www.okeechobeethemagazine.com
FEBRUARY 2019 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 1
A MOMENT SHARED PAGE 20
JUDGE BRYANT RETIRES AFTER STORIED CAREER PAGE 32
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY 4-H PAGE 44
Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee
Holiday Department FUN at OHCF
Activity Staff after the Christmas party where individualized gifts were given to all 180 residents, left to right: Activity CNA Paula Williams, Activity Aide Suzy Rector, Acting Activity Director Betty-Jo Holmes, Student Volunteer Lloyd Herron, Activity CNA Greg Patterson, Student Volunteer Ivie Holmes, Activity CNA Megan Stiller, Activity Aide Alexis Devin, Activity CNA Pam Patterson and Administrator-in-Training Sandy Perry. Not pictured: Tammi Kelly, Tippen Padgett and Activity CNA Patsy Sullivan.
Raquel Roman (L) and Joyce Ackland proudly display their button Christmas Tree decorations made with the Social Services employees
Guest Soloist violinist Greg Durozel, a graduate of Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard School of Music, delighted the residents, staff and visitors playing O Holy Night, The Lord’s Prayer and other carols with his extremely expressive playing.
Barbara Weltzbarker with Assistant-to-the-Administrator Alex Arthur showing off her administrative services snowflake craft
Director of Admissions Vicki Haldeman and Therapy “Dogdeer” Kadie Lynn were all smiles before delivering candy canes to all the residents PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GAMMONS
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
FEBRUARY 2019 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 1
Volume 13, Number 1 | February 2019
SHARING A VISION Welcome to 2019! In this year’s first issue, you’ll find new features, a refreshed layout, new columns, and the same group of dedicated contributors who have made this magazine so special. We hope you enjoy the changes as much as we enjoy putting together every issue. This isn’t the last of the changes coming this year. We also are re-designing the website and expanding our online presence for the magazine and our Destination Lake Okeechobee regional guide—and there even might be a few surprises for longtime readers and visitors to the region. These are all things that we are excited to be bringing to the community. But this isn’t a one-way relationship; we want to hear your ideas, too. Do you know a story that needs to be told? Or someone who is living an exceptional life? Send us a note at info@okeechobeethemagazine.com and share your thoughts. We are always happy to listen. Do you have concerns? Write directly to me at david@ okeechobeethemagazine.com and let me know. We welcome constructive criticism, and we want to hold ourselves accountable to serve this community well. In every issue, we have three goals: educate and entertain our readers; encourage regional economic activity; and shine a light on the very best of Okeechobee. If we’re missing that mark, we need to know. I would also like to take a moment to recognize our advertisers. We strive to provide a high-quality, free publication for our readers, and we simply could not do our jobs without the support of local businesses. We encourage you to look to them whenever you need the goods and services that they provide; they are, each and every one of them, powerful supporters of this community.
Publisher David Jones Managing Editor Rachel Buxton Editor Lisa Elia Writers Raye Deusinger Robbi Sumner Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Photographers Jane Kaufman Patrick Van Tassell Account Executive Trish Grygo Graphic Design David Jones Valerie Wegener Office Manager Patti Berglund Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 314 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
President David Jones Founder Maureen Budjinski Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee The Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2019, all rights reserved by Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee The Magazine. 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.
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As seen on America’s Got talent
The New Shanghai Circus
an evening with sinbad
february 1st
february 2nd
“time of the season” “shes not there” & many more!
Stellar Entertainment Presents:
february 7th Darlene Love
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
february 17th
february 20th
february 8th
february 16th
los vivancos
born to dance
february 22nd february 28th
march 1st
National Touring Co.
National Touring Co.
march 2nd
march 3rd
march 6th
march 8th
march 14th
march 15th
march 16th
march 27th
march 29th
april 3rd
Boz Scaggs
one night of queen
Out of The Blues Tour 2019
april 20th
april 26
th
2019
5th Annual Cattleman’s Dance Benefitting The Sunrise Theatre Saturday, March 9th from 6pm-10pm! Featuring Live music from Bruce Hunter & The Real Country Band!
More shows and attractions will be added throughout the season! For more info visit our website www.sunrisetheatre.com or call our box office @ 772.461.4775. 117 South 2nd Street in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce!
2013 lucky
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Sunrise Theatre
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2019 | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 1
A Moment Shared
Judge Bryant
by David Jones
Page 20
Retires After Storied Career by Raye Deusinger
Page 32
Okeechobee Christmas
Okeechobee County 4-H Trail of Hope Animal Shelter
by Rachel Buxton, Page 14
by Robbi Sumner, Page 44
Publisher’s Note 4 Community Calendar 12 Okeechobee Cooking 52 Community Events
by David Jones, Page 50
Behind the Business Badcock Home Furniture and More 70 Custom Sights & Sounds 74
Gone Fishing 76 Day Trips
Okeechobee Honors Veterans 56 Ride for the Fight 58
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 78
Martha’s House Dinner and Game Show 60
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum 84
Gilbert Chevrolet 85th Anniversary 64
Around Okeechobee 92
AgVenture 66 Farm City Luncheon 68
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• BEAUTIFUL LODGING • SPORTING CLAYS • • QUAIL, TURKEY AND PHEASANT HUNTING • • WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • SPECIAL EVENTS • NOW HOSTING HAPPY HOUR AND BREAKFAST BUFFET ON WEEKENDS COME HAVE DINNER WITH US! CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
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March 8th Friday Night Rodeo
Gates open at 6 pm
Saturday March 9th & Sunday March 10th
Gates open at 1 pm
KIDS 6 AND UNDER ARE FREE | KIDS 6-12 $5.00 ADULTS $18 ADVANCE | $20 AT THE GATE
TICKETS PURCHASED: www.TheOkeechobeeRodeo.com or in store at Eli’s Western Wear Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena 1885 US-441, Okeechobee, FL 34972
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEBRUARY
Top of the Lake Art Festival Park Downtown Okeechobee Main Street www.okeechobeemainstreet.org
Taste of Okeechobee Park Street at 4:00 p.m. Main Street www.okeechobeemainstreet.org
Feb 9—10 (863) 357-6246
Feb 10 (863) 357-6246
Business Women’s Referral Network Luncheon Feb 15 Cowboys Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Raye Deusinger rayedeusinger@gmail.com Brighton Field Day Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation www.brightonfieldday.com
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Feb 15—17 (863) 467-6039
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Sweet Heart Dance Feb 16th Okeechobee Shrine Club Okeechobee City Volunteer Fire Department Chuck Akers (772) 260-9026 Battle of Okeechobee Feb 23—24 Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park 3500 SE 38th Ave www.OkeechobeeBattIefieId.com Peace Lutheran “Bowties & Bling Gala” Feb 23 KOA Convention Center Peace Lutheran (863) 763-7566 www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org
MARCH
Cowtown Rodeo Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena 1885 US 441, Cattlemen’s Association www.TheOkeechobeeRodeo.com
F EBR U A RY 2019
Mar 8—9
Speckled Perch Festival Park Downtown Okeechobee Main Street www.okeechobeemainstreet.org Okeechobee County Fair Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center Linda Syfrett www.okeechobeecountyfair.com
Mar 9—10 (863) 357-6246
Mar 12—17 (863) 634-7440
Business Women’s Referral Network Luncheon Mar 15th Cowboys Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Raye Deusinger rayedeusinger@gmail.com
APRIL
5K Run for the Booty Apr 6 Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center Lake Regatta J. D. Mixon (863) 800-0196 Michael Hazellief (863) 532-0646 www.facebook.com/minimalregatta/
The Community Events section is sponsored by Total Roadside Services, and event information provided by the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County and Okeechobee Main Street. Do you have an event that needs to be promoted? Contact us at info@okeechobeethemagazine.com to let us know.
Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta Apr 6 Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center Lake Regatta J.D. Mixon (863) 800-0196 Michael Hazellief (863) 532-0646 www.facebook.com/minimalregatta/
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Okeechobee Style Story by Rachel Buxton It’s the most wonderful time of the year – at least according to the famous 1963 holiday song released by Andy Williams. However, Okeechobee residents would probably tend to agree as they spent the month of December celebrating to no end. The Christmas holiday season officially kicked-off with the city tree lighting Nov. 27, followed by the annual Main Street Christmas parade that winded its way through town on Dec. 8.
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The rest of the month was filled with Santa making his rounds across town to find out who was naughty and who was nice, and there were even a few sightings of the Grinch, who, luckily, was not successful in stealing Okeechobee’s Christmas. Toys for Tots celebrated another year of success in putting smiles on countless children’s faces as they held their annual toy pickup and distribution.
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GET OUT AND FIND WITH YOUR TAX RETURN MONEY!
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For more information visit www.PortMayacaPoloClub.com
or call
772-597-0115
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A Moment Shared SOME PEOPLE WOULD CALL THE RIDE TO ANCHORAGE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. THIS TRIO IS ALREADY LOOKING TO WHATEVER COMES NEXT.
Story by David Jones Photos courtesy Matthew Buxton Even if I were traveling with you, your trip would not be mine. Paul Theroux, Riding the Iron Rooster
This might look like a story about a looping trip from Okeechobee to the Arctic Circle and then back again, but it isn’t. This isn’t a story about a trip; it’s a story about travel. I’ve always loved travel. Born to a military family, I saw a bit of the world growing up and never got over the urge to see more. No matter how good the pictures are, no matter how good the writer is who tells you about a trip, there is nothing like being there and experiencing it for yourself. You would be hard-pressed to find a place on the
planet that I wouldn’t visit given the opportunity. That’s what this story is about: the urge to travel. The pretty pictures are just window dressing. Paul Theroux started his career as a sort of travel writer with The Great Railway Bazaar in 1975. It details his four-month trip from London, across Europe and the Indian subcontinent, and to Southeast Asia and his trip back. It was the start of a decades-long career that worked from a simple formula: take an oversized trip to somewhere people usually just dream about, write up insightful (and often cranky) books about the politics, history, people, and places he encoun-
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ters, and then he starts all over again. It’s been an impressive career, but his trips were solitary affairs, leaving wives and friends behind while he explored. Theroux has given us his rules for travel, and, like all things deeply personal, his rules are at least a bit of rubbish.
