okeechobee the magazine may/june 2016

COUNTYFAIR

Come to Raulerson Hospital’s ER if you need emergency care. To learn more or see average ER wait times, visit:

Whatever the reason for your emergency, our ER is here for you,

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606 North Parrott Ave Okeechobee 863-763-3937 Visit : www.biglakeeyecare.com

Dr. Charles W. BartelsBoard Certi�ed Optometric Physician

The lazy days of summer are finally here. Season was hectic and full for all of us and it will be nice to have the time to recharge our batteries.

Continuing on with our 10-year anniversary celebration, our 10th anniversary look back feature this issue is on the Okeechobee County Fair — which by coincidence celebrated its 10th anniversary this year as well. Our readers first read about the fair in our Spring 2010 issue. With competitive events and exhibits, the midway and shows, good rides and — of course — the food, the fair has grown tremendously

and is a most anticipated annual community event.

Our inside feature introduces you to a true mentor and developer of young people. Roger McWaters, known as “Mr. Mac,” is a man who has shared his love of farming with literally thousands of students and launched them on their careers, many of whom have gone on to become industry leaders.Our Okeechobee Youth features Kelly Steinruck who was recently crowned Miss Rodeo Florida. Kelly is not new to titles though, as she has also held the titles of Miss Teen Rodeo Florida 2011 and Miss Rodeo Okeechobee 2013. But more than anything, she is not just another pretty face; Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University in May 2015.

In our Behind the Business features meet Bryan Royal of Royal’s Furniture, the fourth generation of the family to work in the business, and Harry Patel of Heartland Discount Pharmacy, a progressive, independently owned pharmacy with a personalized approach. Be sure to go online to www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and go behind the scenes to take a tour of their businesses.

If you’re hungry for a great summer barbecue meal, then look no further than our Table and Vine feature. Chef Amaral from OK Corral Gun Club shares his favorite barbecue recipe and all the fixin’s with you.

As always, we were there to cover our commu-nity’s events for you: the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival, the Battle of Okeechobee, Younified and so much more. Don’t forget to go online to www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com to see all the extra photos and video.

As we continue to celebrate our 10th anni-versary year, we continue to be grateful and always mindful that without you none of this would be possible. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.

PublisherSusan GiddingsCreative DirectorLorraine Vogel

Graphic DesignerValerie Wegener

EditorChris Felker

Writers Rachel Buxton

Magi CableRaye Deusinger

Jann SealCover/Feature Photographer

Sandra PearceFeature Photographer

Brandi WatfordPhotographers

Gary BurksSharon Cannon Jane KaufmanContributors

Maureen BurroughsDr. Randall Mims

Willis TateTabitha Trent

Account ExecutivesTrish Grygo

Office ManagerPatti Berglund

Okeechobee The Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2016, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no re-sponsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

OTM Publications, Inc.DBA Okeechobee The Magazine

316 N.W. Fifth StreetOkeechobee, FL 34972Phone: (863) 467-0054

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.comPresident

Susan GiddingsFounder

Maureen Budjinski

Volume 10, Number 3│May/June 2016

Susan Giddings

Publisher’s Note

4 | May/June 2016 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Better Care...for a Better Community

Heartland Discount PharmacyFull Service Retail Pharmacy

(We will help you save money and stay healthy)

PHARMACY THE WAY IT’SSUPPOSE TO BE

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Your Neighborhood Pharmacy Where Customer Service & Personal Attention is our #1 Priority!WE PROMISE TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE AT THE LOWEST PRICES

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Does your pharmacy accommodate your special needs?Does your pharmacy keep your pre-scriptions up to date with refi lls and stock status, etc.?Does your pharmacy have spare time to discuss your health?

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Thank you for choosing Heartland Discount PharmacyWe are personally committed to providing the service and value

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Tired of WaitingThe Fastest, Most Convenient & Friendliest Service in the Area!

Heartland Discount PharmacyOther Pharmacies

Why is the Surgery Center of Okeechobee the right choice for me?The Surgery Center of Okeechobee combines the resources and bene�ts of being part of the nation’s leading surgical healthcare provider with local physician ownership to deliver care speci�cally designed to meet the needs of our patients and their families. Our owners, physicians and sta� have made a commitment to a simple but profound mission – we must treat each and every one of our patients, and their families, as if they were our own family member. We focus on caring for you and your family before, during and after your visit.

The Surgery Center of Okeechobee has been serving Lake Okeechobee and the surrounding communities since 1998 and will continue to meet your outpatient surgical needs well into the future. With today’s technology and advances in healthcare, our patients are provided a great experience while care is being delivered in a more cost e�ective manner leading to signi�cantly lower patient co-pays. We work with all major insurance plans and are available to help with questions, high deductible plans, and uninsured patients. Request the Surgery Center of Okeechobee for your next procedure – our experienced and friendly sta� is waiting to care for you!

Arthroscopic surgery for relief of shoulder and knee pain and disease.Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) for a safe, e�ective, less painful procedure for relief of chronic sinus pain. Cataract surgery with new technology lens implants and many other vision improving procedures.High De�nition Endoscopic exams to detect, treat and prevent problems and cancer in the stomach and colon.

Minimally invasive procedures with less stress, less pain and less timeLaparoscopic surgery (smaller incisions) for hernia repair, removal of gallbladder, as well as other procedures.Pain management procedures to diagnosis and treat chronic pain. Ultrasonic procedures for relief of kidney stonesProcedures to treat urinary incontinence.

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Meet our PhysiciansSOUTH COAST ENT (863) 357-7791Dr. J. Lanza, MD *Dr. L. Berghash, MD *Dr. J. Phillips, MD

GENERAL SURGERYDr. G. Sainnoval, MD (863)623-4486 Dr. M. Garcia, MD * (863) 763-6427

GASTROENTEROLOGYDr. V. Tarugu, MD (863) 824-3447Dr. A. Bravo, MD (863) 357-8223Dr. K. Haas, MD (863)357-7747 OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. M. Espiritu, MD * (863) 467-0533

The Surgery Center of Okeechobee1655 U.S. 441 North, Okeechobee, FL 34972 O�ce: (863) 357-6220 Fax: (863) 357-6230 www.surgerycenterofokeechobee.com

ORTHOPEDICSDr. B. Slutsky, MD * (863) 763 -8100

PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. J. Kuchera, MD (863) 357-7246 Dr. D. Battaglia, DO (863) 357-7246

UROLOGYDr. D. Sigalow, MD * (863) 763-0217Dr.T. Pangilinan, MD (863) 467-7666

GYNECOLOGYDr. T. Garcia, MD * (863) 763-6427

* Indicates physician is a partner.

The Surgery Center of Okeechobee, LLC is a surgery center in which physicians have an ownership or investment interest. We are an a�liate of United Surgical Partners International and partnered with local physicians. We are Medicare certi�ed and accredited by Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Physicians are members of the medical sta� and are neither employees nor agents of Surgery Center of Okeechobee, United Surgical Partners International or any of their subsidiaries or a�liates.

32


Cover photo by Sandra Pearce.

Like Us on Facebook. Look for the video and camera icons, then visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com to view videos and additional photos!

May/June 2016

5470Features:Okeechobee County Fair ...............32By Rachel Buxton

Roger McWaters ............................70By Raye Deusinger

Departments:Table and Vine.................................54Okeechobee Youth:Kelly Steinruck ...............................82By Magi Cable

Behind the Business:Royal's Furniture ...........................106Heartland Discount Pharmacy ......110

Community Events: Leadership Okeechobee........... 12Battle of Okeechobee ....................16Okeechobee Music Festival ............20Okeechobee 'Cowtown' Rodeo .....28Speckled Perch Parade & Festival...60Younified Youth Rally ......................64Memory Field Ceremony ................92Pregnancy Center Event .................96Christian Academy Fun Shoot ......100Martha's House Fundraiser ..........104

Columns:Tech Support ................................114The Vet Is In ..................................118

Around Okeechobee ....................120Advertiser Index ...........................122

20

nside this issueI

Improving Your Property One Cut At A Time

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIALFREE ESTIMATES

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Community Event

Leadership Students Cram Local Intel in

First 3 SessionsThe Chamber of Commerce kicked off its third Leadership Okeechobee class at Indian River State College’s Williamson Conference Center on Feb. 10 with a motivational exercise and orientation. Session 2 was given in the same location March 9 and featured presentations on the history of Okeechobee, local media, cultural arts and service organizations. Session 3 was held April 13, and the class took a field trip to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Department and jail, the Emergency Oper-ations Center and the Okeechobee Correctional Institution and prison.

The eight-month program is designed to cultivate leadership through education, exposure to the community and interaction among class members.

The class watches a presentation from Katrina Elsken on the history of the newspaper.

Undersheriff Noel Stephen speaks to the class at the jail.

Emergency Operations Director Mitch Smeykal addresses the class.

Class members head out on their field trip.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

From left: Weston Harvey, Gerald Malone, Shannon Peterson, Dawn Hoover, Mark Bragel, Assistant Warden Robert Conners, Corey Wheeler, DeAnne Martin, Rick Gold, Dallon Boyd, Jennifer Busbin, Jennifer Williamson, Amy Daniel, Mickey Bandi and Bobby Keefe.

Emergency Operations Director Mitch Smeykal.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com May/June 2016 | 13

Photos by Susan Giddings and Sharon Cannon

Magi Cable presents information about the history of Okeechobee.

Wayne Cunningham speaks about radio media and marketing.

Courtney Moyett and Denise Whitehead speak about Kiwanis and Rotary.


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Community Event

Fourth Graders, Community Enjoy

Historic Battle ReenactmentThe 2016 reenactment of Florida’s fiercest Seminole War engagement, the Battle of Okeechobee, was staged on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28, at Okee-Tantie Park by the Okeechobee Battlefield Friends. This is the ninth year that people have gathered to witness a replay of the battle. Each year, all fourth-grade students from Okeechobee and the surrounding community enjoy a day at the battlefield before it is opened to the public.

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.


