2024 CSD Impact Report

Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners

2024 Prepared by

Denise Whitehead Assistant County Administrator Community Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS VETERANS SERVICES

1 2

PARKS & RECREATION

3

UF/IFAS EXTENSION SERVICES

4

SENIOR SERVICES

5

INTRODUCTION

LIBRARY

6

AGRI-CIVIC CENTER

7

TOURISM

8

FUTURE OUTLOOK

9

CONTACT INFORMATION

10

From the Community Services Department: Dear Community Members and Stakeholders, As I reflect on 2024, I find myself filled with immense pride and thanks for the continued achievements of our Community Services Department. The successes of the past year are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaboration of our incredible team.

First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the employees of our Community Services Department. Your unwavering commitment to serving our residents, embracing new ideas, and executing programs that elevate the quality of life in the County is inspiring. Your hard work ensures that we continue to meet the needs of our community with excellence and care.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the County Administrator and County Commissioners for their steadfast support and guidance. Your leadership and vision empower our staff to implement initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we have built a foundation for success and progress.

7

Divisions

20

Facilities and Offices

42,369

Community Members Served* *Estimated Population from US Census Bureau

DENISE WHITEHEAD Assistant County Administrator

The past year was one of accomplishments and progress. From launching new programs that address critical community needs to expanding existing services, we have elevated the impact we have on our residents. These milestones are a reflection of our shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community and fostering growth for all.

As you review this Annual Community Services Impact Report, I hope you feel as proud as we do of the strides we’ve made together. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission, whether through your support, leadership, or active involvement. Let us continue to work hand in hand to build an even brighter future for our county.

With deepest gratitude,

Denise Whitehead

VETERANS SERVICES Okeechobee County Veterans Services, led by Veterans Service Officer Paul Hiott, is dedicated to supporting our local veterans. In 2024, Veterans Services provided comprehensive assistance in filing 1,206 VA claims, ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned. Additionally, 324 veterans were transported to the VA Medical Center, making healthcare more accessible for those in need.

Veterans Services also actively participated in over 80 community outreach programs alongside various veterans organizations, fostering a strong support network throughout the year.

These initiatives highlight the commitment of Okeechobee County to honor and serve its veterans, ensuring they are not only heard but also cared for in our community.

2

Transported

Assisted

Provides

324

1,206

$8.6M

Veterans to VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach

Veterans with filling VA benefits

Economic Impact to the community

Okeechobee County Community Services

PARKS & RECREATION

Okeechobee County Parks & Recreation, under the leadership of Parks & Recreation Manager Matthew Gammill, provided engaging programs and maintained well-kept facilities throughout 2024. The division offered a variety of new recreational activities that brought residents together and created a vibrant and active environment for the entire community.

Over 2,500

8K

Program participants including youth and adult programs

Facility rentals including sports fields, indoor facilities, boat ramps

New Programs:

Projects:

New: Fitness Trail!

New: Splash Pad!

Cornhole tournaments, women’s adult basketball, family fun days, 3v3 basketball tournament, and Easter egg hunt

Splash pad pump house roof, floor upgrades at several facilities, turf replacement at Kiwanis playground, basketball court resurface, backstop fencing

2024 IMPACT Report

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UF/IFAS -EXTENSION SERVICES 4K Volunteer hours logged

150 Pesticide examinations

26K Participants in teaching events

4H

25 4H Clubs

A TRUE PARTNERSHIP: UF/IFAS EXTENSION SERVICES ENHANCE COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE The UF/IFAS Extension Services in Okeechobee County, under the leadership of Lauren Butler, provided vital educational resources and support to the community in 2024, by focusing on agriculture, natural resources, and family and consumer sciences. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, the Extension Division fostered sustainable farming practices, improved crop yields, and enhanced environmental stewardship.

Additionally, it offered programs on nutrition, financial literacy, and youth development, empowering individuals and families with knowledge and skills. By collaborating with local agencies, the Extension Division played a crucial role in promoting food security, health, and economic well-being in Okeechobee County.

