2023 Community Services Impact Report - Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners

2023 Impact Report

Denise Whitehead, Community Services and Tourism Director

Prepared by Community Services Department Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners

A message from the Director

DeniseWhitehead Community Services and Tourism Director

I am honored to present the Okeechobee County Community Services Department 2023 Impact Report. Situated in the heart of Florida, Okeechobee County thrives on diversity and resilience, propelled by the dedicated efforts of the Community Services Department It is a community I am proud to call home and the Community Services team is one I am privileged to be a part of.

This report encapsulates our department's initiatives and achievements over the past year, underscoring our unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of Okeechobee County residents Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, we have addressed diverse community needs while fostering economic growth and social cohesion

7

Divisions

77

Employees

40,000

Community Members

As we reflect on our collective progress, this report serves as a testament to the transformative impact of our endeavors. By championing inclusivity and driving positive change, we pave the way for a brighter future for Okeechobee County and its residents

Join us as we celebrate the power of community and chart a course toward continued growth Thank you for your support and partnership as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Cultivating change begins with a single act of service, but its impact resonates throughout our community, ignites hope, empowers lives, and shapes the future of our residents.

Recent Promotions

CommunityEngagement Opportunities:

Extension Community Advisory Board

Agri-Civic Center Advisory Board

Tourist Development Council

Library: Friends of the Library

Parks and Recreation: Friends of the Parks

Library Volunteer

Ag Center Volunteer

Senior Services Volunteer

Parks and Rec Coaches

Parks and Rec Officials

4H Group leaders

AdditionalDepartment Responsibilities

Public Information Officer (ESF 14 at EOC)

Media Relations

Social Media

Crisis Communications

Emergency Operations Call Center

Strategic Plan Process

Human Services Chair (EOC)

Veteran Support Chair (EOC)

Animal and Ag Services Support (ESF 17 at EOC)

Emergency Point of Distribution (Ag Center)

In house trainings on use of Artificial Intelligence and media relations

Engaged staff are not just the backbone of the County; they are its heartbeat, driving our impact far beyond the individual division.

Community Representation:

Heartland Library Cooperative DirectorDenise

Heartland Library Cooperative Assistant

Coordinator - Sonya

Heartland Homeless Coalition DirectorDenise

Okeechobee Education Foundation

Director -Denise and Kresta

Sheriff’s Department Community Advisory Board Denise and Lauren

Chamber of Commerce Ambassador -

Denise and Angela

Flagler Park Advisory Board MemberDenise

Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition, Inc.

Treasurer - Kresta

State Youth Dairy Committee - Colleen

State Horse Show Committee - Paula

Teacher of the Year Committee - Paula

Ag Venture President - Paula

Ag Venture Vice President - Lauren

Ag Venture Secretary - Colleen

Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association

President - Lauren

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Land Management Review Committee Member - Denise

United Way Citizen Review CommitteeDenise

Sunshine State Library Leadership Alumni - Sonya

Florida Library Association Executive Board - Sonya

Florida Library Association Diversity Equity

Accessibility and Inclusion Chair - Sonya

Florida Library Association Professional

Development Committee - Sonya

MidAtlantic Library Alliance Board

Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties Board

Executive Committee

Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties Board

By-Laws Committee - Kresta

Nutrition Board Member - Debra

Treasure Coast Submarine Veterans Base Commander - Paul

Overall Budget

FiscalYear2022/2023

BOCCDepartments

OverallBudget

CommunityServices

DepartmentBudget

$62,148,840

$5,115,307

(8.23%ofTotalBOCCDepartmentsBudget)

Revenuesoutsideoftaxes

(grants,donations,fees,etc.)

Budget Lines

001-11 Veterans Services (General Fund)

001-28 Indigent Cremation (General Fund)

001-21/00 Parks and Recreation

(General Fund, grants, donations, sponsorships, rental fees, program fees)

001-21/05 Sports Complex

(General Fund, grants, donations, sponsorships, rental fees)

001-21/07 Summer Camp

(Program fees, grants, donations, sponsorships)

001-22 Extension Services

(General Fund and UF)

001-25 Senior Services

(General Fund, grants, donations)

001-31 Library

(General Fund, grants, donations)

001-69 Ag Center

(General Fund, grants, sponsorships, rental fees)

102-01 Tourism

(Tourism Tax)

105 Boating Improvement

(Boating Registration, grants)

106 Tourism Special Revenue (Tourism Tax, grants)

$3,827,759

All divisions within the Community Services Department prioritize fiscal responsibility, constantly seeking innovative funding sources to maximize community impact and ensure taxpayers receive exceptional value for their investment.