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Community Event

Music lovers from across the country came together for a long weekend of music, art and relaxation as our small town played host to the inaugural Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, which ran Thursday through Sunday, March 3-6. Thirty thousand guests were treated to near-constant concerts ranging in style from rock to hip-hop to neo-folk and seemingly everything in between. During the day, Aquachobee Beach was abuzz with festivalgoers practicing yoga or enjoying the sun and sand. A whimsical tea

room set within a cozy copse of trees offered a peaceful spot for visitors to, quite literally, “hang around” in over a dozen hammocks and on the couches and cushions.

Inaugural Music Fest

Wows Thousands, Day and Night, with Tunes for All Tastes

Faces Photo: Dimitri Mavrakis

Amelia Provencher and Molly Mitchell.

Kara Black, Kristan Black and Matthew Mitchell.


Jane Kaufman and Susan Giddings

Chance Murphy and Thor Harden.

Erika Gable, Ben Gable and Stephen Lamberti.

Miranda Durrance and Denny Davis.

Nicki Smith and Brigitte Irby.


Community Event

Inaugural Music Fest

Festivalgoers were gracious guests to our little piece of Floridian paradise, unique and quirky though kind to a fault, and thrilled to be spending a few days in our beautiful big back yard.

Places

Photo: Dimitri Mavrakis


Photos by Jane Kaufman and Susan Giddings

Steven McKinley and Tammy Serafini.

Allison Chandler and Layssa Satler.


Community Event

Marcus Mumford.

Avett Brothers.

Kendrick Lamar.

Major recording artists headlined concerts until late into the evening. And for the real night owls, a techno party kept folks roused until nearly sunrise. Throughout it all, cheers of “Chobee! Chobee! Chobee!” could be heard across the acres and acres of spotless music fest grounds.

ConcertsInaugural Music Fest

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.


Photos by Jane Kaufman and Susan Giddings

Mumford & Sons with Tom Morello.

John Oats and Miguel.

Miguel.

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FRIDAY SUNDOWN SUPPERS AT THE OK CORRAL GRILLIN’ CHILLIN’ SHOOTIN’

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Cowboy Ribeye & Fried Chicken with all the Country Fixins’

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MEMORIAL DAYMonday, May 30thPATRIOTIC PICNIC& PIG ROAST11am to 3pm


Community Event Photos by Sharon Cannon

Cattlemen’s Rodeo Puts the ‘Fun’ in Group’s

FundraisingThe Okeechobee ‘Cowtown’ Rodeo entertained a lively crowd of rodeo spectators on the weekend of March 11-13 this year. The main fundraiser for the Okeechobee County

Cattlemen’s Association, a not-for-profit organization that raises money for scholarships and continuing education in

agriculture throughout the Okeechobee community, was staged at the Cattlemen’s Arena and pleased all who came out. The three-day

Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event featured bareback riding, calf roping, saddlebronc, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding,

mutton bustin’, specialty stunt rider Gina Cox and a hilarious clown act by Trent McFarland.


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COUNTY FAIRth

AnniversaryL O O K B A C K

From a one-little-tent event,

in just a decade it grew into a

community-binding extravaganza


COUNTY FAIRBy Rachel Buxton

Photos by Sandra Pearce, Susan Giddings, Jane Kaufman

and Gary Burks

Organizers Spun Up Success Sweet as Cotton Candy


what started as a seemingly crazy idea, with no land, no charter and no real plan, has now turned into an Okeechobee staple. For 10 years the Okeechobee County Fair has been providing residents with good old-fash-ioned fun and friendly competition.

Okeechobee The Magazine first featured the Okeechobee County Fair and how it came to fruition in the Spring 2010 issue. At the time, the fair was only in its fourth year. Today, the fair is running strong and just celebrated its 10th anniversary in March.

“It makes me feel like we’ve accomplished a great deal,” said Okeechobee County Fair Association President Linda Syfrett.

Syfrett is one of two original members,

Linda Syfrett and Dianne Spann.

Dianne Spann being the other, who still remain on the fair board of directors today.

When Syfrett and the Okeechobee Agri-Center and Fairgrounds Steering Committee began their quest in 1996 to bring a county fair to Okeechobee, members of the Florida Federation of Fairs thought they were crazy. Starting a fair from scratch is no easy undertak-ing, especially when you don’t even have land. But land was purchased by the county shortly thereafter in 1999 and

the Okeechobee County Fair has been a success since its beginning in 2007. The Florida Federation of Fairs has even named the Okeechobee County Fair a Blue Ribbon Fair. “It doesn’t mean you’re perfect, it means you’re meeting a certain level of expecta-tions and doing a lot of things correctly,” said Syfrett on being awarded the Blue Ribbon title.

And in just 10 years, the Okeechobee County Fair has met a lot of expectations.

“We are proud to have the Okeechobee Fair as one of the members of the Florida Federation of Fairs,” said Lisa Hinton, executive director of the federation. “It has been a joy to watch them work to make the Okeechobee County Fair such a success!”

One aspect of the fair that has definitely been a success is the competitive exhibits.

“The fair provides an opportunity for Okeechobee residents, both youth and

Fair board members, back row: Jeff Jones, Frank DeCarlo, Frank Cunningham. Front row: Angie Griffin, Melody Hodges, Linda Syfrett, Dianne Spann.

adult, to participate in competitive events that are non-livestock,” said 4-H Ex-tension Agent Debbie Clements. “Your imagination is the limit.”

Everyone loves a little competition, and that certainly holds true for the residents of Okeechobee.

“In our first year, we were all in one little tent,” said board member Spann, who organizes the competitive events. “We quickly outgrew that space and we finally moved into our own tent and then we got a little bigger tent, and then a little bigger tent. We have grown tremendously.”

In the fair’s first year, there were roughly 100 entries competing in categories such as quilting, baking, photography and artwork. This past March, there were


close to 500 entries all vying for a blue ribbon and bragging rights.

Each year the fair tries to add new cate-gories, with Duct Tape Creations being one of the newest.

“That’s one [category] that didn’t even have to grow,” said Spann. “We put that in and boom, we had all this duct tape stuff, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

Of course, just like any fair, Okeechobee also has the food competitions and ex-hibits. People enter their cakes, pickles, jams, jellies and pies. Last year, the fair was home to a friendly but competitive pie contest. A couple who had met at a garage sale in town got to talking, and both claimed to have the “best pie.” So to determine who actually had the “best,” they decided to enter their recipes in the fair’s pie contest.

“I told everyone on the board I started a pie war,” Syfrett said laughingly.

Along with the pie contest, another com-petitive event is the educational displays where 4-H clubs show off what their

Raulerson Surgical Specialists & Dr. Alejo have moved to a brand new o�ce. You will find the same great customer service and expert surgical skills, but in a new location.

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This practice participates in the Veterans’ Choice Program.

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clubs are about and the individual county schools compete amongst each other.

The fair board continuously works to have education at the forefront of what they provide.

“It’s part of the mission of the fair to educate,” said Spann. “It’s important that when people come in they take some-thing away with them.”

Even the fair’s entertainment has proven to be educational. A popular stop at the fair is always the Eudora Petting Zoo. Eudora Farms of Salley, S.C., brings an educational and interactive animal adven-ture to the county fair, complete with an antelope, zebra and impala.

Jurassic Kingdom, the newest show, has also proved to be entertaining and educational. The audience travels back

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into prehistoric time and witnesses and learns what life was like eons ago when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Over the past 10 years, entertainment has come and gone. In the beginning, there were live concerts in the horse barn, and since then the board has stuck to enter-tainment that keeps people outdoors and moving around, such as Nojoe’s Circus and Joey’s Bubble Factory.

“You have to find what works,” Syfrett said. “You learn to give them what they want.”


‘When it’s all said and

done, it’s about the people and the children.’ ~ Linda Syfrett


Good rides are one thing Syfrett and the board do not have to worry about working. With Wade Shows providing all the rides and games, fair spectators get the best of the best. Wade Shows is North America’s premier carnival company. It brings a little bit of everything to the Okeechobee County Fair, including kiddie rides, family rides, thrill rides and spectator rides, no one gets left out.

Even Syfrett and Spann are known to enjoy the rides when they have a little free time.

“Linda and I are both riders,” laughed Spann. “We don’t hesitate; we’re not scared of any of them.”

An attraction that is new to the fair within the past few years is the helicopter ride, which has proven to be a keeper.

“The helicopter only touched down to let people out and new ones in,” Syfrett said.


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And, of course, something that’s definitely a keeper is the food. You can’t have a fair without food. The Okeechobee County Fair has become famous for its corndogs, pretzels and cotton candy, but most of all, for its Amish doughnuts. People will come back every night and stand in line forever just to get one glaze-dripping doughnut.

“I call them Krispy Kreme on steroids,” Spann quipped. “I will get stopped and asked if they’ll be back.”


Livestock board, back row from left: Aaron Parriott, Matt Pearce, Julie Schoonmaker, Scott Durand, Miranda Casperson, Jay Crews, Trey Marcum, Ben Butler, Travis Larson. Seated: Dudley Kirton, Jamie Mullis, Brad Lundy, Frank Lewis, Jared Prescott.


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Rounding out the fair experience is the much-anticipated annual Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show and Sale.

The Florida state charter requires the fair to have a livestock exhibition, but when it comes down to it, both events piggyback off of each other, so to speak.

“The Okeechobee County Fair and the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show and Sale have a symbiotic relationship,” Cle-ments said. “Their association with each other creates a mutual advantage.”

To help aid in the communication between the two entities, two members of the youth livestock committee have been welcomed onto the fair board.

“They help us; we help them,” said Syfrett.

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With so much that goes into the Okeechobee County Fair, both Syfrett and Spann are quick to say that it couldn’t be done without the countless volunteers, whom they call the “backbone of the fair.”

The fair takes a week to set up and a week to break down, and it takes well over 80 volunteers, including the board members, to make it happen. All volunteers must pass a background check, helping to ensure the fair is a safe, family-friendly environment.


“The Okeechobee County Fair is con-ducted by a group of hard-working vol-unteers that form the board of directors,” Clements said. “They invest countless hours of their time, energy and resources to benefit our entire community.”

In 10 years, the fair has grown into some-thing that was nothing but a dream for those original board members. Today it is bigger and better. What began as a group of individuals sitting around a dining room table working on a charter and bylaws has turned into an excep-tional event that not only provides af-fordable entertainment to the residents of Okeechobee but also provides a way to give back in the form of two college scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

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“I have known both Linda and Dianne through my many years with the Florida State Fair, and know their commitment and dedication to our youth and to agriculture,” said Hinton, the Florida Federation’s director.

