On behalf of Sheriff Noel E. Stephen and members of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Lt. Joe Johnson and to each and every member of the Seminole Police Department family. Lt. Johnson passed away last evening during an in-the-line-of-duty traffic crash. Michele Bell, PIO
Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have. Remember gratitude affects attitude… Have a Thankful Thursday! Michele Bell, PIO
Here’s a challenge: Go 24 hours without complaining - not even once, then watch how your life starts changing… Happy Hump Day! Michele Bell, PIO
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted “Operation Beer Buy”. Alcohol compliance checks were conducted at random establishments, where an underage person was sent into stores with instructions to attempt to purchase alcohol. These compliance checks are done periodically to make sure the merchants, who sell alcohol, check I.D.’s if there’s any chance the buyer is underage. None of the stores that were checked sold alcohol to the underage person. We would like to express our gratitude to all of those stores for their compliance with the law. We will continue to conduct these operations from time to time. The stores that were checked are as follows: Ft. Drum General Store, 313
Try being a rainbow in someone’s cloud… Hope you have a terrific Tuesday! Michele Bell, PIO
(picture for likeness only) 2018 Orange Kubota Mini Excavator on tracks Model #KX41-3VR1; Serial #30483; 3 Teeth on the bucket KX41-3 sticker on it Value $20,000 On May 22, 2019, the above piece of equipment was reported stolen from the 1300 block of Highway 441 SE, Okeechobee, Florida. The equipment was stolen between the dates of May 15-May 22, 2019. If you have any information, contact Deputy Huffman, (863)763-3117, reference Case #19S12988, or contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477 (if your tip leads to an arrest, you may be entitled to a reward). No further information to release at this time. Michele Bell, PIO
State Click It or Ticket Campaign Starts May 20 with border to border kickoff event Okeechobee County, FL—As an integral part of this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 20 through June 2, 2019, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking all states to participate in B2B, a one-day national seat belt awareness event on May 20, which is coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. The B2B program aims to incre
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melissa Yunas May 23, 2019 (772) 260-00053 Twitter: @FFS_Okeechobee Fire Officials Remind Residents to Burn Responsibly Okeechobee, Fla.– Wildfire dangers are elevated this week due to forecast hot and dry conditions and the Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District wants to remind residents to burn responsibly. Burning yard waste does not require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service as long as your burn meets specific requirements and there are no local, city or county ordinances in place that prohibit burning. In some urbanized cities, open burning is prohibited; check with your local Florida Forest Service office before you burn. The Flori
I’ll post this early as many of you may begin your travels today As you gather with family and friends this weekend for BBQ’s, pool parties, the beach or wherever you are, please take a moment to remember why we have Memorial Day. Please remember all Veterans that made sacrifices so that we may have our Freedom! THANK YOU VETERANS, past, present and future. The Administration offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019 in observance of Memorial Day. Be safe. Don’t drink and Drive! Michele Bell, PIO
Somewhere, someone else is happy with less than you have… Have a Thankful Thursday! Michele Bell, PIO
No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart… Happy Happy Hump Day! Michele Bell, PIO
Yesterday’s setbacks are over. Today is a new day… Embrace it! Have a Terrific Tuesday. Michele Bell, PIO
On Friday, May 17, 2019 at approximately 7:14 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a vehicle in a canal. Deputies responded to the 1000 block of NE 39 Blvd./Cemetery Road. Upon arrival, Okeechobee Fire Rescue personnel were in the water and recovered the body of the victim, from inside the vehicle. It was later determined that the victim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as 43-year old Paul Murphy, of Jupiter, Florida. Detectives spent countless hours conducting interviews and searching for evidence before taking 36-year old James Wade Hodges into custody. Hodges has been charged with Second Degree Murder, a second degree felony. He currently is b
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDED LIVESTOCK BY OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES To Whom It May Concern: You are hereby notified that the following described livestock; 1 WHITE AND BROWN MALE GOAT FOUND SW 5TH AVE is now impounded at Okeechobee County Animal Control. If the above livestock is not redeemed within 3 days from date hereof, it shall be offered for adoption or disposed of humanely. Dated this 20th day of May, 2019 Posted on Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Website Noel E. Stephen, Sheriff Okeechobee County, Florida
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDED LIVESTOCK BY OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES To Whom It May Concern: You are hereby notified that the following described livestock; 1 RED HEN WITH TAG IN RIGHT WING FOUND HWY 441 SE is now impounded at Okeechobee County Animal Control. If the above livestock is not redeemed within 3 days from date hereof, it shall be offered for adoption or disposed of humanely. Dated this 20th day of May, 2019 Posted on Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Website Noel E. Stephen, Sheriff Okeechobee County, Florida
Dispatchers are the front line contacts for all 911 calls and relay important information to our first responders in the field. Our “D Squad” dispatchers showed their new shirts last week in recognition of Law Enforcement Memorial Week. Thank you for all you do! Michele Bell, PIO
