Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee
SPRING 2014
A Passion for Family and Community
Maureen Budjinski Passes the Torch
Plus Buxton and Bass
Partnership Born of Tragedies, Perseverance
John Ed Burdeshaw
Okeechobee’s Longest-Serving Rotarian
Looking Back
Cattle Industry of Florida
Celebrating 35 years of healthcare with a personal touch
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Publisher’s Note The start of our eighth year in publication is a bittersweet one as we salute the founder and publisher of Okeechobee The Magazine, Maureen Budjinski, in our cover story, as she has made the difficult decision to step down as publisher to care for her son, Jason. I know that you will continue to send Maureen your love and prayers. As we move into the future, we have some exciting news to share with you. We have launched an entirely new and interactive website that will be an extension of the magazine. Beginning with this issue, please be sure to check out www.okeechobeethemagazine.com for additional event pictures and videos. Also, start looking at the end of articles for links to online exclusives. And if you haven’t already, like us on Facebook for even more Okeechobee event coverage and updates on new website content. As the year moves along, we will be introducing some new features into the magazine for you to enjoy as well. In this issue is the story of the three families behind Buxton and Bass Funeral Home and their unique but very similar life stories that eventually united them. Also in this issue meet John Ed Burdeshaw, Okeechobee’s longest serving Rotarian and a man whose life has been spent giving back to others. And in our Looking Back feature, Okeechobee Historical Society President Betty Williamson tells us about the history of the cattle industry.
volume
8, number 1 | Spring 2014
publisher
Susan Giddings creative director
Bridgette Waldau editor
Chris Felker writers
Rachel Buxton Audra Clemons Raye Deusinger Angie Francalancia photographers
Sharon Cannon Vicky Nichols Sandra Pearce contributors
Maureen Burroughs Charles Murphy Michael Shellen Betty Williamson account executives
In our Behind the Business features, read about the Okeechobee KOA and its impressive facilities and one of Florida’s leading natural gas suppliers, Florida Public Utilities, that is in the process of bringing natural gas into Okeechobee. As always, we have great coverage of our fabulous local events, including Okeechobee Main Street’s Christmas in the park and parade, the Top of the Lake Art Fest as well as the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Tournament, the Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo and more. As I take on the role of publisher and owner, I look forward to hearing from all of you. I want to hear your stories and ideas and what you would like to see in future issues so that Okeechobee The Magazine can continue to bring you the best of Okeechobee. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine, your magazine.
Susan Giddings
Office Manager Patti Berglund
OTM Publications, Inc. DBA Okeechobee The Magazine
316 NW 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com president
Susan Giddings
The end of winter, as spring begins, we meet new faces, we see old friends. As springtime comes, and time brings change, around every corner, some unexplained. We are very fortunate, this you will see, to live in our town, of Okeechobee. Enjoy each moment, time does fly, reflect on the great times, that have now gone by. Embrace the change, that comes with spring, look forward to all that it may bring.
By: Patti Berglund
4 | Spring 2014
Trish Grygo Debi Large
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Founder Maureen Budjinski
Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2014, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 5
6 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Contents
Spring 2014
features
22 Maureen Budjinski Passes the Torch By Angie Francalancia
42 Buxton and Bass
Partnership Born of Tragedies, Perseverance By Raye Deusinger
42
58 John Ed Burdeshaw
Okeechobee’s Longest-Serving Rotarian By Rachel Buxton
departments
34 Looking Back By Betty Williamson
Behind the Business 68 Florida Public Utilities 70 Okeechobee KOA
58
columns
92 Fishing on Lake Okeechobee By Capt. Michael Shellen
94 OHS Girls Weight Lifting Team By Charles Murphy
COMMUNITY EVENTS
53
12 Arnold’s Wildlife 14 Veterans Day Celebration 18 Fountain of Life Car and Motorcycle Show 20 Christmas Parade and Festival 30 Okeechobee 600 Blood Roundup 40 Farm City Week Luncheon 52 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Tournament 53 Rayovac FLW Fishing Tournament 54 Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo 64 Top of the Lake Art Fest 72 Rotary Club Walk on the Wild Side Dinner 76 Ride for the Fight 80 Martha’s House “Laugh, Love, Live” Event 84 Younified Youth Rally 88 Chamber of Commerce Leadership
Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee
SPRING 2014
A Passion for Family and Community
Maureen Budjinski Passes the Torch
Plus Buxton and Bass
Partnership Born of Tragedies, Perseverance
John Ed Burdeshaw
Okeechobee’s Longest-Serving Rotarian
Looking Back
Cattle Industry of Florida
64 8 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
96 Around Okeechobee 98 Advertiser Index
ON THE COVER Maureen Budjinski Story on Page 22 Photo by Sandra Pearce
Upcoming Shoots Mar. 8- Young Guns Fun Shoot Mar. 16- NSCA Shoot Mar. 29- St Lucie Co Farm Bureau Apr. 12- Highlands Co. Farm Bureau Apr. 25- Florida Hospital Shoot
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 9
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Spring 2014 | 11
Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols
Arnold’s Wildlife Open House
Crowds Bolster Arnold’s Wildlife Rehab Center Fundraiser Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Okeechobee had an open house on Saturday, Nov. 16, that turned out to be a record-breaking day for the wildlife facility. While no true count was kept, organizers believe that more than 2,000 people from all over Florida attended. It was a much-needed turnout as Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization that operates solely on the donations it receives. Part of the day’s success was due to the generous help of Martin Lavander of “The Yappy Hour Show” on 107.9 FM, Rey Becerra of Billie Swamp Safari and Animal Planet’s Paul Bedard of “The Gator Boys.” Becerra, with the assistance of Bedard, put on an up-close show featuring venomous reptiles, which thrilled the crowds. Visit www.arnoldswildlife. org to donate and learn more about Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Teri Panisset with an 8-week-old male caracal.
Sue Arnold and Martin Lavander of The Yappy Hour Show on 107.9 FM. 1. Animal Planet’s Paul Bedard of ‘The Gator Boys’ with Okeechobee Girl Scout Troop. 2. African sulcata tortoise. 3. Pilot Randy Opat with Dr. Melissa Kindell and sons Mason and Gavin received a complimentary helicopter ride for their donation to the marmosets. 4. Bucky the whitetail deer and his cat friend.
12 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
African crown crane.
(Above) Steve Goyette with “Bindy.” (Below) Otter comes out to see the visitors.
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Community Event
Photos By Susan Giddings
Veterans Day Celebration
Patriotic Program, Crowd Mark Veterans Day In observation of Veterans Day, the community gathered at Veterans Park in Okeechobee to honor and remember those who have offered their lives so that Americans and others can live in freedom and peace. The event was led by past American Legion Commander Dan Fennel and County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper. The crowd listened to song, prayers, speeches and thanks, and the keynote speaker, Sgt. Buck Thompson of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Force, gave an especially moving speech.
Sgt. Buck Thompson with Commissioner Bryant Culpepper.
(L-R) Paul Hyatt, Councilman Dowling Watford, Judge Jerry Bryant, Charlie Norris, Sgt. Buck Thompson, Past Commander Dan Fennel, David Clemenson, Commander Larry Richardson, Commissioner Bryant Culpepper and Robert Langley.
(Left) Junior ROTC Honor Guard
(L-R) Thomas J. Southerland, Bobby Shultz and Robert Langley.
Sgt. Buck Thompson, the keynote speaker. 14 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Spring 2014 | 17
Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols
Fountain of Life Car and Motorcycle Show
Church Brings in Global Cast for Children’s Ranch Fundraiser Pastor Dave and his wife Linda Robertson with their congregation from Fountain of Life Church staged a Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, Nov. 23, to benefit Real Life Children’s Ranch. Along with a great selection of cars and motorcycles to enjoy, the event brought in performing artists and evangelists from all over the world. They included Pontus J. Back (formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd, White Snake, Molly Hatchet, Status Quo and Cinderella); John James (from the Newsboys); David Evans (from Hillsong Australia); and Edmund Nalzaro (from the Philippines), with his wife, Cathi, daughter Jerzi and son J.D.
1
2 1. Pastor Dave and wife Linda with Mark Mayers. 2. Mark and Darlene Mayers of Real Life Children’s Ranch. 3. (L-R) David Evans, J.D. Nalzarro, Jerzi Nalzarro, Edmund Nalzarro, Cathi Nalzarro and Evangelist Pontus Back. 4. It was a great day for the show!
3
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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’55 Chevy 210 owned by Ron and Val Douglas. (Below) ’38 Willys Sedan owned by Phil Swartz.
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’41 Chevrolet Deluxe owned by Jeffrey Carrasquillo.
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Spring 2014 | 19
Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
2013 Christmas Parade and Festival Taste of Winter Attracts Christmas Revelers
Okeechobee Main Street hosted its annual Christmas Festival and Parade Dec. 7 at Flagler Park. Many vendors were on hand to provide the crowds attending with different attractions and items to purchase. For the first time this year, the children were able to play in snow -- courtesy of Okeechobee Main Street. As sundown approached, many local residents and some visitors lined the parade route in anticipation of the parade participants and all the lighted floats
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
6
1. Santa arrives! 2. Okeechobee Main Street members: Maureen Burroughs, Sharie Turgeon, Mark Bragel, John Creasman and Frank DeCarlo. 3. Kids of all ages enjoyed the snow. 4. Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School. 5. Flower Petals winning float. 6. SouthEast Milk’s Katie the Cow.
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Maureen Budjinski Passes the Torch By Angie Francalancia O Photos by Sandra Pearce
T
he threads that stitch together the fabric of a lifetime often don’t reveal their entire pattern until later. Okeechobee The Magazine is a piece of that pattern in the life of its founder, Maureen Budjinski. This is Maureen’s story, told with the threads she’s stitched together from her hometown of Somerville, Mass., Palm Beach County’s western communities, and here in Okeechobee. This is the story of a life dedicated to family and community, of a woman who found joy in serving both. Readers know her well, of course, because everybody knows Maureen. But not everyone knows the full story.
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 23
Maureen and Gary Budjinski moved in 2005 to Okeechobee, a place they frequently visited to enjoy their lifelong love of boating and fishing. Okeechobee would be a place to downsize their lives in anticipation of retirement, as well as fulfilling a special mission. Maureen’s life always has been defined by her community involvement. “My sister, Jeanne, passed away from kidney disease in 1970 at the age of 17 while awaiting a transplant,” Maureen said. “After moving to Florida in 1973, I became involved in the Palm Beach County Kidney Association as a board member.” She helped raise funds, along with raising awareness about organ donation, never realizing how important a role her mission would have later. Maureen and Gary’s eldest son Jason was born in 1976. Matt followed four years later. Maureen considered being a good mom her greatest achievement. But Maureen was more than just a good mom to Jason and Matt — she was a good mom to her community, shepherding numerous organizations to success as a volunteer.