The Okeechobee County Fair board still has dreams for the fair’s future. They hope to one day have a permanent building on the grounds to house exhibits. Until then,

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bits and pieces of the fair will remain in each of their attics, and they will continue to strive to make the fair and Okeechobee a better place.

“When it’s all said and done,” Syfrett said, “it’s about the people and the children.”

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State Rep. Cary Pigman, who is an emergency room physician and Lt. Colonel with the US Army Reserves, took a tour of Okeechobee’s own 5-Star Rehab and Nursing Facility to visit with residents, staff and family members. From left: Assistant Administrator Wayne Allen, Founder/CEO Faye Haverlock, Rep. Cary Pigman, Administrator Andy McKillop and Administrator-in-Training Sandy Perry.

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Eula Morgan celebrates her 100th birthday with friends Rachel & Rebecca.

Gussie Hammock (87) enjoyed holding Bandit, OHCF’s favorite pet.

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at OK Corral Gun Club

Celebrating

Barbecue Season

By Jann Seal Photos by Brandi Watford


Chef Michael Amaral

Michael Amaral is the executive chef at the OK Corral Gun Club. Chef Amaral has an extensive background in creative menu planning, event planning and luxury 4-star hotel restaurant experience. Chef Amaral, the son of a culinary instructor and chef, began his culinary career as a dishwasher and has since worked at Emeril Lagasse’s Brennan’s in Houston, The Swiss Hotel Boston, The Four Seasons and The Boca Raton Resort.

The sun’s rays are warming — but not so hot that eggs fry on the pavement — and the aroma of heated charcoals streams through the neighborhood. Yes, barbecue season is upon us here in Okeechobee, and backyard chefs are cranking up their grills. While the posh cooking magazines outline elaborate barbecue recipes, using ingredients found only in the high-end stores, most of us yearn for simple ribs slightly charred, topped with a tangy sauce, and a cool drink to satisfy our gourmet tastes!

Chef Michael Amaral of the OK Corral Gun Club shares his favorite barbecue recipe, coupled with side dishes that are seasonal, tasty and made from local ingredients.

Chef ’s wife, Lorraine, applies her expertise as a sommelier to pair the wines, as the grill masters of the OK Corral take aim! Whether you’re on the side of the Cowboys or the Lawmen, we all win with Chef Michael’s barbecue rib menu.


On the day of your picnic, prepare the side dishes before taking the ribs out of the refrigerator.

SWEET CORN FRITTERSA change from the typical coleslaw that usually accompanies barbecue, Sweet Corn Fritters take advantage of our locally-grown corn harvest, they’re easy finger food, and blend perfectly with the ribs and fresh watermelon salad. INGREDIENTS:1 cup flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon sugar1 egg, beaten½ cup milk2 cups sweet corn kernels, freshly cut2 tablespoons bacon, drained, cooked and choppedMETHOD:Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and hand-mix until well-combined.Drop spoonfuls of mix into a hot deep-fat fryer and fry until golden brown.Drain on paper towel and set aside until ready to serve.

WATERMELON SALADRefreshingly juicy, watermelon defines summer days. This take on a watermelon salad gives a twist to the simple watermelon, using local ingredients guaranteed to dance on your taste buds.INGREDIENTS: ½ ripe, seedless watermelon, diced into 1-½ inch cubes1 small red onion, sliced very thinly in half-round slices2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped½ cup jicama, julienned1 tablespoon kosher saltJuice of two limes¼ cup extra virgin olive oil½ cup feta cheese, diced into ¼ - inch cubes or crumbledFresh ground black pepper to tasteToss all the above together and serve cold.

MOLASSES BARBECUE RIBSThe best barbecued ribs take time to prepare. Chef Amaral’s Molasses Barbecue Ribs must be cured for a day before they meet the hot grill.(PREPARE ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR PICNIC)INGREDIENTS:4 full racks of baby back ribsTHE RUB:1 cup brown sugar¼ cup kosher salt2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper¼ cup dry mustard¼ cup freshly chopped garlic1 tablespoon white pepper1 tablespoon ground cinnamonPreheat oven to 275-300FMETHOD:Combine all the ingredients for the rub and spread on both sides of the rib racks, coating them heavily.Wrap the racks completely around in plastic wrap, forming an envelope to contain them.Wrap all in sheets of aluminum foil, again replicating an envelope. Fold up the edges to form a watertight seal. This prevents the juices from running out while cooking.Place ribs on a baking tray.Cook for 1½ to 2 hours, until the meat between the bones is completely soft and separates from the bone when touched.Let the ribs cool and then refrigerate.


at OK Corral Gun Club

READY…

AIM…

FIRE!!!

INGREDIENTS:1 cup plain barbecue sauce½ cup dark molasses1 tablespoon apple cider vinegarSalt and ground black pepper to tasteCombine the above in a mixing bowl and set aside until the ribs are readyto be saturated!

RIBS:Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and take them out of the foil/plastic wrap coverings.

Place the ribs immediately on a medium-hot BBQ grill, keeping them away from the flames. Grill for 5-8 minutes, until they’re warmed through.Brush both sides with the sauce and grill for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has caramelized and sticks to the outer surface of the meat. When the outer surface starts to darken and get crisp, they’re ready.

BARBECUE SAUCE


There’s always room for dessert at even the most plentiful barbecue. Chef Amaral acknowledges our full tummies and suggests a light, airy Lemon Crumb Cake topped with seasonal fruit. Using a prepared mix, the preparation is easy-peasy!INGREDIENTS:1 box Duncan Hines Signature Lemon Supreme Cake MixWater, oil and eggs as called for on the box1 cup all-purpose flour½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed½ teaspoon baking powder½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into small piecesTOPPING:1 cup each of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and sugar1 ounce dark rum2 cups heavy cream, whippedMETHOD:Preheat oven to 350FGrease and flour a 13 x 9” baking tin.

Combine boxed mix with water, oil and eggs in a large bowl.

Mix on medium speed for two minutes until all the ingredients are well combined. Pour into the prepared pan.Blend flour, light brown sugar, baking powder and butter in a small bowl and, with your fingers, blend until the mixture forms small crumbs. Spread evenly over the batter in the baking tin.Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched and the sides start to pull away from the tin.Cool on a wire rack and then cut into squares or circles.

Prepare the whipped cream, adding the rum while mixing.

Serve the berries over the cake and top with the rum-infused whipped cream.


Chalone 2013 Chenin BlancSavor a sip of this special Chenin Blanc from vines planted in 1919. The moun-tainous, dry terroir overlooking the Salinas Valley produces hearty, yet delicate wines. The Chenin Blanc has a medium body, achieved as a result of stainless steel and French oak ageing. Ideally served as an aperitif or as a complement to melon, this is the wine to drink with your delightful watermel-on salad. Tip: Save a sip of this delightful Chenin Blanc to complement the fruits of the Lemon Crumb Cake dessert.

Gancia AperitivoA sophisticated start to an afternoon of barbecue is an aperitif made with Gancia Aperitivo. Imported from Italy, it sets the appetite on alert! Sipped alone, the taste can be somewhat bitter, but mix it with the Cupcake Prosecco, or make a spritzer by blending Gancia with soda water and ice, and your taste buds will sing.

AND WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS… AND TO EASE THE DIGESTION…

Fog Theory Pinot NoirSanta Barbara’s cool climate and ocean breezes set the environment for Fog Theory’s Pinot Noir. The ideal Pinot for a warm summer’s eve, Fog Theory pairs well with pork. The initial tannins on your first few sips may leave a lingering zing on your palette, but letting it sit, and slowly tasting as the meal progresses brings out the richness of this ruby-red Pinot.

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Speckled PerchParade, Car Show

Enthrall

Festivalgoers


Community Event Photos by Susan Giddings

The 2016 Speckled Perch Parade & Festival hosted by Okeechobee Main Street took place the weekend of March 12-13 in Flagler Park. It drew large crowds of people who enjoyed the parade, various arts and crafts, food vendors and a car show.

The JROTC leads off the parade.

Little Miss Speckled Perch Aubrey Lynn Edge.

The CSC All Stars wow the crowd.

Brandon Baughman at the Skull Hill Steel booth.

Gordie and Malissa Morgan enjoy the festival.

Gay Carlton having fun at the Okeechobee Retired Educators booth.

A nice selection of vintage autos was on display at the car show.


Jewelry was offered up to admire or buy.

Speckled Perch

RSVP TODAY! Space is limited. Call 763-9228 or visit RaulersonHospital.com.

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Community Event

Younified Rally Raises Spirits Among Teens, Tweens

The music was pulsing, the lights were flashing and the youth of Okeechobee were having a blast on Saturday, March 12, at the annual Younified Youth Rally, which took place at Osceola Middle School. Teens and tweens from across the county came together to enjoy free pizza, the music of Jericho, SEVENTYONE and CF Worship, and a spiritual message by keynote speaker Clayton Jennings.


Leighann Herrin, Fallon Mclean, Sara Fawzy, Sierra Pounds, Seena Fawzy and Emma Wilkerson.

SEVENTYONE. Emcee Jeremy Ellis.

Jericho.

Keynote speaker Clayton Jennings.


Photos by Jane Kaufman

Committee members, from left: Kari Steiert, Allyson Mercer, Cindy Maynard, Sara Hall, Matt Bowen, Aaron Hall, Bobby Steiert, Luke Enfinger, Jeremy Ellis, Tabitha Trent, Karen Matthews, Lisa Lumpkin and Sara Reno.

Volunteers Jackie Morales and Cindy Ringstaff.

Youth praise.

CF Worship.

SEVENTYONE.


Community Event Photos courtesy of Waste Management and Sharon Cannon

Rehabilitated Eagle Returned to His Home

On Saturday, March 19, the Waste Management Okeechobee Landfill, in collaboration with Suarez Museum of Natural Science & History and Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabili-tation Center, released a previously injured American bald eagle back into the wild.