Project Based Grants

Land and Water Conservation FundSports Complex ($400,000)

Land and Water Conservation FundKiwanis Park ($425,000)

Florida Department of Agriculture & Commerce - Ag Center ($500,000)

Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program - Ag Center ($50,000)

Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program - CBJLRA ($50,000)

Florida Recreation Development

Assistance Program - DBCC ($200,000)

Rotary Club of Okeechobee Literacy Grant - Library ($1000)

Other Revenue Sources

Rental Fees

Activity Fees

Donations

Sponsorships

Deliverable Grants

Library

Library State Aid

Cultural Programs

Senior Services

Community Care for the Elderly

Older Americans Act

Community Services Block Grant

Alzheimer Disease Initiative

Home Care for the Elderly

Nutrition Services Initiative Program

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly

Division Overview: Veteran Services and Indigent Services

2023Highlights

Assisted 400 Veterans with filing claims with the VA.

Provides an estimated $5,720,000 ($476,000 per month) in economic impact to the community

Transported 283 Veterans to the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach (17,479 miles driven)

Processed 8 indigent cremation claims (4,600)

VABenefits

You may be eligible if you are:

A Veteran.

A Veteran's Dependent.

A Surviving Spouse or Child of a Deceased Veteran.

A member of the Reserves or National Guard.

An Active Duty Service member. A Merchant Marine. Benefits assistance is available for Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Dental Care, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, Burial.

100%DisabilityClaimGoal

If a Veteran is able to get approval on a disability claim at 100% they are eligible for the following benefits:

Tax free compensation up to $3800 per month

Supplemental medical policy (family) worth $6,000 per year

Dental policy worth $700 per year

College tuition for children

AdditionalPrograms

Wreaths Across America

Green Light Proclamation

Veterans Court

Outreach to local VFWs and American

Legion Organizations

Healthcare Responsibility Act (HCRA)

Community Outreach and Education

Partner Agencies:

Veterans Treatment Court

VA Medical Center - Palm Beach

American Legion

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Buxton Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory

Seawinds Funeral Home Wreaths Across America

VeteransInformation

Florida has the third largest veteran population in the country with 1,450,597 veterans residing in the state.

Okeechobee’s veteran population is estimated at over 3,000 which has grown slightly in recent years.

This does not account for the regional and seasonal residents that take advantage of the Okeechobee County Veterans Services Office.

WelcomeBack PaulHiott!

Paul Hiott has returned as the Veterans Services Officer

Served as the Okeechobee VSO in 1996-1997

27 years experience as a Veterans Services Officer

Brings a strong statewide network of veterans resources VeteransServices Officersin2023 Sarah

PaulHiott County Veterans Services Officer

Division Overview: Parks and Recreation

2023 Highlights

Rentals

547 Civic Center Rentals

1,794 Sport Field and Court Rentals

70 Open Space Rentals

406 Pavilion Rentals

7,027 Boat Slip Rentals

Over 2000 Direct Program Participants Projects

Splash Pad

Fitness Trail

Softball Field Renovations

Pool Shade Structures

Pickleball Lines at 4 courts

Enhanced Sponsorship Program

School Partnerships

Middle School Softball/Baseball

OHS JV Boys Soccer

OHS Boys Lacross

OHS Boys and Girls Tennis

OHS Cross Country

OHS Swim Team

ProgramsandServices

Adult Basketball (New)

Adult Mens Softball (New)

Adult CoEd Softball (New)

Youth Basketball

Finduson:

Youth Spring Soccer

Youth Fall Soccer

Summer Camp

Field Days (half day of school)

Track and Field

Shockwaves Swim Team

Swimming Lesson

Adult Water Exercises

Pool Yoga

Storytime at the Pool

Floating Pumpkin Patch

New Years Soccer Tournament

Referee Trainings

Lifeguard Trainings

Water Safety Instructor Trainings

PartnerAgencies:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (Boat Ramps MOU)

Okeechobee County School Board (Sports Complex)

Army Corps of Engineers (CBJLRA)

South Florida Water Management District (C. Scott Driver)