Maureen with her son Matt and husband Gary. Photo by Rafael Pacheco
(Below) Maureen with her son Jason. Photo by Denise Fleischman.
“I have a wonderful and supportive husband of over 44 years and two wonderful sons that we are so proud of. But I hope my legacy will be simply as a good mom. It’s the most important job -Maureen Budjinski I ever had.” There was 20 years’ worth of the PTA, including the Palm Beach County Council of PTAs and the 1988 PTA of the Year Award she helped Wellington Elementary School obtain as president. She was a member of the parent advisory board at the Palm Beach County School of the Arts (now Dreyfoos SOA), from which both her sons graduated. She was on the original board of the Wellington Youth Athletic Association, the group that started youth sports for the entire western communities. And at the same time, she taught Catholic religious education for seven years at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington. In addition, she was involved in numerous chambers of commerce in Palm Beach County and in the Wellington Rotary Club. In the late 1990s, after years as a volunteer, Maureen was up for the position of special event manager for the American Cancer Society. She remembers the hiring manager saying, “You were PTA president. I know you can do this!” Indeed, Maureen led the staff of the Relay for Life from 1998 to 2003, organizing
24 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 25
events throughout Palm Beach County. The Western Communities Relay for Life held in Royal Palm Beach was among the top 10 in the nation in 2002 and 2003, she recalled.
show it off,” she said. She turned to good friend Barry Manning, CEO of Wellington The Magazine. She already had the editor. Her elder son, Jason, had
The threads of Maureen’s life picked up like a repeating pattern when she and Gary moved to Okeechobee in 2005. It was to be a retirement, but that didn’t mean Maureen would be idle. She became a volunteer for Hospice of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Main Street and picked up her long-time commitment to Rotary through the Rotary Club of Okeechobee where she later became president. Then, she started working to launch Okeechobee The Magazine. She subsequently became a board member of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County and the original chair of Leadership Okeechobee. “I realized what a great community it was because of its people. I wanted to
Premier issue of Okeechobee The Magazine, which debuted the Spring of 2007.
been an editor at Wellington The Magazine and the Town-Crier newspaper, another sister publication of Okeechobee The Magazine. The next step for Maureen was to gather stories. “A special memory for me is my first conversation over the telephone with the president of the Okeechobee Historical Society, Betty Williamson,” Maureen said. “She gave me so much information and so much time. She was so sweet! I had a kickoff in January 2007 with charter advertisers Big Lake Eye Care, Quail Creek Plantation and Raulerson Hospital along with many other people who had helped me in many ways. It was then that I finally got to meet Miss Betty. She said, ‘You must be Maureen,’ and she gave me a big hug. She and everyone treated me like I was born and raised in Okeechobee. Since then Miss Betty and I have become great friends.” Robert Lee, CEO of Raulerson Hospi-
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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tal, was one of the charter advertisers, and has been a continuous supporter of Okeechobee The Magazine. “It was an easy decision to partner with Maureen and Okeechobee The Magazine since Maureen has experience with other successful publications and a great reputation,” he said. “Raulerson Hospital is always interested in supporting local endeavors that help highlight our wonderful community and the services we have to offer. We really appreciate Maureen bringing such a great new tradition to Okeechobee and we will certainly miss her.” Okeechobee The Magazine debuted in the spring of 2007 at the Speckled Perch Festival. Maureen recalls the copies flying out of her hands. Since then, Maureen and the staff have strived with each quarterly edition to show off everything that comprises Okeechobee. She is also extremely proud of all the talented professionals involved in the production of the magazine from graphic design, writing, photography and everyone listed in the staff box with every issue. “It takes a team,” she said.
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“We’ve done everything from the cattle ranchers to the arts. When I got involved, I realized, ‘Wow, this is such an incredible community — and so much more than fishing and cattle.’ I loved covering the arts in Okeechobee. Our creative director, Bridgette Waldau, through Okeechobee Main Street, has done such a wonderful job with bringing the arts here.” Maureen said, recalling fondly that her younger son, Matt, is the artist behind one of the downtown murals on the Century Link building. “About a year ago, we started doing a history theme. Betty Williamson and Judge William Hendry are our two historians who write the columns.” But don’t ask her to pick a favorite story. She loves them all like a mother loves all www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 27
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her children. That’s why the next piece is difficult. Maureen is stepping aside to fulfill a task she’s been planning on for nearly two decades. She has sold Okeechobee The Magazine to enable her to take care of Jason full time. Jason awaits a liver transplant, the result of primary sclerosing cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that can lead to liver failure. His case is complex. It is compounded by the fact that he also has Crohn’s disease, which has already required major surgery. Although diagnosed with both in 1999, Jason was symptom-free until 2008. He’s been on the organ transplant list for about two years, but complications have caused him to be hospitalized several times over the past year. As in the past, Maureen is still an Ambassador for the Life Alliance for the University of Miami, volunteering and speaking on behalf of organ donation. Susan Giddings, a long-time friend and fellow Rotarian, has taken over as owner and publisher. Susan stepped in to help mid-year in 2013 when Maureen needed to spend more time helping Jason after a Crohn’s-related surgery. Not only did Susan step into Okeechobee The Magazine, but she jumped into many a role in the community. Like Maureen, Susan has a background in community involvement. She was treasurer of the Wellington Rotary for five years. She served as an executive board member and chair of the Economic Development committee of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber. And she chaired or co-chaired numerous charity fundraisers in the western communities for the Lord’s Place and other charitable organizations. In relocating to Okeechobee, Susan found a hometown spirit she loved. “People are truly nice to each other out here,” she said.
Her chamber experience immediately proved invaluable when she jumped in to shepherd through the inaugural issue of the chamber’s community guide. She now sits on the board of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. She also is a board member of Martha’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence.
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“I knew Susan would be perfect to step in,” Maureen said. “This has been hard for me because the magazine is like my baby. But she’ll do a great job. I’m so proud of what she has accomplished and know she will be bringing you more of the best of Okeechobee.” Maureen always will remain founding publisher of Okeechobee The Magazine. “I feel extremely accomplished in my life,” she said. “I have a wonderful and supportive husband of over 44 years and two wonderful sons that we are so proud of. But I hope my legacy will be simply as a good mom. It’s the most important job I ever had.” Maureen’s legacy also will live on through each edition of Okeechobee The Magazine. O
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Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
Eighth Annual Okeechobee 600 Blood Roundup Blood Roundup Crowds Support Public Safety Many Okeechobeeans turned out in support of the eighth annual Okeechobee 600 Blood Roundup Nov. 16 and 17 at the Freshman Campus. More than 40 volunteers and 60 representatives of One Blood assisted donors as 484 units of blood were drawn, helping ensure sufficient blood supplies during the critical holiday period. More than 200 prizes were donated by local businesses, and every person who gave blood received a goody bag and commemorative T-shirt. The ninth annual drive is scheduled for Nov. 15-16 this year at the same location; if you’d like to help, call Raye Deusinger at (863) 467-2557. (Left) Raye Deusinger and Russell Colwell.
(Above) Jim Benton relaxes while donating blood. (Below) Judge Jerry Bryant donating vital platelets that will benefit patients with diseases such as cancer and blood disorders.
Front row (L-R): Marilyn Hadley, Dorothy Schwartz and Jol Creech. Middle row: Pat Shinn, Terry Haynes and Marie Kirchhoff. Back row: Richard Haynes, Gina Thacker, JoAnn Kane, Cindy Birdashaw, Raye Deusinger and Linda Hazellief. (Below left): Cindy Birdashaw donated two full days emceeing the Blood Roundup. (Below right): The Big Red Bus welcomes “Local Heroes Saving Lives.”
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y
Looking Back History Lives On in Cattle Industry By Betty Williamson
Florida cattle had grazed the wild lands of Florida long before cattle arrived in the Wild West! I recall Judge Nelson Bailey, a retired judge of Palm Beach County and a Florida historian, stating this to a small gathering at the Edna Pearce Lockett homestead, near Fort Basinger. This settlement is located on the Kissimmee River.
but tough and well-adapted to the pine/palmetto uplands and marshes filled with flourishing native grasses. Springs, sloughs and natural creeks were abundant -- another advantage. Some ranchers still prefer these reliable horses to round up their herds.
The judge held us spellbound, sitting astride a “cracker horse” (also called a “marsh-tacky”) while telling the group about the history of the Florida cracker horses and cattle in the state. He often attended historical events, enlightening so many about the true history of the Spanish influence all around us. My husband and I stood there fascinated by his history lesson on our cattle industry.
Elda Mae Bass of Okeechobee told me of her mother, Zona Durrance Bass, and aunt, Zetta Durrance Hunt, who had given a real cracker bull and five heifers to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1970 to begin a seed herd to preserve the cracker cattle. This herd was one of the purest of the original Spanish breed in existence. Zona Bass and Zetta Hunt were daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Durrance, pioneers of Basinger, Fla.
With his long, gray beard, his trusty cow dog at his side, a weathered old hat and clothes appropriate for a cowpuncher of long ago, he spoke in a strong, clear voice which we shall never forget. He referred to the “cracker” or “guinea” cattle as descendants of the first cattle brought into what is now continental America. They came into Florida on galleons with Ponce de Leon in the early 1500s.
In Florida, gathering a herd of cattle was an adventure that most cowhands were born into. Almost all began life in the saddle, a short while after they were walking, sometimes holding onto the saddle horn in the front of their father, grandfather or trusted cowhand sitting behind them. They were allowed early to go on cattle drives, and to sleep in a camp house with the cowpunchers.
Smaller horses from a province of southern Spain were also on board the large, heavy ships, which were used as both warships and traders. They were called Andalusian horses, becoming the ancestors of the Florida “cracker” horses.
One of his first chores would be to take a gas or kerosene lantern and go into the barn before daylight to feed the horses. Of course, someone had started a fire in a wood stove, and the cook would be frying bacon and boiling coffee for breakfast. The young ones learned to enjoy this strong brew at an early age. They learned to drink water from a spring or a creek using their hat brim, cupped a special way, to dip in for a bit of water. All of these habits had to be taught, but since they learned them
The Spaniards left their cattle and horses behind when they returned to Spain. These animals did well in the warm Southern climate, which was much like that of their native land. They were small 34 | Spring 2014
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(Above) Peter Raulerson is considered to be the first cattleman in this area, arriving in 1896 with wife Louisiana Chandler Raulerson and family. (Below) Cracker cows, direct descendants of the first cattle brought into what is now America. (Photos courtesy of Faith Raulerson Meserve)
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at such a tender age, they seemed to be intuitive. That first day they could throw their saddle on a horse was a day most do not even remember. It was encouraged and overseen by the older cowhands.
