Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Okeechobee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in public safety with critical priority
November 1 flood emergency and recovery
The county got 9-13 inches of rain on November 1, flooding more than 400 mobile home units and causing over $2.1 million in residential damage so far, with 850+ structures still unassessed. The county is on the governor's emergency order and a Level 1 EOC activation, pumping out over 100 million gallons and working toward FEMA assistance.
Senior Services and Food Insecurity Challenges
Three grant amendments totaling over $420,000 fund in-home care, caregiver stipends, and Alzheimer's respite services, and the county is seeking a seven-year lead agency designation.
County Jail Compliance and Facility Standards
The jail is down to 188 inmates — the lowest in two years — thanks to behavioral health services and 38 local employers now hiring people with records.
Emergency Operations Center HVAC and IT Infrastructure Repair
The county authorized emergency funding to replace failed cooling units in the Emergency Operations Center IT room to protect millions of dollars in critical public safety equipment.