in phases. Structural re-
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pairs to the bleachers, including reboarding and adding safety features, were completed during the initial phase. The concession stands were restored, new cattle pens were built and oak trees were planted near the highway. Future phases are under discussion. One idea includes bringing a Florida Cracker house to the property and creating a heritage park to honor and preserve the history of the local cattle industry. Ultimately, the cattlemen’s association hopes the facility will be used by other community organizations. Such family events held at the arena would serve to generate income for the arena, as well as the entire community. Members of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association are engaged in their community and Florida’s beef industry. They are working hard to promote the beef cattle industry, steward the land they love and protect the heritage and legacy of past generations. O
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that it has acquired the propane operating assets of
FPU has been providing energy to homes and businesses throughout Florida since 1924. In 2009, Chesapeake Utilities acquired FPU; Chesapeake already operated in Florida as Central Florida Gas. This acquisition expanded Chesapeake’s energy presence throughout the state while providing FPU the opportunity to grow and expand its services. The two Companies share a combined rich history spanning more than 200 years and are committed to distributing safe, reliable, fairly priced energy.
Glades Gas Company, and is now serving Glades, Okeechobee and Hendry counties. FPU has also been granted a thirty-year non-exclusive franchise agreement with the City of Okeechobee allowing us to bring natural gas to the area! In addition to providing energy service to customers, we also look forward to developing a strong relationship with the community. FPU and its employees take pride in maintaining strong ties with residents, as can be reflected in our long history of supporting local commerce and charitable organizations. As part of our commitment to the Okeechobee area, we plan on working hard to become a valued community partner and a trusted community leader.
We’re excited to be in the Okeechobee area and look forward to the many possibilities ahead. —fpu president Jeff Householder
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Jeff Householder fpu president
kevin weber fpu vice president
ESCAMBIA SANTAROSA
JACKSON
HOLMES
OKALOOSA WALTON
Marianna WASHINGTON
LEON
CALHOUN
BAY
LIBERTY
AMELIA ISLAND
HAMILTON JEFFERSON
MADISON SUWANNEE
WAKULLA
FRANKLIN
UNION LAFAYETTE
Scope of ServiceS
DUVAL
BAKER COLUMBIA
TAYLOR GULF
FERNANDINA BEACH
NASSAU
GADSDEN
CLAY ST JOHNS
BRADFORD GILCHRIST
ALACHUA
growing Service territorieS
PUTNAM
DIXIE
FPU currently provides natural gas, electricity and propane gas service to growing Newberry residential, commercial and industrial markets throughout Florida. As part of LEVYour MARION Company’s commitment to provide customers with the tools they need to save energy Inglis and money in their homes and businesses, we offer a wide range of valuable resources, CITRUS including cash rebates and energy-saving services.
FLAGLER
ESCAMBIA SANTAROSA
JACKSON
HOLMES
OKALOOSA WALTON
Marianna WASHINGTON
LEON
LIBERTY
VOLUSIA GULF
AMELIA ISLAND
HAMILTON JEFFERSON
MADISON DUVAL
BAKER
SUWANNEE
WAKULLA
COLUMBIA
TAYLOR
UNION LAFAYETTE
FRANKLIN
CLAY ST JOHNS
BRADFORD GILCHRIST
ALACHUA
DIXIE
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BAY
PUTNAM
Newberry
FLAGLER LEVY MARION VOLUSIA
SEMINOLE
SUMTER
Inglis DeBary
LAKE
CITRUS
SEMINOLE
SUMTER HERNANDO
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propane Service
Electric
Electric
ORANGE
SARASOTA
OSCEOLA
Winter Haven
BREVARD POLK INDIAN RIVER
Natural Gas & Electric
MANATEE
HARDEE
OKEECHOBEE ST LUCIE
HIGHLANDS
Natural Gas & Propane
Winter Haven
SARASOTA
OSCEOLA
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DESOTO MARTIN CHARLOTTE
GLADES
West Palm Beach HENDRY
BREVARD
LEE
POLK
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BROWARD COLLIER
INDIAN RIVER
MIAMI-DADE MONROE
HARDEE
ESCAMBIA SANTAROSA
Natural Gas & Propane
HILLSBOROUGH PINELLAS
Natural Gas
At FPU, our goal is to deliver the highest possible level of service. We strive to offer Propane HILLSBOROUGH multiple payment and delivery options at competitive pricing, together with our industry PINELLAS expertise. Attractive incentives and promotions are currently offered to customers, which Natural Gas may include up to a $250 cash rebate on a propane water heater, a $300 tax credit on MANATEE Natural Gas & Electric a propane tankless water heater and a $150 tax credit on a propane furnace.
natural gaS Service
PASCO
Propane
PASCO
ORANGE
OKALOOSA
OKEECHOBEE JACKSON
HOLMES
HIGHLANDS WALTON
ST LUCIE
Marianna WASHINGTON
DESOTO BAY
GADSDEN LEON
CALHOUN
HAMILTON JEFFERSON
MADISON
MARTIN
LIBERTY
SUWANNEE
WAKULLA
BAKER COLUMBIA
TAYLOR
Naturalawareness Gas, Propane Electric With the universal demand and increased of the & benefits and applications of natural gas, FPU is in the initial stages of expanding natural gas service to commercial customers in the City of Okeechobee. Natural Gas benefits include cleaner, more costeffective operations and equipment efficiency. Natural gas is domestic, clean-burning, and supports our national interests by lessoning our dependence on foreign oil.
CHARLOTTE
GLADES
GULF
FRANKLIN
UNION LAFAYETTE
West Palm Beach
BRADF GILCHRIST
ALACHUA
DIXIE
HENDRY LEE
PALM BEACH
Newber
LEVY
Inglis CITRUS
BROWARD COLLIER
S HERNANDO
Electric
PASCO
Propane MIAMI-DADE
Natural Gas
Please call 888.220.9356 or visit FPUC.com/Okeechobee to learn more about the natural gas service coming to businesses within the City of Okeechobee.