There are three basic rules for travelling. Travel on the ground. Travel alone when possible. Keep notes. That’s it. - Paul Theroux, interview
Okeechobee’s Chief of Police Bob Peterson would disagree at least with Theroux’s second rule. “Never travel alone. There will be so many times that you see something, and your first thought will be that you wish you had someone to share it with.” For Bob, that someone could be his wife, Loretta, or a good friend like Matt Buxton, owner of the Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory, but the moment must be shared. After his divorce in 2007, Matt found liberation and new possibilities for his life on the back of a friend’s BMW
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Enduro. That motorcycle led to his first Harley and a trip to Sturgis, South Dakota, with his friend, Al Stone, where they met up with Bob. They ended up in Sturgis annually for five years, but it was that first trip where Bob said that he wanted to do a ride to Alaska, and a seed was planted that took nearly a decade to bear fruit. It was a trip he wanted to share with Matt. Matt, for his part, would later decide that this was a trip he also needed to share with his daughter, Dayton. She would meet up with Bob and Matt in Anchorage and make the rest of the ride back to Okeechobee, a decidedly brave decision for a young woman who had just turned 16 and had never spent so much time away from friends and the comforts of home. Other trips, growing families, and financial realities may have delayed the trip, but in July of 2018, Bob and Matt finally began the journey. Riding from Okeechobee to Anchorage and back, with a very loose agenda, would cover some 11,800 miles and 33 days of riding and exploring through the United States and Canada. It is not a trip for an unprepared or novice rider; it is demanding of time and energy, and it isn’t all manicured highways and sunny weather, even during the summer months. It is a trip that promises gusting winds, cold rain, loose gravel roads, and a surprising number of mosquitoes. “The truth of it,” Bob explained, “when you’re camping up north like that, you’re either in your tent or you’re getting eaten up by mosquitoes.” Matt agreed. “We were going to camp at the Arctic Circle. We left Toke, Alaska, and rode into Fairbanks. It was two o’clock in the afternoon and [Bob] says, let’s just go to the Circle, which is close to a six-hour drive. We got fuel, some snacks; figure we’re going to camp up there. When we got there, we took all our pictures and we were swarmed. It was terrible.” “They were big, too,” explained Dayton with a good bit of enthusiasm. “They will pick you up.” The question every traveler faces is why? It’s either a question that they ask themselves, or, more likely, a question asked by a friend when
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they find out about the hardships and difficulties of the trip. Sure, the pictures of glaciers and sweeping landscapes are amazing. It’s hard not to enjoy the surreal first-person view from one of the bikes traveling down a highway at midnight in bright sunlight— throwing harsh shadows toward a full rainbow off in the distance. In a society increasingly concerned with immediacy and instant access to everything, why take the time to ride when a flight gets you there so much faster? Why go somewhere where the motels are best described as “rustic,” the weather is working against you, and the end point is filled with mosquitoes that are, apparently, reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West’s Flying Monkeys? Why?
You go away for a long time and return a different person—you never come all the way back. – Paul Theroux, Dark Star Safari
Most travelers, whether they realize it or not, are seeking constant transformation and the sensation of something new. For many, it is a chance to find something new, or, at least, the potential for renewal. Every new face, every new city, every new road is a possibility for something great and rewarding—and even if they don’t always yield amazing wonders, the traveler is reminded to appreciate the smaller moment: a kindness shown by a stranger, the beauty of the countryside, or how an unexpected rain can bring a smile to your face. Travel is that paradox that broadens the context of your world while reminding you to notice the details of your life. “It’s different for everyone,” Bob answered. “For me, I just want to explore the country, and I’m collecting experiences. In the end, that’s all that really matters. The money, the jobs, in the end, mean nothing. It’s the experiences you collect along the way, the things you see, the people you meet…that’s why I do it. “And there’s no better way to explore the country than on a motorcycle because you are a part of the scenery. You ride in a car and it’s similar to watching TV. You’re looking through the glass, and you don’t smell anything. You don’t get cold when it’s cold out; you don’t get hot when it’s hot out. You can smell the rain on the bike way before you hit it. You don’t get that in a car. “But everyone has their own reasons.”
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“This is a life that I never knew existed,” said Matt. “Getting the divorce opened that door. Everything happens for a reason. “These trips change ways of thinking. It brings you back to something wholesome. The first trip, we were at the Badlands, and I walked out to a point that’s kind of like a mini Grand Canyon. It just hit me and almost brought me to tears thinking, ‘I’m just this little guy in a really big world and there is so much stuff that doesn’t matter.’ “And yet, we make it matter, every single day, and all we do is beat ourselves down. When you stop worrying quite so much, that’s when life frees up quite a bit.” Asked the same question, Dayton wasn’t sure she could answer. For her, part of the draw was the effect the trips had on her dad, the change she could hear in his voice when there were literally thousands of miles between him and the demands of his daily life—running a business and raising a family. Part of it was a sort of general urge to travel that she hopes will carry over into a career where she is paid to travel and see the world. In the end, though, there is another answer.
“I kind of wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, too; that I could withstand all that.” Bob and Matt both agreed that she was the perfect companion, not only merely withstanding the ride, but doing it without complaint and with an enthusiasm for exploring that not everyone shares. “A lot of other people have said that they want to go ride with us,” Matt explained, “and I always, in the back of my mind, think, ‘I hope they don’t go.’ “We ride well together. We’ve been somewhere out West and he’ll say, ‘Did you see that?’ ‘No.’ We’ll go back and see it, basically spend the whole day there. You’ll get other people that say, ‘I won’t go down that road’ or say, ‘I want to get in and sleep tonight.’ They just don’t care.” Bob expanded on that, explaining that most people are point-to-point travelers who overplan and obligate themselves to simply driving from point A to point B. “I don’t have an itinerary. We know we’re going to Alaska; we knew we didn’t want to go back the same way, so we wanted to make a loop, and that’s about it.” They enjoy the backroads and seeing other aspects of American life where people are more inviting and more willing to sit and talk than the folks on the highway who are just in a rush to get down the road, who can’t even spare the time of day. Theirs is a mission to get to know America intimately, to appreciate the differences in the people and the way they live their lives. Which isn’t to say that they don’t face their own share of difficulties. For bikers, weather playes an oversized role, but mechanical failures aren’t uncommon at all. Pulling into Anchorage, for instance, Matt’s BMW lost its ABS and cruise control when the ABS sensor failed—a small component failure with an oversized impact. And mental demands can derail the trip if you let them.
Travel is not a vacation, and it is often the opposite of rest. – Paul Theroux, The Old Patagonian Express
At one point, early on, Dayton questioned her decision to come along on the ride. “The first full day of riding, for me, that was rough.” The realization of how long she would be gone, how far from home she was, and the actual physical discomfort
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of the ride all weighed on her. She decided to go to bed, thinking she would feel better in the morning. She did feel better and, every day after, she started feeling more comfortable with the ride and with the idea of the adventure. She went from thinking that she should have been at home for the summer, celebrating her birthday with her friends and getting ready for school, to being at peace with the ride. “About a week into the trip, I realized I shouldn’t be anywhere else except for here. I knew that if I went home without making the trip, I would regret it.” Most travelers who have spent significant amounts of time away from home will recognize that moment. It’s a moment that comes from a mix of pragmatism—when stuck in the middle of nowhere with no easy way home, the traveler has to find ways to move forward—and a moment of willingness to abandon themselves to whatever comes next. It’s a liberating moment that allows them to enjoy life’s biggest hurdles and experiences. And those hurdles are some of the biggest memories of their trips: being caught in prairie storms in driving rain and hail, finding a gas station just when they needed it, in a place that they could have sworn there was no station before, and always finding that way forward. When you’ve made the trip of a lifetime, though, what comes next? Dayton recalled hearing someone say that this ride from Anchorage must have been the trip of a lifetime. She laughed. “Sure, until whatever comes next.” There is talk of Nunavut, the northernmost, permanently inhabited city
Making Dreams Come True for 30 years Mack “Hoot” Worley
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in the world. Or the bike ride that would go from Okeechobee, through Mexico, and then down through Central and South America to one of the southernmost cities on the continent. There is recognition of a retired German man who has put in four years on a motorcycle throughout some of the most difficult regions of the world—and how he isn’t done yet. “There are people out there doing it,” Matt said, noting that they aren’t alone in their compulsion. That’s true: they aren’t alone. What they are is an inspiration for the rest of us who find excuses, who refuse to find time or space to go forth and seek our own adventures. And, if Mark Twain is to be believed, they also represent a strange hope for the future of our troubled nation.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness and many of our people need it sorely on those accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views
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of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. – Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad
The ethos of the traveler leaves room for opinions and ideals and beliefs, but little room for smallness or meanness. When you come to rely on the kindness of complete strangers on the road, you learn to see the goodness in places where you might not have expected it. Bob ended the interview with one last thought: “You don’t need a motorcycle to do this. Load up a camper van or your truck or your car and just do it.” He wasn’t urging folks to do this specific trip to Anchorage, but to find their own journey, something to give their lives greater context and to pull themselves outside of their own lives.
F EBR U A RY 2019
Entertainment•Art Show•5K Run/Walk & 10K Run Volleyball Tournament•Car Show•Parade
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Go to www.blackgoldjubilee.org for more Entertainment information!
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Kids Fishing Tournament Corn & Sweets Cook-Off Harvest Queen Pageant Games and Rides Corn Hole Tournament Photography & Selfie Contest
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For more information contact the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce
540 S Main St, Belle Glade, Florida 33430 / 561.996.2745 melanie@bellegladechamber.com or brenda@bellegladechamber.com
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Judge Bryant Retires After Storied Career That Helped Change Lives HIGHLIGHT OF HIS TIME ON THE BENCH WAS STARTING DRUG COURT TO HELP GIVE OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE.
Story by Raye Deusinger Photos by Sandra Pearce Jerald (Jerry) Bryant has retired; he is not a judge anymore. His 36 years in law can now give way to years of leisure, travel, relaxation and planning with his beloved wife Carol whom “I first saw in the student union of Indian River Community College in 1973 and couldn’t take my eyes off her. “ During the intervening years, both on the bench and through involvement in the community, they have been a presence in Okeechobee. Friends, co-workers, neighbors and “old buddies” will tell you about this man who has made such an impact on and for Okeechobee. Friend, Steve Padgett said, “ I have
been fortunate to call Jerry a good friend for more than 60 years. Through all of life’s experiences, I’ve been able to count on him to be there. To some, his stature may be intimidating, but, to those who know him, he has an equally big heart. He is always there to help, his sense of humor is constant, and he will openly laugh or cry with you. I truly value my shared history and lifelong friendship with Jerry. “ Jerry’s parents Joe and Vera were hard-working, kind and showed a lot of love. He recalls them eating meals together and expecting a lot from their children. Jerry had two half-brothers who were already grown when he was
born; he has a sister, Alice (Hughes) and a brother Rick. He remembers his mother as a very smart, humorous woman with a lot of country ways. His days were spent running with friends, playing baseball, football, climbing trees, tying a balloon to a bike frame to make it sound like a fast motorcycle and fishing Taylor Creek, under the bridge on Hwy 70. He and his buddies formed a Tarzan Club in the woods behind what today is the Rustic Furniture Store on Hwy 70E. There they hung rope swings, climbed trees and, of course, grabbed their cane poles and went fishing. When he needed some money, he would take two big croaker sacks,
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which were feed sacks (cow feed), bike across the bridge and walk down one side of Hwy 710 to pick up bottles. He’d then hide them under some palmettos, cross the road and walk back, filling the second sack with more bottles and hiding them. Then he’d bike home and Mom would get the car, and they would drive down, pick up both sacks, go to the store and cash them in. He said, “I went on a lot of dates with money from those bottles.”
throw the ball hard, but you never knew where it was going! His ball hit me so hard, I could barely walk for a week!” Remembering those times, Jerry said, “Our parents never gave us advice; they only told us what to do and what NOT to do.” From age 12, Jerry cut lawns—with a push mower —and built the largest lawn service in Okeechobee, handling seven yards and earning $35. Mom would take him to a yard, drop him off, come back
“In junior high we played basketball,“ Mims said. Jerry was big and a starting center...but it didn’t take long for him to tire out and I was first man off the bench to replace him! I’ll never forget my instructions from the coach: ‘Mims...you rebound...don’t shoot…just REBOUND!’ I still don’t understand: I could MISS a basket just as good as Jerry could!” Jerry also worked at a tomato canning plant and a guava plant and
Mayor Dowling Watford said, “As Jerry was older than me, I knew him, but our first real connection was when we played Pony League baseball together. He was a much better athlete than I, and my ‘fondest’ memory of Jerry happened at batting practice. Jerry was pitching; he could really
in 45 minutes and take him to the next job. In high school, Randall Mims joined him. Mims said, “I had a riding mower and Jerry would trim around trees, bushes, etc. But I kept running over sprinkler heads and cutting our profits.” When he graduated, Jerry turned his business over to Randall.
bagged groceries at the A & P through high school where, he excelled at and enjoyed math —until it came to calculus. His favorite teacher, Mrs. Janiewski (Magi Cable’s mom), taught him in 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades. On graduation, he had the second highest score on the Senior Placement Test.
