Okeechobee County highlights $60 million expansion, parks and FDOT projects in council update

Okeechobee County staff and local officials presented an update and promotional video to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council during its October meeting in Okeechobee, outlining recent capital projects, grant funding and private investments.

Mayor Dowling Watford, mayor of the city of Okeechobee, welcomed the council and thanked them for visiting. “I just wanted to welcome you to Okeechobee on behalf of the city council,” Watford said.

The county video and presenters reported a series of capital investments and projects (figures and funding sources provided by the county): - A county expansion project described in the presentation at roughly $60,000,000 in total. Phase 1a (launched January 2022, completed August 2023) included a new housing unit at a reported cost of $26,000,000; county staff listed funding sources for that phase as a $15,000,000 PNC line of credit, $5,000,000 in CARES Act funds, $1,500,000 in ARP loss revenue, $800,000 from utility reserves, and $500,000 in ARP sewer infrastructure funds. Phase 1b delivered a new kitchen and laundry facility at a reported cost of $9,400,000. Phase 2 and 2b (underway) were described as a second housing unit and a $24,500,000 investment funded through state grants, host fees, general fund reserves, appropriations, reserve bonds and opioid settlement funds. - Public safety and infrastructure: a fire training tower and pavilion (completed January 2024; $579,000 total with $500,000 from a state reimbursable grant), Evergreen Cemetery office ($59,000 completed August 2025) and HRF storage building ($161,000 completed February 2025), all funded largely with county general funds or grants. - Parks and recreation: a $300,000 splash pad and $150,000 fitness trail at the Darryl and Ferris Sports Complex (matching grants and a Rotary Club donation) and a $350,000 pump track at Kiwanis Park funded in part by a donor advised fund and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. - Transportation projects: FDOT awards for a Cemetery Road and U.S. 441 signal ($363,000, started February 2024), Lofton Road engineering/design ($7,100,000, begun February 2024), and a planned Northeast 56th Avenue upgrade ($3,200,000). Okeechobee County Airport improvements were noted as receiving $2,500,000 in FDOT grants for parking expansion and security upgrades. - Private investment: presenters said national retailers and businesses were locating in Okeechobee, listing Starbucks, 7 Brews, Bath & Body Works and AT&T as recent or incoming commercial entrants.

The county thanked the council for attending and invited members to view an art display in the courthouse lobby. County staff offered to answer questions and to host tours of local projects.

Ending: County officials emphasized the combination of public and private investment and described the projects as part of a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure, public safety and recreation in Okeechobee County.