Natural Gas & Electric Natural Gas & Propane Natural Gas, Propane & Electric
contact fpu
overview of BenefitS NATURAL GAS
PROPANE
environMentallY friendlY
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taX creditS
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HILLSBORO PINELLAS
MONROE
Area residents can call the appropriate number below or visit fpuc.com/okeechobee to learn more about FPU’s current propane service, as well as to reach Customer Service or 24-hour Emergency Response. clewiston: 863.983.8112 okeechobee: 863.763.2115
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 29
FPUC.com/Okeechobee
MANATE
SARASO
Looking Back By Betty Williamson An impor tant thing happened in our sleepy little corner of the s tate of Florida. The year was 1912. The Model Land Company was formed by the Florida Eas t Coas t Railroad and was very generous in donating plots of lands to the religious denominations represented in the community. The Baptis t, Catholic, Methodis t, Church of God and Episcopal churches, all s till in exis tence, built on these sites. Two churches, the Firs t Baptis t Church and the Methodis t Church, are s till in the same location. They were both char tered in 1915. Almos t two decades (1896) before the railroad arrived, Peter and Louisiana (Chand ler) Raulerson settled here. Early in their homes teading, this pioneer couple held religious meetings in their home. They were of the Primitive Baptis t faith. In 1919 this denomination was 30 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
formally es tablished with 11 members. A wooden church was built on land donated by the Raulersons in 1923. The church is s till in exis tence. The pioneer Raulerson family arrived from Basinger to what is now known as Okeechobee in fall 1896.
A directory was printed in 1918; it s tated there were 14 black families in Okeechobee. Lis ted were two black churches: a black Baptis t Church and a black African Methodis t Episcopal Church. Members of the Church of God met in the Union Church building at Okeechobee as early as 1912. The exact location of the firs t church building is not known. We know of one, which was later located on South Parrott Avenue. Remember, Okeechobee County was not formed until 1917, five years after these land grants. ď ľ
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 31
(Top left) Episcopal Church of Our Savior at 200 NW Third Ave. The rector is Father Dr. Edward Weiss. The church was chartered in 1916, but meetings were held in various places. In 1953 the present-day church held its first services in this new building. (Top right) The First United Methodist Church of Okeechobee’s charter was granted in 1915. It stands at 200 NW Second St. The church was constructed in 1926. The present pastor is Bruce Simpson. The church is making plans to celebrate its centennial in May 2015. (Bottom photo) A charter was granted in 1915 for the First Baptist Church, which is located at 401 SW Fourth St. The church was constructed in 1953. Pastor Emeritus Richard E. Whipple 32 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
was the minister of this church for 29 years. In addition to regular services, there is a preschool for ages 1 through 5. Also, there are seven classes at the church’s Rock Solid Christian Academy for kindergarten through sixth grade. Members will celebrate the church’s centennial in May 2015.
(Top Right) Sacred Heart Catholic Church is located at 901 SW. Sixth St. The present pastor is the Rev. Yves Francois. Father Hugh Duffy was the priest at the church from 1984-2013.
(Bottom Right) The Church of God at 301 NE Fourth Ave. It is the only known church to have a restaurant, the Son Rise Café, located in the rear of the church. The present pastor is Mark Smith.
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Fall 2013 | 33
Better Care...For a Better Community
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863-763-7633 34 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
There are dozens of churches located in Okeechobee. Exercise your freedom and attend one. Our ancestors knew the need to worship and we have a choice of denominations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS History of Okeechobee authors Kyle VanLandingham and Alma Gibson Hetherington; The Okeechobee News; Bobbie Lee LaMartin Wilson, historian of the Episcopal Church; Zelda Johnson Mixon, great-granddaughter of the pioneer Raulerson family. Also, Strolling Down Country Roads co-authored by Twila Valentine (now deceased) and Betty Chandler Williamson, great niece of Louisiana (Chandler) Raulerson, husband, Frank (Sonny) Williamson and granddaughter, Heather Williamson Rucks.
Betty Chandler Williamson is a fifthgeneration Floridian, and her roots in Okeechobee County go back to the time before the county was created, to the mid1800s. She and her husband, rancher Frank (Sonny) Williamson Jr., celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2012. Her hobbies are genealogy and local history. She has been the president of the Okeechobee Historical Society for over two decades. Williamson compiled the 75 year membership list of the First Baptist Church, beginning with the date of its founding in 1915. Williamson is the co-author of Strolling Down Country Roads, Okeechobee County, a pictorial history.
O
Making a difference, one smile at a time.
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WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY PRESENTS Photos of the Past
Celebrating 84 years serving the Glades
Make it Your Home! www.royalsinc.com First Indian River Community College Site In Okeechobee
Located in a store front on South Park Street Indian River Community College was founded in Ft. Pierce in 1960. St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties were served by this Junior College. In 1970 the school was re-named Indian River Community College and in 2008 gained the status of, Indian River State College. There are three structures on the college site; Dixon Hendry Campus was named for two former Trustees of the college, William L. Hendry and Ben Dixon.
Five Convenient Showrooms: Okeechobee, Belle Glade, Clewiston, Immokalee & Sebring In store Financing Available
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804 E. North Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Bryan Royal is Fourth Generation working in the company. He and his wife Allie moved to Okeechobee in August and Bryan manages the Okeechobee Royal’s Furniture Store.
In 1986-87 the first building constructed was “A” building.
Acknowledgements: Sam Smith, former Provost of Indian River State College, at the Dixon-Hendry Campus. Frank”Sonny” Williamson, Jr’s personal remembrance and experience from board service with the college. Also excerpts from “Echoes of the Past” by Betty Chandler Williamson. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 35
Community Event
Photos By RenĂŠe Mims
Native-American Youth Organization Holds Regional Softball And Baseball Tournaments Forty-five teams descended on the softball and baseball fields throughout Okeechobee County from July 18-20 to participate in various tournaments. Boys and girls from five tribes, including the Seminole Tribe of Florida, participated in the tournament that included age divisions from 7 to 18 years old.
Pitcher Hailey Williams of Philadelphia, Miss., and the Native Intensity Team from the Mississippi Band of the Choctaw Indian The catcher from the Lady Seminoles just misses the runTribe, worked hard to strike out the batter during a game against ner during a close play at the plate during the 9-10 year the Independent Team of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. old girls fast pitch softball tournament.