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As graduation day drew near, it meant it was time for a senior prank. Jerry and three friends decided to paint ‘Senior 67’ and names on the town water tower. Two boys climbed, two watched. It was a harrowing and dangerous climb, but they did it. Shortly after, when Jerry went to get his paycheck from A & P, he saw his boss talking to a policeman. Soon, Jerry was arrested and taken to jail for malicious injury to a structure. After being jailed two hours, a court date was set, and he was released. The other three boys eventually were given an hour in jail, but were told their records would be expunged. Jerry said, “Fast forward 15 years to 1982. I’m getting ready to graduate from law school and apply to The Florida Bar. During a background search, they found a record of my arrest and pursued an investigation which reached to then-Okeechobee Police Chief Larry Mobley. Larry’s response of ‘nothing serious’, didn’t satisfy them until he told them, ‘I was the other guy’. The investigation ulti-
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mately revealed that of the four: one now flew helicopters for the Fort Pierce Police, one was a Gainesville cop and drug detective, one was Okeechobee’s Police Chief and the fourth was Jerald Bryant. Jerry passed The Bar. Incidentally, the records were later found in an old card file in Mobley’s office. Larry rectified that and expunged them.” When asked what advice Jerry would offer today’s youth, he said, “It would be what I told my boys, Adam and Jesse: look each person in the eye, shake his hand and say ‘Nice to meet you’. Say yes, ma’am and no ma’am, yes sir and no sir; treat everyone with respect, then you can be respected yourself.” After graduating from high school in 1967, Jerry spent one year at Miami-Dade Community College then dropped out, went to work and in 1969 enlisted in the Marine Corps. One day on special duty as a prisoner escort, he brought the accused to court and was fascinated with the military prosecutor and defense attorney verbally and energetically arguing the case.
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After taking the prisoner back to the brig at Parris Island, Jerry returned to find the two attorneys amicably discussing racquetball. He said, “I realized they took their job seriously, but not personally, and decided right then to make my goal law school. “In 1973, the day after I was honorably discharged from the Marines, I began school at Indian River Community College. On my first day at school, I saw Carol in the student union and couldn’t take my eyes off her. A friend, the late Robbie Hoover who attended IRCC with us, told me she liked to go to the Fort Pierce Hotel to dance. I enlisted my friend Randall to go with me to Fort Pierce where I wanted to try to find this pretty girl. I went there with a purpose, sort of ‘dear hunting’ and waited patiently until she and her friend showed up. I asked her to dance, and we’ve been dancing ever since.” That was January 12, 1974. Their first “date” was the next day, Super Bowl Sunday. Trying to impress her, he began teaching her to play badminton, even
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though the Super Bowl was on. Fortunately, her dad asked if they wouldn’t rather watch the game. They did, and Jerry’s favorite team, the Miami Dolphins, won. They graduated together in
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June and were married in December. Darrell Enfinger and Jerry were best friends in high school and beyond. He said, “Jerry was best man at my wedding with Jeannie in June, 1974, and
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I was best man at his wedding that same year.” Carol graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in teaching. Jerry worked in banking and continued studies at the University of Florida. He then went to the University of Central Florida earning a Bachelor of Science accounting degree in 1978 then returned to banking as an assistant regional controller for Sun Bank of Florida. He soon was accepted to Stetson University College of Law in Saint Petersburg from which he received his Juris Doctorate in 1982. Three children soon followed: Adam, Jesse and Sarah. Adam had a serious accident while camping in 2002 and ultimately died in 2004. This led to the Bryant family’s involvement in the Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta, which began in 2011. The people of Okeechobee honored Adam and his family through raising funds for scholarships in Adam’s career path, firefighting.
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Today, Jesse and his wife Carly live in California following his education at the University of Miami and Texas A & M. Sarah graduated from University of Florida and Sturm College of Law in Denver; she works as an attorney for the Federal Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Sarah said, “Before the Regatta in 2016, I flew into Fort Lauderdale from Denver, and Dad was waiting. I called to tell him that I was outside. He replied he was inside by the baggage carousel. To my horror, I turned around and saw through the windows, a very tall man dressed like Batman, standing by baggage claim. I knew instantly it was him, and I considered jumping into the garbage can to hide. I came inside, and there he was, in a full Batman suit, with a sign that said ‘Sarah Beth’—the name he’s always called me. People were posing for photos with him, and he was cracking up. As embarrassed as I was, I loved it. Then we walked through the parking garage, stopping here and there for people to take his photo, and then he got in the car and told me that the suit was really hot and uncomfortable. He’d been wearing it for hours, because he had to put it on before driving to Fort Lauderdale from Okeechobee. It’s silly, but I felt so loved. I’m sure he thought this will embarrass her, but she’s going to love it more. “Another time dad took the three of us to Ortona. We drove by an immense field of black-eyed Susans, and he pulled off the road and made us go pose in that field for a photo. It’s his favorite photo of his kids, who he had all to himself for an afternoon. With Adam gone, there aren’t many photos of all three of us together, but these are photos of us young and happy.”
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Jesse’s early memory: “Dad brought a large refrigerator box into my room to be my ‘hideout’. He cut a hole in the top which was to be my ‘lookout’. He told me we’re playing cops and robbers and that I was the robber. Then he walked out of the room. After a long time, I ventured out of my room and ran into him, face down on his hands and knees at my eye-level, just outside my door, waiting to surprise me. “I asked ‘What are you doing?’ ‘I’m a cop, you’re supposed to run.’ I ran, laughing and screaming, back into my hideout. I don’t remember much else from that afternoon. But I remember enough that when I’m a father, I know I’ll make my kids forts out of boxes and chase them around the house, too.” Jeff Reno told his regatta story of Jerry by saying, “One year Jerry was racing a boat and his brother, Rick, was paddling my boat in the same race. They were both heading for the finish line at the same time when Jerry’s boat began to sink - then he went under! I actually think Jerry helped it along to let his brother win.” Ron Mixon, another high school friend, said, “Jerry is a classmate who has made an amazing impact and contribution to our community. We all had creative ways of having fun without realizing we were making memories. Jerry has been the one to rely on for as long as I can remember. “Working for my dad, driving a dump truck helped Jerry decide he was going to get an education. I was operating a dragline and Jerry would hold on to the bucket and I’d swing him out over the water to clean the bank. It was fun until one day I dropped him. Memories —never to be forgotten.”
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Jerry’s friend Sheriff Lt. Brad Stark said, “ I have known Jerry Bryant most of my life growing up in Okeechobee. He and his wife, Carol, my wife, Diana, and myself attended church together and became good friends. Our sons grew up together as well and we were grateful to attend his son, Jesse’s wedding in California. I was supposed to rent a sports car but ended with a minivan and Jerry laughed at me.” Frank DeCarlo said, “For over 30 years, I have been blessed to call Jerry my friend. He is kind, considerate and compassionate. He has faithfully served our country and our community.” Jacque Hayes remembers, “Jerry and Carol and Ron and I signed up for ballroom dancing classes many years ago.” There was nervous bantering, feelings of awkwardness and lots of laughing, but we did have a lot of fun.” A long-ago memory comes from Vietnam vet and friend, Tom Brickenden, who, after the war was in Gainesville in 1975, struggling with a job, lodging, transportation and food. “Riding home on a bike, someone pulled up beside me and asked, ‘Where are you going, Tommy?’ It was Jerry and Carol. I had attended school from primary to high school with the entire Bryant clan. “They stopped and I put my bike in the trunk and we went to their house where I had a home-cooked meal. My spirits improved immensely with some decent nutrition. The rest of that year I had a place to go for a good meal, with good friends, where I felt like a human being. I’ll never forget that kindness as long as I live. Let me state it right from the heart: Thank you, old friend, much obliged.”
Memories also exist for the Bryants - memories of times in their second favorite spot, the fishing village Oriental, N.C., a place to watch the shrimp trawlers come in, the Christmas parade and the Running of the Dragon, which was parade featuring a Chinese dragon head with a long cloth tail being carried along
Main Street on New Year’s Eve. They shared times there with Martha Bloom who said, “I met Carol at a track meet where my son and her daughter, Sarah, competed, and were a bit of an item. She told me about the house across the street coming up for sale and that was the start of a great friendship.
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“I met Jerry as we’re moving in. We were accepted immediately and included in a lot of activities and stories start flowing from Jerry and his interesting life. He always had a joke or some wisdom. We share anniversaries, big parties on New Year’s Eve or just sitting around their campfire sharing drinks and laughs. Any time we could meet in Oriental was a time for celebration. They made our adjustment and time spent in Okeechobee comfortable and always looked out for my family during all the times I was traveling with work. Thank you, Jerry, for your friendship and great toasts!” Children always have been important to Jerry, both as a man and as a judge. His persistence brought the first Misdemeanor Drug Court to Okeechobee, the first Felony Drug Court and then a Juvenile Drug Court which has proved effective. Viki Lambeti said, “My late husband, Rico and I met Jerry many years ago. Rico had been involved in drug court for several years on the Treasure Coast through our business, Breakthrough Recovery Services. When Jerry began his campaign, Rico approached him about starting drug court here if he won. “He did win and did start a drug court. Sadly, my husband passed away the month before the first drug court meeting. I went on to remain involved for the next ten years working closely with Jerry who always treated clients with respect and encouraged them to do their best, but he was not afraid to confront them when they did not. I have remained friends with Jerry and his wife and will always cherish their friendship.”
