roads. Our first resurfacing project will start in the beginning of March. We will work our way through this year to spend what has been allocated this fiscal year on making improvements to interior roads that need it the most,” says Ritter. “This effort, I see as long-term, at least for the next five years.” Beyond physical roads, digital infrastructure is receiving attention. The nearly $50 million grant funding through the Florida Broadband Opportunity Program for Comcast will expand high-speed internet access, which King notes “helps residents find information and resources, improving education and quality of life” while supporting local businesses. RECREATIONAL ASSETS: PARKS, GREEN SPACES, AND WATER ACCESS Okeechobee’s modest size hasn’t limited its ambitions for creating recreational spaces that serve residents and visitors.The city’s approach focuses on maximizing the potential of existing spaces while developing new access points to natural resources. “The parks along Park Street are some of the biggest green spaces that we have,” Ritter notes. “We have long-term plans for at least the next five, 10 years to work with Okeechobee Main Street to continually make improvements to those parks.” Beyond the downtown parks, Centennial Park offers unique water-based recreation opportunities. “We received a grant for $50,000 and were able to install a kayak ramp in Taylor Creek because Taylor Creek runs through the city of Okeechobee and then empties out into Lake Okeechobee,” says Ritter. “We found 95 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 OKEECHOBEE, FL
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