36 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Donate Blood at the Okeechobee 600
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Saturday NOVEMBER 16, 2013 9 am - 6 pm
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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 37
Community Event
By Sandra Pearce
Charles Composites Creates 28 Jobs in Okeechobee Charles Composites LLC has established its manufacturing operations in Okeechobee County, announced Gov. Rick Scott and Joseph Charles, president and CEO of Charles Industries Ltd. The $3.85 million capital investment will bring 28 new jobs to the region. Charles Composites, a strategic supply partner of Charles Industries, an Illinois-based manufacturing and technology company, will manufacture and distribute underground enclosures to large utility providers, telecommunication companies, wireless companies and cable television companies.
(L-R) Chamber President Terry Burroughs, City Administrator Brian Whitehall, Councilman Mike O’Connor, Joe Charles, Gov. Rick Scott, Chamber Executive Director Antoinette Rodriguez, Councilman Dowling Watford and Councilman Clayton Williams.
Todd Ellis, senior product manager utility market and Cindy Carey, national sales manager utility market.
Gov. Rick Scott presents Joe Charles with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award.
Dr. Zynab Hassan
Board Certified by the American Board of Family Physicians
Pediatrics • Women’s Health Family Physician We Treat Kids Too!
Guy Harvey now has Military Charms & Double Marlin Pendants with Genuine Stones.
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Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hablamos Español Same Day Appointments Affiliated with Raulerson Hospital
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38 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Okeechobee Health Care Facility We LOVE To Care!
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1646 US Highway 441 North - Okeechobee, FL 34972 Fall 2013 | 39 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
40 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Dental Surgery Specialists
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Find Us On FaceBook www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 41
Community Event
Photos By Renée Mims
Airboaters’ Unity Weekend Members of the Florida Airboat Association were welcomed to Okeechobee for the seventh annual Airboaters’ Unity Weekend held July 12-14. The association is made up of members from organized clubs located throughout Florida, including the Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association. Members had the option of participating in three different trips with their airboats, including the Hayfield ride, the Observation Island ride and the Kissimmee River ride. (Above) Kids of all ages enjoyed airboating for the day at the Kissimmee River Restoration Area. (Far left) Airboats leave in a cloud of mist. (Left) The Randy Dowd award was presented to Bishop Wright Jr. for his leadership.
The owners of 26 airboats with their families and friends gathered at the Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp.
(Above) Jeff Lawlor of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented an award to Danny Emmons, president of the Florida Airboat Association. (Below) The Youth Enthusiast award was presented to R.J. Stossel by Danny Emmons.
Gretchen Robertson Ins Agy Inc. Gretchen Robertson, Agent 309 NE 2nd ST Okeechobee, FL 34972 Bus: 863-763-5561
44 | Fall 2013
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
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FOR THE
INAUGURAL ISSUE Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County 2014 Community Resource Guide and Business Directory
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To Reserve Your Advertising Space Call Today!
863-467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 45
GB’s Ladies &Men’s
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Syble’s Flowers
Come see all of our unique flowers & gifts.
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Happy Feet are Healthy Feet Foot Care Treatment Includes:
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863-467-6577 119 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 46 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Office Hours By Appointment House Calls Available
Brian D. Finke, D.P.M.
Podiatry Associates of Okeechobee, Inc. Podiatric Physician and Surgeon Board Certified by A.P.M.S.B.
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Fall 2013 | 47
Behind the Business A
USA Mobile Drug Testing By Angie Francalancia
s a field engineer in the nuclear industry, David Cook had been drug tested continually over his 30-year career. He knew the importance of safety, especially in highrisk industries and careers.
“I was living in Jensen Beach,” he said, “pretty much on a lark I went online on New Year’s Eve.” That night, he met Karen Williamson on the dating website eHarmony. Two years ago, they married. Life changed.
But you might say it was love that motivated Cook to start USA Mobile Drug Testing, based in Okeechobee and serving Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, as well as the Lake region.
“I made very good money doing what I did,” Cook said, “but work was 80 hours a week. This business allows me the time with my wife. We enjoy spending time with our aging parents.” What allows Cook to run the business from his vacation home in Saluda, N.C., is his team and his practice of equity ownership. “My concept is to involve people, not only pay them a good salary, but give them profit sharing and equity ownership,” he said. “I will still have a return, but other people are doing the lion’s share of the effort, so they should share in the returns.” Rick Duprey is vice president of the business. He handles the day-to-day operations. “Dave and I used to be neighbors, and he knew a little about my background in sales and management,” Duprey said. It’s Duprey taking the majority of calls each day. He’s also doing the sales calls and setting up the daily schedule. “I think more companies are getting serious about their drug-testing programs,” he said. “We make businesses a little more cognizant of what’s going on around them, more productive and a whole lot safer.”
David and Karen Cook with Debi and Rick Duprey 48 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
USA Mobile Drug Testing’s target client is any industry that requires employees
One of the franchise’s biggest clients is National Safe Drivers of Boca Raton, with a membership of more than 40,000, Cook said. “We’ve partnered with them to offer our services to their client base,” he said. “The reason why we can take on a nationwide contract is because USA Mobile Drug Testing has franchises across the country.”
to be drug tested, such as a trucking operations or machine fabricators, Cook said. In addition, the company works with businesses in setting up their drugfree workplace policies and serves the law enforcement industry that needs timely drug or alcohol testing of suspects. “When you send your employee to a clinic for testing, they’re on the clock. It usually takes an hour or two of time,” Cook said. “Also, not everybody using drugs is going to go to that lab. They’ll take a detour or use a screening agent that will alter the tests. “We go to the business and do the tests. We also set up a drug-free work place policy. That doesn’t mean if you test positive that you’ll be fired. It could mean counseling.”
Each person working for Cook is certified by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association. They work from their own vehicles, carrying with them the collection kits and custody and control forms. And people are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for businesses that have night shifts or for collecting specimens for law enforcement. “We don’t need a fixed facility,” Cook said. “I’d rather put money into people than brick and mortar.” O
A State Certified General Contractor St. Lic. CGC1507657
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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 49
Behind the Business The Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre
A
By Angie Francalancia
ttorney Gerald Lefebvre could have gone anywhere. As a young lawyer with a degree from Stetson University in St. Petersburg, he had practiced in Key West and Fort Pierce. In private practice, he’s represented clients from throughout South Florida. But for more than three decades, Lefebvre has based his practice in Okeechobee.