(Above) Typical Florida oak and “cabbage” palm hammock, shown here with a Florida white-tail deer. Cattle commonly used these hammocks for shelter from the hot sun in the summer and cold wind in the winter. (Photo courtesy of Frank “Sonny” Williamson Jr.) (Left) Loading beef cattle into a truck to transport to the market or another pasture. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Taylor) (Below) Branding a calf: A man is shown holding the right hind leg of the animal, another branding, one man holding the head down, and perhaps the other man is preparing to cut an earmark for identification. (Photo courtesy of Jack Prescott)
The cowboys’ day would begin early. After a hearty breakfast, they would pack their saddlebags with biscuits, baked sweet potatoes, a strip of white bacon, cut thick, and maybe a small can of peaches or fruit cocktail. Another essential was a little bag of coffee grounds and a tin can with a wire attached, for boiling some pond water for lunch coffee. This can would be used to make the strong beverage. Most of the men carried a pair of saddlebags, with these items in them. Some of the ranches were big, so one could easily find oneself miles from the cow camp at lunch. The cowhands would stop by a natural spring or creek, splash water on their sweaty faces and scoop water up with their hat, to make a cup or two of coffee from the water. The food packed in the saddlebags would be cold by now, but the small can of fruit opened carefully with a cowman’s best friend, a pocket knife, was certainly welcomed. Some gathering of the cows still begins with riders astride the horses, leaving the barn before daylight on many small ranches. But there has been a change in the last half-century on the larger spreads. The men arrive early, saddle the horses back at the barn, then load them in a ranch trailer, leaving for the location to various pastures. With many miles to cover, this can put the cow crew where the cattle are, earlier. In the pens, the cows are often separated from the calves, leading to a lot of bellowing, easily heard from a mile or more away. Sometime the work to be done is to separate some for sale, either
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at the local livestock market or to individuals who need more stock. For the cattle, it is never good news when they are pushed to the pens, and they know it. At other times, there is only the need to “move” or “rotate” them, to a fresh pasture where the grass was better for grazing. Each cowhand has on his saddle a rope for lassoing, and a slicker, in case of a downpour, tied behind; and he will always have a well-used pocket knife in his pocket. Several cow dogs run alongside the horses. They are specially trained to assist in the gathering, herding and parting of the cattle. Good cow dogs are an important part of the crew.
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Talking with many cowhands, they will tell you that the work is hard, demanding, also at times dangerous, but after the long day they go right back to this habit-forming work and some even say they “love it!” I do know many of the cowhands had habits that seem bad to us. But, some can understand their need for a mild tranquilizer, like a cigarette or a plug of chewing tobacco. Curse words were usually mild (nothing like today’s language) and just one at a time to show their dissatisfaction with the attitudes of the cattle … Some of the men would have a pint of whiskey to sip on before going to sleep, but none during the day. Now, on weekends, it was different. The married men would return to their families at the end of the week, while the single men often stayed in the cow camp. On Saturdays, they’d shave, shower, put on clean clothes and go for a frolic in town. A fight or two could land some of them in the jail, often to sleep the night there. Sometimes this was due to a pretty young girl choosing one instead of another, for a square dance.
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first brick jail was constructed, their overnight cell would be a railway boxcar! Their trail boss would gather the cowboys up Sunday afternoon to go back to the camp site. After a night’s sleep, they were ready for another day astride their saddle, riding into the mist of an early Florida morning. It is truly amazing to see experienced cowpunchers gathering cattle. They can go at a full gallop and stop with a slight movement of the reins on the horse and turn so fast they look almost mechanical, as though orchestrated. They are true artists at their trade. Florida’s cattle industry is now at more than 1 million head of cattle with value of $1 billion-plus. The cattle business has a positive effect on our state’s economy and environment. And to think that it all began in the century before the Pilgrims arrived in 1620!
Betty Chandler Williamson is a fifth-generation Floridian, and her roots in Okeechobee County go back to the time before the county was created, to the mid-1800s. She and her husband, Frank (Sonny) Williamson, Jr., a rancher celebrated their sixtieth anniversary in 2012.
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Her hobbies are genealogy and local history. She has been the president of the Okeechobee Historical Society for over ten years. Williamson compiled the seventy-five-year membership list of the First Baptist Church, beginning with the date of its founding in 1915. Williamson is the co-author of Strolling Down Country Roads, Okeechobee County, a pictorial history. O
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Community Event
Photos By Susan Giddings
20th Annual Farm City Week Luncheon Hundreds came out for the 20th annual Farm-City Week Luncheon, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and the Okeechobee Area Agri-Council, on Nov. 21 at the KOA. More than 400 people attended the event, which featured presentations from the 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. A special award was given to Pete Clemons for his dedicated service to agriculture. This event provides a yearly opportunity to honor the people who work day in and day out to put food on our tables.
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J.D. Mixon, Pete Clemons, Susan Clemons, Audra Clemons, Tina Clemons and Todd Clemons.
1
4
1. Sarah Stanford, Jacie Harvey, Delanie Jones, Shayla Pendry and Bailey Harden. 2. Annalise Bean serves up hors d’oeuvres. 3. Nathanael Bean. 4. Clayton Culligan, Byron Byrd, Payton Byrd and Maria Grisales. 5. J.D. Mixon 6. (L-R) Gary Burks, Andrew Smiley and Diane Conway. 7. Okeechobee Udder Bunch 4-H Club display.
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2
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3
5
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Seated: Lavon Bass and Paul Buxton. Standing (L-R): Gail Bass, Tom Conway Jr., Tom Conway, Matt Buxton and Marilyn A. Buxton. 42 | Spring 2014
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Buxton and Bass
Partnership Born of Tragedies, Perseverance By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Sandra Pearce
Between 1976 and 1979, three men, in three different cities, were following paths which would eventually unite them in a fourth city and in a single business, the Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home and Crematory. Their similar stories reflect what they each believe was guided by God. Other similarities show that each man was destined for his profession and that each was drawn to it through personal loss as well as perseverance. Meet the Basses, the Buxtons and the Conways, three families with unique but very similar stories. Our Okeechobee story begins in the early 1950s when a young boy from Belle Glade took on a job at LeBron Williams’ Funeral Home cutting grass to earn extra money. One day the boss invited that young boy, Lavon Bass, to go on “a call.” The satisfaction of the work created a dream in Bass, and he realized that day that funeral services was what he wanted to do with his life. His journey began after his service in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return to the States, Bass went to mortuary school in Dallas through the G.I. Bill. He later moved to Alabama and began working. When he got the devastating news that his father had suffered a heart attack, Bass packed up and returned home to help his mother.
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Later, Curtiss Kickliter, who owned a funeral home in Okeechobee, called Bass seeking help to run it. Bass continued working there when the business was sold to Cliff Suddreth. His job included taking the receipts to the bank, where he met his wife, Gail Moore, who had recently been widowed. They soon married, and he became the father to her two children, Van and Becky. When Suddreth decided to sell the funeral home, Gail used her home as collateral and in 1976 they took possession of it and named it the Okeechobee Funeral Home. At the time, Bass didn’t even have a Florida license to operate it, so he went to Miami-Dade Community College and became a licensed funeral director. Gail’s brother Grant Ridgeway also became a licensed funeral director
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Lavon Bass and Paul Buxton
and joined the business. “We worked long hours; it wasn’t an early success,” Bass said. Gail also helped out at the funeral home doing office work, transporting bodies to the airport and running flowers to the cemetery. “I believed in and supported my husband,” Gail said. “I had lost my father at an early age, then lost my husband at 30 and was left with two
little children. That experience has since helped me help other women in similar circumstances.” Meanwhile, just 60 miles east, in West Palm Beach, Paul Buxton was also paving his path in funeral services. While in high school, he worked at a funeral home and instantly felt the need and compassion to help others in what he believed was a ministry. Buxton always had the support from his wife and childhood sweetheart, Marilyn. They both went to college at the University of South Florida and married a week after graduation in 1972. “It was a storybook romance,” said Buxton. After college, Buxton worked in management for the Florida Parole and Probation Commission in Palm Beach County but finally decided to make his move and attend mortuary school. Because of his motivation, he completed a two-year course in only 10 months, driving from his home in Lake Park to Miami every day. In 1979, he graduated with the highest GPA in his class. Just as Buxton was completing his schooling, he got a call from Willard and Janet Mays in Okeechobee. They owned the building at the site of the present-day Buxton & Bass Funeral Home, where another funeral home had previously been operated. The Mays were looking for a director to manage it and had been told about Buxton, who was then interning with Howard Funeral Home in North Palm Beach. Buxton told them he didn’t want to manage a funeral home, he wanted to own a funeral home. The Mays agreed, and Buxton became the proud owner of his very own funeral home. Just like Bass in the beginning of his ownership, Buxton hadn’t yet been licensed, so he was unable to run his funeral home solo. As a result, he hired his retired embalming professor while he finished his internship and sat for his
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board and state exams. In 1980, he officially opened Buxton Funeral Home in what became direct competition with Bass Funeral Home. The Buxtons by then had two young sons, Matthew (Matt) and Timothy. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Rachel, and in another two years, their third son Philip. Marilyn, like Gail, did all she could to help her husband succeed. She, too, drove the hearse to take bodies for shipment, ran the office and transported flowers, all while handling four small children. Over the years, Okeechobee began choosing — many liking Bass better, many liking Buxton better. Both men believed serving the public with compassion and care was paramount. “We had a few rough years,” Gail said. “This competition was something new to us. We liked them, but this was competition.” Bass was already part of the Okeechobee community, was a 42-year member of the Lions Club, served on the City Council and was a member of Kiwanis. Buxton also became active within the community. He chaired the Red Cross for eight years, was on the board of the Rehab Center, began the crisis hotline and in 1983 founded Hospice and got land donated for the building which, on completion, was mortgage-free. Over time, Buxton’s sons became part of the family business, helping out after school and on weekends. Bass’s son, Van, also took a role in his father’s establishment. Then in 2000, life changed for the Basses when Van was killed in a car accident. Maintaining the funeral home became progressively harder for the Basses. In 2003, Tom Conway, a fourth-generation funeral director from New York, bought the Bass Funeral Home. Continuing the strange parallel, the Buxtons’ lives also changed in 2004 46 | Spring 2014
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when the back-to-back hurricanes hit Okeechobee, leveling their funeral home to its foundation. They immediately drew plans for a new building and began to build the structure that stands today. During construction, they continued to serve the community, operating out of three modular offices. In February 2006, they moved into their brand-new facility.