Jerry’s wife, Carol, said, “If you ever had the privilege to watch Jerry deal with the drug court participants, you would know this role as county judge is ‘his calling.’ Judge Bryant looks at and engages personally with each participant; they are both seen and heard. This is often the first time this person has ever had anyone listen to their story or struggles, to validate their worth as individuals. It is quite a moving experience to watch this and see each person appreciate their ‘moment’ being ‘heard.’ Drug Court was Jerry’s goal for our county and he has effectively managed and run this during his tenure.” Jerry said, “Some of my most rewarding moments come when I run into a spouse or parent who approaches me to say how grateful they are that our Drug Court saved the life of a loved one who is now doing well.” These moments remind me that what we do is important and has impact on our neighbors, families, employers and community as a whole. Each person matters and we must do what we can to provide a chance to restore hope and success for them. I think God expects us to do no less. “Faith plays a major role in our life; our decisions, pretty much, are influenced by faith. Carol is extremely faithful and influences me a lot. I am what I am because God gave me the opportunity to help people. “Care for my hometown and neighbors drove me in office. I hope I am remembered for working hard to make this a better place for all of us. I would like my headstone to say, ‘He loved the Lord, his family, the law and Okeechobee.’”
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Okeechobee County 4-H MAKING THE BEST BETTER.
Story by Robbi Sumner
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“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country and my world.” 4-H Pledge
For many people, the term “4-H” brings to mind images of hogs, cattle and other livestock projects exhibited at the County Fair. However, today’s 4-H program offers a great deal of other options to its youth members. Nationwide, 4-H clubs began as a way to address the need for agricultural education through boys’ and girls’ clubs. Both the Morrill Act of 1862, which established the land-grant university system and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established the national Agricultural Extension Service, play a role in the history and eventual development of 4-H programs across our nation. Florida 4-H programs are administered through partnerships with the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, and various federal, state, and county governments. Florida 4-H celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2019, with the same goal it had in the beginning: for youth to “learn by doing” in order to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. A study conducted by Tufts University found that young people engaged in 4-H typically make better grades and are more engaged in school; are more likely to attend college; and are more likely to pursue a career in science, engineering or computer technology. Gladys Freeman is noted for having formed the first
Okeechobee County chartered 4-H club in 1968. Fast forward to the present, and this year there are 23 active clubs in our county that focus on activities ranging from crafts and gardening to livestock and shooting sports. According to the Florida 4-H Youth Development State Office, Okeechobee County had more than 600 youth 4-H members in the 2017-2018 year. 4-H membership is open to all youth ages 5 – 18 (as of September 1st). With an annual enrollment fee of just $20, the organization provides an affordable option for families who are looking for diverse activities for their children to participate in. In addition to the specific projects (such as raising livestock) that 4-H members complete, all members also have opportunities to learn leadership roles, participate in community service activities, and gain valuable life skills such as public speaking and financial responsibility. While many are familiar with 4-H activities such as the Tropicana Public Speaking program, which is coordinated through the schools, there are numerous other opportunities for 4-H members to expand their knowledge and life skills beyond the local club level. County Events is a competition held each spring where 4-H’ers can give demonstrations, speeches, or “share the fun” by singing or dancing, in a safe, fun environment.
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Participants are given constructive feedback and those who choose to can move on and compete at the District and even State levels. Summer 4-H camps held in Okeechobee are open to nonmembers, but Florida also has three UF/IFAS Extension camping facilities that are open year-round and may be
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reserved by 4-H groups and other organizations. Camp Cherry Lake in Madison, Camp Timpoochee in Niceville, and Camp Cloverleaf in Lake Placid also host various specialty camps for 4-H’ers that focus in areas such as environmental education and shooting sports. At the State level, 4-H members ages 13 to 18 can attend such events as 4-H Legislature, a week-long civic education event at the capitol building in Tallahassee where youth develop debate skills, analyze legislation and meet with elected officials. During 4-H University, a week-long event for youth ages 14 to 18 held at the University of Florida, attendees have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops, explore career opportunities, and lead community service activities. Leadership Washington Focus (LWF) is for middle school aged 4-H’ers, giving them an opportunity to learn leadership and communication skills while also experiencing much of the history of our nation’s capital. National 4-H
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Congress, held in Atlanta, Georgia, is a five-day event for high school aged 4-H members that focuses on leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion. Participants enjoy state-ofthe-art educational workshops and hear from world-renowned speakers, while also getting to know other 4-H members from across the United States. These are just a few examples of opportunities that exist for 4-H’ers who choose to move on beyond the club level to enhance their personal learning experiences. Through the years, Okeechobee 4-H members have excelled at every level, with several even earning the right to travel internationally through their participation. Former County 4-H Extension Agent Debbie Clements, who served in that position from 1995 to 2018, shares her belief that “Kids who grow up in 4-H make a better community, and they typically continue to give back, often times serving as club leaders and volunteers as adults.” Clements shares some of the success stories that she witnessed through the years, such as a shy kid with poor grades from a family who
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didn’t travel and were not college educated. That child took advantage of every opportunity he could through 4-H, worked to improve his grades, graduated high school with honors and went on to become a university professor. The list goes on with many Okeechobee youth excelling in a multitude of ways, including serving as State 4-H Officers, and continuing on to successful careers and lives meeting that goal of becoming “responsible, productive citizens”. Of course, 4-H would not be possible without dedicated volunteers who serve as positive role models for the youth. Parents can feel safe knowing that the volunteers all go through extensive background checks, so their kids are in good hands during 4-H events. Okeechobee has been blessed to have many volunteers who have been inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame including Woody Larson,
Dianne Spann, Linda Syfrett, Melinda Gamot, Kent Price, Larry Williams, Gladys Freeman and Phoebe Raulerson among them. That being said, 4-H is always looking for more good adult volunteers! The current Okeechobee County 4-H Extension Agent, Paula Daniel, began in that role in July of 2018. A former teacher, Daniel says that “Not only my background in education, but my personal experience as a 4-H member growing up has made this a natural fit”. Paula had several projects including a horse, cooking, sewing, and steers, which she says helped pay for her college! She also participated in State Legislature, Citizenship Washington Focus, and other activities. As for the future of 4-H in Okeechobee, Daniel sees many opportunities for growth and expansion. School-based clubs like the Everglades Elementary AgriGators are convenient for families with limited transportation and provide further engagement for students. “Our goal is to reach various interests and it has been neat for me to get out and see what other counties are doing to reach their kids. We’re exploring ideas like holding a life skills camp where kids can learn how to take care of themselves by balancing a checkbook, living on budget and such. There are also opportunities in areas like robotics and environmental conservation. If youth are interested and adults are willing to volunteer, we can support other activities.” To learn more about how you or your children can become involved in 4-H, contact the Okeechobee Extension Office at (863) 763-6469.
Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, Inc. to Celebrate 50th Anniversary Founded in 1969, the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, Inc., will celebrate its 50-year anniversary at the annual event to be held March 9–16th at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. OYLS is a non-profit organization whose 16-member board of directors work to promote and educate Okeechobee youth in the areas of agriculture and community development. OYLS provides a platform for 4-H and FFA members to exhibit their rabbits, poultry, lambs, goats, beef breeding, steers, swine and dairy cattle. The shows and sale are held in conjunction with the
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Okeechobee County Fair. In addition to prizes and awards that youth compete for during the week, OYLS also offers scholarships for qualified graduating seniors. Some plans for the celebration include a 50/50 raffle, a historical photographic display, and special recognitions during the sale on Saturday, March 16th. For specific event dates and times, visit www.okeechobeeyouthlivestockshow.com or follow them on Facebook.
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Trail of Hope Animal Shelter STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVID JONES AND SONJA HASSLER-JONES
In just more than a year, more than 300 dogs have found good homes because of the efforts of Trail of Hope Animal Rescue. In a facility with wide, outdoor spaces that allow the dogs room to run and play, it’s easy to fall under the spell of Kane, an affectionate black mouth cur mix, and Sadie, who wants nothing more than to play fetch with a loving owner. At the heart of Trail of Hope is the passion of operators DeeDee and John Morris. In a facility that was donated when the old Okeechobee Humane Society & Pet Rescue closed, the Morris family has built a special shelter where the animals are socialized and loved in as close to a home
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environment as they can create. It’s a bright, joyful atmosphere for the animals and the volunteers. With no money from the county or the state, Trail of Hope exists largely on the generosity of Okeechobee. Volunteers help care for the animals, have helped make constant improvements to the facilities, and provide everything from animal food and pharmaceuticals to cleaning supplies and dog toys. It is generosity for which DeeDee and John are profoundly thankful. To volunteer, adopt an animal, or find out more, visit 1201 US Hwy 98 N, Okeechobee, FL 34972, call (863) 357-1104, or online at www.trailofhopeanimalrescue.org.
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Night In For Two By Rachel Buxton Recipes and Photos Courtesy D&G Catering Valentine’s Day is around the corner which means you better start making reservations for your party of two before all the restaurants become booked. However, if you’re like me and my love, there is no better place to be than at home on the so-called day of love. Not because we don’t like dining out, because we do. But we’d rather skip the “young love” chaos on that day and move at a much slower pace in the comfort of our own home. There is so much pressure when it comes to picking the perfect restaurant, and then you have to worry about getting home from work and getting cleaned up in time to make your reservation. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Thursday this year, no one has time for all that, well, at least, not this girl here.
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Instead of going out this year, consider staying in and cooking for your significant other or “friend.” Take the time to enjoy the evening rather than rushing around and just going through the motions of what you think Valentine’s Day is supposed to be like. A stay-at-home evening of relaxation, good food and great conversation may be the perfect gift to both of you. If you are so inclined to show your devotion through cooking, D & G Catering has got your menu covered. They have thought of it all from a delicate and savory appetizer to an elegant, but “hearty” main course, and it’s all rounded out with an impressive and rich dessert that is sure to put a smile on your and your Valentine’s face. No fancy restaurant needed – just a simple night in for two.
F EBR U A RY 2019
Elegant Beef Wellington Total: 2-1/2 —3 hrs Prep: 1 hr Cook: 1-1/2 hr Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Duxelles: 3 pints (1 1/2 pounds) white-button mushrooms 2 shallots, peeled and roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Beef: One 3-pound center cut beef tenderloin (filet mignon), trimmed Extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 12 thin slices prosciutto (or thinly sliced ham) 6 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves only 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Flour, for rolling out puff pastry 1 pound puff pastry, thawed if using frozen 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
To make Duxelles: Add mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and thyme to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add butter and olive oil to a large sauté pan and set over medium heat. Add the shallot and mushroom mixture and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool. For the Beef: 1. To prepare the beef: Tie the tenderloin in four places so it holds its shape while cooking. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper and sear all over, including the ends, in a hot, heavy skillet (griddle or grill) lightly coated with olive oil—about 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, set out the prosciutto or ham on a sheet of plastic wrap (plastic needs
to be long enough so you can wrap and tie the roast up in it) on top of your cutting board. Shingle the prosciutto so it forms a rectangle that is big enough to hold the entire filet. Using a rubber spatula, cover evenly with a thin layer of Duxelles. Season the surface of the Duxelles with salt and pepper and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. When the beef is seared, remove from heat, cut off twine and smear lightly all over with Dijon mustard. Allow to cool slightly, then roll up in the Duxelles-covered prosciutto, using the plastic wrap to tie it up nice and tight. Tuck in the ends of the prosciutto as you roll to completely encompass the beef. Roll it up tightly in plastic wrap and twist the ends to seal it completely, and hold it in a nice log shape. Set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to ensure it maintains its shape. 4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry out to about a one-quarter-inch thickness. Depending on the size of your sheets you may have to overlap 2 sheets and press them together. Remove beef from refrigerator and cut off plastic. Set the beef in the center of the pastry and fold over the longer sides, brushing with egg wash to seal. Trim ends if necessary, then brush with egg wash and fold over to completely seal the beef—saving ends to use as a decoration on top if desired. Top with coarse sea salt. Place the beef seam-side down on a baking sheet. 6. Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash and then, using the tip of a paring knife, cut a couple of slits in the top of the pastry. This creates vents to allow the steam to escape when cooking. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until pastry is golden brown and beef reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read or probe thermometer. Remove from oven and let the beef rest before cutting into thick slices.