“I was not very familiar with Okeechobee, but a buddy introduced me to a local attorney,” Lefebvre said. “I worked with him about 11/2 years, and then I opened my own practice.” Lefebvre is a personal injury attorney, specializing in auto accidents, wrongful death and product liability cases. About 75 percent of his clients come from Okeechobee County and the Lake region, with the remainder finding him from throughout South Florida. About three-quarters involve car accidents. “I found that I liked it because there’s litigation involved and I found that I liked the medical, helping the people out,” he said. It’s a climate he calls “high-risk, high-reward.” Lefevbre’s Spanish-style building on South Parrott Avenue is a landmark. Inside, his office is covered in memorabilia. Professional certificates share space with family photos and sports collectibles; a shelf the length of the room is covered in sports trophies both his own and from the youth teams he’s sponsored. A self-described sports fanatic, Lefevbre played softball for years, and still sets aside Saturday mornings for racquet ball. Another wall is filled with certificates of appreciation. He served for a decade as chairman of the Children’s Services Council, one of many civic memberships. A big hand made “thank-you” sign in a red frame occupies a space eye-level across from his desk. It was a nurse who was rear-ended by a semi in Moore Haven, he said. “We got a good result for her.”
Gerald Lefebvre 50 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
That case, like most, was a long-term relationship.
“If the case is settled, I tell my clients to expect a year. If it’s in litigation, the average is two years,” he said. Some take considerably longer.
ufacturer of a linked chain. The man suffered severe facial injuries and blindness in one eye when the chain snapped as he and a nephew tried to remove a tree stump.
A 2006 settlement for a family whose 13-year-old daughter died in an accident involving a Sea Doo came only after two full jury trials. The manufacturer settled the case while the second jury was deliberating.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t collect the entire $44.7 million, but we did make a good recovery,” he said.
Lefebvre with his staff: (L-R) Jimi Lewis, Kathy Rowland and Mary Garcia.
Another significant case Lefebvre won last year for a Palm City couple involved the highest jury award ever rendered in a Martin County court: $44.7 million against a Chinese man-
Today, juries are concerned with making the community and products safer. Still, no case is guaranteed, he said.
“We’ve all lost cases,” Lefevbre said. “If you find some who say they’ve never lost a case, well, they didn’t try cases.” O
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Community Event
By Sharon Cannon
WOKC Hosts
Texaco Country Showdown The 12th annual Texaco Country Showdown was held July 13 at Good Spirits Lounge. WOKC 100.9 FM and 1570 AM Radio coordinated the event. The variety of talent this year consisted of solo artists, duos and bands. The lounge was packed with a large crowd showing their support for their favorite artists. The Casey Raines (Above) 2013 Texaco Band from Palm Beach County won the Country Showdown contestants. event.
Texaco Country Showdown winners. The Casey Raines Band members (L-R): Michael Lovine, Peter Stefani, Casey Raines, Evan Lustig and Jim Sigi.
Above (front row, L-R): Merrilee Berglund, Deb Daniel and WOKC General Manager Wayne Cunningham; (second row) Tiffany Elliott and WOKC News Director Charles Murphy; (back row) WOKC Program Director Billy Dean, Steve Daniel, Michael Lovine, Peter Stefani, Casey Raines, Evan Lustig, Jim Sigi and Ken Kellar. (Right) Judges Charlie Hukreide, Toni Doyle and Terry Burroughs. (Below right) Rich Travis, a member of the County Line Road Band.
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We promise a great time! Party Supplies Bounce Houses Water Slides Concessions
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The Casey Raines Band wows the crowd.
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(Above) Pattie Mullins and Chip Newman enjoy the showdown. (Below) Maggie Baugh performs her song.
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Peace Lutheran School Growing together with Jesus
Accepting Enrollment for 2013-14 School Year. We accept VPK, Step Up For Students, and McKay Scholarships Serving Children Ages 2 - Kindergarten Small Class Size Christian Centered Program at an Affordable Price School Phone: 863-763-7566 Nationally Church Phone: 863-763-5042 Accredited School
750 Northwest 23rd Lane - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
“Family Owned and Operated” Modern, Trendy or Traditional We do it all. Large Beautiful Showroom Stop in to see our new specialty cupcake designs! “We deliver smiles.”
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www.flowerpetalsokeechobee.com 54 | Fall 2013
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Frank DeCarlo, Owner
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(L-R) Jacob, Ray and Justin Domer
Domer’s Inc: Okeechobee’s Oldest Business By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Sandra Pearce
L
ittle did they know when they came, that they would build a thriving city that would become a haven from the busy modern world. Okeechobee was built by families who supported a work ethic, as well as a community spirit, which is still seen today. One of those early families was, and is, the Domers. Ray Russell Domer, owner of Domer’s Inc. a sixth generation Floridian and three-term Okeechobee County commissioner, is the current custodian of the family legacy. This legacy began like that of so many Okeechobee residents, with a casual visit. In 1920, Victor Jacob Domer, a skilled watchmaker/ jeweler in Sugarcreek, Ohio, his wife, Emma, and their 1-year-old daughter, joined some friends for a trip to West Palm Beach, where the friends had a winter home. This was during the time of Florida’s “land boom.” Following the poor-quality roads and even fewer maps, the two-car caravan traveled 22 days to reach Florida. Six months of beautiful weather in a place where he would never have to shovel snow again convinced Domer to move, though the move was delayed until after their son, Russell Victor, was born in 1922. In 1924 they moved to West Palm Beach where Domer took many different jobs and learned additional skills and trades, which would prove valuable in the coming years. Victor Domer was used to hard work. Ray said that Victor was part of a family of 11 children. Large families were the norm, as more children meant more work could be done. As the children grew, Victor’s father, Jacob Henry Domer, “rented out” the kids so there weren’t as many mouths to feed. At 18, Victor was given $50 and told he was on his own. He apprenticed to a German watchmaker and learned a skills discipline, which benefited him later in life.