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Matt, who became a licensed funeral director in 1997, completing a two-year curriculum in one year, began to take a more active role in his father’s business. Matt knew at age 5, when he got his first three-piece suit, that this was his calling. He and his siblings were taught to “run flowers,” which helped teach them about the industry and which, Matt said, “started the dream of one day having my own funeral home.” While Matt was becoming more of a main presence in his father’s business,
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Conway and his son Tom Jr. were integrating into Okeechobee. Their family had been in the funeral industry since 1862, when Conway’s great-grandmother opened a funeral business out of her stable and livery service in New York. Conway became a licensed funeral director in 1979. In 1983, his father and brother were killed in an accident, and at 25, he assumed leadership of the family business. In 1997, they sold that business and moved to Florida. The death of their youngest son, Quinn, in 2003 drew them back into the industry, and they bought Bass Funeral Home with Conway and his son Tom Jr. as directors. Conway said, “Lavon Bass came back to work with us and is one of the hardest workers we have; he came back home. It is good for him and good for us.” Raised on a farm in New York, the Conways felt immediately at home in Okeechobee and knew they wanted to keep Bass as a family-operated funeral home. Conway’s wife, Lisa, later began operating Yates Funeral Home in Fort Pierce. Conway and his wife have four daughters, Kaitlin, Kaela, Brenna and Baleigh, and two sons, Tom Jr. and Patrick. The country’s economic downturn greatly hurt the Buxton family when it became impossible to convert their construction loan into a mortgage. Matt wanted to do what he could for his family, including his two daughters, Morgan and Dayton. He located a silent partner and built a new facility at the same time Conway bought the Buxtons’ building. In time, Matt and his family severed all ties with his silent partner and moved back to their original location, where he has begun to acquire ownership. From the long history of dedication of three families, from the personal losses and trials endured by each, there is now a new dynamic where the Buxtons, Basses and Conways have found friendship
and now work together under the same roof. “We are proudly working together rather than competing,” said Conway. Bass’s son-in-law Jim Barnhart is now also working in the business while seeking his funeral license. Buxton said that he and Bass, along with Buxton’s son Matt and the Conways, have finally accomplished what they should have done years ago. “Because we are all dedicated to the same cause, we see what we could have accomplished sooner and now enjoy,” he said. Now, everything needed to handle a funeral is available in one place. Families no longer have to choose. They get the best of what Bass and Buxton started so many years ago. The Buxtons, Basses and Conways are driven to provide the best service possible. The competition of the past has been replaced by friendship.
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Here...for me.
“It’s worth it!” Flossie, or Flo, Bunker is always on the move. Whether it’s playing pool-volleyball with her family, playing cars on the floor with her grandchildren or traveling with her husband, Bill, to places like Germany, Spain and Alaska, she stays active. Her youth was no
exception;
Flossie
was
a
cheerleader for many years. That typical wear and tear on a body, compounded by 20 years of osteoarthritis, was slowing Flossie down and causing her a great deal of pain. Above: Flossie Bunker, double knee replacement patient. Below: Flossie reconnects with her care team: Gerry Soriano, RN, first assist, BSN; Kellie Munn, CST; Jackie Parshall, Scrub Tech; Flossie Bunker; Michelle Coleman, RN; and Jay Logan, RN.
R A U L E R S O N H O S P I T A L . C O M
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•
8 6 3 . 7 6 3 . 2 1 5 1
“I was missing out,” Flossie explains. “Retirement is
“I just want to say thank you
a wonderful thing and I wanted to be back on my
to my surgeon, Dr. Epstein,
own schedule to see this beautiful world that God
and all of the doctors and staff
gave us.” Her pain got worse as she aged. Flossie was very fearful of surgery and would do anything to avoid or delay it. However, when board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Epstein told
who took care of me. Everyone who came into my room was compassionate, kind, sweet and professional too. This was such a comfort to me because
Flossie that her intense knee pain was caused as
I was scared. I was treated
a result of bone-on-bone friction, she understood
very well; everyone went the
that knee replacement was the only option to
extra mile for me. The staff
relieve her pain.
at Raulerson Hospital was on
THE CHOICE AND THE OUTCOME
organized. Any questions that
top of everything and very
“With my medical coverage, I could have gone to
I had were answered promptly and the staff emphasized that
any hospital. Okeechobee is where we live and I
when it comes to your health,
like to do everything here. My doctors know me
there are no stupid questions.”
by name and they take great care of me,” Flossie
- Flossie Bunker
said. So she trusted the medical professionals
(double knee replacement patient)
at Raulerson Hospital with her care. Flossie had her right knee replaced in July and her left knee replaced in November.
When I get to play with my grandchildren, I know it was worth it. “It was worth it!” she explained. “I think my knees are in very good shape now. My left knee, the second procedure, is already doing as well
To learn more about our surgical services or for a free physician referral, call Consult-A-Nurse®
as the other one. When I get to play with my
at 844.JOINTS1
grandchildren again, I know it was worth it.” O U R
E R
T R E A T S
K I D S
T O O !
The Treasure Coast Healthcare System TreasureCoastHospitals.com Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute Raulerson Hospital + St. Lucie Medical Center www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Community Event Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Tournament Record Number of Teams Compete in Carhartt Tourney The Southern Division Tournament of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series took place Jan. 3 and 4 at the C. Scott Driver Park. This was a record-breaking multiday tournament for the Carhartt Series, with 130 two-angler teams representing 42 schools competing for prizes and a chance to advance to the national championship competition. The tournament ended with Kyle Oliver and Hunter McKamey of the University of Central Florida holding on to first place with a total weight of 39lbs.12oz.
Kyle Oliver and Hunter McKamey – tournament winners.
(Above) Nick Peet and John Larson. (Below) Kyle Monti and Mike Gontiko of Okeechobee.
(Top photo) Demetrius Thomas and Charles Conger. (Above) Kyle Smith and Shelby Concon.
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Photos By Vicky Nichols
Rayovac FLW Fishing Tournament
Record Haul for Rayovac FLW Tournament Anglers
Kathy Scott of the Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council with Tournament Director Ron Lappin at the final weigh-in, hosted by Gilbert Chevrolet.
Rayovac FLW brought the first of three Southeast Division Tournaments to Okeechobee Jan. 9-11, hosted by the Okeechobee County Tourism Development Council and presented by Powerpole. The tournament kicked off each day at C. Scott Driver Park at 7:30 a.m., with weigh-ins at 3 p.m. The final weigh-in took place at Gilbert Chevrolet at 4 p.m. Jan. 11, which drew a substantial crowd. Two hundred twenty-six boaters participated, and a record-breaking 116 checks were paid out to anglers.
Waiting to roll out at daybreak. Rex Jager won first place and a Z117 Ranger Bass Boat.
(Above) Pro-Angler Keith Fels in first place on day two. Tim Fox with his catch.
(Below) A beautiful morning on Lake Okeechobee as the boaters line up.
(L-R) Jared McMillan, second-place winner; Keith Fels, first-place winner; and Randy Haynes, third-place winner. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols
Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo Free Health and Safety Expo Offers Screenings to Hundreds
The seventh annual Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo took place Jan. 25 at the Agri-Civic Center. Local businesses, health and safety professionals and law enforcement personnel gathered together to provide a fun and informative event. Attendance was more than 2,200, and there were 130 vendor booths, with many offering free health screenings. Entertainment and lunch were provided. The event was free to the public. (Left) The Okeechobee Fire Department demonstrates the ‘Jaws of Life.’
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1. Lucy Gonzalez of Brennan Eye Care. 2. Wendy Angle and Angie Cepeda of Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center. 3. Ronald McDonald entertained the children. 4. Fernanda Cuellar and Leticia Garcia of Physical Therapy Connection. 5. There was a great turnout for the event.
The Florida Legislative session is from March 4 through May 2. Please come by and visit me at your legislative office when you are in Tallahassee. Florida State Representative Cary Pigman - District 55
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ig Rep. Cary P
I am pleased that Libby Maxwell has joined my staff in the new Okeechobee office located at the Chamber of Commerce building on the corner of HWY-441 and SR-70. Libby has an in-depth knowledge of the Lake Okeechobee business and agriculture community, which serves our constituents well. My offices receive calls and emails from people that need help with various issues and we are happy to do our best to resolve them. I encourage you to contact our offices any time we may be of service to you.
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Waste Management’s Okeechobee Landfill Recognized for its Wildlife Habitat Program Waste Management’s Okeechobee Landfill was honored at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s 25th Annual Symposium for its achievements in protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat. The facility earned recertification of its Wildlife at Work program, which was designed by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) to provide a structure for cooperative efforts between management, employees and community members to create, conserve and restore wildlife habitats. The local effort is part of a national Waste Management program that protects animal and plant species on more than 27,000 acres across North America. Of the Okeechobee Landfill’s 4,100-acre property, 2,000 acres are actively managed for wildlife, and an additional 250 are unmanaged but available. This year the site’s wildlife team created a .20-acre wildlife corridor in a mitigation area. This corridor promotes wildlife movement among three nearby habitats. In the fall of 2012, wetland and upland tree piles were created on the site. These cypress and pine tree piles form habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. “The active engagement of our volunteer groups helped earn this prestigious award,” said Teresa Chandler, Waste Manager community relations manager. “Okeechobee Landfill engages schools, 4-H Programs and many volunteer groups to assist in enhancing the habitat.”
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(L-R) Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop, Community Relations Manager Teresa Chandler and Operations Manager Jason Johns .
