Home Care In Okeechobee, FL

The location of a proposed stormwater treatment area in Okeechobee County, Florida, is raising alarms from AOPA, the FAA, and local pilots, as the project design will likely attract avian species that will create hazards for pilots flying at three surrounding airports.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) intends to turn several thousands of acres of land north of Lake Okeechobee in the lower Kissimmee River Basin into a constructed wetland area.

The plan is to pump water away from the Kissimmee River, releasing the water into cells containing human-made wetlands and marsh habitat. By naturally filtering stormwater and absorbing nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen through plants, pollution to Lake Okeechobee can be further curbed.

The project’s mission has strong support, but the location of the project is concerning for local businesses, county officials, and pilots.

For the aviation community, bird strikes are the main concern. The Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area—a similar project near Lake Okeechobee completed by the SFWMD in 2021—has become an oasis for birds of all kinds. Local and transient pilots flying in and out of Okeechobee County Airport, River Oak, and Sunset Strip Airpark, and residents who live near the airports will all face greater safety threats if the proposed stormwater treatment area is approved and inevitably invites similar avian species to the area.

A majority of bird strikes occur at relatively low altitudes during the most demanding operations of flight—when a pilot is on approach or departure from an airport. Because of its proximity to the three airports, the proposed location of the stormwater treatment area will have a high volume of low-altitude aircraft. The departure and landing paths for the River Oak and Sunset Strip airports are only 1,500 feet away from the property line of the proposed project. Additionally, the location of the project in relation to the Okeechobee County Airport—the only federally obligated airport of the three—does not meet federal compliance standards detailed in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33C, related to “Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or near Airports.”

AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers have attended public meetings to express their concerns and a December 1 letter to Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Shawn Hamilton and Board Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District Chauncey Goss from AOPA Southern Regional Manager Stacey Heaton detailed AOPA’s specific grievances with the location of the project.

“It is unlikely that the proposed project can be engineered, and maintained, as to not potentiallyincrease the risk of wildlife mixing with aircraft operations and therefore should not move forward in its proposed location,” said Heaton. “Regardless that previous projects were inappropriately allowed to occur too close to an airport, no additional hazardous projects should move forward that are inconsistent with the FAA’s standards for the safety of civil aviation.”

In addition to aviation risks, the community and commissioners are worried about property values and insurance rates should the stormwater treatment area proceed in the suggested location. Okeechobee County Commissioner and Chairman David Hazellief has openly expressed his concerns with the project proposal and disappointment with SFWMD’s reluctance to open meetings to county involvement.

AOPA strongly supports the environmental mission of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the SFWMD but will continue to urge the relocation of the project.

On December 14, the SFWMD Governing Board will meet to discuss the issue. Those who wish to share concerns and politely express opposition to the location of the stormwater treatment area are encouraged to contact FDEP Deputy Secretary for Ecosystems Restoration Adam Blalock and SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett before the meeting.

Lillian Geil

Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist Lillian Geil is a student pilot and a graduate of Columbia University who joined AOPA in 2021.

Concern is mounting for smaller, more rural areas across South Florida in wake of the Aldi supermarket chain's takeover of Winn-Dixie grocery stores, including Okeechobee and Belle Glade.

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Concern is mounting for smaller, more rural areas across South Florida in wake of the Aldi supermarket chain's takeover of Winn-Dixie grocery stories.

On Wednesday, ALDI announced it was buying 400 Winn-Dixies in an effort to expand across the Southeast, but in some communities, like Okeechobee and Belle Glade, the well-known red and white chain is one of few options, and a major employer.

In Okeechobee, for example, there are four major grocery store chains to choose from, as opposed to the average 70 the U.S. Department of Agriculture said are often an option in more urban areas.

As of right now, Aldi is already an option for Okeechobee County residents. By creating two Aldis, Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford said the choices dwindle.

"If we lose Winn-Dixie, that's just one less choice we have," Watford said.

The bigger concern for him is employment. According to both companies' websites, ALDI typically employs about 8-10 people per store. It's part of the reason they are able to keep prices so affordable for families.

On the flip side, Winn-Dixie averages dozens more per store, prompting Watford to wonder: What happens to those extra employees if the store transitions to an Aldi?

“Fifty or 60 jobs in a community like Okeechobee is a huge deal where we fight to get companies to come in that have 10-12 jobs," Watford said.

Not everyone was opposed, however. Some residents, like James Grueber, were thrilled to have another ALDI coming in.

"I love Aldis!" Grueber said, citing low prices and fresh produce.