A year after moving to West Palm Beach, Victor moved his family to a new city, which Henry Flagler advertised as “the Chicago of the South,” Okeechobee. He bought a house on Hancock Street, which today is SE 10th Avenue, the site of the present Domer’s business. Victor opened Domer’s Repair Shop on what today is the site next to the Brown Cow Sweetery on Park Street and hung a sign that read, “You break it, we fix it.” Okeechobee began to grow. But then tragedy struck. The 1926 hurricane devastated South Florida and the 1928 hurricane, whose eye moved over the lake, destroyed much of the fledgling town, making the widening depression across the country apparent earlier and stronger in Okeechobee. Victor’s grandson Ray noted that a family saying is “economy dictates” and that was his thought, too. Barter became the way of providing. Victor’s skills and training allowed him to help rebuild tools and farm equipment. This was still a very small community, isolated from ready access to supplies. As Ray Domer said, “My grandfather worked on whatever had to be done. He fixed what he could and invented what was needed.” Those who had come here needed to rebuild and Victor Domer was a part of that rebuilding. He went on to serve as an Okeechobee city councilman early in 1933 and again from 1935 to 1937. He bought properties from many who wanted to leave the devastated area and return “home.” One such property and building he purchased, renovated and donated to the Grace Brethren Church, which had been meeting in his home. That property is now the Life Community Church on South Parrott Avenue. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Fall 2013 | 57
“My grandfather worked on whatever had to be done. He fixed what he could and invented what was needed.” - Ray Domer
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Victor’s only son, Russel Victor, enlisted in 1942 and became an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He became a second lieutenant with the 460th Bomb Group, 55th Bomb Wing and served as a B-24 bombardier. Before shipping out, he married Martha Walker, great-granddaughter of Okeechobee founders Peter and Louisiana Raulerson. They had three children, including Ray Russell Domer. You might notice a very ingrained family tradition concerning Domer names. The first name of the father becomes the middle name of the son. This is still carried on today with Ray’s sons, Justin Ray and Jacob Holdon Domer. Tradition was also maintained when Russell Domer, as had his father, became an Okeechobee city councilman, serving from 1971 to 1979. Russell also served as master of the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge, while maintaining and
(L-R) Ranell Conner, Maureen Thomas, Justin Domer, Joe Rodriguez, Ray Domer, Todd Bennett, Cindi Domer, Terry Parks, Jacob Domer, Christina Norman and Linda Staton.
expanding the business he bought from his father in 1957. By this time Domer’s Repair Shop had become Domer’s Machine Shop. It had profited from the skills of its developers in creating tools that specifically met the needs of a rural community built from a virgin land. It became the place that had in stock whatever was needed. As Okeechobee grew, fishermen, farmers and builders came. Land had to be cleared for houses and farms and that required choppers to grind trees and roots. It needed fencing, required well digging, and pumps for irrigating farmland and pipes to disperse that water. It meant specialty items to help fishermen enlarge their catches, which led to clearing land for roads to transport those catches and farm produce. Three generations of Domers invented and patented clearing equipment, pumps and even a weedless propeller for in-
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board boats that pulled the nets.
Bass & Buxton have combined into one location to better serve the community.
It also meant developing quality branding irons, which are still made and still in use today. It is not unusual for Domer’s Inc. to repair an old tool that is still in service. “Our business evolved from filling the needs right here in Okeechobee. We survived because of our ability to be diversified,” Ray said.
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We are not affiliated with Buxton – Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory located on the south end of town. They were recently sold to Stonemor Partners, LP, a publically owned death care company headquartered in Pennsylvania and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, (symbol STON).
In 1 9 7 4 , R a y g r a d u a t e d f r o m Okeechobee High School. In 1978 he bought the business from his father and in 1982 married Ginger Greenberger, who passed away following the birth of their son Justin Ray in 1987. From his marriage to Cynthia (Cindi) Woodham in 1989, son Jacob Holdon was born in 1995. Justin, a Florida State University graduate, currently is the office manager for Domer’s and Jacob, who helps at the shop, is now attending Indian River State College. Over the years, the store has been fine tuned for the area, Ray said. The huge inventory reflects the needs of the community. When a local farmer, grower, fisherman, builder or tradesman had a broken tool, he couldn’t wait for it to be located, ordered and shipped in; he needed it now. “We have a hardware store, but we also have a machine shop and skills to make a tool for a specific need,” Ray said. He feels his and his family’s experience offers those with a question or need the
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Toni's
Chic Boutique & Consignment
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Come take advantage of our storewide sale as we make room for all the NEW that we’ll have just for you! All gift items, new clothes and greeting cards are made in the U.S.A.
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863-357-8664
Boutique Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10am – 6pm Fri. 10am – 7pm | Sat. 9am - 3pm
Toni Bennett Doyle, Owner Notary Public Services Available tonischicboutique@comcast.net
123 SW Park Street Okeechobee, FL 62 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
The Berger Clinic Adult Health Care Diagnosis and Management of Medical Conditions Preventive Health
863-467-1117 Call For Appointment
Jay S. Berger, MD Okeechobee Medical Park 1713 Hwy 441 N. Suite D Okeechobee, FL 34972 (Located across the street from the hospital.)
Dr. Berger and Staff have proudly served the Okeechobee area since 1985.
expertise to help them find a solution to their problem. “People who work here have become skilled in recognizing a need because each helps the other, sort of like an apprenticeship,” he said. In addition to two family employees, Domer employs nine people, most of whom have been with Domer’s for many years; one employee has been with them for 27 years. Domer’s has been a part of Okeechobee change, from clearing land for a city to the growth of roads, agriculture, the fishing industry, the dissemination of product across the country, the growth of the dairy industry in the ‘60s — when they were forced out of South Florida due to an expanding population — and the introduction of the citrus industry, when they were frozen out of more northern Florida areas. Each of these changes included the need for specialized tools and service.