“Waste Management began working with WHC because our employees understand that biodiversity and preservation of wildlife are important to the environment and sustainability,” said Waste Management President and CEO David Steiner. In 2008, the company was the first recipient of the organization’s William W. Howard CEO Award, recognizing the company’s efforts in conservation, education and outreach efforts. This year, WM won WHC’s Conservation Education Award, which recognizes corporate members with a history of striving for excellence in conservation education and outreach. To read more about Okeechobee Landfill’s program, please visit http://www.wm.com/wm/community/whc/index.asp
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John Ed Burdeshaw Okeechobee’s Longest-Serving Rotarian Still Puts Service Above Self By Rachel Buxton O Photos by Sandra Pearce
Most people dream of the day they can retire, slow down and relinquish the jobs and responsibilities that defined their work life, but that’s not the case for Okeechobee resident John Ed Burdeshaw. At 81, he’s nowhere close to slowing down. Born and raised in Okeechobee, Burdeshaw has lived a life of giving back and helping others through his various career opportunities and participation in local organizations. “I have always tried to give back to the community,” Burdeshaw said. During World War II, Burdeshaw moved with his family around the state, as his father, Paul, was with the United States Army Corps of Engineers building various airports. The last one built was the Okeechobee Airport, which brought Burdeshaw back home at the age of 10. He graduated from high school in 1950 and headed off to business school in September 1951. While in business school, he wrote a letter to family friend Allen Markham, co-owner of the canning plant Markham Bros. & Co., saying that despite his straight A’s in school he was learning absolutely nothing and needed a change. So Markham offered Burdeshaw a job at his Melbourne canning plant, where he began working in 1952. He was then assigned to the Princeton, Fla., plant and eventually came to the Okeechobee plant during the summer of that same year. His time at the plant was short-lived, however. Burdeshaw was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1953 and attended basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. His training was supposed to last for 16 weeks, but after just 10 he got pulled out to attend supply school in New Jersey. 58 | Spring 2014
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Because of his typing skills, he was sent to the finance office to type end-of-the-year finance cards. From there, he was retained by the finance office at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas and elevated to the position of auditor because of his business experience. By this time, the Korean War was over and soldiers were coming home, including Burdeshaw, who returned home to Okeechobee in June 1955. Once again, he had plans to attend college, but the Markham brothers from the canning plant gave him an offer he couldn’t resist. They asked him to be the sales manager for all of their canning plants in the states of Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania. “They offered me so much money, I had never heard of,” Burdeshaw said. “At 22 years old, kind of young to be the sales manager for seven canning plants.” He was up for the challenge, however, and accepted the job, which would impact not only his life but the economy and life of Okeechobee as well. That same year, Burdeshaw married his wife, Clariece, and while he was developing a family at work, he and his wife were creating one of their own. They welcomed their first child, Paul, in 1956 and then expanded their family in 1960 with their daughter, Cay. Burdeshaw played a very active role in his children’s lives. “When I was a kid growing up, children were seen and not heard,” he said. “I vowed I was going to talk to them, I was going to cherish them.” He became his son’s Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts and also coached his Little League teams. He did all that he could to be a positive presence not only in his children’s lives but even the ones he coached. Rather than just playing the star players, he made sure every single child played, and after every game, win or lose, he bought them each a hot dog and Coke to show he was proud of their hard work.
“I have always tried to give back to the community�
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“People notice things and care,” Burdeshaw said. That also applied to his work life. As the sales manager for the canning plant, Burdeshaw had much responsibility and took on a leadership role. People looked up to him and relied on him. People around town began to rely on him as well. During the off-season at the plant in 1974, a member from the hospital board approached him for help. The hospital was in desperate need of restructuring as it was drowning in debt. “I told him I would come over and see what’s wrong,” Burdeshaw said.
Donna Gaiser, President of the Okeechobee Rotary Club, presents John Ed Burdeshaw with the Carl T. Durrance Award.
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Burdeshaw eventually became the hospital administrator and served from 1975 to 1978. During that time, he negotiated to get a new hospital built, with more doctors and more beds. He helped bring in the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and was given permission to name the hospital after his dear friend and local physician, Dr. Hiram Raulerson.
But even while busy with his careers, Burdeshaw was and still is today extremely active within the Okeechobee community as a member of several organizations. He has been a member of the Okeechobee Rotary Club for 58 years, the longest of any member ever, and is the second-longest serving member of the Masonic Lodge. He joined the organizations in 1956 and has played a leadership role in both. In 1962, he was the Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, and he was Rotary president in 1969.
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He has also served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County for two terms. Later, he was a founding member of the Economic Council, an organization that serves as a vital link between the business community and the area’s governments. Burdeshaw also took a leadership role within the judicial system as a volunteer for the Guardian Ad Litem program. He served as the voice for children in the courts, visiting and observing children in their environment and making recommendations on their behalf to the court. “I have always had the greatest deal of respect for all the judges and judicial department,” he said. “They always followed my recommendations.” Peggy Carpenter-Brady
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Dr. Berger and Staff have proudly served the Okeechobee area since 1985. 62 | Spring 2014
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In the late 1990s, Burdeshaw served on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 19th Judicial Circuit. The committee interviews attorneys who apply to be appointed judges on the Treasure Coast, sending recommendations to Florida’s governor. Over the years, Burdeshaw has been recognized several times for his outstanding humanitarian efforts. “I have just felt like I’ve done all the things that needed to be done,” Burdeshaw said. In 2001, he was named the Treasure Coast Division Child Advocate of the Year, and in 2005 he was presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary. Most recently, he was surprised to be presented with the Carl T. Durrance Award, created in memory of one of the founding members of the Okeechobee Rotary Club. Durrance demonstrated dedication and passion for Rotary, and each year the award is given to a member of the community who exemplifies
extraordinary service above self, which is the Rotary motto. And this year, they chose one of their very own members for this honor. Over the past 58 years, Burdeshaw has definitely showed he values service above self. He has played a pivotal role in the development of Okeechobee. He is always willing to lend a hand, even if it just means spending all day in the park selling food during festivals. He has used his community service efforts to help shape not only his life but also his children’s and grandchildren’s. “I remember I would not let my granddaughter help until she was old enough,” Burdeshaw said about working the Coke wagon in the park. “She looked forward to it with great anticipation.” He said everything he has learned has been from his experiences and that he wants to pass that down. And now, Burdeshaw gets to pass it down to yet another generation. He has four greatgrandchildren and is known as “Granddaddy the Great” to his 4-year-old granddaughter, Anna. When he’s not volunteering or working, he is spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren teaching them about history and what it means to give back. “When you make something good, make something happen and something better because of your efforts,” he said, “that’s what life is all about.”
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Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
2014 Top of the Lake Art Fest
Top of the Lake Art Fest Pleases Both Spectators, Artists The eighth annual Top of the Lake Art Fest, sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street, drew crowds Feb. 8 and 9 at Flagler Park in downtown Okeechobee. The two-day event featured fine art and artisan crafts by local and national artists, as well as local student artists and a group of Florida Highwaymen artists. The art fest also included the second annual Top of the Lake Chalk Walk, with street-painting artists creating chalk masterpieces on Fourth Street. A Battle of the Bands on Saturday and the second annual Paws in the Park on Sunday rounded out the events. For more information about this event and a list of all the winners, go to www. okeechobeemainsteet.org
Okeechobee resident Coralis Lopez’s painting of a beautiful blue parrot was also chosen to be the official image for the 2015 Top of the Lake Fest.
(Above) The prestigious judge’s Choice award went to Highwaymen artist Kelvin Hair of Fort Pierce.
There were lots of beautiful pottery items on display by artist Trent Gibbs of Fort Pierce.
(Below) The work of Reneé King of Malabar, who has shown and sold her vibrant paintings for eight years at the art fest.
(Below) Yamie Lopez, Alicia Hillario, Lino Hillario and Carlos Angel Hernandez work on art projects with Chantal Lacerte.
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1. Battle of the Band judges Kevin Kinnaird, Toni Doyle and Raymond Noel with Sharie Turgeon. 2. Lea Cole and Paws in the Park Best Kisser winner Athena. 3. Laluanna Ford and Paws in the Park Best Dressed winner Oreo. 4. Sharie Turgeon (center) with Battle of Bands first-place winner (left) Venomous Fiction (Thrash Metal Band) and second-place winner both days at the art fest Logan Dressel Band (Country). 5. All dressed up for Paws in the Park.
(Above) Ken Mullen of West Palm Beach took Best of Show honors for his large chalk art portrait of Tom Waits. (Left) Aine Mullen and Aislynn Mullen, along with six other artists, worked on their chalk art during the art fest. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Behind the Business Florida Public Utilities By Raye Deusinger
B
efore we introduce you to a new industry in Okeechobee, allow us to give you a quick quiz: 1. What is natural gas? 2. What is the difference between propane gas and natural gas? 3. What are the uses of natural gas? If you don’t readily know the answers to these questions, you will be hearing and learning a lot more soon about the “green” fuel known as natural gas, which produces 30 percent less environmental contamination than oil and has an
outstanding safety record. That’s because one of Florida’s leading natural gas suppliers is expanding into the area. Florida Public Utilities, already a valuable presence here, will be bringing natural gas to Okeechobee. Last February, FPU bought the propane assets of Glades Gas, a company that has served Okeechobee for 84 years. In FPU’s acquisition, it also retained Glades’ employees in that field. Known as a propane, air conditioning and appliance warranty company, Glades Gas, with offices also in Clewiston, now will be known as Glades Air Conditioning and Authorized Appliances, with the same employees, quality customer service and outstanding reputation. FPU supplies the answers to our quiz: Like helium, natural gas is lighter than air; if a leak occurs, it simply rises and disperses. As a safety feature, an odorant that smells like rotten eggs is added to the gas to warn of any leak. Natural gas is the least costly of all energy products and, of all fossil fuels, the cleanest. It is not a single gas but a mix of hydrocarbon gases, formed primarily of methane, the same gas you see burning from pipes in landfills. Natural gas is used for heating water, homes and businesses, cooking, powering automobiles and in multiple ways by industry. Very soon, Okeechobee businesses will be using natural gas, which is less expensive than oil or even propane. Eager to get to know Okeechobee, FPU immediately began working with the Economic Council and the Chamber of Commerce in 2013 to learn how to have the greatest impact as a business neighbor.
Kevin Webber and Dana Tindall.