Waste Management Okeechobee Landfill is a certified wildlife habitat site, certified through the National Wildlife Habitat Council. The landfill dedicates 2,000 of its 4,100 acres to wildlife habitat. Please visit https://youtu.be/vUq2yR7tFT4 to view the video of the event.

The attendees applaud the eagle‘s release.Freddie Holecek readies to release the American bald eagle into the wild.

Group photo of dignitaries and attendees.

The American bald eagle.

Joe Dan Osceola, chief ambassador of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Roberto Martell, mayor of Medley, Fla.


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Move Over Act Expands to include Sanitation and Utility Vehicles Sanitation and utility workers are protected alongside police offi cers, fi refi ghters, and paramedics by legislation that expands the “Move Over” law.

WM Pollinator Garden Enhancement

Real Life Children’s Ranch children help with planting at Okeechobee Landfi ll Inc.

Pictured: RLCR House parent Paul Vedder, students,

Public Affairs Manager Teresa Bishop and Sr. District

Manager Tony Bishop.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ©UBS 2016. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-7522A120

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Special Thank You to the following businesses and individuals

We Are Sold Out!

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Table SponsorsBig Lake Training and ConsultingCenterState Bank CPA Tax SolutionsDale Smith FarmsDon’s AppliancesGeorge and Julie TurnerGreen Leaf Irrigation and Landscaping

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum SponsorsPlatinum Sponsors

Anita’s Rental Properties

Friends of Toys for TotsQuail Creek Plantation Okeechobee The Magazine Brad Phares and Family

For more information or to donate to the Silent or Live Auction please contact Malissa Morgan 863-634-5852 or Kristina Morgan 561-721-5023

Gordie and Malissa MorganIsagenix~ Stephanie Quesinberry & Leigh Ann CollierJosh and Shawna BorgstromLarson Dairy, Inc. Noel StephenRuss DuncanWemmer Family Orthodontics

M A R I N E C O R P S T O Y S F O R T O T S2 0 1 6 G A L A

Brighton Seminole Reservation Community


‘I enjoy what I'm doing and wouldn't change a thing.’~ Roger McWaters


After operating his father’s Alabama ranch for years, Roger McWaters ‘knew not a soul’ in Okeechobee, yet has spent more than three decades here instructing new generations of farmers and other ag professionals.

By Raye Deusinger Photos by Sandra Pearce and Susan Giddings

Teacher Incubates Ag Careers

OHS’s ‘Mr. Mac’ runs cattle ranch as lab for studentsv


drafted near the end of the Vietnam War. While stationed in Atlanta, he met his future wife, Mary. After he was dis-charged in ’74, they married and moved to the farm in Alabama.

His father retired and he took over and led the 370-acre farm for seven years. They raised Hereford cattle and a variety of crops. During those seven years, they had two sons, Clint and Chad. The elder McWaters went back to junior college and got his associate’s degree, then studied at Auburn University on the GI Bill. In only a year and a half, he received his bachelor's degree in agricul-ture education.

He soon received a call to interview for

teaching positions in both Okeechobee and Tifton, Ga. Even though he “knew not a soul” in Okeechobee, one visit and he knew this was where he wanted to be. Mr. Mac teaches farming to his classes through the handling of a 300-acre ranch with 70 head of brood cows and a band of horses. The ranch is a hands-on lab for his students. They literally learn how to manage a small farm. Class time is split between studies and chores.

The course is an elective that can help the student train for an agriculture career. OHS offers many Career Training Edu-cation (CTE) classes, such as auto me-chanics, health education, construction, nursing, accounting and digital program-ming, as well as agriculture. Through the

Mr. Mac in his classroom.vR oger McWaters is a man who so enjoyed farming that he wanted to make it his lifetime career. Instead, he has shared that love of farming with liter-ally thousands of students and launched them on their careers.

His students are farmers, business owners, merchants, cattlemen and pro-fessors. Every one of them will eagerly tell you stories about “Mr. Mac” and how he influenced their lives.

Known to all as, “Mr. Mac,” McWaters is the animal science teacher in the Ag Department at Okeechobee High School (OHS). He grew up on a farm in southern Alabama. Upon graduation, he went into junior college but soon was

Matt Pearce and Mr. Mac.


ag program, they not only learn about career choices, such as veterinary science or medicine, ranching, engineering, dairy, finance, teaching and more, they learn about feed, how to vaccinate a calf, how to halter break an animal and work with horses. Mr. Mac said, “By year’s end they are comfortable around livestock and know a lot about growing food. At the same time, the students learn to be respectful of the animals, as safety is at the forefront of farming."

They also get visits from local farmers and cattlemen who give them a firsthand look at agriculture. They learn from business professionals, such as veterinarians, an equine dentist and a farrier (one who shoes horses). They visit places like the Livestock Market, feed processors, fertil-izer manufacturers and others.

Matt Pearce, who is now a nutrition specialist with Purina, is a friend and onetime student of Mr. Mac, who talks with the students about animal nutrition.

Mr. Mac with his 2016 Advanced Animal Science Class.

‘He has touched a lot of kids who have gone on to become leaders in the industry … He is a true mentor and developer of young people.’~ Matt Pearce, an ex-student who’s now a nutrition specialist with Purina

Matt said: "I was in his class in his fifth year in Okeechobee. He brought new ideas which sometimes encountered local farmers' resistance, but he encouraged us to try the new techniques, and they worked. He has touched the lives of kids who have gone on to become leaders in the industry; he helped them develop their career. He is a true mentor and developer of young people."

Pearce, treasurer of the Florida Cat-tleman's Association, was honored to present his mentor and friend with the Distinguished Service Award at the March 2016 Okeechobee Youth Live-stock Show dinner. Mr. Mac has been working with the show since before it was incorporated into the Okeechobee County Fair. Exemplifying the effects of his teaching, eight of the 12 members of the board were, at one time, his students.

“Some of the students do not stay in the program, but they have lost nothing from having taken a course or two,” Mr. Mac said. “They understand where their food and clothes come from and develop an appreciation of the industry. Agriculture education in high school began in the late


Jessica Humphrey, Mr. Mac and Allyson Trimble at the Okeechobee Livestock Show.

Sarah Leitner worms a calf while the class and Mr. Mac look on.

1920s because agriculture has always been considered the backbone of our country.”

When Gary Kirsch, who later became principal of OHS, first came to Okeechobee, he met Mr. Mac. Kirsch said: “He was friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and caring. He lived up to his long-earned reputation as an educator who really knew his subject matter and his craft of teaching it to his kids so that

they could use their learning to enhance their community and build their future. Over the years, he continually impressed me with his dedication to producing in his kids — and through them his com-munity — the values of faith, service, honesty, integrity, love of the land, love of people and love of learning.”

At the Farm City Luncheon in 2014, Mr. Mac was named Agriculturist of the Year. With some self-deprecation, he quipped, "It should be an award for longevity." He has now been teaching in Okeechobee for 33 years. As he goes to various businesses in Okeechobee, he continually encounters students who have gone on to become successes.

Mr. Mac has three children, Chad, Clint and Kati. All three showed animals in the annual Youth Livestock Shows. Chad is with Farm Bureau Insurance; Clint is in real estate, having gone through college on an agriculture scholarship. Daughter Katie Lawson is Okeechobee High School’s career guidance specialist. Katie said: “I am in a blessed family. I could never be on ‘Dr. Phil’ because my life has been perfect.”

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His wife, Mary, teaches fifth grade at North Elementary. A determined woman, she went to night school for 11 years to get her teaching degree. During that time, she worked as secre-tary at the Okeechobee County Clerk's Office, became a police dispatcher and then became the Okeehobee High School principal’s receptionist and later her sec-retary. She took a year off after giving birth to their daughter Kati. Through it all, she went to college while holding full-time jobs and raising three children. She has now been teaching 19 years.

Ben Butler is farm manager and vice pres-ident of the board of directors at Butler Oaks Farm. A fourth-generation dairy farmer and a ninth-generation Floridian, he was a student of Mr. Mac in the 11th grade. Butler said: “I learned things in his classroom that I still use today on the farm. I received a degree in dairy science from the University of Florida, but in my

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Back row, from left: Kati Lawson, Cailyn McWaters, Mary McWaters. Front row: Chad McWaters, Baby Roan Lawson, Mr. Mac and Clint McWaters.


business I still use things Mr. Mac taught that I never learned anywhere else. Even today, I am comfortable with hiring any student who went through his classroom, knowing he has learned all he will need to know to work for me. Mr. Mac teaches what he lives.”

Working in the Ag Center opposite the high school, he is isolated from his teaching peers. Nevertheless, in 1995 those peers voted him Okeechobee High School Teacher of the Year.

Okeechobee Superintendent of SchoolsKen Kenworthy said: “Roger has built a high school animal science program that rivals those of colleges across the United States. Using high school students to manage a ranch and study all aspects of a cattle operation creates real-life expe-riences that overlap into science, math, business and employability skills. Having served thousands of students over the


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past 33 years, one would be hard-pressed to walk into any ag-related business in Okeechobee and not find at least one of his former students.

“Throughout the years,” Kenworthy continued, “his partnerships with the ag community have continued to grow out of respect for the work he has done, the instruction he shares with others, the quality of his herd and just because he is, genuinely, one of the nicest gentlemen you will ever meet. Our school district is recognized as having the best program in the state of Florida. Roger helped build that reputation through instruction and coaching of award-winning judging teams, the election of numerous state [Future Farmers of America] officers, and the size and scope of the operation he oversees. Teachers like Roger are few and far between. I wish him the very best retirement has to offer when he retires this year.”

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why would a young college graduate take a year of her life to travel umpteen miles? If you’re from Okeechobee, the answer is to promote rodeo, of course. And Kelly Steinruck has done just that.

Recently crowned Miss Rodeo Florida, Kelly is serving as an ambassador and spokeswoman for the Miss Florida Rodeo Association. This is not Kelly’s first rodeo queen experience, however, as she held past titles of Miss Teen Rodeo Florida 2011 and Miss Rodeo Okeechobee 2013. To reach this goal, it is not enough just to have a pretty face. As part of the competition, the contestants had to undergo personal interviews, prepare a speech (Kelly’s was on the Seminole Tribe, FSU and rodeo), demonstrate horsemanship and take a 100-question, fill-in-the-blank test on rodeo, equine knowledge and current events.