Rotary Club of Okeechobee

Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee

Altobello Family Fund

East Coast Migrant Head Start

Special Olympics (Tennis and Water Aerobics)

Okeechobee Citizens Recreation Association (Baseball, T-ball, Football, Cheerleading)

Okeechobee Youth Athletic League (Football)

Lake O Elite Athletics (Track and Football)

Pickleball Players of Okeechobee

Okeechobee Public Library

Florida Power & Light

Okeechobee Civic Center

Alton Chandler Civic Center

Douglas Brown

Center

Henry Creek

Platts Bluff

Nubbins Slough

C. Scott Driver

Okee-Tantie

Cliff Betts, Jr. LRA

MattGammill

Parks and Recreation Manager

Division Overview: Extension Services

2023Highlights

4-H Clubs:

676 Members

25 Clubs

273 Volunteers

$43,000 awarded in Children

Services Council Grants

4-H Horse Judging ranked 7th Nationally

FFA Dairy Judging Team

National Championship

2 youth attended Citizen Washington Focus

1 youth ranked First in Dairy Champions for the Florida State Fair

2nd All American Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest

94 Pesticide Exams given Paula: 4-H Achievement in Service Award

Paula: Program of Excellence Award

Paula and Colleen: Excellence in Communication Award

Lauren: Florida Outstanding Cattlewoman of the Year

Extension services are the backbone of rural agriculture, offering vital support, expert knowledge, and innovative solutions to farmers and rural communities, ensuring their resilience, prosperity, and sustainable growth.

Finduson:

Services

Livestock Agent

Dairy Agent

Horticulture Program Assistant 4-H Agent

Summer Camps

PartnerAgencies:

University of Florida 4-H Clubs

4-H Judging Teams

Okeechobee Youth

Livestock Shows

Cattleman’s Association

Cattlewomen’s Association

Children’s Services Council

Okeechobee County

Sheriff’s Office

Okeechobee Jr.

Cattlemen’s Association

Okeechobee FFA

Okeechobee County Schools

Okeechobee Farm Bureau

Okeechobee Livestock Market

Lake Okeechobee

Airboat Association

Florida Sportsman Conservation Association

Our Village Bacon Bunch

4HClubs

South Elementary Eagles

Udder Bunch

Big Lake Rooters

Raisin’ Em Right

Blue Ribbon Livestock

Barn Raised

Everglades

Elementary Agri Gators

Farming by Faith

Crafty Clovers

Sharpshooters

Leading the Way

Barnyard Buddies

County Council/Junior

Leaders

Bacon, Steak, and Eggs

Bussin’ Butts

‘Chobee Crackers

‘Chobee Outsiders

CES Panther Pack

Ranchers and Ropers

RSCA

Showstoppers

Simply Showing

Steaks and Chops

OtherActivities

Farm Bureau Youth

Speech Contest

Okeechobee Youth

Livestock Show

Okeechobee Soil & Water Conservation

District Speech Contest

Horse Judging

Livestock Judging

Vegetable Judging

Youth Leadership Forum

Spring Ranchers Forum

Ona Youth Field Day

4H Public Speaking

4-H University

4-H County Events

Youth Workshops

Florida State Fair Ethics

Workshops

Farm City

South Florida Beef

Forages Program

4-H State Dairy Committee

4-H State Horse Show Committee

SummerCamps

Ag Camp

H2O Camp

History Camp Horse Camp

Shooting Sports

Fishing Camp Craft Camp

LaurenButler County Extension Director

Division Overview: Senior Services 11

Popular Center Activities

Wii Bowling Chairball

Bingo

Cards

Puzzles Games

Cornhole

Gardening Crafts

Special Events

Adopt A Senior Holiday Gifts Sponsorship

Spring Fling

Monthly Birthday Celebrations

Christmas Party Veterans Day

Recognition

Fall Festival Carnival

2023Highlights

Delivered 11,070 hours of in-home services

21,337 meals delivered to home based clients

1,950 shelf stable meals provided to clients

5,311 meals served at the Young At Heart Center

154 Eheap clients assisted with $34,779 towards electric bills

$25,600 in monthly stipends provided to caregivers through Home Care for the Elderly funding

1,256 rides provided for clients to get to the Young At Heart Center

39,960 monitoring hours for Emergency Alert systems provided for falls and medical emergency monitoring

ServicesAvailable

Case Management

Homemaking Assistance

Personal Care Assistance

Respite (Relief for Caregivers)

Home Delivered Meals

Congregate Meals

EligibilityandFunding

Services available through Okeechobee Senior Services are available to Okeechobee County Residents age 60 and above. Services are funded through grants provided by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs through the Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, along with the local support and funding provided by the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners. As a result there is little to no cost to those receiving the services although some of the programs do require a minimal monthly co-payment.

