2023 Community Services Impact Report - Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners

2023 Impact Report

Community Services Department

Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners

Prepared by

Denise Whitehead, Community Services and Tourism Director

A message from the Director Denise Whitehead

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.

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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.

Divisions

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.

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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.

Employees

40,000 Community Members

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.

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Department Overview

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Budget and Grants

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Division Overview: Veterans Services

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Division Overview: Parks and Recreation

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Division Overview: Extension Services

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Division Overview: Senior Services

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Division Overview: Library

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Division Overview: Agri-Civic Center

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Division Overview: Tourism

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Future Outlook

Table of Contents

Department Overview Mission The Community Services Department Mission is to enrich our community by providing diverse and accessible recreation opportunities, tailored senior and veteran services, dynamic library resources, educational extension programs, and vibrant tourism initiatives, fostering community connections and wellness for all.

Vision Our vision is a united and thriving community that takes advantage of services that inspire a sense of community and well-being.

Welcome to the Team!

Paul Hiott - County Veterans Services Officer Welcome Back to Veterans Services Emma Bryan - Case Manager Welcome Back to Senior Services John Kemp - Sports Complex Supervisor Full Time Employee -Parks and Recreation Jeff Flowers - Park Maintenance Technician Full Time Employee -Agri-Civic Center Johnny Araujo - Park Maintenance Technician Full Time Employee -Sports Complex Bridgette Curl - Library Specialist I Part Time Employee -Library

Recent Promotions Matt Gammill - Parks and Recreation Manager Promoted in Parks and Recreation Chloe Willingham - Facility Manager Promoted at the Agri-Civic Center Josh Shorter - Assistant Manager Promoted at the Agri-Civic Center

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Departments Veterans Services Indigent Services Parks and Recreation Sports Complex Summer Camp Extension Services Senior Services Library Agri-Civic Center & Fairgrounds Tourism

Workforce:

77 Total Employees 34 Full Time Employees 10 Part Time Employees 7 On Call Employees 26 Seasonal Employees Veterans Services and Indigent Services 1 Full Time Employee 2 Part Time Employees 1 On Call Employee Parks and Recreation .5 Director 7 Full Time Employees 2 Part Time Employees 26 Seasonal Employees UF/AG Extension Services 3 Full Time Agents 2 Full Time Employees 1 Part Time Employee Senior Services 10 Full Time Employees 2 Part Time Employees 2 On Call Employees Library 6 Full Time Employees 2 Part Time Employees Agri-Civic Center and Fairgrounds 4 Full Time Employees 4 On Call Employees Tourism .5 Director 1 Full Time Employee

02 Community Representation: Community Engagement 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

Additional Department 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.

Heartland Library Cooperative Director Denise Heartland Library Cooperative Assistant Coordinator - Sonya Heartland Homeless Coalition Director Denise 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 Member Denise 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 Committee Denise 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

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Fiscal Year 2022/2023

BOCC Departments Overall Budget

$62,148,840

Community Services Department Budget

$5,115,307

(8.23% of Total BOCC Departments Budget)

Revenues outside of taxes (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

04 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.

Deliverable Grants

Project Based Grants Land and Water Conservation Fund Sports Complex ($400,000) Land and Water Conservation Fund Kiwanis 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

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:

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Veteran Services and Indigent Services 2023 Highlights

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)

VA Benefits 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% Disability Claim Goal

Additional Programs

Wreaths Across America Green Light Proclamation Veterans Court Outreach to local VFWs and American Legion Organizations Healthcare Responsibility Act (HCRA) Community Outreach and Education

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

1700 NW 9th Avenue, Suite C, Okeechobee, Fl 34972 863-763-6950

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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

Paul Hiott County Veterans Services Officer

Welcome Back Paul Hiott!

Veterans Information 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.

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

Veterans Services Officers in 2023 Sarah Carter, Navy 06/2017-03/2023 Jeffrey Norwood, Army 05/2023-02/2024

Thank you to the Port St. Lucie Veterans Services Office for assisting during our staff vacancy.

Division Overview:

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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

Find us on:

Programs and Services Adult Basketball (New) Adult Mens Softball (New) Adult CoEd Softball (New) Youth Basketball 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

1700 NW 9th Avenue, Suite C, Okeechobee, Fl 34972 863-763-6950

Partner Agencies:

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

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Matt Gammill Parks and Recreation Manager

Vibrant parks are catalysts for both community cohesion and economic development. They enhance social connections, improve health and well-being, and attract investment fostering sustainable growth.

