Okeechobee Florida

services within a growing community. The unique organizational structure of Okeechobee, where the city is served by the Okeechobee Utility Authority— an entity separate from the city government— presents its challenges. This distinction necessitates a collaborative approach to expanding water and sewer services to accommodate new developments within the city limits and in the surrounding county areas. BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE In an era where connectivity is as crucial as electricity and water, the push for widespread broadband access has become a pivotal agenda in communities nationwide. Okeechobee’s journey toward digital inclusivity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores a concerted effort to address the digital divide, ensuring every resident can access high-speed internet. King reflects on the heightened awareness of broadband’s critical role in rural communities; a realization brought to the forefront during the pandemic’s peak. “We didn’t realize how important broadband was to a rural community until COVID,” she states, recounting the swift actions local authorities took to bridge the gap. Initiatives such as installing Wi-Fi in parks and distributing laptops and hotspots provided a temporary solution, but the vision for Okeechobee extended beyond immediate fixes. King praises County Commissioner Terry Burrows, whom she dubs “the champion of broadband,” for his pivotal role in this initiative. Under his guidance, the technical committee has successfully identified two critical areas for immediate broadband expansion, with Comcast slated as the provider of choice. This targeted approach signifies a leap forward in making high-speed internet accessible and represents a broader commitment to ensuring that Okeechobee’s residents and businesses are not left behind in the digital era. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT As Okeechobee braces for an era of significant growth, the spotlight turns to residential development and the broader implications for community services.King 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA