[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6290235,"mediaKeyId","2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd","parentId",2531201,"title","Votes at a glance: Okeechobee County Commission, March 6, 2025","audioSeconds",6203,"startMs",1116000,"endMs",7319000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd&start=1116&end=7319","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd/thumbnail_1116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290235/Okeechobee-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Okeechobee-County-Commission-March-6-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290235-efba8e1a0551c68589798674f28d966c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944632&Signature=cshvxnl8bpo4srhzZdO9EsP-NODh5MT-D5cF7NMtyGhjIqL7bUY67CdZR50vPLH8zjb3hOoYJP8-CwR6qX3INUbw55iTN9koVvWWNNZbmGI2O-1h8X6IZif~qxwVKek2DRzbsJTopnlz43Km8QhvWM5sgYB5mYKvjkAAnE5Y9t01Sn-G2--bfEJ3Uh83IX0iOL42Kq9yECe0KlDFkva2nRzlW4bf~UdcFyAQFHf1fSpofvwIOc6omsH9F~zMor2lJUglDMhAlmZ-CPF77f5sym0XoI1pqxnLFfs1Mid-IJrtlgHRc2H72y2K7914C-9tS3Pb4LOizJhAOacZ92bhYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Okeechobee County, FL","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","This quick reference lists formal motions and recorded outcomes from the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 6, 2025. Items below reflect motions made on the record and the vote tallies reported during the meeting.

- Consent agenda (with Item H pulled for separate consideration): Motion to accept consent agenda as amended carried unanimously. Consent items included approval of minutes for 02/13/2025 and warrants totaling $2,850,185.50; approval to purchase cell phone extraction services funded from the law‑enforcement trust fund and a $28,500 budget transfer; student ride agreement between East Coast Training Group and the county; renewal of independent contractor agreements with Treasure Coast Medical Institute; multiple lien reductions (Blanco, Papazo) with payment deadlines; FEMA performance grant contract for $50,551 (effective 10/01/2024–03/31/2026). Motion by Commissioner Sumner; second by Commissioner Goodbread. Vote recorded as unanimous.

- Consent item removed for separate consideration (Item H — lien reduction for Rux family): Motion to accept magistrate recommendation to reduce lien to $9,844.12, to be paid by March 31 — motion carried 3–1 (Commissioner Goodbread voted no).

- Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) board appointments: Motion to reappoint incumbents Tabitha Trent (regular member) and Glenn Snyder (alternate) to the OUA board; motion carried unanimously.

- Planning Board / Board of Adjustment and Appeals appointments: Motion to appoint Anne Vu (incumbent), Christy Howard, Carol Sikorsky and Winston Ward to fill four vacancies with staggered terms; motion carried unanimously.

- Construction Industry Licensing Board: Motion to appoint three applicants (Schoonmaker, Start, Pascoe as listed in the agenda) to three‑year terms expiring 03/01/2028; motion carried unanimously.

- Children’s Services Council nominations (four vacancies): Motion to forward four nominees (two incumbents, two new applicants) to the governor’s office for consideration; motion carried unanimously.

- Fee waivers and special‑event approvals:
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church request to use Cliff Bets Lakeside (Easter sunrise service 04/20/2025) — approved unanimously.
• Request to serve and consume alcohol at the Okeechobee County Civic Center for a private family reunion — approved unanimously (applicant provided required insurance and sheriff’s detail coverage quote).

- Board appointments and personnel matters:
• Revised job description for the Agri Civic Center manager (added marketing and social‑media duties) — approved unanimously.
• New Facilities Director position (centralized leadership for county facilities) — motion to approve classification and staffing to add the position carried unanimously.

- County attorney selection: Motion to retain TG Law as county attorney, subject to negotiated contract terms; motion carried unanimously. See separate article for details.

Why it matters: The consent agenda contained financial approvals, contract renewals and lien actions; board appointments fill multiple advisory and regulatory panels; the hiring of the county attorney and creation of a facilities director role represent operational changes to county governance.