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“We have stood ready to help implement those changes, and we welcome the opportunity to continue as the oldest business under one name in Okeechobee, and we are grateful for continued community support,” Ray said. O
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BUYER BROKER ONLY COMPANY OF FLORIDA Realtor Bill F. Steg’kemper, crs, gri BROKER, CRS, GRI, APPRAISER
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Joe Dorsey Former Actor Now Calls Okeechobee Home By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Sandra Pearce
oe Dorsey, who appeared in 19 feature films, 39 assorted TV series shows, seven theater productions and countless commercials, enjoys his retirement right here in Okeechobee. After school in San Diego, Dorsey, a Texas native, realized he was facing the draft, so he joined the Air Force in 1952. Enlistment papers required a listing of previous employment. Not knowing what to put down, he remembered playing the lead in his high school drama club play and wrote in “actor”. The rest of his life was spent fulfilling that entry. Shipped to England, Dorsey was approached by a man asking if he was S/Sgt. Dorsey, the actor. Following his affirmative response, he was sent to the Airmen’s Club to audition to be part of a U.S. team in a drama contest between the U.S., Ireland’s Dublin Players and four English teams. It was the first time the Americans had entered the competition. He got the part. The play was called A Sleep of Prisoners, a drama about four prisoners of war locked up in a church in enemy territory, and gave examples of how to have hope and faith in tough times. “I think it was out of the goodness of their heart. I think it was political,” said Dorsey, “but we won and were given a beautiful silver cup.” The base commander was so happy that his airmen were doing something so impressive, he gave them a jeep, a truckload of props and for the next five months, the troupe toured all the NCO and officers clubs in England. “I discovered I was hooked on acting,” he said. As soon as he got out of the Air Force in 1954, he enrolled in the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York on the GI Bill. Once a year, the academy did a show on Broadway. Dorsey played the part of Petruchio, the male lead in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Upon graduating from the academy, his first job was with Joe Papp, theatrical producer and director of Shakespeare in the Park, where Dorsey earned the enormous salary of $45 a week.
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“With food like this, I’m movin’ to Okeechobee.”
-Joe Dorsey
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BridgetteWaldau Studio presents:
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Dorsey did summer stock in the Catskill Mountains and took any acting jobs he could get. One memorable job was becoming the first “Marlboro Man,” when the concept of a cigarette-smoking cowboy was conceived. He only appeared in the first commercial, but it went on to be one of the most successful cigarette campaigns ever. Dorsey’s theatrical exposure began in 1967 when he appeared in an offBroadway play with Sal Mineo and new actor Tommy Lee Jones called Fortune and Men’s Eyes, about homosexuality in prison. Dorsey worked in the play for about six months, during which time he joined the Screen Actors Guild and earned his SAG card. Just before getting that stage job, Dorsey attended camera school and later completed his associate’s degree at the Art Institute of Photography in Atlanta. He practiced his talent with the camera by taking pictures during that first stage production. Next, he moved to Atlanta where he got his first agent. Georgia was the home of Historic Westville, an 1850s living history museum and the site where many movies were made. The site is an 1850s village with more than 30 authentically restored buildings. Here Dorsey appeared as Capt. Guthrie Starring in the 1978 Disney film Million Dollar Dixie Deliverance, the tale of five Yankee children kidnapped by Confederates.
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Here also was where Brainstorm was made, though it was completed in Hollywood after the death of one of its stars, Natalie Wood. This 1983 movie, in which Dorsey had a major role as scientist Hal Abramson, was a science-fiction film also starring Christopher Walken. Dorsey soon went to Malaysia, where he appeared as Gene Hackman’s commanding officer in the war film Bat 21. Doresy’s first starring role was in the
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“Imagine, I doubled for the Lone Ranger. I walked around strutting for a long time after that.” -Joe Dorsey cult horror movie Grizzly, in which he played park supervisor Charley Kittridge. Dorsey made movies from 1971’s The French Connection through 1992’s Pet Semetary II. His other films included The Great Santini, The Lincoln Conspiracy and The Longest Yard. During this time, he became Georgia’s first SAG president. Dorsey’s first time on film, however, was when he did a soap company commercial as a double for the Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore. Moore was to be filmed in a shower lathering up with the sponsor’s soap. The producer felt Moore’s arm was not muscular enough so they called for a younger man, with muscles, to stand in for him in the scene. Dorsey’s muscles got the job and that’s all of him you got to see in the commercial. This became the “thrill of a lifetime,” Dorsey said, as “the Lone Ranger was a childhood hero. I not only got to meet Moore, but also Jay Silverheels, who 70 | Fall 2013
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played Tonto. Imagine, I doubled for the Lone Ranger. I walked around strutting for a long time after that.”
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Over the years, Dorsey did more than 200 on-camera commercials, earning two CLIO awards, which honor creative advertising in radio and television. After completing Brainstorm in Hollywood, he did a lot of work on TV shows, appearing on 39 different TV series. His favorite female star was Angela Lansbury, saying she was the most loving lady. She would graciously welcome newcomers to the set. When Murder She Wrote added a newspaper publisher to the show, Dorsey became Ben Devlin and did five episodes. His favorite male actor was Michael Landon, with whom he appeared on the series Highway to Heaven. Though hired for just one show, Dorsey apparently did a great job because the next day he got a call to go see Landon’s secretary. On arrival, she handed him a script with a four character cast of Landon, character actor Victor French, Dorsey and one other. He was told Landon liked him and he didn’t even have to audition. He said Landon was a very down-to-earth man who would always take time to talk with you. “I always respected that man,” Dorsey said. A picture with him and Landon appeared in the publication Variety. Dorsey also appeared as the wealthy plantation owner who buys Kunta Kinte’s girlfriend on Roots and then casts her out to the fields after making her pregnant. Other TV credits include The Dukes of Hazard, LA Law, Dallas, Simon & Simon, General Hospital, The Incredible Hulk, Remington Steel and more. In the late 1990s Dorsey built a ranch in Arizona with his father. For a time he lived on Grant’s Island just off Sebastian. Someone suggested he might like
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Okeechobee. He learned it was on Highway 70 and headed west. In the center of town, he stopped for dinner at the old Village Square Restaurant (today the site of Zippy’s). After dinner they brought Dorsey a peach cobbler, which was so good that as he walked out the door he said, “With food like this I’m movin’ to Okeechobee.” And he did.