4

Okeechobee County Community Services

SENIOR SERVICES

Under the leadership of Program Manager Debra Austin, Okeechobee County's Senior Services Division focused its efforts in 2024 on enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents. Through comprehensive programs and resources, the division provided essential support, including nutritional services, social activities, and health screenings. The commitment of the senior services team ensures that seniors remained connected, engaged, and empowered within the community, promoting their overall well-being and independence.

DELIVERING SUPPORT

20K

$35K

Meals to home based clients

Monthly stipends provided to caregivers

5K

123

Meals served at the Young at Heart Center

Clients assisted with past due power bills

1,200

17K

Rides provided to the Young at Heart Center

Hours of In-Home Services

2024 IMPACT Report

5

LIBRARY The Okeechobee County Library, under the direction of Kresta King, offered a diverse range of services to the community, promoted lifelong learning and engagement.

In 2024, the library continued to provide access to a vast collection of books, digital resources, and educational programs for all ages. Services included computer access, reference assistance, literacy programs, and children's story time sessions. The library also hosted community events, workshops, and cultural activities, fostering a vibrant space for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among residents of Okeechobee County.

Additionally, the library encouraged creativity through art exhibits, provided resources for job seekers, and partnered with local organizations to enhance educational opportunities and outreach initiatives that benefit everyone.

6

88K

9K

In person visits to the library

Users accessed internet/computer services

$165K

17K

In grant and donation support

Free items shared with patrons

48K

83K

Participants in over 700 Programs

Items checked out or renewed

Okeechobee County Community Services

AGRI-CIVIC CENTER

In 2024, the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center and Fairgrounds stood as a vibrant central hub of community life, embodying the spirit of Okeechobee. With over 70 diverse events in 2024, including rodeos, livestock shows, equine events, the County Fair, holiday events, food distributions, high school graduation, and more, there was truly something for everyone. The facility saw a 20% increase in rentals, hosting 70 events over 150 event days that celebrated our local culture.

150

20%

Event days with over 70 events.

In facility rentals

POD Point of Distribution for Hurricane Milton Relief

2024 IMPACT Report

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TOURISM COME OUTSIDE & PLAY! Okeechobee County's Tourism Department invites visitors to "Come Outside & Play!"

Through engaging marketing initiatives, a new website and app, the division promotes the County's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, fostering memorable experiences and boosting local tourism.

A focus in 2024 included providing support to local tourism related businesses through a business focused newsletter, direct guidance and support, marketing advice, and inclusion in promotional activities.

7M visitors in 2024

$100K Spent on advertising

$150K Provided for event promotions

$500k Tourism revenue tax

VISIT OKEECHOBEE Throughout the past year, Okeechobee County welcomed over 7 million visitors, significantly enhancing the local economy.

These guests enjoyed our stunning natural landscapes and recreational activities, creating lasting memories and supporting local businesses throughout the area.

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Okeechobee County Community Services

FUTURE OUTLOOK PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNICATIONS

The Community Services Departments has long valued the importance of strong community partnerships to enhance services. We anticipate current partnerships to continue to strengthen while we put additional focus to new collaborations designed to allow our Community Services to play a bigger role in Okeechobee’s Economic Development through tourism, engaging programs, quality facilities and committed staff.

The establishment of a new Public Information Officer (PIO) position represents a significant step towards enhancing the County's image and fostering community engagement. The PIO will serve as a vital link between the County and the public by effectively utilizing print, digital, and social media platforms. This role will streamline communication efforts, ensuring that important information is provided promptly and accurately. By managing media relations and crafting strategic marketing initiatives, the PIO will promote programs, services, and events, showcasing the strengths and opportunities throughout all County departments. This investment in communication will foster transparency, build trust, and enhance the public's connection with their local government.

New program offerings for educational and recreational opportunities focus on high quality experiences while being resourceful.

Tourism prioritized innovative and responsible management of revenue, grants, sponsorships, and donations to minimize the reliance on taxpayer funds across our departments.

2024 IMPACT Report

9

CONTACT US DENISE WHITEHEAD

Phone 863-763-6441 Email dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Website

www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov Address 304 Northwest 2nd Street Okeechobee, Fl 34972