Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Okeechobee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development
FY 2026 Capital Improvement Projects Year-End Report
Infrastructure and Facilities Director Rollo Ridley reported that 8 out of 18 capital projects were completed in FY 2026, coming in $3.2 million under budget.
DB Fortune Investments RV Park Rezoning (8355 US Highway 441 SE)
DB Fortune Investments won a unanimous rezone for a 22-acre commercial-RV park on US 441 SE, promising a professionally run, tree-preserving hospitality business that adds visitors and revenue.
Wolff Farms Subdivision Pre-Application Review
Lennar Homes got the zoning it needed for 199 single-family homes on about 73 acres between SW 28th and SW 32nd Streets. Neighbors raised flooding, traffic on US 441 and lot-size concerns, but commissioners said state law leaves them little room to deny projects consistent with the land-use plan. Chairman Hazellief abstained and the rezone passed 4-0.
Lennar Residential Subdivision Rezoning (1590 SW 28th Street)
Residents raised concerns about severe flooding, increased traffic, and school overcrowding from a new 199-home subdivision off SW 28th Street. Commissioners approved the rezone to avoid potential lawsuits under state property laws, noting engineering and site plans must address drainage.
EAA A-2 Reservoir Construction Progress
Federal and state agencies reported on accelerated construction schedules for the EAA Reservoir and related CERP components designed to improve water storage and delivery south.
Model Home Commercial Activity and Traffic Safety on State Road 70
D.R. Horton applied for a temporary use permit to operate a model home on a commercially-zoned parcel along Highway 70. Board members raised concerns about whether a residential model home fits with the commercial corridor and future land use plans.
Tyler Technologies Software Replacement
Commissioners expressed deep frustration over years of costly delays and ongoing maintenance fees associated with the Tyler Technologies permitting software, questioning whether to scrap the system and start over.
Oak Chilby West Industrial Park Preliminary Plat & Highway 70 Access
The county denied a preliminary plat for a large industrial park because developers proposed an access point away from the planned main intersection on State Road 70 W. Commissioners stressed the need to prevent traffic hazards on a dangerous stretch of highway.
Bass Pro Property Title and Real Estate Negotiations
Commissioner Terry Burroughs provided a detailed history of the complex title, sovereign land, and ownership issues surrounding the Bass Pro / Okeetani property project, and the board voted to transition final legal negotiations to the county attorney.
Kings Bay Commercial Rezoning Impact
Residents voiced concerns over a rezoning request at the entrance of Kings Bay that would allow commercial retail or a strip plaza, worrying about property values and heavy traffic.
Heartland Crossing CDD Presentation
Developers presented conceptual plans for Heartland Crossing, an 1,100-acre mixed-use community along State Road 70 utilizing a Community Development District.
Adoption of New County Impact Fees
The county is bringing back impact fees across eight categories, including roads, schools, and parks, so new development helps pay for needed public infrastructure.
Okeechobee Trace 2026 Development
A 338-acre residential and commercial project was presented, featuring low-density single-family homes, townhomes, and pocket parks instead of a golf course.