FPU is proud of its product, citing the fact that 90 percent of the world’s natural gas is produced in the United States or Canada, making it less expensive than other imported fuels. Because of this, many companies won’t consider a new location unless natural gas is available. FPU Vice President Kevin Webber said that while propane
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is effective, it must be refined out of the ground, transported by rail or truck to its destination, then delivered to customers by truck. Natural gas, however, is transported by pipeline just as it comes out of the ground. Eight miles of pipeline have already been laid in Okeechobee. FPU was drawn to Okeechobee by its potential as an ideal location for a natural gas fueling station to serve cross-state trucking interests. The company already serves Indiantown and West Palm Beach, as well as several counties in the center of the state. “Okeechobee was a natural extension of our service territory,” said Aleida Socarras, director of sales and marketing. FPU President Jeff Householder said: “We have an obligation as a utility provider to give everybody a chance at this resource. The … low price of natural gas will be an aid in developing around the lake, and we want to be a part of that. This will bring jobs to the area.” Because of a 30-year non-exclusive franchise agreement with
the city that allows it to bring natural gas to this area, FPU is determined to become intensely involved in community life. It is already a sponsor of the Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta, the Fourth of July fireworks, the Okeechobee School Teachers’ Luncheon and a Main Street function at Quail Creek, and is offering a program teaching students from elementary through high schools to become energy auditors so they can learn to save energy at home. Energy auditors are also available to help businesses learn how to save on energy costs. “We want to be where our employees are involved,” said Webber, “and this community has many local charities and events, of which we look forward to being a part. We want to help this area grow … The area’s job picture will benefit by the bringing of natural gas into Okeechobee and by all the new businesses which will locate here because of it.” Okeechobee office is located at 802 N Parrott Ave. You may also call Dana Tindall, Propane Manager at 863- 763-2115 or visit their website at www.fpuc.com/welcome. O
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Behind the Business Okeechobee KOA By Audra Clemons
H
aving a reputation of being the biggest in the business is hardly a bad thing. The Okeechobee KOA touts this title, spanning an impressive 117 acres with 750 sites just north of
Lake Okeechobee. The facility offers guests, local residents and visitors a myriad of accommodations, activities, dining options and event space to choose from. With a prime location, just feet from Lake Okeechobee, the KOA has access to fishing tournaments and lake activities, which are a big draw to the area. If fishing isn’t on the agenda, the KOA’s nine-hole golf course and driving range, adults-only pool and family pool, Shanty bar, Lunch Box snack bar, full-service gym, tennis courts or the scheduled activities also can keep a KOA guest satisfied day and night. Don’t have a recreational vehicle? No problem. The Okeechobee KOA also offers cabin accommodations. With so much to choose from, and such a large facility, it is no surprise that more than 30 onsite staff are on hand to attend to guests’ needs. Two friendly faces at the Okeechobee KOA are Wendy Woodman, general manager, and Lamar Blount, the operations manager or, in his words, “Wendy’s sidekick.” On a daily basis, Wendy and Lamar answer requests and troubleshoot problems. “She’s like Batman and I’m like Robin,” said Blount. “Whatever a guest needs, we work together to find a solution.” Woodman has been general manager of the Okeechobee KOA for 11 seasons. She found her way into the travel and outdoor hospitality field after she and her husband left their jobs and traveled the United States together in their own RV.
Lamar Blount and Wendy Woodman. 70 | Spring 2014
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“I understand the camping lifestyle and community. I’ve had my own life experiences within it, and I’ve shared many fun
times in communities much like our own KOA,” Woodman said. “The KOA is more than just a campground; we’re a home away from home.” The Okeechobee KOA offers activities year-round, and is extremely popular during the winter and spring months, from November through May, running at about 80 percent of its capacity. These are the months when guests from all over the continent flee the winter weather and settle into Okeechobee, calling it their southern home. During the summer season, when the weather is hot and the water is refreshing, the KOA pool is open for outside memberships. The Shanty Lounge is also available to the public, and a great location for an end-of-the-week get-together, offering daily happy hour and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. While relaxing at The Shanty, patrons have a pleasant view of the 85-acre golf course and driving range – also open to non-members.
The KOA convention center is certainly familiar to most Okeechobee locals, as it is used frequently by the community. The space can facilitate large as well as small events, and is a prime location for everything from weddings and receptions to business events and community activities. The Okeechobee KOA supports its community, as well as guests from outside the community, through its many offerings, events and activities. Staff members enjoy their work; the guests enjoy their environment. In the business world, one would say it’s a win-win situation. The Okeechobee KOA is located at 4276 U.S. Highway 441 South. For more information on the Okeechobee KOA, including rates, please visit www.okeechobeekoa.com, or call (863) 763-0231. For reservations, call (800) 562-7748 or email okeechobee@koa.net. O
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Community Event
Photos By Susan Giddings
“Walk On The Wild Side Dinner” at Quail Creek ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ Dinner Benefits OHS Scholarships, Rotary’s Charities The Rotary Club of Okeechobee had its first Walk on the Wild Side Dinner fundraising event at Quail Creek Plantation on Jan. 25. More than 150 people attended this fun-filled evening, which featured a “wild game dinner,” live music and a Chinese and live auction. A percentage of the money raised goes to Real Life Children’s Ranch and the balance for scholarships for graduating Okeechobee High School students and local charitable organizations that the Rotary Club of Okeechobee supports. For more information on Rotary, visit www.okeechobeerotary.org.
(Above) Alligator cupcakes. (Below) Donna Gaiser, Commissioner Ray Domer and Cindi Domer.
Front Row (L-R): Trini Garcia, Manny Garcia and ‘Smiley’ Whitehead. Back Row: Sean Downing, Debi Large, Gayle Molyneaux, Lonnie Beckett, Kristy Crawford, Denise Whitehead, Donna Gaiser, Darlene Mayers and Carl Gaiser.
Commissioner Frank Irby and Commissioner Joey Hoover. 72 | Spring 2014
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City Councilman Dowling Watford, Noel and Laurie Stephen.
Tim ‘Roscoe’ McCoin and Tom McCoin.
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$49.95 Alignment
6 Months /Same as Cash
Covers Light Duty Vechicle Only
We Accept Firestone, Bridgestone, Tire’s Plus, CFNA and GoodYear Credit Cards Insured Licensed
3176 Hwy 710 East - Okeechobee
www.totalroadsideservices.com
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Peace Lutheran School Growing together with Jesus
Enroll now for summer camp. Ages 2 through 10. Accepting Enrollment for 2014-15 School Year. We accept VPK, Step Up For Students, and McKay Scholarships Serving Children Ages 2 - Kindergarten Small Class Size Christian Centered Program at an Affordable Price School Phone: 863-763-7566 Nationally Church Phone: 863-763-5042 Accredited School
750 Northwest 23rd Lane - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Big Burritos Soft Tacos Quesadillas Burrito Bowls Salad Bowls Churros & Cookies Call For Take Out
We Make It The Way You Want It!
309 SW Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-623-4345
Open Monday - Thursday, 11am to 8pm Friday & Saturday, 11am - 9pm
Clean Rooms ● Large Pool Tanning Deck ● Located on the Water Live Entertainment ● Pet Friendly
Modern, Trendy or Traditional We do it all. Large Beautiful Showroom Stop in to see our new specialty cupcake designs! “We deliver smiles.”
863-763-5051 800-260-2592
207 NE Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972
www.flowerpetalsokeechobee.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols and Sandra Pearce
RIDE FOR THE FIGHT Held at the Cattlemen’s Arena
Local Rancher, a Cancer Survivor, Stages Charity Event for Stricken Families On New Year’s Day 2014, Nano Corona, a local rancher, organized the first “Ride For The Fight,” staged at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena with the help of many in the community. Corona, a survivor of esophageal cancer, understands the toll cancer takes on the patients as well as the caregivers, so he organized this event to raise money to aid Okeechobee families dealing with the stress and worries that cancer brings. Despite the rain, a big crowd turned out for the event.
(Above) Nano Corona addresses the crowd. (Right) Bullfighters working the bull. (Far Right) Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Kelly Steinruck
daily breakfast and lunch specials breakfast or lunch available all day.
863-824-0347 Open 7 days a week, 7am to 2pm
Come Join the Herd 3235 us hwy 441 se treasure island plaza okeechobee
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Massage Therapy Facials Teeth Whitening Ionic Foot Detox Microdermabrasion
Hair Manicures|Pedicures Make-Up Hair Removal Eyelash Extensions
311 NE 2nd Street
(863) 357-3333
(Behind Regions Bank & McDonalds)
www.mysalononline.com/bellarose
Gift Certificates Available
This is going to be one wild ride.
facebook.com/bellarosespa
No Need To Go Out Of Town For Expert Health Care Services!
We Are Right Here In Okeechobee, Your Hometown! Over 17 years experience in the treatment of all digestive disorders. Colonoscopy & Endoscopy Capsule endoscopy Liver disease (Hepatitis & Cirrhosis) Colon Cancer Screening Irritable Bowel Syndrome Gallbladder Disease Ulcerative Colitis Crohn’s Disease Removal of Polyps Treatment of Ulcers Diverticulitis Gastrointestinal Bleeding GERD Most Insurance Accepted
Dr. Albert F. Bravo Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine
(863) 357-8222
225 N.E. 19th Drive - Okeechobee, Fl 34972
Se Habla Español
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Your sight. Our vision.
Living with cataracts can be compared to looking at life through a foggy window. Images become hazy and dull. Even colors are not as bright. The best and most effective way to determine if cataracts are clouding your life is with an annual dilated eye exam. Early detection can mean healthy sight for life. And that’s our vision.
FLORIDA EYE INSTITUTE Thomas A. Baudo, MD | Karen D. Todd, MD Val Zudans, MD | Wilson K. Wallace, MD Cynthia L. Kipp, O.D. 772.569.9500 • fleye.com 2750 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach
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CSB-OkeechobeeHalfPgHChamberAd111313:Layout 1
11/13/13
4:20 PM
Page 1
At CenterState Bank we believe in investing in the communities we serve and in the lives of others!
Jamie Brammeier
Faveola Carrillo
Shannon Conrad
Kristy Crawford
Kerri Davis
Sherri Enfinger
Customer Service Specialist
Sr. Personal Banker
Sr. Customer Service Specialist
Commercial Loan Officer/VP
Personal Banker
Consumer Loan Officer
Heather Hancock
Jennifer Lafferty
Cecilia Rodriguez
Tabitha Trent
John Williams
Executive Assistant
Residential Lender/AVP
Sr. Personal Banker
Branch Manager/VP
Community President/SVP
Local Market Driven
C E N T E R S TAT E B A N K ’ S C O R E VA L U E S : |
A Long Term Horizon
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Relationship Banking
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Faith and Family
863.763.5573
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The 8th wonder of the world! A never-ending cascade of rich chocolate is yours for the dipping!
863-763-0444 Steaks, Buffet & Bakery
700 S Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 79
Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols
Martha’s House holds Second Annual “Laugh, Love, Live” Event ‘Laugh, Love and Live’ Event Bolsters Martha’s House The second annual “Laugh, Love and Live” comedy game show and dinner fundraiser for Martha’s House took place Saturday, Feb. 8, at the KOA campground. CenterState Bank was the presenting sponsor for the festivities, which included a “Price is Sort of Right” game show, a Polynesian dinner and music. Martha’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence. For more information about Martha’s House, call (863) 763-2893.
Front Row (L-R): Cesar Jaimes, Cecilia Rodriguez, Faveola Carrillo, Tabitha Trent and Miguel Carrillo. Back Row: Jamie Brammeier, Kerri Davis and Shannon Conrad.