Source: Official meeting minutes and on‑record motions and voice votes from the March 6, 2025 BOCC session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners - Regular Session February 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal votes and outcomes from the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners meeting: consent agenda adoption (with pull of item h), multiple board appointments, event fee waivers, job‑description updates and the selection of TG Law as county attorney.","taxTitle","Okeechobee County, Florida","taxId",56060,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290240,"Regional medical examiner facility advances to permitting; St. Lucie team briefs Okeechobee commissioners",830,4344000,5174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd&start=4344&end=5174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd/thumbnail_4344000.jpg","/articles/6290240/Okeechobee-County/Florida/Regional-medical-examiner-facility-advances-to-permitting-St-Lucie-team-briefs-Okeechobee-commissioners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290240-3052c56f68b81bc133ad808aeceac8a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944632&Signature=XvSKwDw9i9vmbv4Zj0IReW-va7VGXiWo79i4hFyCrdkMdD5U4sitd1aI3n~3eJSDxWMUnGW8zc7cXJvHq7Dc4pUXDucQLkCnwSBUBvBhiOr7bI9RUntHNfnsocYIrV8W-Pi~ApChVCc8gvexDnbAtB56Wgj-wCsaLCyisMNci23ibO3FVLqLNHDDIEVVZPGNtGzN5wB6~JXApUG1bwwQkLWDK3ou4QZ~glksDKMJsHearlIxTr7LSFRPEKSt59ymgaa~tOYW2biS2WJEX4ZegBhbWBrgcOKlIXEF2eMwK1h5B6TIBySgTxJdgIMBIECUQkuru1fZJcT6v~Udxg5gKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A regional medical examiner facility being advanced by St. Lucie County is nearing permit submittal and shortlisting for contractors, project managers told the Okeechobee County Commission.

Scotty Beaulieu, construction manager for St. Lucie County, and Johnny Lorem of j o 2 architecture reviewed the project scope, design and site selection. The proposed facility is to be located on Indian River State College property adjacent to the public‑safety academy; the county has a 40‑year lease at $1 per year for the parcel, project staff said.

Architects reported the facility is being sized for 20‑ to 30‑year needs (approximately 23,000 to 25,000 square feet), will include morgue/laboratory space, administrative and family‑assistance rooms, a secure sally port and the infrastructure for future expansion and mass‑disaster surge capacity. The design team emphasized odor mitigation, flexibility, and a family‑oriented bereavement space as key program elements. The project also includes modern lab technologies such as a whole‑body scanner and video viewing suites for investigators.

St. Lucie County said the 30‑day interlocal review with participating partners was nearly complete and the county will proceed with permitting through Indian River State College (IRSC). The procurement will be a hard bid with a prequalification step for specialized contractors; a 14–16 month construction period was estimated once a contractor is selected.

Why it matters: Okeechobee County is one of several local partners that will help fund and use the facility; the project centralizes regional forensic services and is intended to improve turnaround time and provide a dignified identification and family-assistance space.

Next steps: Once interlocal reviews finish, the design will go to IRSC permitting, prequalification of bidders will be issued per the interlocal agreement, and bidding will follow. The design team said the project has been coordinated with the medical‑examiner office and will seek accreditation. St. Lucie staff said they are also tightening the interlocal agreement language to clarify construction-phase funding flows and responsibilities.","Design team for the regional medical examiner facility told Okeechobee commissioners the project has completed 100% design documents and is in the final 30‑day review; the facility will be built on leased land at Indian River State College with a 14–16 month construction estimate after bids.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290245,"Jail construction hits cell‑installation milestone; project on track, county says",341,3582000,3923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd&start=3582&end=3923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd/thumbnail_3582000.jpg","/articles/6290245/Okeechobee-County/Florida/Jail-construction-hits-cellinstallation-milestone-project-on-track-county-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290245-e2afe8ffdbe9332470555f0e09175438/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944632&Signature=Juxf-33oh3FzOkPBJ~GZ-UbzbGgqS6M4O4jfPPHo-PuzOziN25s3T3TmyG7d1kg0BxoeKT1f5Ov83RMjgPKlesazTWdSVuJg1y71E5i1NCgVES46IskqcFtvQOOgoX6OIFXwcg5tbuGhjTVS3RdGxn-f6SUTd1KQyb6Ow~oeWr9MGv1Jpc~u~5MvwV4wpSxNrVGVQ5Y4-H2KYa5Yr-HTn8PfosY3Ix7IxDLvNiUIyJGpWVKiWl-swChpVyKNr7G363lh1t0lUo84lLWIr6qnPGGkUj84LfDEsUlEA9XriWo8Dzqyjg~Vht-Ly0YISrsgKgj6jgg6auJagRbbb82-jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff and the contractor reported substantial progress on the Okeechobee Jail project at the commission meeting: the pre‑engineered metal building roof and exterior panels are installed and modular cells have begun arriving and being set inside the structure.