It is not a title that comes easily. The last time a Miss Rodeo Florida came from Okeechobee, it was Jan Rabon in 1983.

Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University in May 2015 and has been using her knowledge to promote the State of Florida and the professional sport of rodeo throughout the state and nation. Marketing and promo-tion are great skills to have in order to fulfill the responsibilities of being Miss Rodeo Florida.

“I see this as a year of internship in marketing and cross-promotion,” Kelly said.

While there is a state organization that provides financial help with the entry fees, Kelly’s travel costs and expenses are provided by her local sponsors: Cowboy’s Restaurant, Tin Fish, Okeechobee TDC, Eli’s Western Wear and her family. Kelly is also working with Okeechobee TDC to provide a coloring book that showcases rodeos for her younger fans.

Kelly started her year in Denver at the National Western Stock Show, where she participated in seven rodeo performances in three days and carried over 20 sponsor flags. She then returned to Florida for the Homestead and Wauchula rodeos. February found her at the Lakeland, Brighton and Silver Spurs rodeos.

Discussing the realities of her nomadic life, Kelly mentioned the closeness that develops among the other state queens as they travel the rodeo circuit with the professionals. At Silver Spurs in Kissimmee, Kelly was joined by 20 other state queens. It’s very common to cross paths with other “royalty” while traveling the circuit. For that reason, a special event that Kelly and her family created when she was Miss Teen Rodeo Florida in 2011 was hosting a teen weekend at the Fort Pierce Rodeo in order for the participants to make friendships and memories that hopefully would encourage them to stay involved as rodeo queens. This year, 19 state teen queens attended from states as

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‘I feel strongly about encouraging young children to read.’

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far and wide as New York, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania and all points in between.

Kelly has always taken her rodeo queen roles very seriously and, with each reign, has tried to mentor and encourage the younger girls to get involved in the queenly life and to be outgoing.

“Kelly was so patient and kind to Donnielle, my daughter, when she was the State Sweetheart at the time,” said Michelle Harper, coordinator of the local queens. “I appreciated how Kelly made an effort to include Donnielle and being such a great influence on so many young girls.”

“Kelly became like a big sister to me,” said Courtney McCrary, a former teen princess from Okeechobee. “She has a huge heart and went above and beyond to make our year as queens such an amazing experience!”

As the teen queens flew out, Kelly hopped a plane to Rodeo Houston in Texas, which was an amazing event in its scope and size, she said. Being held in NRG Stadium, which is the Houston Texans’ home field, she met many world champion rodeo stars during her “job” of opening the gates for them to participate, and was able to attend about eight days’ worth of concerts and other events that were part of Rodeo Houston.

Mingling with world champions and attending concerts may sound desirable, but Kelly’s life is not as glamorous as one might imagine.

“Imagine several of the rodeo queens mucking out stalls while in our glitzy clothes, big eyelashes and full makeup!” said Kelly.

Yes, cleaning out stalls is also a part of a rodeo queen’s life. Instead of worrying

about falling off of her high heels, Kelly has to concern herself with not falling off of a horse in front of thousands while carrying a flag into a dirt arena.

Recently she participated in rodeos in Arcadia and Okeechobee. Her list of in-state rodeos tops 19, and out-of-state she has 11 commitments, which accounts for at least 30 weeks out of the 52 this year. During this year she will have trav-

eled throughout our state and also to Colorado, Texas, California, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico — all the while networking and promoting the sport of rodeo.

There is little time for rest, but you defi-nitely won’t hear any complaints out of Kelly.

Asked what has been the highlight of

‘Imagine several of the rodeo queens mucking out stalls while in our glitzy clothes, big eyelashes and full makeup!’

– Kelly Steinruck


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this year so far, she is quick to say the Brighton Field Days Rodeo, in which most of her “loves” came together.

“Carrying the American flag with Chief Osceola on Renegade and the Marching Chiefs playing the Star Spangled Banner behind me, for an FSU alumna, it doesn’t get more goose-bumpy than that,” she exclaimed.

Kelly was even invited by Chief Osceola to participate in a Seminoles home game in the fall after he found out she was an alum. And Kelly is definitely ready, as she has been using a Seminoles theme for her official duties, wearing an FSU vest and chaps.

Kelly may have her hands full with rodeo, but she still finds the time to give back in other ways. When at Florida State, Kelly was a team leader for a service project that her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, conducted to raise money benefiting Reading is Fundamental. Because of that experience, Kelly wants to give back to her community by collecting 500 books to be distributed to children. Collection boxes will be placed around town in the coming months.

“I feel strongly about encouraging young children to read,” Kelly said.

In her “spare time,” Kelly is writing a blog about her year’s adventures, as well as

Top row from left: Krysta Burton, Shelby Kirton, Baily Simpson, Lacie Stark, Kelly Steinruck, Samantha Raulerson, Madison Aleman, Randee Osceola, Madisyn Osceola. Middle Row: Alena Marie Antoniak, Brighten Mick, Jessica Bryant, Eden Wood. Front Row: Leilani Burton, Ally Skye.


preparing a scrapbook that will be part of the competition for the national crown.

“As I promote rodeos, I have spoken at Rotary and Kiwanis Club gatherings and more schools than I can count,” she said. “I really enjoy visiting the schools because the kids always have so much energy.”In larger markets, she has the opportunity to participate in radio and TV interviews, always with the goal of promoting rodeo wherever she goes.

Growing up in Fort Pierce, she was very involved in 4-H at both the county and state levels, culminating with leadership roles as District 11 president for two terms and the Rocking Horse 4-H Club president, also for two terms.

Some of Kelly’s favorite pastimes include riding and reining western pleasure horses, trail riding, cheering on the ’Noles, scrapbooking, landscape pho-tography, swimming, target and skeet shooting, and spending time with her friends. Luckily, a lot of those pastimes

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She attributes her success to her idyllic upbringing. As a young child she fondly remembers “spending the summer at my grandparents’ ranch in Loveland, Colo-rado, where we would end the summer at the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo.”

“I met my first rodeo queen there, and the dream was born. I have wanted to be Miss Rodeo Florida since I was five years old.”

In December, Kelly will be competing to

Kelley Williams, Nicole Pastire and Kelly Steinruck.

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make that dream turn into a Miss Rodeo America crown, as each of the queens will compete in that pageant, which will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Florida has never had a state queen crowned Miss Rodeo America, but with Kelly’s poise and knowledge, the state has a good chance of winning this time.

The motto of the Miss Rodeo Florida is “Building Confidence, Achieving Dreams and Promoting Rodeo.” It would appear that Kelly Steinruck has taken that motto to heart, as evidenced by everything she has already done just a few months into her yearlong reign. Regardless of what happens in December, Kelly has already won the respect, admiration and hearts of fellow queens, her community and so many others.


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Board members and staff, from left: Al Jacks, Allison Chandler, Stanley Silver, Theresa Garbarino May, Greg Thogersen, Elena Trowell, Dowling Watford, Laura Serrano, Tiffany Rusinko, Jo Norris and Sara Frahm.

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Tebow Brings Inspirational Message to Fundraiser, OHS Students

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee had its spring fundraiser “An Evening with Tim Tebow” on April 8 at Quail Creek Plantation. The former Florida Gator quarterback delivered a strong inspirational message to those in at-tendance. Earlier in the day, he made a surprise visit to Okeechobee High School, where he spoke to and inspired the sophomores, juniors and seniors. For more information on the Pregnancy Center, visit www.okeepregcenter.com.

Board members pose with Tim Tebow. From left: Kyle Reno, Karen Matthews, Frank DeCarlo, Ernie Tumoszeicz, Tim Tebow, Lisa Lumpkin, Cheri Watford, Bryan Royal, Heather Rucks, Donna Helton and Dr. Trinidad Garcia.

From left: Connie Whidden, Lewis Gopher and Michele Thomas.


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Yvonne Morgan and Sharon Wallace. Tim Tebow visits with some of the children.


Photos by Susan Giddings

The high schoolers filled the gym.

Mack Worley, Courtney Holmes, Ryan Kallio and Joshua King (front).

Fred Fanizzi auctions off autographed Tim Tebow items.

Kari and Bobbie Steiret.

Bill Martinelli, Bonnie Martinelli, Tim Tebow, Jack Martinelli, John Martinelli, Anne Martinelli.

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OHS Principal Dylan Tedders.

Tim Tebow speaks in the OHS gym.

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Agricultural Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Certifi ed NRCS TSP

Specializing in:Water Use Permitting

Farm DesignIrrigation Design

Stormwater ReuseFDACS BMPs

ERP/ERP ExemptionsEnvironmental Monitoring

O� ce Locations in

LongwoodOkeechobee

West Palm Beach

(800) 466-1378www.royalconsulting.com


WSubmitted by

Betty Chandler illiamson

WILLIAMSONCATTLE COMPANY

Presents:

History of Williamson

Cattle Company

Frank Wesley Williamson, Sr.founded Williamson CattleCompany over six decadesago. The Company raises

beef cattle, citrus and catfish,with holdings in Florida,

Alabama and Texas.

Family Pilots ofWilliamson

Cattle Company

John Williamson, Frank (Sonny)Williamson and Wes Williamson

FOR GLADES COUNTY

SHERIFF

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Daryl Lewis, Democrat, for the offi ce of Sheriff

DARYLLEWISFOR GLADES COUNTYFOR GLADES COUNTYFOR GLADES COUNTY

From Glades County For Glades County

www.daryllewisforsheriff.comDaryl Lewis for Sheriff 2016

863.467.1010 [email protected]

WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY, BE SURE TO BUY THE RITE TIRE!

Serving Okeechobee for 20+ Years!Experience Service Second to None!

Find Firestone, Farm, O.T.R., Truck, Light Truck & Passenger Tires!

11071 Hwy 441 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972Located just 6 miles North of the High School

HOURS: M-F 7am to 5pm •CLOSED SATURDAYS WE CAN NOW ACCEPT YOUR C.F.N.A. CARD NO MATTER WHERE YOU ACQUIRED IT !

A Salute to

ALL VETERANS!


Community Event

Back from left: Saul O’Rourke, Kathryn Montes De Oca, Jena Slayton, Avery O’Rourke. Front: Mikena Slayton.

