One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring, One smile can begin a friendship, One hand can lift a soul, One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal, One vote can change the nation, One sunbeam can light a room, One candle can wipe out darkness, One laugh can conquer gloom, One hope can raise our spirits, One touch can show you care, One voice can wake up everybody, One life can make the difference. Be that One! Happy Thursday Michele Bell, PIO

We received information from an Okeechobee citizen that received a phone call from “(904)328-5634”; the caller claimed they were seeking donations for the Florida Sheriff and State Police PBA. The citizen advised the caller he knew that the Florida Sheriff and State Police PBA would not call and that it was a scam. The caller immediately hung up. BEWARE OF SCAMS! Michele Bell, PIO

(Not actual trailer, picture for likeness only) 16” “Big Tex” black car hauler Loading ramps on sides VIN #16VCX1625H3025613 Trailer stolen from Lehman Trailer Sales, 265 Hwy 98 North, between November 25 and November 27, 2017. If you have any information, contact Detective Sport Pickering, (863)763-3117, ext. 5117, regarding Case #17S26325. No further information. Michele Bell, PIO

Wanted to share this Cherokee parable… An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life… “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt and ego. The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside of you and inside of every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old c

The Sheriff’s Office has been inundated with complaints from residents about speeders in residential areas, and areas where children gather such as school zones, parks and playgrounds. Motorists are reminded that if there is not a speed limit in a residential area, the speed limit is 30 mph. Driving safely is important all year long but especially during the holidays when children are out of school. Whether or not you have children, you must learn how to drive when they’re around in order to avoid potential injuries and fatalities. Driving safely around children means keeping in mind their unpredictable nature, which translates to you slowing down and paying more attention to the road. Also

Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like. Always be kind! Have an amazing day. Michele Bell, PIO

ROAD CLOSURE: NOVEMBER 28, 2017, FROM 9AM-4PM NW 80TH CT IN DIXIE RANCH WILL BE CLOSED. NOVEMBER 29, 2017, FROM 9AM-5PM NE 48TH AVE IN FRONT OF THE AGRI CIVIC CENTER THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED For more information, contact the road department Michele Bell, PIO

Think about this as you start your week… An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window. The Father asked his Son, “What is this?” The Son replied “It is a crow”. After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, “What is this?” The Son said “Father, I have just now told you “It’s a crow”. After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time, “What is this?” At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son’s tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. “It’s a crow, a crow”. A little after, the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, “What is this?” Th

Thanksgiving Prayer Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day We bow our hearts to You and pray. We give You thanks for all You've done Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son. For beauty in nature, Your glory we see For joy and health, friends and family, For daily provision, Your mercy and care These are the blessings You graciously share. So today we offer this response of praise With a promise to follow You all of our days. (Mary Fairchild) Happy Thanksgiving! Michele Bell, PIO

Our favorite cookie maker came and made our day. Thank you Ms. Kay Marie Shireman!

The Administration offices of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal hours will resume Monday, November 27, 2017. If you have an emergency, call 911. If you need non-emergency assistance, call (863)763-3117. "Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have." (Catherine Pulsifer) Happy Thanksgiving! Michele Bell, PIO

Thank You, Lord, for Everything Dear Lord, Thank you for the breath to say Thank you for another day Thank you for the eyes to see the world of beauty surrounding me Thank you for the ears to hear your message of hope loud and clear Thank you for the hands to serve and far more blessings than I deserve Thank you for the legs to run the race of life until it's won Thank you for the voice to sing Thank you, Lord, for everything Amen (Unknown) Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Michele Bell, PIO

We Give Thanks Our Father in Heaven, We give thanks for the pleasure Of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks for this food Prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, The freedom to enjoy it all And all other blessings. As we partake of this food, We pray for health and strength To carry on and try to live as You would have us. This we ask in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father. (Harry Jewell) Bless you and yours… Michele Bell, PIO

With all the recent shootings and tragedies across the United States, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office feels the scrutiny, too. It’s nice to have the support of Okeechobee and know that people appreciate what we do. It’s nice to see the outward showing of appreciation. Most recently, Vince LaMarianna of LaMarianna Farms surprised us with lunch. Thanks Vince! Michele Bell, PIO

Thanksgiving For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. (Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Have a great Monday! Michele Bell, PIO

On November 9, 2017, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office received allegations from ARM (Animal Recovery Mission) regarding Animal Cruelty at the Larson Dairy Barn #5. A video of the abuse was sent to the Sheriff’s Office and was reviewed by Detectives. An interview was conducted with Jacob Larson; who with his assistance, identified the subjects committing the abuse. Jacob Larson terminated 2 employees and suspended two other employees, after learning of the allegations. One of the suspended employees quit after suspension. After reviewing the case with the Assistant State Attorney Ashley Albright, felony warrants for the following subjects for cruelty to animals were obtained: Omar Jimen

Remember, for everything you have lost, you have gained something else. Without the dark, you would never see the stars… Have a Terrific Thursday! Michele Bell, PI

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office continues to receive complaints regarding money scams. These scams have numerous names such as the Grandparent Scam, Family Emergency Scam, Nigerian letter scam, the Advance Fee Fraud, to name a few. Each of these scams are sent unsolicited by phone, mail, fax, or most commonly by email, in the form of a letter. Here a few examples of what the caller might say to you or the letter might say: The "Grandparent Scam" is a scam that targets the elderly in an attempt to steal a large sum of money through a wire transfer. Financial losses from this scam are usually several thousand dollars per victim. A grandparent receives a phone

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. Have a blessed Wednesday! Michele Bell, PIO