The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finishing work on a $2-million boat-launch park which will provide access for hunters, fishermen and boaters to the Kissimmee River from Highlands County. ...more

March 26, 2009

OKEECHOBEE — Celebrations began as soon as the ball left the bat and once again, it wasn't the boys in blue doing the celebrating. For the second consecutive year, Sebring couldn't exercise the Okeechobee curse, as Timmy Farrell's walk-off three-run homer to center gave the host team a 13-1 six-inning, mercy-rule victory in the championship final of the Dixie Boys (age 14) District 8 tournament at Okeechobee Sports Complex on Thursday evening. "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen was blasted through the loudspeaker, as Farrell homered for the second time in the game for the first two in his playing career, and was congratulated after the game by the Sebring players, many of which are his teammates on an AAU team. The game was delayed for five-plus hours due to a major storm cell that flooded the ball fields and took three air-boats to disperse the water from the infield so play could continue. ...more

July 4, 2008

Sitting here on this New Year's Eve morning it's early for me at 7 a.m., usually I have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper from my sitting area overlooking beautiful Lake Istokpoga and watching the birds and wildlife as the beautiful sunrise illuminates the woods. We who live on this lake do so because we choose to and are willing to deal with the bugs and the low water, high taxes and all the downsides that no one has control over. Last night I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. with the noise of airboats thumping and humming past the house until late into the night and waking me at 6:15 a.m. this morning. Having friends with airboats and enjoyed them myself years ago, I understand the fun and excitement they are to a lot of people, and feel that this being a big lake can be enjoyed by all the people if we all use it responsibly. ...more

January 3, 2008