Wilkie Gilbert, Bill Elmore, Greg Tait and Kevin Remer.

Committee members and volunteers.

Shooting for Fun, Marksmen Also Support

Christian Academy

From the youngest shooters to expert marksmen of both sexes, people of all ages came out for Okeechobee Chris-tian Academy’s annual Fun Shoot. The fundraiser, on Saturday, April 23, at the OK Corral, offered locals a chance to take their shot at clays, both along a shooting course and atop a wobble deck. Prizes were awarded for top-scoring individuals and teams, as well as a special recognition to the team whose members seemed to have the most fun.


From left: Frank Irby, Bill Dover, Elvie Posey and Clayton Williams.


Photos by Jane Kaufman

Back row from left: Mike Slayton, Russel Ryan, Marcos Montes De Oca, Saul O’Rourke, Karson Reno, Kaden Reno, Noah Mayers, Herb Smith. Front: Kathryn Montes De Oca, Mikena Slayton, Avery O’Rourke, Jena Slayton, Chance Deen, Frank DeCarlo and Dale Nowlin.

Back from left: Emma Wojcieszak, Madison Wojcieszak, Laine Wojcieszak and McKenna Wojcieszak. Front: Baylee Brownie.

Tim Lute.

Melissa King and Sabina Guthrie.

Liz Williams with dog Stoli.

Joseph Pinchin.


Modern, Trendy or TraditionalWe do it all.

Large Beautiful ShowroomSHOP LOCAL

www.flowerpetalsokeechobee.com

“We deliver smiles”

207 NE Park StreetOkeechobee, FL 34972

863-763-5051800-260-2592


An extra $150, $250, $500 or more!

A safer home and healthier family!Enjoy these benefits when you support

Haven StreetA Place for Kids and Teens

through a unique and special program.Call now to find out when the next

overview is scheduled

(863) 532-5215or email [email protected]

This program does NOT require you to sell, deliver, take orders, or collect money.


Community Event

‘Price Is Almost Right’ Game Highlights Martha’s House Fundraiser

The house was packed for Martha’s House fourth annual Laugh, Love and Live fundraising event presented by Florida Power & Light on Saturday, April 23, at the KOA. The event features “The Price Is Almost Right” game show, where audience members get to participate and win real prizes, presented this year by GilbertHasIt.com. Emceeing the event for the second year was retired WPTV-News Channel 5 news broadcaster Jim Sackett. Guest speaker Courtney Hicks gave a testimonial on how Martha’s House helped her turn her life around, bringing listeners to their feet. To learn more about Martha’s House or to make a donation, visit www.marthashouse.org.


Auctioneer Jimbo Watford.

Contestants Lori Mixon and Trish Yount have fun on stage.

Emcee Jim Sackett.

Each sponsor had a mini-commercial read by Jim Sackett during the “commercial breaks.”

J.D. Mixon plays game show host Bob Barker.

Magi Cable and Linda Marsocci.

Guest speaker Courtney Hicks.


Photos by Sharon Cannon

Malissa and Gordie Morgan.

Donna Tenniswood, Kim Pluskot and Milly Blesy.

Martha’s House board members pose with Jim Sackett (from left): Mark Witt, Marilyn Buxton, Tammi Kelly, Jim Sackett, Susan Giddings, Gayle Molyneaux, Cecilia Elliott, Melissa Kindell and Executive Director Jonathan Bean.

Scott Boyer plays the Any Number game.

Jaimie Brammeier and Justin Nelson.

Yari and Edwin Ramos.

Gail and Bill Saum.

Debbie Clemons participates in the game show.


ROYAL'S

FURNITURE

Family-RunFurnitureStore’s RootsRun Deep InLocal HistoryBy Jann Seal

chant in Georgia, family patriarch George Royal built his business by extending credit to the farmers. When they went out of business and couldn’t pay their open accounts, George had to shutter his business and look for other work. He headed south to Florida, landing first in Lake Park (then Kelsey City) and, after several disastrous business starts, ended up in Lake Harbor.

Such were the beginnings of the Royal family partnership that today involves furniture stores, Popeye’s and Burger King eateries, and real estate holdings. Bryan’s father, Jeff, his Uncles Mike and Chuck plus numerous cousins now helm the family enterprises.

You could say he was born into it. Bryan Royal is the fourth generation of the Royal family to work in their business, and his Okeechobee store is the first in the multifaceted family business to open here. The opening date is somewhere between the late 1950s and the early 1960s, and it originally served as a general store for the burgeoning community.

As with many enterprises that evolve, a suitor came knocking at the door of the original general store, and it was sold to McCrory’s. Not to be left behind in Okeechobee, the Royal family transi-tioned into the “furniture operations” column and opened their first store selling purely furniture on South Parrott

Avenue in 1984. Ultimately needing larger space, they moved to a former Winn-Dixie store, and now operate out of a vast 22,000-square-foot showroom on North Park Street. Investing further in the community, the plaza housing the furniture store is wholly owned by the family and features other enterprises owned “Royally.”

The Royal family migrated from Georgia to Florida in the 1920s, when boll weevils hit the American South and devastated the farming industry. As a general mer-

Peggy Longoria, Israel Medrano, Chris Martin, Bryan Royal, Sal Maravilla and Carrie Jean Burke.


ROYAL'S

FURNITURE

Royal’s Furniture 804 E. North Park St.

(863) 763-6293www.Royalsinc.com

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Bryan, looking to connect with his ances-tral family roots, returned to Georgia and attended Valdosta State University after graduating from Glades Day School in Belle Glade. After majoring in business management, his original plan was to work outside the family business, but the lure of being close to family brought him and his college sweetheart wife, Allie, back to the family fold in 2013. The couple are now the proud parents of a six-month old son, and their child is surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a huge cocoon of extended family.

Now manager of the Okeechobee loca-tion on North Park Street, Bryan shared: “The Okeechobee market is improving and has grown every year since we’ve been here. New home construction, snowbirds deciding to make Okeechobee their per-manent home and the appearances of new businesses have helped our sales.”

In-house financing at reasonable rates and the generational customers define the type of loyalty the store has created. Some employees, such as credit manager Carrie Jean Burke, have been with the store for over 30 years, watching people of many generations walk in, browse and buy.

“Living here in Okeechobee puts me in touch with the community,” Bryan stated, and as a result, he and the company are supporters of the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee, with Bryan serving on its board. They also work with Open Hands

Health Center, supplying those in need with medical care and treatment. And, one can’t help noticing the free Bibles on the counter as you walk into the store. Bryan holds to the principles of his faith, and his warm demeanor and friendly per-sonality are living proof that this young man knows where he’s going.

But it’s the furniture end of the family business that keeps Bryan’s blood flowing. Working with his father to stock the store with furniture and appliances that connect with the community, they rec-ognize the tastes and preferences of their retired, farming and ranching customers.

“Each store we have, whether it’s in Belle Glade, Sebring, Clewiston, Immokalee or Okeechobee, has its own market. Ours is geared to our customers, with reclin-ers, dark furniture suites dominated by leather and rustic accessories at the top of our customers’ lists.”

Buying trips to High Point, N.C., and visiting reps keep the line current. The rustic, mismatched and distressed look is trending today because of HGTV’s Joanna Gaines. Ashley Furniture from

Wisconsin and Catnapper from Jackson, Tenn., are popular furniture lines within the store. Most of their furniture is made in the United States.

Whirlpool appliances are front and center in the window display, and televisions are the only electronics on sale. Yet, furniture remains the primary focus of Royal's Furniture.

Bryan is putting his education to good effect, with the responsibilities of payroll, human resources duties and accounting being supervised under one roof. The entire family provides input, experience, expertise and a single-minded goal — plus they all get along!

“In 20 years I hope to still be here in Okeechobee, in the furniture business,” Bryan said with a smile as he proudly walked the floor of his spectacular furni-ture store. And with the stock and trade he’s experiencing, he’ll watch his children, and business, flourish in Okeechobee.

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on the “Behind the Business” tab to learn more about Royal's Furniture.


www.SneiderLaw.com

200 SW 9th Street•Okeechobee, FL 34974

863-467-6570

Glenn J. SneiderAttorney at Law

Divorce ■ Custody ■ Family Law ■ DUI ■ Criminal Law

Helping good people facing tough problems.

SNEIDER LAW


204 SOUTHEAST 10TH AVENUE

OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34974

[email protected]

863-763-3417

WWW.DOMERSINC.COM

INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE

MACHINE SHOP WATER TREATMENT

WELL DRILLING

AGRICULTURAL DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY

AND REPAIRS

ASSEMBLY OF CUSTOM SUCTION

AND DISCHARGE HOSES

CUSTOM STEEL FABRICATION

FABRICATION OF

CUSTOM BRANDING IRONS

HYDRAULIC CYLINDER REPAIRS

AND HYDRAULIC HOSES

METAL SALES

WELDING REPAIRS ON ALUMINUM,STAINLESS STEEL AND STEEL


Harry Patel And StaffWork Closely With Doctors And InsurersTo Provide Top ServiceBy Raye Deusinger

pharmacy with the capacity of a major chain, but a personalized approach. We want to be the fastest and friendliest drugstore.”

The pharmacy has two pharmacists, one pharmacy intern, five technicians who have been with him for four years or more, and two technicians who are recent hires. They pride themselves on customized service and spending time with the customer. Daily schedules are set so there is always one person available to help patients with education about insurance coverage, to resolve any issues and to afford each staff member a flexible schedule.

They also fill most prescriptions within

If you have fond memories of your neighborhood pharmacy, and a druggist who usually knew your name, you will love stopping in to Heartland Discount Pharmacy. The owner, Harry Patel, traveled around Florida searching for a place that “felt right” and found it in Okeechobee.

Patel graduated with his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a college in India and earned his master’s at Long Island Univer-

sity. Passing his license exam in Florida in 2002, he worked in Bradenton/Sarasota for Eckerd Drugs for two years, then eight years at CVS.

Only having worked in metropolitan areas, he knew he would prefer someplace smaller and more neighborly, where he could interact with his patients. Once in Okeechobee, he found his downtown location and named his pharmacy Heart-land because he believes Okeechobee IS the heartland of Florida.