Anthony Infante, however, disagreed.

"I've been coming here since my parents came here," Infante said. [The store is] somebody I grew up with, actually, you know what I mean? It's where I've been shopping all my life."

Infante added he trusts Winn-Dixie, and fears the lack of options he'd have if it was replaced by an ALDI.

"I like this stuff, I know where this stuff comes from," said Infante.

"It's kind of like you're about to lose an old friend," Watford added.

WPTV reached out to Aldi and Southeast Grocers, the company that owns Winn-Dixie.

ALDI released this statement to us on behalf of its CEO, Jason Hart, reading in full,:

"ALDI will operate Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service, as we also evaluate which locations will convert to the ALDI format to better support the neighborhoods we’ll now have the privilege of serving. For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores.”

An ALDI spokesperson also released the following:

"This acquisition is an opportunity to continue the growth we already had planned for the region as part of our strategic and deliberate national expansion. ALDI has been committed to continued growth in Winn-Dixie’s headquarters state of Florida. With 209 ALDI stores and 8 more slated to open by the end of 2023 in Florida, we have invested more than $1.5B in the state and created more than 3,900 jobs to date. With food prices still on the rise and the need for access to affordable groceries more important than ever before, ALDI has a significant opportunity to help residents in the Southeast save up to 40% on their grocery bills."

Aldi did not, however, answer our questions regarding the employment of Winn-Dixie workers, despite us asking multiple times.

Meredith Hurley, senior director of communications and community at Southeastern Grocers, released this statement to us, reading in full:

"While we cannot comment or speculate on any forward-looking strategies or another company’s plans, we can confirm that nothing changes today. We understand that ALDI does not intend to convert all of our stores. ALDI’s current plan [prnewswire.com] is to continue operating Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service as they also evaluate which locations will convert to the ALDI format to better support the neighborhoods they will now serve."

"I hope we keep both," Watford said.

For more information on the history of Winn-Dixie, click here.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

About Lake Okeechobee

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush but just think how amazing it would be to have a cold beverage, a rod or a book in hand while watching far more than two feathered friends going quietly about their business on the shores of the sparkling Lake Okeechobee. It isn’t an experience saved for special occasions, either. Visit anytime - the Big O awaits.

A Fresh New World

Lake Okeechobee, the eighth largest freshwater lake in the United States, is a sight to behold, in any weather. Thanks to its balmy location, the Florida landmark stays holiday-ready all year round and it is growing in popularity with savvy vacationers looking for an eclectic experience. There is something for everyone, on and off the lake.

Fishermen

The premier fishing region in Florida, Lake Okeechobee is the main attraction to fishing fanatics from all over the country. We’re all about the bass here.

Whether it’s fishing off a pier or a boat in the “Big O” itself or chartering one of the exhilarating airboats to a more distant, otherwise inaccessible fishing spot, Okeechobee is your oyster (and hopefully a couple of your Largemouth Bass, too)!

The town is a perfect stop off with its plethora of piers, boat launches, stream beds, waterways, and grassy coves providing unlimited choice for fishermen and their seconding teams in charge of the picnic baskets and ice cold refreshments.

If you want some peace and quiet for your cantankerous Crappie lures, you’ll find it. If you want a little more guidance on the best places to catch the elusive Pickerel, however, there are local experts and enthusiastic Okeechobee fishing tour guides always at the ready.

Adventure and Splash

It is hard to believe but some visitors don’t even sniff at a fishing rod the entire time they are in Okeechobee (it’s true, we promise!). No judgment here, especially since the region is also a watersports paradise and an adventure all by itself.

It is an awesome place to discover how much you need adventure in your life, with wild places to explore that are not too far to call for a rescue team (preferably arriving on a high-speed airboat with fanfare and horns to show the gravity of the predicament. Dramatic flair makes any adventure more fun, after all.

There are also amazing hiking trails in several locations within reach of the lake - like the Chandler Slough trail, the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), and the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, for example. Hunting and shooting sport remains a popular pastime with regulars enjoying the unique sites on offer here.

Inspiring Campgrounds

Out of town but not quite, Lake Okeechobee and its surrounding areas offer visitors a rural feel with easy access to convenience and infrastructure. The region is full of ‘hidden gems,’ like nature-hugging campgrounds and breathtaking hiking trails, yet, all the amenities you need are available right up the road in Okeechobee City or in one of its abundant communities nearby.