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(L-R) Ken Keller, Elaine Keller, Eileen Nichols, Scott Nichols, Judge Jerry Bryant and Carol Bryant. 1. Jamie Brammeier, Faveola Carrillo and Kerri Davis displaying next challenge. 2. Front Row (L-R): Christie Strickland, Jeannie Rhoden, Marcy Corwin and Kristy Ichimura. Back row: Earle Strickland, Aaron Sorenson, Mike Corwin and Kalani Karratti. 3. Jonathan Bean, Stacie Bean, Nathanael Bean, Annalise Bean, Ariana Cortez, Karen Marie Cortez, Yolanda Cortez and Wolfgang Cortez. 4. Ron and Juanita White with Sheriff Paul May and wife, Delores.
2 3
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Kim Speed playing the matching game with Jim Benton as Drew Carey.
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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BUYER BROKER ONLY COMPANY OF FLORIDA Realtor Bill F. Steg’kemper, crs, gri BROKER, CRS, GRI, APPRAISER
Full Time Realtor Since 1974 Broker, Appraiser - BK129997
Longest Licensed Realtor In Okeechobee
CELL (863) 801-9497
607 NW 5th Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974
always saving buyer$ money
For all your party needs... We are your 1 Stop Shop Largest Party & Balloon supply store in Okeechobee
Open Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 3 pm
Party/Event Planning Catering Silk Floral Designs Invitations Birthday Themes Balloons
Rental Items:
Tents - Tables - Chairs Bounce Houses - Waterslides
We make cakes to fit any special occasion... You dream it we’ll bring it alive!
319 SW Park Street Okeechobee, FL
863-467-4900
Olivia & Neyo Store: 863-824-0011 After Hours: 863-634-8816 1700 S. Parrott Ave. Ste. A Okeechobee, FL 34974
14K Gold Jewelry Sterling Silver Jewelry Jewelry Repairs While You Wait Layaway Plan Available
863.763.4433 Walk-Ins Welcome
204 NE 7th Avenue Okeechobee, Florida www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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A
A lA CAr t
e!
s rt
2013-2014
seAson
solD oUt!
Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106
(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson
rhythm of the Dance
Shelly Doyle
tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 pm
Personal Assistant
863-801-3119
shellydoyle@ymail.com
Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net
21442 E. SR 78 -Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 For All Of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website: www.AndersonRealtyCo.com
the Doo-Wah riders tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 pm
rapunzel
saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11 am & 7 pm Auditions for Rapunzel are on Monday, May 12 at 4:00 pm at the Dolly Hand. Auditions are open to students grades K5-12 No preparation is necessary!
Serving Entertainment For All Tastes!
BoX oFFICe 561.993.1160
1977 College Drive Belle glaDe, Fl 33430
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Spring 2014 | 83
Community Event
Photos By Vicky Nichols
YOUNIFIED YOUTH RALLY At Osceola Middle School
More Than 500 Celebrate ‘YOUNIFIED’ The YOUNIFIED Youth Rally of 2014 took place Jan. 11 at Osceola Middle School. Around 540 middle and high school students came to Okeechobee’s largest youth event of the year. The evening was filled with fun, food, music, prizes and motivational speakers. For more information about the YOUNIFED Youth Rally, call (863) 634-6523.
(Above) Youth speaker and author Jeffrey Dean.
(Left) Rapper KIDD. (Below) Volunteers provide pizzas to all the students.
(Above) American Idol alum Jason Castro. (Below) Students get ready for the motivational speaker.
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Computer Sales & Service Serving Lake Area Since 1990
863-467-9090
Andy Farrow
Vacation Specialist
Networking Cabling Accessories Audio Visual Wireless Managed Services
Your Concierge Desk To Travel
COMPUTERS
Authorized Business Telephone Systems
Groups Family Reunions Couples Meetings at Sea Honeymoons Ocean Cruises River Cruises Wine Cruises Tour Resorts All-Inclusive Singles First Time Cruisers Cell/Text 863.697.0270 Office 954.309.0255 ext 134 Toll Free 877.588.2279 ext. 134 a.farrow@cruiseone.com
Your Vacation
Wish
Makers!
403 S. PARROTT AVE. OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
Email: sales@icsflorida.com
www.icsflorida.com
www.AsYouWishVacations.com Associate of Independent Franchise Mixon, Ardila & Associates - Coral Spring, FL.
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Quality - Commitment - Design
Wind Mitigations & Home Inspections STATE LICENSED & INSURED - #CRC058109
Blue Ribbon Winner Treasure Coast Parade of Homes
863-467-1933 221 NE Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972 We now have a 2nd location at 1120 NW Park Street
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863-763-2248 5286 SW 16 Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974
• Largest Section of Gambler Lures and Reaction Innovations with the Lowest Prices Around. • Enough Hard Bait to Keep Any Fisherman Busy. • Great Tee Shirts and Souvenirs for the Loved Ones Back at Home. • Best Live Bait in Town. • Great Rod Selection for All Techniques.
www.FishOkeechobee.com
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Spring 2014 | 87 5% Discount To All Who Mention This Ad (Excluding Live Bait)
Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
Chamber of Commerce Leadership Okeechobee
Chamber Schools Future Leaders on Local Governments The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce recently conducted its third and fourth leadership class sessions. The third class, on Nov. 20, featured a presentation from the South Florida Water Management District and a tour of the field stations, pumping stations and stormwater treatment areas. The fourth class was conducted Dec. 28 and focused on city and county government, the judicial system and business development. The eight-month program will prepare potential leaders of the community.
Gary Ritter explains outside operations.
Gary Ritter greeted the class and explained about the five water management districts.
County Administrator Robbie Chartier.
Kathy Scott of the Tourist Development Council.
City of Okeechobee Mayor James Kirk.
The class attended a drug court conducted by Judge Jerry Bryant (above). (Left): The Leadership Class boards the Okeechobee County sheriff’s bus for the afternoon tour. 88 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Family Friendly Sports Bar and Restaurant. New Location in Downtown Okeechobee! New Menu! Buffalo Wings - Zippers - Salads - Po Boy Sandwiches Best Burgers Around and More! Serving Beer and Wine - TV for Sport Fans & Juke Box
301 SW Park Street
Family Owned & Operated
863-763-1399
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Professional.Principled.Passionate
Fishing Fishing
Serving the legal needs of the Okeechobee Community
Shellen onBy Capt. LakeMichael Okeechobee By Capt. Michael Shellen
Glenn J. Sneider Attorney at Law
Our entire staff is dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters.
•Family Law •Criminal Law •Civil Litigation
863-467-6570 200 SW 9th Street Okeechobee, FL 34974
www.SneiderLaw.Com
««« 1993- 2013
863-763-4080 Steve@LakeshoreMarineInc.com 92 | Spring 2014
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Spring Brings Bounty Of Panfish, Beauty, Bass – And Anglers! Spring is always highly anticipated in Okeechobee. The warm, mild days and nights trigger a renewal of sorts. In the lake, plant life is sprouting with new growth, and the air smells as sweet and clean as freshly laundered clothes hanging on the line. For fishermen, spring signifies a time when they can find their favorite species of fish in relatively shallow water and catchable. Bass are responding to the warm water by feeding constantly after enduring a long spawning season. Panfish such as shellcracker and bluegill have moved onto the sandy-bottomed areas of the lake in huge numbers and are grouped up fanning beds as they prepare to spawn on the moon phases. As the flowers in the lake all start blooming, it becomes difficult at times to think only of the fishing; instead my mind wanders as I gaze at the beauty Mother Nature so amply provides in Lake Okeechobee. Fishing becomes much more predictable due to the stable weather and warm water conditions. Many times during the springtime, we will divide our fishing day equally among bass and panfish -- starting our morning with bass fishing, whether it is with shiners or artificial baits. Then as the sun moves higher into the sky, we will move to bedding areas where panfish are spawning. Early spring, shellcracker are abundant and will bite on worms or grass shrimp. As the spring progresses, big, fat bluegill will move in to join the shellcracker and anglers from all over the United States will flock to Okeechobee to take part in some of the
ONE STOP EXPRESS Across From Lake Okeechobee Open 24 Hours to Serve You!
Capt. Michael Shellen
best fishing anywhere. Panfish limits are generous and provide anglers with great eating and fast catching action. A top-water bait is standard for spring fishing; we start nearly every morning by throwing our favorite floating plug, drawing strikes from feeding bass. Many a morning you can catch large numbers of fish on top-water, other days only a few, but the strikes are vicious and always surprising. If you have never experienced a top-water strike, you are missing one of the great joys of fishing. As the top-water bite ends, we switch to a trick worm or fluke fished on light fluorocarbon line and a very small weight to extend our catching. Another plus for anglers who have not seen alligators in the wild before is the number of gators laying on the canal banks lazing in the sun. Photo ops are numerous, and it’s a thrill that will be shared many times and never forgotten. Lake Okeechobee and town of Okeechobee have become a destination for many, and visiting here is a great addition to any bucket list. Great fishing, first-class accommodations and great places to eat make Okeechobee the place to go for your vacation. See ya on the lake!
O
Capt. Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service
(863) 357- 0892
www.OkeechobeeBassFishing.com
•Souvenirs •Snacks •Beer •Ice •Fishing Tackle •Much More!
Brand New
! Inside & Drive Thru
EBT Accepted
4994 Hwy 441 South - Okeechobee, FL 863-623-4939
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DR. JOE WATER TREATMENT “ We Make Your Water Clean”
863-763-7630 Free Water Analysis Joe Renta FREE Estimates
Salt /Salt Delivery Chlorine Pumps & Filters Water Softeners Aerators
Sulfer Guard Wells Iron Filters Reverse Osmosis Sprinkler System Repairs
We now sell 7% hydrogen peroxide for $3.50 a gallon! 1106 NW Park Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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THREE OHS Girls Qualify for State Weight Lifting Finals
O
By Charles M. Murphy, WOKC’s Voice of the Brahmans
The Okeechobee High School girls weight lifting team was well-represented in February at the state finals as three girls were able to qualify.
to. Smith said the mental part of dealing with the crowds was something he emphasized to the girls.
Coach Tyrone Smith admits he’s well pleased that Tamea Allen, Jessica Mond and Julia Weldon all qualified to compete in the state final Saturday, Feb. 8, at Kissimmee-Osceola High School.
“It’s like at the stock market -you have to throw your hand up to let them know you are coming up to do your lift. You have to pay attention when it’s your turn.”
Smith is no stranger to the weight room, having been a college football player and football coach. He knows the benefits a weight room can provide to an athlete and has recruited a lot of girls to give it a try. The girls admit that the added muscle helps them in their other athletic activities.