He says: “Heartland Discount Pharmacy is a progressive, independently-owned

Back row from left: Cameron Orem, Chance Murphy, Harry Patel RPH, David Patel Intern, Ken Patel RPH, Carl Suarez. Front: Tonya Roney, Judy Windlan, Maria Ruiz and Jessica Torres.

DISCOUNT PHARMACY

HEARTLAND

is available, from liniments to vitamins, bandages to over-the-counter medica-tions, as well as advice in using them.

Heartland works with all insurance and medical plans, even those that do not process through Medicare.

Patel said: “Whether giving vaccinations, compounding medicine, making deliver-ies or answering questions, we are proud to serve our community. We are not just in it to make money. We want our pa-tients to know they can have confidence in our skill and reliability, and we invite them to come in and get to know us. We are your neighbors.”


Heartland Discount Pharmacy 407 S Parrott Avenue

(863) 763-7633www.HeartlandPharmacyRx.com

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

five to 10 minutes. If you should have to wait, they have chairs available to make your wait more comfortable. They are proud that they have a complaint-free relationship with both doctors and patients.

Many of Heartland’s services are unique. They have a refill reminder program in which patients can enroll so they don't forget to refill their needed medications. They have Rx free delivery. In fact, Patel goes over and above for his customers. A customer was prescribed a medica-tion that could not be released until a specific date, which happened to be a Sunday, when the pharmacy is closed. Her plane was leaving early Monday morning, so Patel, personally, took it to her on Sunday.

If a patient is unable to come in, he has gone to the person’s house, picked up the prescription, filled it and delivered it to the patient. If a specialized compound is necessary, he works with the doctor to formulate it. One-on-one in-home education and medication counseling is also available.

Heartland offers a Healthy Kids Free Vitamin Program for children ages 2-12 and a free antibiotic and/or a $3.99 generic program, as well as a cost-saving cash price program.

Patel is also a consultant pharmacist, meaning he can go to nursing homes to help with needed drugs. He is the Choice Server for New Horizons Workforce

Solutions (vocational rehab for Florida) in their Intern Development Program (IDP), and the provider of bubble-pack medications for Detox of South Florida. In working with such agencies, Heartland offers a prior authorization form to make it easier and quicker for the doctor to prescribe for those in the facilities.

For those who have difficulty opening pill bottles, the staff will process their prescriptions in bubble packs with dosage for days and times individually marked, and may speak directly with a patient's insurance company to obtain prior au-thorization for payment of particular medications.

Since this is a pharmacy, you won't find cosmetics, magazines, etc., at Heartland, but anything related to medical treatment


Beat The Heat This Summer!

www.echolsplumbingandac.com

863.763.6461

Beat The Heat This Summer!Beat The Heat This Summer!Beat The Heat This Summer!

Worry FREE $75 A/C Maintenance

Family Owned and Operated Since 1975!

PRICE MATCH

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LIC #CFC022585 LIC #CAC1817236

14kGOLD STORE

IN HOUSE JEWELRY REPAIRSTATE OF THE ART LASER WELDING

Gift Certifi cates Available411 W.S. Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972

863.763.8883

GOLD

Beautiful Stainless Steel

Gifts for Dad

Law Office OfGerald Lefebvre1910 S. Parrott Ave.

Okeechobee, FL

Se Habla Espanol~

763-3333

JUST CALL ME

“JERRY”Your Hometown Injury Attorney

JUST CALL ME

“JERRY”

accidentattorneyo�ce.com

Phones Answered 24/7

What People Are Saying...

“Okeechobee The Magazine is a stellar publication and I appreci-ate that every

issue is a collector's item. I am proud to be a part of it and this wonderful community.” — Vicki Anderson, Anderson Realty Co.


Motorcycle&ATV

SERVICE•REPAIRS•PARTS & ACCESSORIES

All Major Brands &

Manufacturers

MotorcycleMotorcycleMotorcycleMotorcycleMotorcycleMotorcycleMotorcycleSERVICE•REPAIRS•PARTS

& ACCESSORIES

863.357.03341460 HWY 78 WEST • OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974

863.357.0334863.357.0334863.357.0334863.357.0334

Okeechobee

WE NEED YOU!

Okeechobeans Taking Care of Okeechobee

Join The

Be A Local Hero! Join the Okeechobee MedicalReserve Corps Today!

For More Information or to Request an Application, Call 863.462.5819

We currently needmedical and non-medical

volunteers forLocal Disaster Response,

Emergency Preparedness, and Community Health

Improvements.

ESCAPE ROOM ENCOUNTER

BOOK TODAY(863)532-3741

2825 SW 3rd Terrace Okeechobee, FL 34974

www.timetoescapeinfl .com


The threat is real! Businesses today face cyber-threats from crim-inals, terrorists, nation-states,

hackers-for-profit, hackers-for-a-cause, saboteur employees and ex-employees. The threats are growing at such a rapid rate that law firms are mobilizing to meet the demand caused by the intense growth in cyber-related court cases.

The top four industries most at risk for cyber-attacks are financial services, health care, retailers and energy/utility companies. While banks remain the prime target, medical identity thefts rank among the fastest-growing types of cyber-crime, as stolen health creden-tials are “20 times” more valuable than credit cards on the black market because social security numbers cannot be easily canceled once breached.

Retail merchandisers remain a hot com-modity for infiltration of point-of-sale systems, which house thousands of credit and debit card numbers that criminals use to create duplicate cards for illegal purchases. Retailers who cannot process the EMV “smart” credit cards that are today’s global standard are now liable for

Cyber-SecurityExpenses Sensible

To Guard Bottom Line

By Tabitha TrentVice President/Branch Manager

TECH SUPPORT

MickeyELECT

BANDIWorking for you since 2002

FOR

PROPERTY APPRAISEROF OKEECHOBEEPAID BY MICKEY BANDI, NO PARTY AFFILIATION, FOR PROPERTY APPRAISER


fraudulent charges made at their stores. It’s imperative that store owners invest in upgrading their technology, not only to protect their bottom line but their most important asset, the customer. The fourth-largest threat is aimed at our na-tion’s power grids as “hactivists” look for ways to disrupt power to critical infrastructure and defense systems.

As James Parrish, a cyber-security expert, states, “Security adds to the bottom line just as much as electricity adds to the bottom line.” Cyber-defense is a mad-dening cost of doing business but an unavoidable one, as a breach in data or ransomware attack can cost far more than security upgrades, not to mention the bad publicity one can face.

In an effort to cover your assets, most insurers now offer coverage for costs associated with a cyber-attack or data breach, including lost revenue, litigation and ransomware payoffs.

While technology upgrades and insur-ance are prudent preventative measures, nothing can trump the first line of defense, the educated employee. Insider negligence — employees or vendors who maliciously or unintentionally expose a company’s data to hackers by the simple click of a mouse to open a phishing email containing a malicious link — can be catastrophic, not to mention the death of a business.

CENTERSTATE BANK2100 S. Parrott Ave.

(863) 763-5573

402 NW 3rd Street(Across from Courthouse)

We are a debt relief agency. We help people fi le for Bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy code.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Colin V. Lloyd, Attorney at Law

357-5800www.HTLLfi rm.com

BANKRUPTCY MORTGAGE MODIFICATION • FORECLOSURE DEFENSE


Why advertise with us?

Because if you're reading

this...there's a good chance your customers

are too.

316 N.W. Fifth StreetOkeechobee, FL 34972

Phone: 863.467.0054www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

213 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34974213 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34974

New Merchandise Every Week!

863-357-1118 Follow us on

Gift Certificates Available!www.paulmitchell.com

313 SW Park StreetOkeechobee

Monday-Friday 9-5 | Saturday 9-3

(863) 763-3933

AFTER HOURS APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Anchor Dental

New Residence

New Residence

Walpole Feed Store

Abney Building & Consulting, Inc. is Okeechobee’s hometown Design, Construction, & Consulting fi rm. We offer plan design to turn-key construction. With over 20+ years of experience, we can handle all your residential and commercial construction needs.

Give us a call for a Free Consultation 863-623-4459

www.abneybuild.com210 NE 3rd Ave., Okeechobee

A name you can trust.

Commercial & Residential | Design | Construction | Consulting | CBC058152


Communitystarts withneighbors who care.

1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Gretchen Robertson Ins Agy IncGretchen Robertson, Agent309 NE 2ND STOkeechobee, FL 34972Bus: 863-763-5561

That’s what our town is made of. State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Okeechobee.Get to a better State®.

Peace Lutheran SchoolWe accept VPK and Step Up for Students • Serving Children ages 2-K • Small Class Sizes

750 NW 23rd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • [email protected] • FMI visit www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED

Office: 863-763-7566

NOW TAKING ENROLLMENT FOR 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR

AND SUMMER CAMP

(Summer Camp ages 2

through 4th grade)


Fleas. Here We Go Again

By Dr. Randall Mims, D.V.M.

As spring and summer arrive on the scene with more water and heat, flea season is upon us once

again! Flea control is very annoying and frustrating to pet owners. Fleas are also extremely irritating to the dog or cat and can cause serious health problems, such as anemia, tapeworms and allergies.

To control fleas, we need to understand a few things about their life cycle.• Fleas do not live primarily on your pet. Fleas feed on blood and, therefore, your dog is like a four-legged Chuck Wagon!• Fleas breed very quickly and effectively. Eggs are laid in the hair coat, then fall off into the grass, carpet, furniture (basically anywhere in the environment) where they develop into new adults.

Flea prevention is an extremely important part of flea control. Simply vacuuming and cleaning carpets and furniture, as well as bathing and grooming pets can remove a large number of fleas and their eggs. Also, use pet-safe insecticides in your house and yard. If this doesn’t work, call your local exterminator, who has access to higher-strength products to get the job done.