RV parks are a dime a dozen here, and it is no wonder when one sees the attraction of the lake region far and wide. The parks and campgrounds are fully equipped and each offers unique amenities depending on their primary focus group and location. There are even a few stops catering to the older generation of campers, like Ancient Oaks for over fifty-fives who understands the young at heart also need a place to call their own.

Nature lovers and Eco-tourists

The lull of the Okeechobee ecosystems is almost too wonderful to believe, yet the strangest blend of wildlife and vegetation flourishes in this green haven. The lake is also home to a huge variety of creatures, including the largest concentration of alligators in the region over the last two decades. It is an ecotourist’s dream, with indigenous fauna and flora to study and beautiful things to see in every direction.

Birdwatchers will be equally as excited by the bird list, with several rare species seen often at the water’s edge. The Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, and Crested Caracara are around more often than one might imagine.

However you decide to spend your time at Lake Okeechobee, always remember to appreciate the smaller things in life. If you are really lucky, a Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (on the highly endangered list!) might hop around your toes as you wait for the blasted Bluegills to bite.

Take a ride on the wild side of Florida and visit Lake Okeechobee.

It’s so much more than just another lake.

If you are planning a hunting trip to Florida, Okeechobee County should be your first consideration. Lake Okeechobee provides the best duck and alligator hunting experience in the southeastern United States. The areas surrounding the lake also have incredible hog and Osceola Turkey populations.

Types of Game You Will Find in Okeechobee

Florida and, more specifically, Okeechobee has large populations of wild boar. These animals cause a lot of problems, and they damage the orange groves and sugar canes in the area. There is an abundance of wild boar and are many different wild boar hunting opportunities and methods in Okeechobee.

The swamps and marshes around Lake Okeechobee are home to several duck species, including ringers, green wing teal, blue wing teal, black belly whistlers, and mottled ducks. There are many different duck hunting locations in Okeechobee, and you can choose from a wide selection of duck hunting methods.

Florida is home to thousands of alligators, and Okeechobee is the ideal location for a gator hunt. Alligators are predominant in Lake Okeechobee and along Kissimmee river. There are also private land and ranches with watering holes and dairy reservoirs that are open to alligator hunters.

The hunting grounds south of Lake Okeechobee is one of only a few places in the country where you can hunt Osceola turkeys. Other areas around Okeechobee are also home to Rio Grande, Merriam, and eastern turkeys. You may even find a few Osceola gobblers as the Wildlife Commission transplanted many of them to the north.

If you are looking for a comprehensive bow hunting experience, you can bow fish the marshes in Lake Okeechobee. Invasive species in this area include Pleco fish and Tilapia. Many hunting ranches will supply you with an airboat, professional bass guide, and custom fishing bows.

Coyote and bobcat hunting are effective ways to maintain the deer, wild boar, and turkey populations in the area. Thermal varmint hunting is fast-paced and makes for an adrenaline-filled night. For bobcat hunting expeditions in Okeechobee, keep your ear on the ground between December and March.

Some of the hunting ranches have more exotic species available for hunting, including water buffalo, Sika, axis deer, and Blackbuck. Some game preserves also have Père David's deer and Berasinga.

Several different hunting methods are used in Okeechobee. The hunter’s preference, the type of game, and the hunting setting are all things that determine the most appropriate hunting method.

Rifle hunting is the most common option, and hunters often use it in combination with other methods. Many hunters prefer rifle hunting to bow hunting as a rifle is easier to load, and wind and long distances have less effect on a rifle’s accuracy. Rifles are also more suitable for bringing down large game like elk.

Bowhunting is the method of choice for Okeechobee hunters who want to go back to the basics of hunting. Bows are also quieter than rifles, which provides the hunter with a better opportunity to target animals without spooking them. Successful bow hunting requires a lot of practice as well as specialized and high-quality gear.

The hunting grounds in Okeechobee allow hunters to track their game instead of waiting for a herd to come by. Tracking is the ideal hunting practice for bowhunters and experienced hunters who can identify tracks and other indications that an animal is nearby. Most hunting guides in Okeechobee are also experienced trackers.

The hunting areas in Okeechobee where the game is abundant allow for the use of blinds and hides. Hunters build these hiding spots at locations where the target game typically moves around, and they wait there until the herd shows up. Some ranches have prebuilt hides, but the hunters may also have to set them up themselves.

Hunters traditionally use decoys when hunting waterfowl, but many hunters in Okeechobee use them for hunting big game. Decoys tend to work well when shooting from a blind, and hunters usually use them with fowl-enticing scents or calls. For a decoy to work, the hunter has to place it within shooting range from the blind.