Justin Nelson, the county’s project lead, said modular cell delivery began the day before the meeting and that 26 cells had been set with more scheduled. Paul Fernandez of Ajax Builders and Joe Murat of SecureTech (the firm supplying cells and security systems) described rapid installation rates and the near-term sequencing the team expects: once cells are in place, mechanical hookups and finishes—ceilings, control-room steel and fire‑rated glass—can proceed.

Nelson said mechanical and camera systems that had been damaged earlier by lightning had been repaired and that technicians were completing camera angle adjustments to finalize the kitchen and security monitoring. The fiber connection that had delayed part of the project was completed during an overnight tie‑in, Nelson said, allowing work on the site’s retention pond to resume.

SecureTech reported rapid assembly: 26 cells were installed the morning of the meeting and more were expected; the company said 44 “man cells” could be set in a single day under the current schedule, making visible changes on the interior of the building scheduled to accelerate in the coming weeks.

Why it matters: The jail is a large capital project for the county with operational implications for municipal corrections, EOC connectivity and the county’s capital budget and schedule. Contractors emphasized the benefit of modular, pre‑fabricated cells for speed of installation and reduced on‑site waste.

Next steps: Contractors said mechanical hookups, control‑room work and fire‑rated glazing are the immediate priorities. Staff said they will continue to report monthly on progress and costs and that the fiber and EOC connectivity work remaining is nearing completion. County staff also asked the board to consider options for reusing temporary concrete pads and material to support road operations.

Speakers: Justin Nelson (county project manager), Paul Fernandez (Ajax Builders), Joe Murat (SecureTech).","Contractor and county staff reported modular cell delivery and installation, roof and exterior panel completion and progress on mechanical and control-room work at the Okeechobee jail project.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290249,"Commission reduces property code-enforcement lien to $9,844 after lengthy hearing; one commissioner objects",1504,2128000,3632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd&start=2128&end=3632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd/thumbnail_2128000.jpg","/articles/6290249/Okeechobee-County/Florida/Commission-reduces-property-code-enforcement-lien-to-9844-after-lengthy-hearing-one-commissioner-objects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290249-1454ce9bd60e94f9f82a38a9d89c6854/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944632&Signature=m6ic9wpCEfwcCPtbGcs1Zw1xEZaQgBbvPmKmAPk7GczoSQKzDL0KcrJW2ALbb8JsnNJzBVMO00BbpspW2WoBBOeZv3~OhBZeuU5SHCvemZfNpFLfivYa9SueSUc9sfvfgpulR-gWGBSLf8yihTs4sfO5EZrkC6YqYIIUmEJ-5NIa4HEKnqfl51aaD6TSEoKu~hCgK2E~n8oJPuuIOOIlNdH-Ua2XT0OsL3U~GmWQGOFyG1RpbN6GV2otzH5CK-S3rXFvDtcuvA2icds~nV8NrVUiFz3iUvKPO2-FCHpIeIRzCPOngpOCR8kHfRwMxxCNHldfdrVKuvhzWm8fQx6bAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Okeechobee County commissioners voted 3–1 to accept the special magistrate’s recommendation to reduce a code-enforcement lien on a property formerly owned by Edwin Rux Jr. and others to $9,844.12, to be paid by March 31. Commissioner Goodbread cast the lone vote against the motion.

The hearing featured an extended statement from the first mortgage holder, who identified himself as the property’s owner and described four years of legal work and expenses the holder said had been necessary to recover the parcel. He told commissioners that attorneys’ fees, back taxes and repair work had cost tens of thousands of dollars and asked that the county drop the hard-cost portion of the lien entirely. He said legal expenses had exceeded $70,000 including unpaid back taxes and remediation work.

County staff and the board’s legal adviser answered that the county’s ordinance limits reductions: the code requires that the county recover its hard costs for cleanup and remediation and prevents cutting below those amounts. Staff said the magistrate’s recommended reduction does already reflect accommodations and that going below hard cost would violate the ordinance. Commissioners debated options including a payment plan and a limited extension; some members signaled sympathy for an owner under financial strain, but others warned that routinely extending deadlines would undermine the magistrate process.

In the motion that passed, commissioners accepted the magistrate’s recommendation to reduce the lien to $9,844.12, with the payment deadline set for March 31. County staff and the county attorney advised the board that if the reduced amount is not paid by the set deadline the lien will revert to the original figure of $258,800.

Why it matters: The case illustrates the tension between the county’s interest in recouping cleanup and enforcement costs and property owners’ claims of hardship after extended compliance battles. Commissioners said they wanted to be mindful of both statutory limits and fairness in individual cases.

Next steps: The property owner may pursue internal payment arrangements with county staff; commissioners directed staff to confirm the deadline and report back if any additional accommodations are requested.