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Pears with Gouda and Honey
Bavarian Cream
Prep: 20 min Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Total: 50 min Prep: 10 min Inactive: 5 min Cook: 35 min Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 D’Anjou pears (or your favorite pears), sliced 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese Orange Blossom or Clover honey
Directions
Ingredients
Slice pears into desired thickness. Top with sliced smoked Gouda cheese and drizzle with honey. Substitute Gala apples and blue cheese for variety! For more information: D&G Catering (863) 634-7840 chefs@dgcaters.com www.dgcaters.com Facebook @DG-Catering-Personal-Chef-Service-122915207803670
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1 vanilla bean 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin 3 tablespoons milk 1/4 cup sugar 5 egg yolks 1 1/4 cups whipped cream 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (divided)
Directions
1. Put the split vanilla bean in cream and slowly bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let sit for one hour.
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2. Remove bean and scrape out seeds, add them to the cream and discard the pod. Sprinkle the gelatin into the milk and set aside. 3. Whisk the sugar and egg yolks together. Warm the cream mixture back up and slowly whisk into eggs. Place mixture over simmering water and stir until it is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and add milk and gelatin mixture. 4. Place bowl in ice bath and stir until it reaches room temperature. 5. Fold in whipped cream and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Pour mixture into six (6-ounce) ramekins. Place in refrigerator for 4 to 5 hours or until mixture is set. Remove from molds. Garnish with whipped cream and remaining orange zest.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Okeechobee Honors Veterans In Annual Celebration STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON / PHOTOS BY TRISH GRYGO
Okeechobee County residents took a moment out of their busy schedules to honor all past and present veterans for their service to our country during the county’s annual Veterans Day ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park. The morning included a color guard presentation, a moment of silence and prayer, as well as guest speakers, including Okeechobee County Veterans’ Services Officer Sarah B. Carter. On June 28, 1919, World War I officially ended with the signed Treaty of Versailles. However, fighting technically
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REMINGTON REAL ESTATE Business • Commercial • Residential
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ceased seven months prior when an armistice was put into effect on Nov. 11, 1918 – later being dubbed Armistice Day. In 1926, the end of the war was officially acknowledged by Congress and the day was recognized as a holiday in 1938. It wasn’t until after World War II and the Korean War that the name changed from Armistice to Veterans. Then, following the signing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, Veterans Day, as we have come to know and honor, was established Sept. 20, 1975, and later cemented into history as a national holiday on Nov. 11.
Nita Salmon-President 505 NE Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.532.9096
Rustic Style FURNITURE & GIFT SHOPPE Unique Home Decor • Log Homes
JEWELRY • PANDORA • PURSES • BORRACHO’S WINE AND STEMWARE
863.532.9096
505 NE Park Street • Okeechobee, FL
www.RusticNow.com • niki@rusticnow.com
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Ride for the Fight ANNUAL RODEO FUND-RAISER HELPS LOCALS IN NEED STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON / PHOTOS BY SANDRA PEARCE
Ride for the Fight held its sixth annual bulls and broncs rodeo fund-raiser Jan. 5 at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena. Local cowboys and cowgirls competed in events including bronc riding, barrel racing and the popular bull riding. The event also included a raffle and a barbecue dinner prepared by the Junior Cattlemen’s Association and the FFA. All proceeds raised from the event support the mission of the nonprofit organization that was started by Nano Corona in 2013 to provide assistance to those battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. After being diagnosed with cancer, in 2010, Nano realized just how fortunate he was to have insurance and the support of his family and friends. However, he knew that many others battling similar situations were not always as fortunate. He has made it his goal that 100 percent of money raised through Ride for the Fight stays local and
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goes toward helping community members in need. The local nonprofit doesn’t just assist in medical bills, it helps patients in various ways, often easing the burden they may be carrying. Ride for the Fight: • Provides financial and other assistance to patients and caregivers, battling medical conditions; • Helps to pay household expenses, including making homes more comfortable for patients; • Helps to pay for travel expenses, including travel to see loved ones; weekend getaways; and insurance co-payments; • Provides transportation to and from doctors’ appointments and treatments; • Supplies meals to the needy. Ride for the Fight receives many contributions throughout the year from local organizations and businesses to help fund their cause. In 2018, two major contributions were given, one by the Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association, which raised more than $5,000 with its inaugural poker run, and the other from Jersey Mike’s of Okeechobee, which donated more than $12,000 as part of the company’s National Day of Giving. Most recently, W&C Beekeeping partnered with Ride for the Fight and contributed half of all proceeds of honey sales for the month of January to the local cause.
Balayage • Razor Cuts Hair Extensions Eyelash Extensions • Waxing
863.824.0505
105 SW 2nd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974
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For more information, contact: Ride for the Fight, 6830 SW 13th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974 or call (863) 634-3971. Your Protection Is Our Policy.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fun for a Cause MARTHA’S HOUSE DINNER AND GAME SHOW STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATRICK VAN TASSELL
The local nonprofit organization Martha’s House operates a 24-bed, emergency shelter to help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The annual Laugh, Love, Live Comedy Game Show & Dinner is its largest fund-raiser. The event was held Nov. 10 at the Okeechobee KOA, and featured live and silent auctions, a large dinner buffet and the parody game show “The Price Is Almost Right” where audience members became contestants in a few familiar games from mid-morning television and competed to win an assortment of prizes.
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The fund-raiser helps raise awareness about preventing domestic violence and assault. For more information, if you need help, or if you would like to donate, please call
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863.357.3357 863.357.3357 103 SW Park Street 103 SW Park Street Okeechobee Okeechobee Mon. - Thurs. 7am-7pm
Mon. – Thurs: 7am-7pm Fri. 7am-8pm • Sat. 8am-8pm Fri: 7am-8pm • Sat: 8am-8pm ₋ Sun: 12 Noon-5pm
Chocolate...it’s what’s for dessert!
Free WiFi
SNEIDER LAW Glenn J. Sneider Attorney at Law
Helping good people facing tough problems. Divorce (863) 763-2893 or visit Martha’s House online at www.marthashouse.org.
Custody
Paternity
DUI
Criminal Law
200 SW 9th Street•Okeechobee, FL 34974
863-467-6570 www.SneiderLaw.com
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Custom Home Building & Remodeling
863.467.1933
221 NE Park Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972 STATE LICENSED & INSURED - Lic #CRC1331883
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A young woman receives a heart transplant, then reaches out to the grieving family of the donor. It’s an outstanding dark comedy based on a true story. You’ll laugh - until you cry!
TOUR TODAY AND STAY FOR LUNCH! • Full time activities manager with scheduled events 7 days a week • Off site trips planned weekly • Licensed nursed available 24 hours a day • Transportation provided to scheduled appointments and social outings
March 1, 2, & 8 • 8pm Plus 2pm Matinee on March 2 & 9 Reserved Seat Tickets $12 On Sale at Okeechobee The Magazine 314 NW Fifth Street • Okeechobee
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Gilbert Chevrolet Still Has It After 85 Years GILBERT CHEVROLET CELEBRATES ITS ANNIVERSARY BY APPRECIATING ITS CUSTOMERS STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON / PHOTOS COURTESY GILBERT CHEVROLET
Gilbert Chevrolet celebrated its 85th anniversary Nov. 15 with a bash that would certainly have put a smile on founder Gilbert Culbreth Sr’s face. The late Gil Sr. started Gilbert Chevrolet in 1933, shortly after he founded his first Okeechobee business – an all-night fuel service station that has become known today as Gilbert Oil Company. Community members and guests mingled and enjoyed a variety of refreshments before dancing to the live melodies of “The Sweet Talkers”. A raffle was held where one lucky individual won $1,933, signifying their founding year.
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Rick Chartier (863) 467.9090 • Sales • Service • Audio Visual • Networking
COMPUTERS
• Phone Systems • Cabling • Accessories
403 South Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL email: sales@icsflorida.com www.icsflorida.com
OKEE-TANTIE TITLE COMPANY, INC.
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105 NW 6th Street | Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2898 | Fax 863-763-0541 Stephen E. Burk, VP Suzie Burk, CEO okeepackage@earthlink.net | www.okee-tantie.com
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561.996.3046
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WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY Presents Photos of the Past
DEPRESSION ERA
During the 1930’s, known as the ‘Depression Era’, growing family gardens and canning were a necessity. The couple shown here, with a large supply of home canned vegetables, was identified as Mrs. Paul and Mr. Nails
LICENSE #01852
of Belle Glade SERVING THE GLADES SINCE 1929 TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Agricultural Event Inspires Students with Hands-On Learning FRIED GATOR AND MORE AT AG-VENTURE PROGRAM STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBBI SUMNER
Okeechobee County Ag-Venture, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides an annual, free, one-day program to local fourth-graders (public, private, and home-schooled) at which students gain experience, understanding, and an appreciation of our local agricultural industries. Okeechobee County Ag-Venture is a tax-exempt, under Section 501 (c) (3), organization that is funded entirely by donations and run by volunteers. Donations from groups such as the Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee cover the cost of the facilities, materials, transportation, Ag-Venture volunteer t-shirts and bags for each student, and lunch. During the two-day event, students visit seven different stations to learn about alligators, beef, bees, citrus, dairy, poultry, and vegetables. Each station offers hands-on learning through activities such as making butter and squeezing oranges for juice. They also learn about various soils, feed commodities, farm equipment, and career opportunities.
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More than 100 volunteers helped with setting up and cleaning up at the December 12–13 event at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. Agricultural commodity groups, businesses, organizations, and individuals work together to make Ag-Venture a fun, educational and memorable experience.