Division Overview: Library

PartnerAgencies:

Heartland Library Cooperative

Tampa Bay Library Consortium

Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties

Okeechobee Education Foundation

Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition, Inc

Rotary Club of Okeechobee

Friends of the Okeechobee

Library

Guardian Ad Litem

Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District

University of Florida Extension Office

Okeechobee Parks and Recreation Department

Okeechobee Senior Services

Department

Okeechobee County School District

Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office

Okeechobee County Fire Rescue

Okeechobee County Emergency

Operations Center

Treasure Coast Foodbank

Okeechobee County Library

Crochet Guild

Department of Health

Al-Anon of Okeechobee

Tobacco Free Florida

True County WOKC

Lake Okeechobee News

Children’s Home Society

Finduson: 2023Highlights

84,423 items checked out or renewed

270 items provided curbside

451 items loaned by UPS or FedEx

12,134 free items shared with patrons

3,753 computer uses logged

5,780 wireless network access logged

27 new voter registration forms submitted

14,779 program participants

Over 650 programs offered

76,842 in person visits to the library (Average of 1,477 per week)

STEAM programs

Music Programs

Library card signups at local schools

Life Size Candyland

ServicesAvailable

Home School Groups

DCF Supervised Visit Location

Computer and Printing Services

Meeting Spaces

Engagement contests, events, giveaways

Take Home Activity Kits

Book Boxes

Concert Series

Interactive Displays

YouTube Videos

Craft Club

Seed Library

Guest Storytellers

Books

DVDs

Wi-Fi &Computers

Hotspots

Audiobooks

E-Books and Digital

Audiobooks

Law Library

Test Prep Resources (Print & Digital)

Magazines

Tax Forms

Printing Services

Storytime Groups

Hobby Clubs

Curbside Pick-up Service

Mobile Library

Van

Service

Summer Reading Programs

Concerts, Lectures, Author Visits, and other cultural events

Video Craft and STEM tutorials

The Okeechobee Public Library is a hub of resources, offering not just books, but vital programs and activities that enrich lives, foster learning, and cultivate connections.

KrestaKing Library Director

Division

Overview: Agri-Civic Center

2023Highlights

58 total events over 119 event days

Economic impact estimated at $4 million

Estimated out of town visitors: 88,017

Top Visitation: Treasure Coast

Tampa/Fort Myers

Orlando

Miami Jacksonville

Increase to event attendance - Health and Safety Expo

SignatureEvents MajorProjects

Health and Safety

Expo and Touch a Truck

Halloween Trick or Treat

Monster Truck Show

Yeehaw Music Festival

Double K Rodeo

Okeechobee County Fair

Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show

State High School

Rodeo

Fourth of July events

High School Graduation

Electrical Upgrades to the fair circle

Upgrades to Arena

Exit Signs

Gutter Replacement Staff Reorganization

NewEvents

Car Shows

MMA Fights

Cowtown Classic

Horse Shows

Vendor Markets

Florida Country Music Fest

The Agri-Civic Center is a stimulant for economic growth by increasing demand for goods and services such as accommodations, dining, and supplies. It injects revenue to local businesses and fosters growth.

FacilityAmenities

Main Covered Arena (Arena A)

Covered and lighted for day or night events

Seats over 4,000

260 X 125 foot arena floor, 32,500 square feet

70/30 Clay/sand surface

Arena floor can be rolled and packed for a firm walking surface

Complete sound system

Fifteen 24 ft. Rite Hite overhead fans

Exhaust fans

Bucking chutes

Roping chute and pens

Livestock holding pens

Concession stands

Full restroom facilities

Outdoor Warmup Arena B:

225 X 125 feet

80/20 clay and sand mixture

used for speed events or jump courses

Outdoor Warmup Arena C: sand footing

used for slow work and reining

Horse Barn:

Covered and lighted

35,000 square feet of floor space

Removable stalls

Currently configured with 132 stalls

Electrical service to the stalls

Overhead exhaust fans for airflow

Wash areas for horses

Restroom facilities with showers

Wired for sound from the arena

200 X 125 foot outdoor warmup pen

Easy access to main arena and warmup pen

Ample parking for trucks and trailers adjacent to the barn

Other Amenities:

10 acre Fair Circle with up to 100 amp electrical service and water.

