Okeechobee County confirms Karen Kozak as new emergency management director

The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners held a regular session on April 10, 2025, addressing several key agenda items, including updates to land development regulations and the appointment of a new emergency management director.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on recent amendments to the land development regulations. The board has decided that major developments will now undergo a review process that includes a pre-application meeting. This meeting will allow developers to present their initial concepts before submitting formal applications, providing the board an opportunity to offer feedback early in the planning process. The site plan review committee will still play a role, making recommendations to the planning board and ultimately to the county commissioners.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the potential impact of upcoming legislation that could alter the development review process significantly. One commissioner noted that proposed bills in the state legislature might allow developers to bypass some of the current review requirements, which could undermine local control. The board agreed to monitor the situation closely and consider adjustments to the fee schedule for the pre-application meetings once the legislative outcomes are clearer.

Following this discussion, the board moved to confirm the appointment of Karen Kozak as the new emergency management director for Okeechobee County. Kozak brings six years of experience in emergency management and holds advanced degrees in the field. Her appointment was met with positive remarks from the commissioners, who welcomed her to the team and expressed confidence in her capabilities, especially with the hurricane season approaching.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of ongoing revisions to the administrative regulations governing board meetings, indicating that the board is committed to improving its operational procedures.

Overall, the session highlighted the board's proactive approach to land development and emergency management, while also navigating potential changes in state legislation that could affect local governance. The commissioners plan to reconvene to discuss further developments and finalize any necessary adjustments to their processes.