F EBR U A RY 2019
Besides Beef feed — Syfrett EP Cubestm, Bull Grower, Heifer Developer, Calf Pellets, Dairy and minerals, we carry Swine, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Game feed and more! Check out ALL our programs—from great starter/growers and finish/withdraws, to a special layer ration for poultry. We’ll deliver direct to your operation—6 tons + minimum. We have established routes from Jacksonville thru Homestead and Coast to Coast. We deliver bulk, bagged pallets, or totes. Call Charles Syfrett: 863.634.7366/John Eubanks: 352.213.2671. For smaller quantities, drive into The Feederytm for fresh feed available in any quantity. Bring your own container, drive up and be well taken care. If you don’t have a container or need more, we carry barrels w/lids—up to 300 lbs, sacks—up to 100 lbs, or super sacks—up to 2000 lbs. Feed is also available in 50 lb. bags. We invite you to give us a try, experience superior nutrition, unsurpassed support and competitive pricing. OPEN | M-F 7:30 - 5:30 SAT 8 - 2 3079 NW 8th St | Okeechobee, FL 34972 Mill: 863.763.5586 | Jose: 863.634.6547 FRESH | LOCAL 3RD GENERATION FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Okeechobee Grad Stresses Importance of Safe Food Supply LOCALS RECOGNIZED FOR WORK IN AGRICULTURE AT FARM CITY LUNCHEON STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBBI SUMNER
Okeechobee’s 25th Annual Farm City Week Luncheon was Thursday, November 15th at the KOA. “This week is used to celebrate and recognize the beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities that make our food supply safe and plentiful,” according to the Florida Farm Bureau. In Okeechobee, the luncheon provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about our youth 4-H and FFA organizations. John Wesley Williamson, II, who was recently named the FFA National Champion Animal Science Division 1 winner,
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Stop on by. and Abby Holcomb, the FFA Reserve National Champion Environmental Systems, Division 1 winner, were recognized at the luncheon. Shelby Sumner also was acknowledged for being a member of Florida’s first place 4-H National Dairy Judging team at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky. She also placed 4th in Oral Reasons, and was 8th place High Individual Overall. Keynote speaker and 2018 Okeechobee High School graduate Artha Jonassaint spoke about the importance of teaching consumers about the safety of their food sources, and also allowing for sustainability, in the hope of ending world hunger. Artha deferred her acceptance to Harvard University and is serving as the Florida State FFA president. Ben Butler presented Gladys Freeman with the Farm City Special Recognition Award. Mrs. Freeman has long been a mentor to 4-H and FFA students, having chartered the first 4-H club here in 1968 and being a founding member of the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show and Okeechobee Farm Bureau. “Of all the awards I’ve been given through the years, this one is the most special,” Freeman said.
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Addington Satellite TV 307 SW Park St, Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-697-6047
DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Visit directv.com/legal or call for details. ©2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
•APPLIANCES• Sales / Service / Parts
Over 25 Family Owned and Operated for
HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8am-5:30pm
317 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL •
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Years
863-763-2220
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BEHIND THE BUSINESS
So Much “More” Than Furniture BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE AND MORE STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON / PHOTOS BY TRISH GRYGO
For more information: Badcock Home Furniture and More 512 NW Park Street (863) 763-3823 www.badcock.com/okeechobee-fl
For almost 63 years, Linda Ballinger’s family has been providing families in Okeechobee with furniture from Badcock Home Furniture and More, named the 2018 Retailer of the Year by the Home Furnishings Association. “We have seen generation after generation,” Linda explains. “We have grandmothers bringing their grandkids in to start accounts.” Looking in from the outside, it seems as if it was a given that Linda would take over the family business, like it was the natural succession. What most might find a
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bit surprising, especially for those who know Linda personally and know how much she loves what she does, is that when she was young, she never imagined taking over the furniture store. Furniture, Badcock furniture specifically, runs in Linda’s blood dating back to her grandfather who worked for the original Badcock family making deliveries when he was a young boy. Her father, Alfred, joined the Badcock Furniture family in Lakeland as an assistant manager and collector. In 1956, Alfred and wife, Ruby, had the opportunity to buy what became the 35th Badcock Furniture store at the time, located in downtown Okeechobee, just a couple blocks from its current location. Linda recalls fond memories of running around the furniture showroom as a child and spending many afternoons sitting outside on the bench and listening to the
F EBR U A RY 2019
colorful stories of the late Mr. McCarthy and Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs. “I didn’t stay at home,” she described. “When school was out, my mom would bring me back to the store, and I’d sit out there and listen to them talk.” In high school, Linda worked a summer at the furniture store before heading off to attend Massey Business College in Jacksonville. She had no clue what she aspired to be, but her father steered her toward business school. He said if she learned about business, she would always be able to take care of herself. It was in Jacksonville where she met her husband, Mark, a professional baseball player. It was an instant connection; one that would last 42 years and that would take them all over the country as Mark played baseball for teams including the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals and the California Angels. In 1982, Linda and Mark moved to Okeechobee to work with her father and mother at the furniture store. The family worked side-by-side for years, serving the community. Following the passing of her father, Linda took full reign of Badcock with her mom, working right by her side every day until she became ill and passed a few years ago at the age of 89.
Linda recalls how her father would never hesitate to let her try different things on the showroom floor, an approach she tries to take with her own staff, most of whom have been with her for several years. “I try to involve them; they’re the ones meeting with the people.” Linda and her staff work hard to always make the customer feel comfortable, as they are not all about stepping up the sale. “I don’t want to overextend people,” Linda says. “We don’t want to embarrass anyone either. We teach our em-
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ployees to listen to the customer.” Linda takes pride in having a finance option for almost every budget. “Young people aren’t aware of what’s available,” she explains. “It makes me feel good when they can step up and get something they didn’t think they could get.” Now, customers can walk right up to one of the kiosks on the showroom floor and apply for financing and receive an answer and a credit amount within 10 minutes. Badcock also has continued to keep up with the times by having its sales associates work off of Chromebooks. This adds to convenience and ease while making a sale. If a customer sees something online and wants to try it out before buying it, Badcock will order it free of charge so they can see it in person – no strings attached. “We’re here to serve you,” Linda stresses. Inventory also has evolved with Badcock now offering so much more as their full name implies— Badcock Home Furniture and More. Furniture, appliances, lawnmowers, electronics, home furnishings – you name it and if it’s for the home, Badcock probably has it. They carry a variety of vendors including well-known brands such as Catnapper, Serta and Best – an American-made furniture line. A clearance section can be found in the back of the warehouse where prices on floor models have been reduced. What was once a career she never imagined doing now has turned into a blessing and a career she can’t imagine not doing. “I love it. Every day is different,” she says. “You never know what a day is going to bring.”
1008 N. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34972
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BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Bringing Car Owners’ Visions To Reality CUSTOM SIGHTS AND SOUNDS STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON / PHOTOS COURTESY CUSTOM SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
For more information: Custom Sights & Sounds 1811 S Parrott Ave. 863-357-2199 Facebook @CustomSightsAndSounds
If you have lived in Okeechobee long enough, or if you have attended one of the many holiday parades, it is likely that you have seen (or heard) a vehicle or two that has been customized by Custom Sights and Sounds, owned and operated by Eric Vonderau. We’re not talking about MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” customization with chandeliers and other crazy stuff; we’re talking realistic custom fabrication - think detailed lights inside and out, custom stereo boxes for amazing sound and custom interiors, including door panels and consoles. Vehicle fabrication is an artform that has developed quite the growing demand with car enthusiasts. As he was growing up, owning his own business was never something Eric put much thought into.
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“It has always been a hobby, because I couldn’t afford it,” Eric explains. “I was forced to learn it and do it myself, if I wanted something.” Having played trumpet for the Okeechobee High School band, Eric wanted to be a band teacher. Music was his passion and what he longed to pursue. After graduating from OHS in 1999, Eric attended Indian River Community College to follow his dream and study music. However, his time at IRCC was short-lived. “I couldn’t afford to go back and forth,” Eric says. “I had to work.” While in school, Eric worked at Publix, Pizza Hut, Unique Paint and Body Collision, and Izzy’s Tire & Service. So, for someone who was forced to work odd jobs and do what he had to do to get by, how did he come into owning his own business? “It was kind of one of those deals you just fall into,” Eric says. While working at Izzy’s Tire & Service, the shop was sold, and Eric was one of the workers who was laid off. While
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between jobs and trying to figure out what he was going to do, Eric spent a lot of his time visiting his friend who worked at Custom Sights and Sounds. That’s when then-owner, Dave Tinsley, made it known he was looking to sell the business. It seemed like a crazy idea, but with the support of his wife, Tabitha, who told him if he wanted to try it, “Go for it.” And that’s exactly what Eric did. With no experience in running a business and only a basic knowledge of car customization, which he taught himself, he purchased Custom Sights and Sounds with a partner in 2007. His partner was highly skilled at audio, a skill that Eric was quickly able to learn. Together, Eric and his then-partner continued to build their clientele, making customer service their top priority. Eric has since become sole owner of the business. During the last several years, he has worked hard to hone his customization and fabrication skills and to get some formal class training. He’s traveled across the country and attended conferences and classes in Florida, Tennessee, Arizona and Texas. He’s even taken classes on business management and sales to teach himself the “other side” of the business. Eric’s developed a small staff of two other men, each of whom has a specialized background. There’s Patrick Russell who brings over 17 years of auto-body experience
and knows the ins and outs of taking cars apart and putting them back together, and Stephen Sorensen, who with three years of carpentry training, is highly skilled in car audio and design boxes. Stephen’s most recent venture has been hydro-dipping, a form of water-transfer printing that allows you to apply graphics to three-dimensional objects. Their customization work has caught the attention of some trade magazines, such as Common Treads, who have featured Custom Sights and Sounds talents in the pages of the magazine. Custom Sights and Sounds offers an array of services for anyone looking to personalize their ride. Services include car audio, fabrication, car and truck accessories, home audio, marine and ATV audio, custom headlights, undercarriage customization, and pretty much anything in between, including DUI Smart Start installation. They are quick to point out, however, that they are not an auto-body shop. Eric admits that he finds all aspects of his business equally rewarding, but he truly loves to see his customers happy. “I can pick your brain and probably figure out what you want,” he says, “and I can run with that vision and enhance it. There’s nothing better than seeing a customer happy and getting what they paid for.”