Paved circumference with parking, surrounding an open grass display area

3 ½ acre Fair Field with limited electrical service

8 ½ acre Festival field adjacent to a 400 space parking lot

6 ½ acre Festival Field

50 site RV campground with water and electrical service

Okeechobee County IFAS Extension Services PartnerAgencies:

Okeechobee County Fair Association

Okeechobee Soil and Water

Conservation District

Okeechobee High School

Everglades Farm Equipment

Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show

Chloe Willingham Facility Manager

Tracked 5,038,178 Visitors to the County in 2023

Average length of stay: 3 days

FY23 Tourism Revenue Tax:

$555,855.46

Visitation from Miami

West Palm

Orlando

Tamp/Ft. Myers

Atlanta Kentucky

Ohio Michigan

Indiana

Top Spending from outside of Florida

Kentucky

Ohio Michigan Indiana Peak Visitation Month: March Music Fest Rodeo Bassmaster Elite Support of the Cattle Drive Sculpture Full implementation of Datafy Film requests for Commercials, Home Improvement Shows,

2023FundedEvents

Yeehaw Music Fest (Jan 2023)

Florida Junior High School Rodeo (Jan 2023)

All Florida Junior Rodeo (Jan 2023)

Bassmaster Elite Fishing Tournament (Feb 2023)

All Florida Junior Rodeo (Feb 2023)

Florida Junior High School Rodeo (Feb 2023)

Battle of Okeechobee (Feb 2023)

American Bass Anglers Open Series (Feb 2023)

Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo (Mar 2023)

BASS Nation Jr/High School Rodeo (March 2023)

Florida High School Rodeo (April 2023)

Florida High School Rodeo (May 2023

American Bass Anglers Open Series (May 2023)

All Florida Junior Rodeo (May 2023)

Pete Clemons Memorial Rodeo (Sept 2023)

Crackerboys Bass Tournament (Oct 2023)

Florida Youth Livestock Expo (Dec 2023)

PartnerAgencies:

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Community Services Department is dedicated to being the foundation of an engaged and resilient community. By collaborating with local partners and providing innovative programs, we will continue to address emerging needs and ensure everyone has equitable access to essential resources. We are committed to empowering individuals, strengthening social bonds, and creating a thriving community for the future.

Throughout 2023, the Community Services Department has made substantial contributions to the advancement of our community Their unwavering commitment and proactive strategies in addressing diverse needs have resulted in tangible benefits, promoting unity and empowerment among residents. By providing essential resources, organizing impactful events, and fostering a supportive atmosphere, the Department has demonstrated exemplary community engagement. Reflecting on their commendable accomplishments, it is evident that the Community Services Department serves as an essential cornerstone, consistently shaping a more enriched and inclusive societal fabric.

Expected Programs and Initiatives

Partnership and shared location with SHIP Coordinator

New Tourism Website and App

Familiarization Tours

Adult Soccer Tournament

Pickleball League

Sand Volleyball Tournament

Director: NaCo Leadership Performance Academy

Sports Complex Supervisor: Aquatics Facility Operator

Certification

Sports Complex Staff: Certified Playground Inspector

Enhanced services for veterans including VA Healthcare Enrollment

Contact Us

Community Services & Tourism Director

Denise Whitehead

863-697-0123

dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl gov

Veterans Services

County Veterans Services Officer: Paul Hiott

863-763-6950

phiott@okeechobeecountyfl gov

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation Manager: Matt Gammill

863-763-6950

mgammill@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Extension Services

County Extension Director: Lauren Butler

863-763-6469

l.butler@ufl.edu

Senior Services

Program Manager: Debra Austin

863-462-5180

daustin@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Library

Library Director: Kresta King

863-763-3536

kking@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Agri-Civic Center

Facility Manager: Chloe Willingham

863-763-1666

cwillingham@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Tourism

Tourist Development Coordinator: Angela Giovanniello

863-763-3959

agiovanniello@okeechobeecountyfl.gov