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He bought eight and 2/3 acres on Highway 78 at the Kissimmee River, cleared and fenced it, built a barn and worked the land for several years. This past May he sold it and lives now in Ancient Oaks, where he enjoys the people and today is the only male member of the swim/exercise class and loves it.
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“It’s a great bunch of ladies, and I enjoy them,” he said. You can find Dosrey sometimes at Lake Motors where he sits with his friend, Manager Robert Crosswhite, and talks cars and reminisces with stories of famous people. He has written a children’s book called Princess Moonhowler and thinks he might just write another story on his experiences. O
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Joe Dorsey with his Okeechobee friend, Robert Crosswhite.
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Should Be A Bumper Crop Of Bass This Fall!
A
fter a long rainy summer, the arrival of fall is welcome with open arms. The lake level is high from the abundant rains we received, ensuring there will be plenty of water throughout the rest of the year. Fishing patterns will vary with higher water depths. At present water levels, the water on the outside edge of the Kissimmee grass is 6 to 8 feet deep. The high water will reach well back into the marsh areas, where water depths of 3 to 5 feet can be found. Fish will start moving deeper in to the cover areas that surround the lake. Each fall, the large female bass in the lake move into the shallow grass lines to feed prior to spawning. Some of the very best bass fishing that occurs on Lake Okeechobee takes place during these fall months. Bass of all sizes will be feeding heavily, storing up energy for the long spawning season. A live wild shiner fished in the right place can result in astounding catches. Not only big bass, but large numbers of bass will be caught daily. My daily logs show that many of the largest bass we catch each year are caught during this fall fiesta of fishing. Several factors contribute to the fall influx of bass. Shorter daylight hours mean cooler air temperatures both day and night. A direct reflection of cooler air temperatures is cooler water temperatures. After being in the mid to high
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The Heritage
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Our experienced and caring staff’s goal is to ensure the safety of all residents, assist with activities of daily living and medications, while maintaining our residents’ rights, dignity and choices.
Your loves ones will feel that this is their home away from home. Every room is equipped with call monitoring systems. Residents will keep their own primary physician to maintain their optimal level of functioning. Physical Therapy, Activities, Outings into the Community, Church Services, and Respite Care are available. Financial Assistance is available to those who are eligible 5 STAR Service at Affordable Rate
Capt. Michael Shellen
80s all summer, the water cools down into the 70s. Fish metabolisms are affected by the cooling water, triggering them to feed longer and more often. Traditional areas such as the Monkey Box, Bird Islands, Kings Bar and Grassy Island will be hotspots where anglers will be looking for that bass of a lifetime. Judging from last year’s crop of big bass, this year will provide even bigger bass and possibly more of them. We have had great spawns for quite a few years leading us to have as many bass in our lake as ever before. If you have never experienced fall bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee, now is a great time to visit. The town of Okeechobee has a lot to offer, great places to stay and wonderful places to eat. If you are looking for more, we are situated a mere 35 miles from the east coast and the bright lights of the big city. More than just great fishing, we are a destination. O Capt. Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service
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608 NE 2nd Ave Okeechobee, FL 34972 As Robert Browning wrote:
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Ball To Captain Swim Team This Year
O
By Charles M. Murphy, WOKC’s Voice of the Brahmans
B
randon Ball was named captain of the Okeechobee High School boys swimming team this summer. He qualified for regionals last year and has his eyes set on an appearance in the state finals this year.
don’t enjoy long runs, I ’ve a l ways been a sprinter,” he added. Ball has also played high school tennis and baseball during his athletic career. His parents are both educators. His mom, Dixie, is currently a second-grade teacher at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School on the Seminole Brighton Indian Reservation. His dad, Billy, is a long-time school administrator for Everglades Elementary School.
“It would be a pleasure to make it to the state meet this year. I will try to break a few school records and leave the team with some hope for next year,” he told Okeechobee The Magazine. Ball was a key member of the swim team last year. He was part of a school recordsetting relay team. He specializes in the short races or sprints such as the 50 meters.
Ball would like to attend either the University of Florida or Florida State University. He has considered becoming a commercial airline pilot.
“Shorter distances have always been my specialty, but I have no idea why. I’ve never been a long-distance guy, and I
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863-983-8111 Clewston, Florida
Brandon Ball
This off season, he worked hard to get stronger and faster. He spent days in the weight room and goes to the gym every day for workouts. He also thinks playing tennis last spring helped him to stay in shape. And he’s optimistic about the 2013 OHS swim teams. “The team looks good. There are a lot of kids who swim all year long with the Shockwaves program, so we should be strong this year,” he said. Ball also knows this is his last chance to do something in athletics, so he is really serious about his senior year. He is the only senior boy with experience in swimming and will be counted on by the team and coaches to be a leader. “I hope I’ll be up for the challenge. I was co-captain last year so that will help. This year I hope to stand up to the position and take control,” he added. Ball is also excited because Okeechobee will host five swim meets this year at the sports complex pool. That will give him a chance to perform in front of classmates, friends and family. “It’ll be nice to have fans and my family around to watch me. I hope the team goes far this year and gets a few of the swimmers at the state meet,” he said. O
WOKC Radio has been on the air for every Okeechobee Sunrise since 1962.
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Early detection can mean healthy sight for life. And that’s our vision.
FLORIDA EYE INSTITUTE Thomas A. Baudo, MD | Karen D. Todd, MD Val Zudans, MD | Wilson K. Wallace, MD Cynthia L. Kipp, O.D. 772.569.9500 • fleye.com 2750 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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AROUND
Okeechobee
Okeechobee Main Street Mixers
Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Brahma Bull Restaurant and (bottom) Hampton Inn.
Philippine-American Cultural Foundation Hosts Swearing-In Ceremony for Dual Citizenship
Top photo (L-R): Edwin Dominado, Philippine Council General Ariel Penaranda, Commissioners Bryant Culpepper and Margaret Helton, Councilman Mike O’Connor, Sid Estrada, Jim Baughman and Romeo de la Paz (Above): Proud new Philippine citizens.