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Despite Low Water Levels, Bass Are Spawning and Thriving in Lake Okeechobee STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAPTAIN JUSTIN MORGAN
For this time of year, the water level in Lake Okeechobee is low, currently at 12.65 feet, and it is projected to sink farther in the upcoming months. The low water and west winds have stirred up much of the lake, making it hard to find clean water and making it tough to navigate in some areas. When navigating, be cautious of areas such as the corners coming out of the Kissimmee River, straight out in front of Indian prairie canal and running straight from the river to government cut. They can be dangerous to run when the lake drops below 12 feet. That said, there are still key areas on the lake that remain clean, are safe to navigate and provide great opportunities to fish and land that catch of a lifetime. Kings Bar, the Pass, Tin House and Monkey Box on the north end of Lake Okeechobee have been key areas for Largemouth bass. When targeting these areas with artificial lures, keen in on boat cuts and isolated reed patches with rattle traps, top water baits and soft plastics. The fish use these cuts and points as a place to stage this time of year, and with the spawn almost in full swing, the fish are stacking up in these areas before moving back to spawn. Once the fish move in, they are spawning on the
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edges of isolated reed patches. They can be caught by casting a lightweight, senko-style bait, such as a Bass Assassin lures XL fat job, past the reeds and dragging it slowly by them. Another successful approach is taking a topwater bait, such as a prop bait or frog, and fishing it the same way. This time of year, these can be great techniques to land a quality Largemouth on artificial. If you are interested in taking a trip with shiners, local guides report catching 25 to 50 bass a day on wild shiners, with multiple 7- to 8-pound fish being caught. Within the last week, two reports of 10-plus pound bass were caught on guide trips using wild shiners. So the big fish are starting to move in and the bass fishing should continue to improve. With the average fish being 3 to 5 pounds, now is the time to start planning your bass fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee. The Crappie “speck� bite also is starting to pick up. Some of the best crappie fishing can be found along the Kissimmee River using minnows, government cut and the many canals lining the north end of Lake Okeechobee. If minnows are not your style and you prefer jigging, Kings Bar, Indian Prairie and Harney pond are excellent areas to limit out and have a successful day of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. A scenic tour along Lake Okeechobee can be a great way to spend time with family and friends, whether fishing or just enjoying its natural beauty. Lake Okeechobee can provide a great experience for all. If you have any questions on guide trips or fishing, please contact me. Until next time, good luck and hope to see you on the water soon. Special thanks to Lakeshore Marine, Bass Assassin Lures, Reaper Rods, Power Pole, and AFTCO for providing high quality lures and equipment. For more information: Captain Justin Morgan Okeechobee Bass Fishing Guide (863) 634-3450 Jmorgan7@embarqmail.com Facebook - @jmorganfishing Instagram - @jmorgan_fishing711
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Marcum & Associates Same Values — Same Service with a Name You Can Trust
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY Family Owned and Operated
James Marcum Principal Agent
863.467.0331 www.mymarcum.com
1120 S. Parrott Ave. • Okeechobee, FL 34974
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DAY TRIPS
DAY TRIPS
A Space Age
Renaissance For more information: Open most days throughout the year from 9am to 6pm or 7pm. Visit online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com Call for more information: 1.855.433.4210
Story by David Jones Photos by David Jones and courtesy of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
When NASA’s space shuttle program ended in 2011, the economic impact that rippled through Florida’s Space Coast—the area made up of the cities hugging the east coast starting with Titusville to the north and ending with Palm Bay and Melbourne to the south—was dramatic. The loss of Federal funds combined with the loss of some 8,000 NASA jobs would have brought a local recession even if it weren’t for the fact that this happened during an already deep nationwide financial crisis. In 2011, from a distance, the future of the region looked uncertain. This wasn’t the first time that the Space Coast had faced this kind of downturn. In fact, it echoed President Nixon’s 1972 closure of the Apollo program where around 12,000 jobs were lost. The 2011 closure was a little different, though; while there is no doubt that it caused a deepening of the recession that the region still hasn’t completely recovered from, local governments were better prepared and decided to actively work to reduce the reliance on government funds. The new Space Coast has a more diversified and growing economy that is arguably more robust having become host to a range of companies in various aspects of the larger aerospace industry. Embraer, for instance, was already moving in to the Melbourne Airport in 2011 to build a facility to assemble and outfit their executive jet airplanes as the shuttle program was winding down.
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There is no doubt, though, that one of the main drivers of all this new activity is also what may turn out to be one of President Obama’s most lasting initiatives: bringing private companies into the commercial space launch sector. While NASA’s unmanned projects and Mars mission will continue to grow and reap rewards of one kind, this new space race has injected jobs and money into the Space Coast when it was most desperately needed. With numerous launch pads and facilities designed for the specific needs of this demanding industry, it made sense to make some of Kennedy Space Center facilities available to the private companies competing in this still-growing market.
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Instead of superpower nations vying for space supremacy, this new race is between upstart companies with grand visions, like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, and established companies with deep ties to the space and defense industries, like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, vying to make space launches safe, profitable, and common. For advocates of exploration, this may well be the most exciting time in history even though astronauts and space missions aren’t quite the same spectacle that they once were in U.S. households. And right there, in the middle of it all, is a world class facility that celebrates the history of space exploration
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while showing us a vision of what might be coming next. Welcome to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visually, takes a page out of Disney World’s Tomorrowland. The sweeping architecture, graphics, and monuments like the soaring Rocket Garden impart a sense of optimism and a stylized futurism in the same way that Disney’s wonderful glimpse of a tomorrow that never was. The big difference, of course, is that the Kennedy Space Center is celebrating real achievements and real and emerging technologies. The visitor complex is not an inexpensive day. With children’s tickets starting at $47 and adult tickets at $57, there are numerous options to personalize the experience and add to ticket fees. With everything from focused tours of launch sites, dinners with astronauts, and Mars exploration simulator training, there are a wide variety of experiences that visitors won’t find anywhere else. While there are some discounts for teachers, military members, and residents of Brevard County (along with occasional special deals for Florida residents), large families will be paying a pretty hefty fee to visit.
But even the basic day pass includes a core of shows, displays, and experiences that justify both the drive and the expense. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Atlantis, a display with interactive exhibits, a rousing introductory movie, simulators, and more. The focal point, the actual space shuttle suspended over the multi-floor exhibit, is fantastic. This is not pristine a model that has been manicured for public viewing; visitors see the scars and rigors of space travel in a way that brings home the sheer physicality of exploration in a way that long distance shots of shuttle launches simply cannot. If it weren’t for the Apollo/Saturn V Center, it would also be the most visually spectacular thing in the entire visitor center. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is a short bus ride from the main visitor center, a bus ride that includes a fun, high level tour of launch pads and buildings and ends with visitors being dropped off for a series of displays and movies that bring to life the incredible national effort—and sacrifices—that culminated with sending astronauts to the moon. And then visitors can move into the massive, main hangar, where they are faced with a full-size Saturn V moon
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rocket. That rocket is a 363’ behemoth that is overwhelming not only in its sheer, physical presence, but also in the realization of how many people and how much effort it took to create this machine. It is a thing that, in totality, is essentially a modern wonder of the world. It inspires a desire to reach higher, to achieve great things. It’s an oddly religious experience. Rose, from Whit Stillman’s charming movie, Damsels in Distress, tells us late in the film that “the Lord gave us abilities and He requires that we use them. Good. Better. Best. Excelsior. Higher! Only excellence can glorify the Lord.” It doesn’t take a religious believer to understand the point, especially when faced with an amazing creation like the Saturn V rocket. And therein is the importance and unique beauty of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It memorializes and celebrates the past while encouraging us to stand on the shoulders of giants and reach even higher. It is an example of what, at our best, we humans can achieve when we just aim high enough.
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Launch schedule (Schedule may change with no notice) February 17, 2019 SpaceX Falcon 9 | CRS 17 March 2019 ULA Atlas V | CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test April 4, 2019 ULA Delta 4 | GPS 3-02 May 7, 2019 SpaceX Falcon 9 | CRS 18 Early 2019 SpaceX Falcon Heavy | Arabsat 6A Early 2019 SpaceX Falcon Heavy | STP-2 July 2019 Vehicle: ULA Atlas V | AEHF 5 October 2019 Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 | GPS 3-03
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Your Top Realty Company In Okeechobee That Your Family Can Trust To Be There For You!
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Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum STORY BY DAVID JONES / PHOTOS COURTESY VALIANT AIR COMMAND
Florida has a hidden gem on the Space Coast; a lesser-known and humbler facility than the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, it serves just as vital a function. The Valiant Air Command was formed in 1977 with the aim of preserving examples of historic military aircraft and honoring the men and women who flew and maintained the craft. The Valiant Air Command’s Warbird Air Museum presents important examples of military aviation and displays them as monuments to a history that would be lost without their extensive efforts. Their mission statement captures the goal perfectly: to honor the past, educate the future, and preserve our heritage. Located just minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center, the Warbird Air Museum includes an eclectic array of military aircraft from around the world and dating from before World War I to modern jet fighters and simulators. For aviation history buffs, the opportunity to see aircraft like their 1942 C-47A Skytrain—a plane that dropped paratroopers over Europe on D-Day— in a fully restored and flightworthy state is well worth the modest price of admission. Beyond that, some 45 other historic aircraft are waiting to be seen. These include a DH.82 Tiger Moth, a
For more information: Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Visit online at www.valiantaircommand.com Call for more information: 1.321.268.1941
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DAY TRIPS B-25J “Killer B” Mitchell, an F-86-F Sabre, and a Fokker Dr.1 triplane replica. It is an impressive and broad collection. Tours are given by knowledgeable and friendly guides, and, near the end, there is a little bit of a peek behind the curtain where visitors are introduced to aircraft in various stages of restoration. Often acquired in dilapidated states, the planes undergo restoration processes that involve thousands of hours and are invariably expensive. Their World War II-era Grumman Wildcat fighter alone required upwards of 30,000 man-hours of restoration. Laura Kelly, a retired Army helicopter pilot with 21 years of service, later came to join Valiant Air Command in a public relations role, explained that some of their volunteers are pilots and veterans who spend their time working to preserve this history. “When our veterans pass away, it is our loss for not making the effort to preserve their stories. It would also be our loss for not making an effort to preserve these military planes as well.” “To preserve the history is what it’s all about for me,” Kelly explained. “There’s a little bit of pride and patriotism.” Publicly funded and staffed largely by volunteers, there is a realization that this entire facility is a product of a shared passion for aviation and history. Current special
exhibits include a tribute to the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, the Flying Tigers, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Preserving this history is no easy task, but the mission of carrying that history forward to new generations, and recognizing the people who helped defend our nation through more than a century of military aviation, is a worthy goal. Indeed, without the support of members, visitors, and volunteers, these important machines would surely fade away. March 15-17 is their 2019 Space Coast Warbird AirShow, the 42nd year of this event.
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St. Lic. #CMCO54668
Refrigeration ~ AC ~ Ice Machines Serving the Glades Since 1929 Jim and Monica McCarthy Clark
Okeechobee Clewiston LaBelle 863-763-2114 863-983-8111 866-942-7280 804 N. Parrott Ave. 311 E. Sugarland Hwy. We also service Okeechobee, FL 34972 Clewiston, FL 33440 LaBelle, FL
Carrier THINK CREMATION IS THE SAME WHEREVER YOU GO?
Think again.
TERVIS TUMBLER DEALER
Don’t fall for misleading claims! Buxton & Bass Funeral Home & Crematory is the only local funeral home with an onsite crematory.
Other funeral homes claim that they offer quality cremation services and return all the ashes. But how do they know? Many use a third party crematory, which means they are sending your loved one out of town.
You’ll always have peace of mind with Buxton & Bass. We are the ONLY funeral home in Okeechobee that owns and operates their own crematory. Your loved one never leaves our care. Put your trust in Buxton & Bass Funeral Home & Crematory and know where your loved one is at all times.