Weldon said she was excited to go to state. She competes in the 110-pound weight division. Her best lifts this year were 100 pounds in the bench press and 105 in clean and jerk. She won the Brahman Award last year and said she made her goals this year by improving her lifts and dropping a few pounds The state finals included 300 competi- to get into the 110-pound division. tors plus coaches and fans, and the Her parents are George and Stephanie crowds were larger than the girls are used Weldon. Allen, a sophomore, has lifted
come join the fun at
okeechobee KOA!
Pool and Golf Memberships Daily and Senior Golf Rates April 1 – Nov. 1, 2014 Shanty Lounge Open Daily Live Weekend Entertainment
863-763-0231
4276 US Hwy 441 So. - Okeechobee
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Tamea Allen, Jessica Mond and Julia Weldon with their coach Tyrone Smith.
weights for two years. She also runs track and is a cheerleader. She said weight lifting helps enhance her skills in the other sports. “I feel extremely blessed to have been to state this year. It was something everybody had to work for, and it’s an honor.” “Coach Smith pushes us a lot, and he is definitely the reason I lift what I lift now. He’s the reason I’m so competitive in this sport,” she said. Her parents are Darryl and Michelle Allen. Mond, a junior, said she decided to try the sport after her uncle, Chaka Smith, started to recruit her friends. She said she has gotten addicted to workouts and lifting weights and really enjoys spending time in the weight room. “I was proud of myself and was excited and overwhelmed to go to state. The support system I have helped me to get this opportunity,” she explained. Mond increased her top lifts from 120 to 150 on the bench press this year. She admits the clean and jerk is still a work in progress but said she is gaining confidence in that event. “I have persevered, and it was so exciting at sectionals that everyone did great. I’m used to the crowds, and I continue to work hard. I hope to do my best at state,” she added. Her parents are Jesse Mond and Toenyka Starks. O
Okeechobee’s ONLY Hometown Radio Stations The Staff
Front row (L-R): Viridiana Allen, Wayne Cunningham and Taylor Marie. Back row: Charles Murphy, Merrilee Berglund, Francisco “Paco” Sangabriel, Billy Dean and Ken Keller. 863-467-1570
Fax 888-875-1570
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AROUND
Okeechobee
Okeechobee Main Street Mixers
Gilbert Chevrolet holds Pro Night
Chevy Pro Night was staged at Gilbert Chevrolet on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event gave people an opportunity to get autographs and photos with FLW Pro Anglers, experience a Chevy boat simulator and play an FLW casting game. There were many giveaways during the event; prizes included a fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee with a pro. Photo courtesy of Sandra Pearce Photography.
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County Leadership Class holds Quarter Auction
Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Cassells and McCall (middle) Raulerson Hospital and (bottom) Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art and Fawn’s Art Studio.
Buckhead Ridge Fire Department Holds Catfish Festival
The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County Leadership Class conducted a quarter auction on Jan. 24 at the Civic Center. One part of the leadership program provides for the group to develop a project that will benefit the community in some manner. Pictured: Janice Kelley, Antoinette Rodriguez, and Donna Johnson at their J & D Designs table.
Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting
The Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Department staged its 20th annual Catfish Festival Fundraiser on Jan. 25. Money raised from this event will help the Volunteer Fire Department purchase much-needed equipment. Pictured: Schools Superintendent Scott Bass, County Commissioner Tim Stanley, Property Appraiser Lori Ward and Fire Chief John Wilkinson. (Unnamed participant holds plaque.) A dinner hosted by the Williamson Cattle Co. at the Camp House set the stage for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association annual meeting in Okeechobee on Dec. 5. Members enjoyed networking with their friends over the fine supper. Pictured: Florida Cattlemen’s Association board members Matt Pearce, Ken Griner, Ned Waters and Matt Warren. 96 | Spring 2014
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Economic Council of Okeechobee
CARE Award
The Economic Council of Okeechobee presents its Community Award Recognizing Enhancement, or CARE Award, to The Hampton Inn Okeechobee located at 1200 State Road 70 East in Okeechobee. Pictured below (L-R) are Jon Geitner, Tara Minton Rowley, General Manager Jennifer Lineberry, Christa Luna, Paula Younger, Jennifer Williamson, and Todd Clemons. Photo courtesy of Sandra Pearce Photography.
Okeechobee Main Street Hosts Art Reception On Jan. 16, Okeechobee Main Street hosted a reception to introduce ‘La Florida: 500 Years in the Place of Flowers.’ Okeechobee celebrated Viva Florida 500 at the Okeechobee Historical Courthouse by hosting this seven-week art exhibit by Florida photographer John Moran. Greg Thogersen and J.D. Mixon of UBS Financial Services sponsored the reception. Pictured (L-R) Greg Thogersen; OKMS Executive Director Sharie Turgeon; OKMS Arts and Culture Chairwoman Bridgette Waldau; OKMS President Maureen Burroughs; and J.D. Mixon.
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Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies
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1. Pregnancy Center 2. Blessings Boutique 3. 2nd Street Pizza 4. Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art and Fawn’s Studio 5. Little Caesars Pizza 6. Tin Fish Restaurant 7. Geechee Mon’s BBQ
7 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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14K Gold Store ............................. 57 Flower Petals ................................. 75 211 Helpline ................................. 46 1 Stop Party Shop ............................. 81 Gilbert Chevrolet ............................ 99 Gilbert Ford ................................... 13 A & D Pool Supplies ......................... 67 Glades AC ....................................... 39 A & G Concrete Pools ....................... 89 Golden Corral .................................. 79 Alan Jay Toyota ............................... 56 American Drilling Services............. 67 Hampton Inn .................................. 60 Anderson Realty ........................... 83 Heartland Discount Pharmacy......... 41 Highland Pest Control ..................... 83 Badcock Furniture........................... 49 Home Front Electric ....................... 19 Bass Electric ..................................... 32 Bella Rose Day Spa ......................... 77 ICS Computers ............................... 85 Berger Clinic .................................... 62 Inkwell Tattoos ............................... 67 Big Lake Eye Care ............................. 3 Indian River State College ............... 37 Brennan Eye Care ............................. 44 Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art ....... 26 Jeanette’s Interiors ......................... 38 Brown Cow Sweetery..................... 47 Jill Holcomb ................................... 85 Buxton & Bass Funeral Homes ..... 67 Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee 81 KOA ................................................ 94 Bruce Homer Insurance .................... 19 Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center 77 Carpenter Insurance ........................ 62 Lakeshore Marine .......................... 92 Cary Pigman ................................... 55 Lakeshore Medical .......................... 38 CenterState Bank ............................ 79 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ........... 27 Chico’s Burrito Shack ...................... 75 Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider ........... 92 Coldwell Banker/Berger Real Estate 48 Cowtown Café ............................. 76 Marcum & Associates .................... 7 Crossroads ....................................... 98 Mary Kay ......................................... 75 CPA Tax Solutions ............................ 62 Mims Veterinary............................... 78 Cruiseone ...................................... 85 Mixon Real Estate Group .................. 76 Custom Sights and Sounds .............. 89 Morgan’s Furniture ........................... 27 Morgan Stanley ............................... 31 D4 Powersports ............................. 41 Murray Insurance ........................... 28 Dairy Queen .................................... 66 Doctor Joe Water Treatment ........... 93 New Vision Eye Center ...................... 69 Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center .... 83 nutmeg’s café ................................. 57 Domer’s .......................................... 15 Drs. Clinic Family Health Care......... 60 Okeechobee Charters ...................... 57 Duran Jewelry ............................... 81 Okeechobee Claws & Paws ............... 37 Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep ..... 82 Echols Plumbing ............................ 67 Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters 87 Edward Jones Investments ........... 89 Okeechobee Health Care ................ 16 Entegra Roof Tile ........................... 33 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corp. 15 Everglades Farm Equipment .......... 5 Okeechobee Realty ........................ 57 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry ........ 63 Okeechobee Texaco ......................... 93 Evie’s More Than Hair ...................... 81 Parrott Island Grill ........................ 41 Family Health & Wellness ............... 25 Pier II Resort ................................. 75 Fawn’s Studio ................................ 38 Peace Lutheran School ................... 75 Florida Eye Institute ...................... 78 Platinum Performance Builders ..... 86
Pritchards & Assoc. ...................... 57 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant .............. 19 Quail Creek Plantation ................... 9 Quality Air Conditioning ................. 6 Quality Lawn Care ......................... 48 Raulerson Hospital ........................... 2 Raulerson Hospital ..................... 50, 51 Raulerson Hospital ............ Back Cover Rosato Plastic Surgery Center .......... 29 Royals Furniture ............................ 45 Rustic Now Furniture and Emporium 28 Salon Safari .................................. 49 Sanders Dermatology ..................... 11 Sandra Pearce Photography ............ 81 Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser & Zoeller 10 Skull Hill Steel ................................ 39 Slide On By Party Rental .................. 48 St. Lucie Batteries & Tires .............. 46 Staffords Salon .............................. 38 State Farm Insurance ....................... 48 TD Bank ........................................... 47 Tammy Platt ................................... 57 Teez 2 Pleez ................................... 75 Tin Fish Restaurant .......................... 44 Toni’s Chic Boutique ........................ 15 Total Roadside Services ...................74 Treasure Coast Food Bank ............... 32 Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ....................... 71 UBS Financial .................................. 17 USA Mobile Drug Testing ................ 21 Visiting Nursing Association ........ 91 Waste Management ..................... 55 Wemmer Family Orthodontics ........ 45 Williamson Cattle Company ........... 39 WOKC 100.9 FM ............................. 95 Wolfgang Jewelers ....................... 95 Women’s Health ............................ 90 Worley Construction ........................ 32 Yetti Outfitters, Inc. ....................... 73 Zippy’s Wings ................................. 89
Do you have an old family recipe with a great story? We want to know. Email us at info@okeechobeethemagazine.com
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GilbertChevrolet.com (863) 763-3154 3550 Highway 441 South • Okeechobee SALES Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-7:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
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Here...for me.
When it hurts to do nothing, it’s time to do something. Do you need joint replacement surgery? • Do your knees or hips grind or cause pain when you move? • Does the pain keep you from lying or sitting comfortably? • Is your joint pain constant (chronic)? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may have worn out one or more joints due to an active life.
Return to the activities you love. Learn more about the joint healing experience by reading a local patient testimonial in the center spread of this magazine. For more information, call Consult-A-Nurse® at: 1.844.JOINTS1
We can change this. The orthopedic experts of the Treasure Coast Healthcare System will work with you to develop a personalized plan to give you lasting relief.
Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute Raulerson Hospital St. Lucie Medical Center