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Community Services presents 2024 impact report; board approves Agri Civic Center maintenance reclassification and tourism manager position
Summary
Community Services showed a video summary of 2024 programs and facilities and the board approved reclassifying the Agri Civic Center manager to a maintenance role and establishing a Tourism and Events Center Manager position funded largely by the tourism budget.
Okeechobee County’s Community Services department presented a 2024 impact report to the Board of County Commissioners and showed a short video summarizing parks, library, extension, senior services, tourism and the Agri Civic Center activities. The board then approved staffing changes intended to split day‑to‑day facility maintenance from tourism and event promotion.
Why it matters: The presentation highlighted facilities and services used by residents year‑round (splash pad, fitness trail, library programs, veterans transportation, senior services and the Agri Civic Center). The staffing changes are intended to increase promotional capacity for events while strengthening on‑site maintenance and operations at the Agri Civic Center.
Presentation highlights: Denise Whitehead, Assistant County Administrator for Community Services, introduced a short video showing Veterans Services transportation, the Daryl Enfinger Sports Complex splash pad and new fitness trail, the UF Extension 4‑H and agricultural programs, library visitation and services (about 90,000 in‑person visits in 2024), and tourism events hosted at the Agri Civic Center including rodeos and Bassmaster‑level events. Whitehead noted many Community Services programs are partially grant‑funded.
Personnel actions approved: After the presentation the board approved two personnel items: • Reclassify the Agri Civic Center manager position to Park Maintenance Technician (pay grade reduction from 19 to 6) to emphasize facility upkeep and operational needs. • Establish a Tourism and Events Center Manager position (pay grade 20) to focus on promotion, contracts and event solicitation. The Tourism Development Council recommended the position be funded 80% from the tourism budget and 20% from the Agri Civic Center/general fund; the board approved the funding approach unanimously.
What’s next: Staff will update position descriptions, payroll and the FY26 budget to reflect the reclassification and new Tourism Manager role. The tourism manager post will be incorporated into TDC funding and the county’s upcoming budget process.