Facilities:

4 Indoor Rental Facilities Okeechobee Civic Center Alton Chandler Civic Center Douglas Brown Community Center C. Scott Driver 4 Rental Picnic Pavilions Kiwanis Park Sports Complex Tennis Side Sports Complex Pool Side Okee-Tantie 6 Boat Ramps Henry Creek Platts Bluff Nubbins Slough C. Scott Driver Okee-Tantie Cliff Betts, Jr. LRA

5 Playgrounds OK Softball Fields Kiwanis Park Douglas Brown Community Center Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex Alton Chandler Civic Center 14 Soccer/Football Fields Practice Fields Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex 8 Baseball/Softball Fields Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex OK Softball Fields Willie Alderman Kiwanis Park 4 Basketball Courts Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex Douglas Brown Community Center

10 Tennis Courts Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex Kiwanis Park 1 Pool Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex 2 Sand Volleyball Courts OK Softball Fields 2 Permanent Cornhole Sets Kiwanis Park Darrel Enfinger Sports Complex 1 Skate Park Kiwanis Park

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Division Overview:

Extension Services 2023 Highlights

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.

Find us on:

Services

Livestock Agent Dairy Agent Horticulture Program Assistant 4-H Agent Summer Camps Local Producer Educational Events Ag-Venture Soil testing Pesticide exams Site visits Volunteer training

Partner Agencies: 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

458 Highway 98 North, Okeechobee, Fl 34974 863-763-6469

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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

Other Activities 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

Lauren Butler County Extension Director

Summer Camps Ag Camp H2O Camp History Camp Horse Camp Shooting Sports Fishing Camp Craft Camp

Division Overview:

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Senior Services 2023 Highlights

Popular Special Center Events Activities Adopt A Senior Wii Bowling Chairball Bingo Cards Puzzles Games Cornhole Gardening Crafts

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

Holiday Gifts Sponsorship Spring Fling Monthly Birthday Celebrations Christmas Party Veterans Day Recognition Fall Festival Carnival

Senior Services in a rural community is vital for increasing socialization and addressing issues like food insecurities.

The Senior Services Department is focused on connections and ensuring resources of all types are available.

Find us on:

1690 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, Fl 34972 863-462-5180

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Services Available In-Home Supportive Services Case Management Homemaking Assistance Personal Care Assistance Respite (Relief for Caregivers) Home Delivered Meals Congregate Meals

Debra Austin Program Manager

Partner Agencies:

Eligibility and Funding 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.

Department of Elder Affairs Area Agency on Aging Shirley’s Personal Care Services All About You Caregivers Treasure Coast Community Action Agency Florida Power & Light Glades Electric Cooperative Treasure Coast Food Bank Chamber of Commerce Okeechobee Public Library 4-H Groups

Division Overview:

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Library Partner Agencies:

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

Find us on:

2023 Highlights 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

206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee, Fl 34974 863-763-3536

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Services Available 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

Kresta King Library Director

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.

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Division Overview:

Agri-Civic Center 2023 Highlights Signature Events Major Projects 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

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

New Events 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.

Find us on:

4601 Highway 710, Okeechobee, Florida 34972 863-763-1666

16 Facility Amenities 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

Chloe Willingham Facility Manager

Partner Agencies: Okeechobee County Fair Association Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District Okeechobee High School Everglades Farm Equipment Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show Okeechobee County IFAS Extension Services

Division Overview:

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Tourism 2023 Highlights

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, independent films and Infomercials

The tourism industry in Okeechobee County serves as a crucial driver of economic growth, fostering community prosperity while preserving our unique culture.

2023 Marketing Events

Travel Adventure Show: New York Travel Adventure Show: Atlanta Bassmaster Elite Bass Bash Rural Counties Days: Tallahasse

Find us on:

55 S. Parrott Ave, Okeechobee, Fl 34974 863-763-3959

18 2023 Funded Events

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)

Denise Whitehead Community Services and Tourism Director

Partner Agencies:

Tourist Development Council of Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation Chamber of Commerce Okeechobee Main Street Okeechobee Historical Society St. Lucie Tourism Glades County Tourism Hardee County Tourism DeSoto County Tourism Leadership Class of Okeechobee

Future Outlook

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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.

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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