Florida Regulations, Licenses, Seasons, and Permits

Hunting in Okeechobee is subject to Florida hunting regulations, and Okeechobee falls under the South Region of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. According to Florida hunting regulations, all hunters who are over the age of sixteen has to complete a hunter education certification before they can carry out a hunt in Florida.

In addition to a hunting license for taking game and furbearing animals, you also need the following licenses and permits for hunting in Florida:

Licenses and permits are available at license agents, the tax collector’s office.

Okeechobee falls under Zone C of the hunting zone map. The hunting seasons for this zone is as follows:

The areas surrounding Lake Okeechobee has some of the best places, hunting guides, and opportunities for hunting. Okeechobee is a natural habitat for many different animals species, and the hunting activities play an integral part in maintaining herd numbers.

The Florida Wildlife Commission and private ranches in the area host several hunting opportunities, for example, youth hunt weekends to grow the hunting industry in the area. Many of these organizations also provide or recommend outfitters and guides to ensure successful and memorable hunting trips.

Hunting is one of Okeechobee's greatest adventures. Join one of our great guides to take you on the trip of a lifetime whether it's finding that trophy buck or that beast of a hog there is no place better than Okeechobee. Most of Okeechobee is located in the hunting zone C and more information can be found about seasonal dates and limits at www.myfwc.com.

Here are some of the great guides that will take you for this once in a lifetime experience in the natural beauty of old Florida.

Kissimmee River Hunt and Fish 863-381-8040

South Florida Fishing and Hunting 863-697-3588

Seminole Prairie 863-634-7803

Quail Creek Plantation 863-763-2529

Okeechobee Hunt 863-801-6096

Just to name a few! Click here for more.

, Fla. —

Click the video player above for your WPBF 25 News To Go Headlines

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from Lake Okeechobee due to the heavier-than-normal rainfall for this time of year, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says has kept the lake at abnormally high levels.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it’s trying to avoid high-volume releases in the wet season because that’s when algal blooms peak, and that’s when the oyster-spawning season is.

However, charter boat captain Bob Bushholz with Catch 22 Fishing Charters says the increased water releases right now will reduce the salt-water volume of the St. Lucie River too much, harming some wildlife.

He also says when the salt water goes away, the risk of blue-green algae, which is harmful to human health, increases.

He says over the last couple of years, there’s already been a dramatic reduction in the number of fish in the St Lucie River, cutting his business in half.

“It’s definitely slowed down,” Bushholz said. "Over the last two years, I’ve seen a 50% drop."

He says if the fish population doesn’t increase in the St. Lucie River, which feeds into the Indian River Lagoon where his charter boats go, he’ll have to reconsider being a charter boat captain.

"It definitely hurts the business, but in the last two years, from what I’ve seen, if it doesn’t rebound in the next two years, I’m probably going to retire,” Bushholz said. "It’s getting to the point where I don’t enjoy it anymore."

Congressman Brian Mast (R- 21st District) also weighed in on the water releases.

"The lake is 'too high' because the Army Corps seems to think that growing sugar cane is a more important priority than not poisoning Floridians. Their gross incompetence is on full display here, and Floridians on both coasts are about to pay the price," Mast posted on Facebook.

Michelle “Shelly” Roberts, chief of corporate communications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, sent this statement to WPBF 25 News:

"Our strategy to manage Lake Okeechobee throughout this dry season has been to reduce water levels in Lake Okeechobee before the onset of the wet season by maximizing beneficial releases to downstream users and environments. By keep releases within the optimal RECOVER ranges, we strived to allow the estuaries to recover from the hurricanes of 2022 and 2023 as much as possible.

"The current El Niño condition has resulted in above average rainfall this dry season which has caused water levels on the Kissimmee chain of lakes, Lake Okeechobee, and the Water Conservation Areas to rise when they typically recede. Currently Lake Okeechobee is high for this time of year and has been steadily rising, requiring us to change our dry season strategy to a more proactive release operation.

"The intent behind these releases is to move as much water as possible out of Lake Okeechobee before the beginning of oyster spawning, before the start of blue-green algal blooms on the lake, and before the start of the wet season.

"We have heard from our partners that ecological conditions within the lake itself are deteriorating due to high water levels and diminished vegetation, and that any reduction in water levels will be a relief to the health of the lake. Our charge is to balance the needs of ALL ecosystems and stakeholders throughout the system and it is never an easy decision! We realize how critical environmental needs are, and it makes any decisions to release that much harder."