range from $295 to $325,000. I think in our day and time and in this area, that’s affordable.” These developments align with larger-scale projects in the region. Lakefront Estates and Davina Springs enhance Okeechobee’s housing inventory while supporting the city’s vision for sustainable growth. As Kaylee King, President at Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, points out, “These developments provide quality housing and recreational opportunities, improving the quality of life for residents.” The strategic placement of new housing near employment centers is intentional. With new businesses coming to the industrial park expected to bring dozens of jobs, Ritter states confidently,“With those folks coming in, we feel we’re going to have housing for them.” BUSINESS GROWTH: NEW COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL VENTURES The commercial landscape in Okeechobee is evolving rapidly, with developments spanning retail, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. The city’s industrial park, known as the Okeechobee Commerce Centre, has become a focal point for job creation. “We have one new business that’s getting ready to do site planning and build a facility,” Ritter shares. “They manufacture concrete storm drains and will employ likely 30 people.And then we have Westlake Royal Roofing, a large nationwide roofing company, that has expanded their operation and will employ another 40 people.” With only “three or four lots left in the commerce center,” the industrial area has proven attractive to businesses looking to establish or expand operations in central Florida. This growth extends beyond industry to the retail and restaurant sectors across all city quadrants. “They’ve already started site clearing for Culver’s and the car wash,”Ritter says enthusiastically.“Everybody’s kind of excited about that. We’ve worked on those projects for a couple of years now.”The food scene is also expanding: “We have not had a barbecue place in a long time. The owner of Lightsey’s restaurant, one 92 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
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