new businesses. We measure success by the health and resources available to our existing businesses,” King explains. This nuanced approach to economic development, spearheaded by Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry, underscores a commitment to nurturing the city’s commercial core while embracing expansion opportunities. Getting into specifics, King names several large businesses and projects that exemplify Okeechobee’s industrial and commercial growth. Florida Power and Light’s hydrogen pilot project, NexAir LLC’s significant presence in the manufacturing and distributing of medical-grade oxygen, and Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions’ $15 million expansion project reflect the city’s capacity to attract and support significant enterprises. Additionally, the anticipation surrounding the final stages of the Bass Pro Lodge project illustrates the city’s appeal to large-scale tourism and retail ventures. INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES IN OKEECHOBEE The backbone of any thriving community lies in its infrastructure. From roads that connect people and places to water and sewer systems that underpin public health and development, Okeechobee is no exception. City administrator Ritter starts with internal roadways, acknowledging their essential role in the city’s day-to-day functionality and longterm development plans. “Our council’s main concern is our internal roads,” he shares, underscoring the urgency of upgrading the infrastructure to keep pace with the city’s expansion. He notes the involvement of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in enhancing the major routes into the city, including significant improvements on Highway 70 and Highway 441. These efforts by FDOT are crucial, yet Ritter points out the ongoing challenge of securing sufficient funding for internal road maintenance and improvements, a task complicated by the anticipated increase in road usage as a result of population growth inside and outside the city. Water and sewer infrastructure receives equal attention in Ritter’s commentary, as he highlights the complexities of managing these essential 178 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BUSINESS VIEW AGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01
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