Welcome Sign to City of Okeechobee Completed
Local Teacher Receives District Teachers of the Year Shine Award On June 27, Gov. Rick Scott presented Shine Awards to 23 Teachers of the Year during Teacher of the Year Summit.
Megan Williamson, a teacher at Okeechobee County’s North Elementary School, received a Shine Award. Williamson began teaching three years ago at North Elementary School and currently teaches fourth-grade students. 80 | Fall 2013
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Okeechobee Main Street’s newest project to enhance Okeechobee is completed. The north city welcome sign was erected through contributions by area businesses. Pictured (L-R): City Administrator Brian Whitehall, City Councilman Mike O’Conner, Dr. Mavroides, Mayor Jim Kirk, City Councilman Devin Maxwell, OKMS board member Frank DeCarlo, City Councilman Dowling Watford, City Councilman Clayton Williams, OKMS board members John Gurney and Phil Baughman.
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies
Humane Society Pet Rescue Fundraiser
A spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction was held recently at VFW Post 10539. Pictured in front (L-R): Debra Manchester, Marion Davis and Meagan and Cameron Stanely. Back (L-R): Gene and Norma Gendreau, Brenda Peters, Casandra Moore, Mary Skinner, Richard Young and Mike Schullerman.
Second Annual YMCA Children’s Art Auction
Businesses from top to bottom: Goodwill re-opening, Harbor Community Bank and Zippy’s Wings.
Arnold Wildlife Kids Sporting Clay Clinic at the OK Corral Gun Club
Proudly displaying their gun safety certificates (L-R): Joshua Villemain, Mike Moss, Ben Wise, director of shooting sports,Cole Villemain and Cody Villemain.
The second annual Okeechobee YMCA Children’s Art Auction was held July 25 at Sacred Heart Church’s pavilion. The children’s art work was auctioned off to raise awareness about the Y’s Okeechobee Community Support Campaign. (Top) The Y children’s art on display before the auction. Above (L-R): Christian Wheatley, Okeechobee YMCA Executive Director Shawn Keil, Shane Wheatley and Kyle Payne. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store ...................................... 38 A & D Pool Supplies ............................. 52 A & G Concrete Pools ........................... 45 Affordable Art & Framing ..................... 54 Alarm Company ..................................... 73 American Drilling Services..................... 54 Alan Jay Toyota .................................... 65 Badcock Furniture................................... 59 Bass Electric ........................................... 37 Bass and Buxton Funeral Homes .......... 60 Bella Rose Day Spa .............................. 63 Berger Clinic .......................................... 62 Big Lake Eye Care ..................................... 3 Boots & Pearls Gala ............................. 32 Brian D. Finke, D.P.M. ........................... 46
Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design ......... 68 Brown Cow Sweetery... .......................... 53 Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee ..... 64 Coldwell Banker/Berger Real Estate ...... 53 Center for Laser Hair Removal ............... 82 CenterState Bank ................................... 17 Chamber Annual Guide .......................... 45 Colonial Life ........................................... 73 D4 Powersports ..................................... 36 Dental Surgery Specialists ..................... 41 Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center ............. 77 Domer’s ........................................ 23 Drs. Clinic Family Health Care ................ 72 Echols Plumbing ................................... 64 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry ................ 41 Evie’s More Than Hair ........................... 64 Farm Bureau ........................................ 24 Fit Life by Heather .............................. 46 Florida Foot Specialist ........................... 69 Florida Eye Institute ............................ 79 Florida Public Utilities ...................... 28, 29 Flower Petals .......................................... 54 GB Ladies & Men’s Formal Wear ............. 46 Gilbert Chevrolet .................................... 83 Gilbert Ford .......................................... 16 Glades AC ............................................. 78 Golden Corral ..................................... 17
Nikki is looking forward to the cooler fall weather, and she’s happy that you are reading the fall issue of Okeechobee The Magazine.
Hampton Inn ....................................... 74 Heartland Discount Pharmacy.............. 34 Highland Pest Control ........................... 63
ICS Computers ..................................... 77 Jeanette’s Interiors ............................... 73 Kiwanis, Adam Bryant Regatta ........ 40 Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center 51 Lakeshore Marine ................................. 75 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ................ 26 Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider ............... 77 Mary Kay ............................................... 54 MidFlorida Credit Union ....................... 47 Mims Veterinary............................. 26 Mixon Real Estate Group ......................... 70 Morgan Furniture .................................. 27 Morgan Stanley .................................... 6 New Vision Eye Center ........................ 33 Nutmeg’s Cafe................................. 64 Okeechobee Claws & Paws ...................... 53 Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep .......... 7 Okeechobee Health Care ..................... 39 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .... 25 Okeechobee Shooting Sport ............... 74 Okeechobee Texaco ............................... 37 One Blood, Inc. Blood Drive ................... 37 Pier II Resort ................................. 73 Peace Lutheran School .......................... 54 Platinum Performance Builders ............ 61 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant .................... 19 Quail Creek Plantation ....................... 11 Quality Air Conditioning ................. 36, 62 Raulerson Hospital ................................. 2 Raulerson Hospital ............................ 42, 43
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Sanders Dermatology .............................. 5 Sandra Pearce Photography ................. 46 Seacoast National Bank ........................ 55 Skull Hill Steel ....................................... 58 Slide On By Party Rental ........................ 53 St. Lucie Tires ....................................... 25 Stafford’s Salon .................................... 12 State Farm Insurance ............................ 44 Syble’s Flowers & Gifts ......................... 46 TD Bank ............................................... 69 Teez 2 Pleez .......................................... 54 The Heritage ......................................... 75 Thirty-One ........................................... 46 Toni’s Chic Boutique .............................. 62 Total Roadside Services .......................... 4 Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ............................. 68 UBS Financial ......................................... 64 USA Mobile Drug Testing ...................... 13 Waste Management ............................. 22 Wemmer Family Orthodontics .......... 35 Williamson Cattle Company .................. 35 WOKC 1570 AM ..................................... 79 Women’s Health ................................... 76 Worley Construction .............................. 49 Yetti Outfitters, Inc. ............................... 9 Zippy’s Wings ........................................ 45
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1796 Hwy. 441 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972 www.RaulersonHospital.com