Okeechobee Florida

Okeechobee’s youth. Construction for the new 250,000 square foot high school began earlier this spring and is expected to be completed within the next 2 to 3 years and will replace the existing high school facility. The new facility will include an upgraded CTE wing with plans to expand into new programs offered to students, including Outdoor Marine Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Criminal Justice Operations, Principles of Teaching, Entrepreneurship program and Principles of Agri-Business and Management. The new Okeechobee High School is projected to be $82.4 million dollars of capital investment. Ken Kenworthy, the Okeechobee County Schools Superintendent noted, “This is the largest capital project ever funded by the Small District Special Facilities Construction Program, administered by Florida Department of Education.” King adds an optimistic outlook on solving the housing inventory issue through the diversity of the projects underway. This diversity is crucial for meeting current needs and attracting professionals essential for the community’s growth, such as doctors, teachers, and other vital service providers.“Housing options are diversified,” King reflects, acknowledging the need to cater to a broad spectrum of residents to foster a balanced and thriving community. STRENGTHENING LOCAL BUSINESS In the evolving economic landscape of Okeechobee, the focus on supporting existing businesses has become a priority, marking a shift towards ensuring the longevity and expansion of the community’s commercial backbone. Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry at the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, introduces the Business Retention and Expansion Program, (BREP), an innovative approach designed to bolster the growth and success of local businesses within target industries. “We’ve had a few businesses that looked to expand in size and were hitting walls,” Tijerina explains, detailing the program’s genesis. Acting as a bridge between businesses and regulatory departments, the VRA program (BREP) has facilitated the approval processes and ensured that expansion projects come to fruition. Collaboration is at the heart of the VRA’s BREP’s success. By partnering with the local chamber of commerce, the program leverages a broad support network, targeting Okeechobee’s retail and service sectors and critical industries. “The ladies in the office are heading up the VRA efforts with the smaller businesses,” Tijerina notes, highlighting the synergy between different segments of the local economy. The ultimate goal of the VRA program BRE Program is not just to support business expansion but to foster an environment where all industries in Okeechobee are aware of and can access the resources available to them.This initiative recognizes that many businesses, consumed by day-to-day operations, may lack the bandwidth to seek support independently. “Finding time to meet with them one on one and learning their needs and helping them meet those needs is going to be important,” Tijerina asserts, pinpointing the program’s commitment to personalized, hands- CT-eng.com | 772.464.3537 | Serving Florida since 1985 A Legacy of Expertise and Excellence Planning, Engineering, Surveying, and CEI CT-eng.com | 772.464.3537 | Serving Florida since 1985 A Legacy of Expertise and Excellence Planning, Engineering, Surveying, and CEI 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03