N. Parrott Avenue |Family-Owned Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee’s400 Only Full-Service, & Operated Funeral Hom (863) 763-1994 | www.okeechobeefuneralhome.com
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Doctors Clinic Family Health Center, LLC 863.763.1107 Se habla español
204 SE Park Street • Okeechobee
We are proud to introduce our new provider
Barton Galloway, APRN, AGACNP-BC Stanley H. Sweda M.D.
Jane Powell APRN, FNP-BC
Most Insurances Accepted • DOT/CDL Physicals Family Practice and Occupational Medicine • Lifestyle Weight & Wellness Accepting New Patients • Walk-ins & Appointments
A good neighbor has your back.
A good neighbor has your back.
Life’s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both. And who has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years. I’m here to help life go rightTM. CALL ME TODAY.
Life’s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both. And who has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years. I’m here to help life go right. CALL ME TODAY. TM
Gretchen Robertson Ins Agy Inc Gretchen Robertson, Agent Gretchen Robertson Ins Agy 309 Inc NE 2ND ST Gretchen Robertson, Agent Okeechobee, FL 34972 309 NE 2ND ST Okeechobee, FL 34972 Bus: 863-763-5561 Bus: 863-763-5561 State Farm Bloomington, IL 1606039
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NATIONALLY ACCREDITED Peace Lutheran School We accept VPK and Step Up for Students • Serving Children ages 2-K • Small Class Sizes NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER CAMP
Save the Date for Our Annual Gala
What People Are Saying...
Bowties & Bling February 16th, 2019 at the KOA
Office:
863-763-7566 750 NW 23rd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • peaceschoolinokeechobee@yahoo.com • FMI visit www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org
“Okeechobee the Magazine is definitely the best community magazine in the area. Through its content and excellent photography Okeechobee The Magazine captures the essence of Okeechobee.”
More than 27% of the children in Okeechobee County struggle with hunger.
— Corey Penrod,
Penrod Construction Company
Sponsor a child’s meals at stophunger.org
Okeechobee The Magazine 314 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: 863.467.0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Mission: Our mission is to alleviate hunger by obtaining and distributing food and other essentials in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties. s t o p h u n g e r . o r g Treasure Coast Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
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facebook.com/ tcfoodbank twitter.com/ tcfoodbank instagram.com/ tcfoodbank
LIVE BAIT•TACKLE APPAREL•GROCERIES • Precision Hair Cut Designs • Balayage Hand Painting • Brazilian Blowout • Waxing • Manicures • Microblading • Nail Enhancements • Spa Pedicures • Eyelash Extensions
Professional Guide Services (863) 763-3933
313 SW Park Street | Okeechobee Monday-Friday 9-5 | Saturday 9-3
www.staffordssalon.com
Gift Certificates Available
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Family Owned & Operated Heating • Air Conditioning • Commercial Refrigeration • Mini-Split Systems • Ice Machines Sales • Service • New Installation • Warranty • Maintenance • Residential • Commercial
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS
Duct Cleaning & Sanitizing • Indoor Air Quality 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE • FREE ESTIMATES
863.467.4733 / 863.634.2836 www.CRSOkee.com
CALL US FOR HONEST & DEPENDABLE SERVICE
1505 State Road 78 West Okeechobee, FL 34974
863.763.0973
www.okeechobeebassfishingguide.com
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Celebrating 90 Years Serving the Glades Authorized
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GOOD LUCK TO THE EXHIBITORS OF THE OKEECHOBEE YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW! BAGGED FEED • BULK FEED • MOLASSES • HAY • RANCHING & FENCE SUPPLIES • PET FOOD & SUPPLIES 1852 NW 9th Street • Okeechobee FL 34972 Store 863.763.3447 • Fax 863.763.5205 STORE HOURS M-F 7:30AM-6PM Sat 7:30AM-3PM www.countryfeedokee.com
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ADVERTISER INDEX A Child’s World........................................................................................................ 42 Abney Building & Consulting, Inc...........................................................51 Addington Satellite TV.....................................................................................69
Andrea Noelle’s Boutique is turning TWO And it wouldn’t be so if it weren’t for YOU.
All About You Caregivers, Inc......................................................................51 American Drilling Services...........................................................................69 Anchor Dental............................................................................................................. 6 Anderson Realty..................................................................................................... 83 Andrea Noelle’s.........................................................................................................91 Badcock Home Furniture and More................................................... 62 Battle of Okeechobee..........................................................................................41 Bass Electric............................................................................................................... 43 Berger Real Estate................................................................................................ 88 Black Gold Jubilee..................................................................................................31
Thank you for shopping local
Brown Cow Sweetery............................................................................................61 Buxton Bass Funeral Home........................................................................ 86 CAMS Mobile Marine........................................................................................90 Carpenter Insurance........................................................................................... 63 Cattlemen’s Market of Okeechobee.........................................................1
113 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972
863.623.4267
Tues - Fri: 10am-6pm / Sat: 10am-3pm / CLOSED Sunday & Monday
Clear Title & Legal Services..........................................................................47 Cooling Refrigeration Services................................................................. 89
Marcum and Associates..................................................................................77
Signature Signs........................................................................................................73
Crossroads Restaurant.................................................................................... 83
Mixon Real Estate Group................................................................................. 2
Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center..............37
Custom Sights and Sounds........................................................................ 86
Morgan’s Furniture.............................................................................................. 42
Staffords Salon....................................................................................................... 89
Custom Window Treatments..................................................................... 62
Murray Insurance Services........................................................................... 55
State Farm.....................................................................................................................87
D-4 Powersports..................................................................................................... 63
Okee-Tantie Title Company, Inc............................................................... 65
St. Lucie Battery & Tire.......................................................................................17
Doctors Clinic Family Health Center..................................................87
Okeechobee Community Theatre.......................................................... 63
Sunrise Theatre...........................................................................................................7
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center........................................................... 39
Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo.......................................................................11
Syfrett Feed..................................................................................................................67
Don’s Appliances...................................................................................................69
Okeechobee Health Care Facility.................Inside Front Cover
Teez 2 Pleez.................................................................................................................. 86
Edward Jones..............................................................................................................87
Peace Lutheran School..................................................................................... 88
Tenniswood Dental Associates..................................................................18
Everglades Pediatric Dentistry...................................................................16
Penrod Construction..........................................................................................47
The Purple Orchid................................................................................................90
Family Dentistry of Okeechobee............................................................ 49
Platinum Performance Builders............................................................. 62
Tin Fish Restaurant & Bar............................................................................ 55
Fast Break Bait and Tackle........................................................................... 89
Port Mayaca Polo Club......................................................................................19
Total Roadside Services.....................................................................................12
Florida Public Utilities..................................................................................... 35
Pritchards and Associates............................................................................ 59
Treasure Coast Food Bank............................................................................ 88
Gilbert Has It................................................................... Inside Back Cover
Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant......................................................................... 43
Dr. Trinidad Garcia, M.D...................................................................................73
Glades A/C................................................................................................................... 86
Quail Creek Plantation....................................................................................... 9
Valiant Air Command Warbird Musem............................................72
Glades Gas of Belle Glade........................................................................... 65
Rabon’s Country Feed.......................................................................................90
Value SPECS.................................................................................................................. 3
Glenn Sneider, Attorney....................................................................................61
Raulerson Hospital......................................................................Back Cover
Visiting Nurse Association.......................................................................... 63
Hair Gurl....................................................................................................................... 59
Royal’s Furniture....................................................................................................90
WOKC 100.9 FM........................................................................................................67
Heartland Discount Pharmacy................................................................... 5
Rustic Style Furniture........................................................................................57
Wemmer Family Orthodontics..................................................................81
Highland Pest Control......................................................................................87
S.Cruz Lawn Service..............................................................................................61
Williamson Cattle Company...................................................................... 65
ICS Computers........................................................................................................ 65
Sandra Pearce Photography.........................................................................77
Worley Construction.......................................................................................... 29
Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant................................................................57
Seminole Brighton Casino.............................................................................10
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Around Okeechobee Brought to You By:
When only the best will do.
New Councilmembers Sworn Into Office The city of Okeechobee began the new year with the 2019 Investiture Ceremony in City Hall held Jan. 7. Re-elected councilmember Mayor Dowling Watford, who will be serving his 37th year on the city council, was sworn in by the Honorable Judge William Hendry, followed by Lane Gamiotea who was re-elected back in November to serve a fifth term as city clerk. Newly elected city councilmembers Bob Jarriel and Bobby Keefe were also sworn into office as they both begin to serve their first terms.
The Legacy of the Altobello Family Lives On The Altobello Family Donor advised fund was established by the late Frank Altobello in 2008. Today, it is managed by the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin County, and because it is a legacy fund, the community of Okeechobee will continue to receive financial help for years to come. In 2017 the fund provided $75,000 in grants. In 2018, the fund distributed $95,600 to nine local organizations: My Village, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Real Life Children’s Ranch, Hospice of Okeechobee, Brahman Athletic Association, Martha’s House, Pregnancy Center, Okeechobee Education Foundation, and Indian River State College.
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Around Okeechobee Brought to You By:
When only the best will do.
Mainstreet Mixers
Brown Cow Sweetery
Raulerson Hospital
FCW Hosts Fun Shoot The Florida Cattlewomen’s Association held a 100-target sporting clay fun shoot Jan. 5 at Quail Creek Plantation. The event was open to the public and awards were given out for: High Team, High Cowboy Team, High Ladies Team, Individual, Lady and Youth. A continental breakfast was provided to all participants and proceeds went to benefit the Florida Cattlewomen’s educational youth programs and scholarship fund.
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Around Okeechobee Brought to You By:
When only the best will do.
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Muhammad K. Syed MD PA
South Beach Orthotics a & Prosthetics
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Around Okeechobee Brought to You By:
Country Boutique
When only the best will do.
Holiday Inn Express
Okeechobee Ballet Company
T-Mobile
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LAST PAGE
The worst thing about the publishing industry is that when mistakes happen, they are committed to pages in a permanent way. What you’ve done can be addressed, perhaps apologized for, but it cannot be undone. In the last issue, I made a mistake that I regretted as soon as it was brought to my attention. In our story about SFC (Ret.) Val Gibson, which I am otherwise proud, I had intended to use a truly wonderful
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photo and neglected to tell the editor or the designer who was working on the layout. Unfortunately, that meant that a group of young people, who should have had a place in the story, were left out. That simply isn’t acceptable. So, it may not undo my mistake, but I hope that these fine students and JROTC members will accept my apology and also accept my admiration. You were always in my mind, and now you will be in these pages, too.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony October 4, 1977
HCA Launches Hospital Project HCA launched construction of Okeechobee’s 75-bed H. H. Raulerson Jr. Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site north of town on U.S. 441. Using HCA’s unique four-handled spade to turn the first shovelful of earth, are, from left to right, County Commission Chairman Clyde Durrance, County Commissioner H. H. Raulerson Sr., H. H. (Hank) Raulerson III and HCA Vice-President and former Tennessee Governor Windfield Dunn.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY
Above all else we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. Share your stories and memories of caring with us on Facebook @RaulersonHospital
Visit RaulersonHospital.com to see average ER wait times.