No direct quotes are attributed in this story because several speakers addressed the magistrate recommendation without a single-sourced, on-the-record line the transcript unambiguously tied to a named commissioner. The magistrate’s recommendation and the board’s recorded vote are on the public meeting record.","After a multi-year enforcement and foreclosure dispute, the board approved a magistrate recommendation to reduce a county code-enforcement lien on a rural property to $9,844.12, payable by March 31; the vote was 3–1 with Commissioner Goodbread opposing.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290254,"Board hires TG Law as county attorney; contract to match current retainer",4368,2928000,7296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd&start=2928&end=7296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531201-8c25c0f312f1a1c6661b4ffc6851c5cd/thumbnail_2928000.jpg","/articles/6290254/Okeechobee-County/Florida/Board-hires-TG-Law-as-county-attorney-contract-to-match-current-retainer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290254-bbe08a762d634e351146a3c5f48b8eb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770944632&Signature=i1PtyYIaWMn542qAQTQSS-aE-FehsIASCsi7vLKM~87KsYSyNxouDVKw5astdcGbMsqn~cKVbkTUqPK-gaXZyXVAIAn2yXXO~ipjq9DIrp9jFWIhLlrAnnGutH6lzOV8Rs2230Csbc6N-j05lccd~W5UmTyM-PLrzob0mC0EreHFGYx9b4hrQwX74-MLxQD7YCQuttREh67yAXwL~faDz95bW~VXKdKgU8Ier46jpafb59kVqxoo0MOxZnK0c2AmeFun4HqQ2-7toKg9LaFUwHSC3SKl2dtznyxUn44Umbh0eDeNXhcrPQ7rPM9KXN12q1kDBEx7qrfxp0xRlPuJmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to hire TG Law as the county attorney firm, the board decided after a public interview and a short closed discussion about contract terms.

The board gave county administrator Deborah (Deb) Denton authority to negotiate a contract matching the county's current retainer with litigation carved out and assigned to outside counsel. TG Law representatives told commissioners they would accept the same retainer amount the county currently pays and recommended litigation be billed separately to protect the county from unanticipated expense.

TG Law partners introduced themselves at the meeting. Gemma Torsivia, a municipal lawyer who said she previously ran a community redevelopment agency and served in municipal administration, said the firm emphasizes being proactive with elected officials and staff. “We’re thrilled,” she said after the board vote. She said TG Law’s approach includes advance review of agenda items and regular training for officials and staff.

The contract language approved in principle by motion includes a flat-fee retainer (to be negotiated) with an explicit carve-out for litigation, bond counsel, federal-tax matters and any high-level internal investigations where outside counsel would be used. The motion that won the vote also directed Denton and county counsel to finalize transition details and timeline; the firm will begin receiving onboarding documents and briefings with the board’s permission prior to formal contract execution.

Why it matters: The county’s legal shop provides advice on land use, procurement, code enforcement and intergovernmental agreements. The new firm will assume those advisory duties when the contract is executed, and staff said a smooth transition is necessary because TG Law will advise on ongoing capital projects and regulatory matters.

The board’s adoption of TG Law followed a formal interview held in public. Commissioners asked about the firm’s experience with impact fees, community development districts (CDDs), procurement rules tied to grant-funded projects, code enforcement hearings and litigation management. TG Law said it has municipal experience across those areas, that it builds close working relationships with staff, and that it routinely handles land-acquisition and development agreements. The firm recommended annual contract adjustments (the parties discussed a 2–3% increase or a CPI tie for future years).

Next steps: The county administrator will negotiate the written contract and return it to the board for formal approval. The outgoing county attorney’s office will cooperate with transition work in the interim so legal coverage does not lapse.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report include Gemma Torsivia, attorney with TG Law, and Zachary Goode, attorney with TG Law. The county administrator confirmed contract negotiations.

Ending note: Commissioners said they expected a brief phased handoff rather than an abrupt change, and thanked the outgoing county attorney for assistance during the transition.","After interviewing a single candidate in person and consulting staff, the Okeechobee County Commission voted unanimously to retain TG Law to serve as county attorney subject to a contract negotiated by the county administrator and reviewed by outgoing counsel.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Okeechobee County Commission, March 6, 2025

Regional medical examiner facility advances to permitting; St. Lucie team briefs Okeechobee commissioners

Jail construction hits cell‑installation milestone; project on track, county says

Commission reduces property code-enforcement lien to $9,844 after lengthy hearing; one commissioner objects

Board hires TG Law as county attorney; contract to match current retainer