In Florida, this can sometimes be more difficult because our fleas are often tougher than their Northern cousins. Because our winters are usually mild with little or no

4300 US Hwy 441 S • Okeechobee, FL 34974 • 863-623-4689 • Fax 863-623-4695www.fl oridaoutdoorsrv.com

Naturally…the BEST in RVs

The best service, best prices…

Rick Chartier(863) 467.9090• Sales• Service• Audio Visual• Networking

403 South Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FLemail: [email protected] www.icsflorida.com

COMPUTERS

• Phone Systems• Cabling• Accessories

105 NW 6th Street | Okeechobee, FL 34972863-763-2829 | Fax 863-763-0541

[email protected] | www.okee-tantie.comSuzie Burk, CEO Stephen E. Burk, VP

OKEE-TANTIE TITLE COMPANY, INC.

GLADES COUNTY ABSTRACT

Elvie Posey 863.634.4309

Jeff Anderson 863.697.2424

Katherine Williams 863.634.1574

Cristie Schmidt 863.634.3604

Lori Berger 863.634.8437Phillip Berger 863.634.8439


Cheryl Daniels

Porcelain EstheticsBegin your journey to healthier beautiful skin.

Acne treatment • Resurfacing • Rejuvenate & Brighten

Call: 863-634-3615 • 221 NE Park St. • Okeechobee, FL

1111 S. Parrott Ave.Okeechobee, FL 34974863.357.4745

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

freezing temperatures, our flea popula-tions tend to become resistant to some insecticides over a period of time. As a result, things that worked great just a few years ago may not perform as well now.

Improved flea treatments are constant-ly being developed and are available in topical and oral forms. One application will last from 30 to 90 days. These prod-ucts usually are available only through your veterinarian and require a prescrip-tion to purchase.

Approved flea medications are generally considered safe. Owners should always follow label directions to avoid possible toxic or adverse reactions to chemicals in the product.

CAT AND DOG MEDICATIONS ARE NOT INTERCHANGABLE! Never give dog medications to cats or cat medications to dogs.

Fastest results are usually achieved by working on your pets and premises at the same time.

Remember to always consult your veter-inarian about any issues relating to your pets because, after all, they are your other family doctor.

Mims Veterinary Hospital275 SW 32nd Street

(863) 763-9200www.MimsVeterinaryHospital.com

Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), www.mimsveterinaryhospital.com

Retaining Walls & StuccoBoat Houses and Docks 4050 S.E. 50th Avenue | Okeechobee, FL 34974

863.634.1721License # OCSL0184-01Marine License # MA-05 Glades County

Jacky White Concrete, Inc.CONCRETE & MASONRY

• Home • Auto • Boat • Motorcycle • Motorhome • Workers Comp • Commercial • Health • Bonds • Life

CARPENTER INSURANCE Established 1935

3960 SE 18th Terrace, Taylor Creek Plaza • Okeechobee, FL 34974 • 863-824-0885

Peggy Carpenter-BradyVP & Commercial Account Specialist

Home For All Your Insurance Needs

Around Okeechobee Brought to You By: When only the best will do.

Raye DeusingerWins National Recognition

Okeechobee The Magazine’s very own Raye Deusinger was awarded the Larry Frederick Award, a national award presented by Amer-ica’s Blood Centers at their Awards of Excellence banquet in Jacksonville on March 14. Raye was nominated by OneBlood for her tireless work with the Okeechobee Blood Roundup.

The award is named after Larry Frederick, a police officer who, while on duty in 1982, was struck by a car going 65 mph. Larry's life was saved by 110 pints of blood given by volunteer blood donors.Congratulations to Raye for this most deserved national honor, and thank you for your continued dedication to saving lives and raising awareness.

Rep. Pigman's Successes RewardedState Rep. Cary Pigman visited the Okeechobee Health Care Facility on Wednesday, April 17. During the tour of the facility, Rep. Pigman, who is an emergency room physician, received the Florida Health Care Association’s political-action committee’s donation from OHCF Administrator Andy McKillop in appreciation of Pigman’s outstanding legislative initiatives during the 2016 legislative session. The FHCA’s PAC members represent approximately 800 Florida nursing homes. Pigman sponsored six bills during the past session, four of which were enacted into law.

From left: Bobby Rosenthal, nursing home consultant; Wayne Allen, OHCF assistant administrator; Faye Haverlock, founder and CEO; Rep. Cary Pigman; Andy McKillop, administrator; Sandy Perry, administrator-in-training; and Tom Parker, the FHCA’s director of reimbursement.


Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings

Anchor Dental

Zaxby's

Historical Artifacts SharedThe Okeechobee Historical Society hosted a reception on April 13th honoring Steve Carr and Susan Allred Proctor, who both loaned artifacts to the Historical Society Museum. Carr is letting the museum display items related to the Battle of Okeechobee, Bluefield Camp and Parker General Store. Proctor’s contribution was a sword that had been recovered from the battlefield, one which took an interesting journey back to Okeechobee.

Dowling Watford, Susan Allred Proctor, David Proctor, Magi Cable and Steve Carr.

Pictured: Larry Frederick and Raye Deusinger.

Around Okeechobee Brought to You By: When only the best will do.


Main Street Mixers

The Surgery CenterCPA Tax Solutions

March for Babies Raises More Than $42,000The March of Dimes March for Babies 2016, which took place on Saturday, April 2, was a great success. Those who participated had fun while raising over $42,000 for a very worthy cause: to save babies from premature birth and birth defects. The top-placing fundraising teams were: Everglades Elementary, first; Okeechobee High School BETA Club, second; Law Office of Cassels & McCall, third; North Elementary, fourth; and Seminole Tribe of Florida, fifth. The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Buxton's Laser, Memories Make TVOn Saturday, March 5, Matt Buxton of Buxton Bass Funeral Home appeared on Velocity Network’s television show Per-formance TV, where he talked with host Kathy Fisher about his laser machine, the funeral home and Okeechobee. He also showed off several items he personally lasered, including a wooden family tree that he had community members sign before appearing on the show. Matt was invited on the show by Tong Li, owner of AP Lazer. The segment was titled “Life is all about memories… From a funeral director’s point of view.” Matt’s television segment can be watched at https://vimeo.com/161023812.Matt Buxton and Kathy Fisher.

Top Fundraiser – Everglades Elementary School.


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Finely Balanced, Award-Winning Care At Raulerson Hospital

Glades AC ..........................................90

Glenn Sneider, Attorney ................. 108

Harbor Community Bank .................. 94

Haven Street..............................47, 103

Heartland Discount Pharmacy ............ 5

Highland Pest Control ...................... 77

Hoskins, Turco Lloyd & Lloyd ........... 115

ICS Computers................................. 118

Inkwell Tattoos .............................. 108

Jacky White Concrete, Inc. ...............119

Jeanette’s Interiors..........................117

Kelly Owens.......................................43

Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease ....26

Lakeside Grill ...................................119

Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre..........112

Leonard Villafranco............................ 93

Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant...........86

Marine Corps Toys For Tots.................69

Mark Brandel ....................................49

Mary Kay...........................................48

Michael Hazellief...............................37

Mickey Bandi ...................................114

Mims Veterinary................................67

Mixon Real Estate Group...................39

Mohawk Construction, Inc . ...............94

Murray Insurance Services...............114

New Vision Eye Center.......................38

Niki Salmon Real Estate.....................49

Noel Stephen.....................................88

OK Corral Gun Club............................27

Okee-Tantie Title Company, Inc........118

Okeechobee Dental Care....................75

Okeechobee Health Care Facility........53

Okeechobee KOA ...............................42

Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corp ...113

Peace Lutheran School ....................117

Penrod Construction..........................46

Phil Baughman..................................91

Pier II Resort ....................................113

Platinum Performance Builders ..........52

Plaza 300 ...........................................103

14K Gold Store ................................112

A & G Pools ........................................85

A Child’s World ..................................78

Abney Building & Consulting, Inc. ...116

American Drilling Services...............115

Anchor Dental ...................................30

Anderson Realty ................................89

ARS Powersports .............................. 31

B & B Site Development ................... 14

Badcock Furniture .............................90

Bass Electric ..................................... 90

Beautiful Mess Boutique .................116

Bella Rose Day Spa & Salon ...............43

Berger Clinic......................................87

Berger Real Estate ...........................118

Big Lake Eye Care ................................3

Bobby Keefe ......................................47

Brown Cow Sweetery ......................115

Buxton & Bass Funeral Home ............78

Carpenter Insurance ........................119

CenterState Bank..............................86

Clear Title & Legal Services ................46

Crossroads Restaurant .......................93

Custom Sights and Sounds ..............116

Custom Window Treatments...........108

D4 Powersports ...............................113

Darryl Stokes .................................... 76

Daryl Lewis ...................................... 99

Doctors Clinic Family Health Center...26

Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center .........79

Domer’s...........................................109

Echols Plumbing & A/C....................112

Edward Jones Investments..............117

Entegra Roof Tile ...............................10

Enviro – Tech Systems, Inc.................98

Everglades Pediatric Dentistry...........41

Family Dentistry of Okeechobee ........59

Family Health and Wellness ..............80

Florida Equipment & Restoration......98

Florida Eye Institute ..........................95

Florida Outdoors RV.........................118

Florida Public Utilities........................81

Flower Petals...................................102

Gilbert Chevrolet, Gilbert Ford.........123

Porcelain Esthetics...........................119

Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant ................45

Quail Creek Plantation.........................9

Quality Air Conditioning ..........103, 109

Rabon's Country Feed........................45

Raulerson Hospital .................. 2, 62-63

Raulerson Hospital ...............Back Cover

Raulerson Surgical Specialist ............ 37

Rite Tire by Izzy............................... .. 99

Royal Consulting Services..................98

Royal's Furniture .............................109

S. Cruz Lawn Service ..........................11

Sandra Pearce Photography ............102

Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser,

Zoeller & Overbeck ..............................58

Sharon Wallace..................................95

Skull Hill Steel ...................................14

Sprint Communications .......................6

St. Lucie Battery & Tire ......................29

Staffords Salon ................................116

State Farm ...................................... 117

Surgery Center of Okeechobee ............7

Syfrett Feed .......................................51

Teez 2 Pleez ....................................108

Tenniswood Dental Associates...........15

The Lounge ...................................... 48

Time To Escape ............................... 113

Tin Fish ............................................117

Treasure Coast Food Bank ................102

Treasure Coast Medical Specialist ..... 88

Trinidad Garcia, M.D ........................117

UBS Financial ....................................68

Visiting Nurse Association .................18

Waste Management ..........................67

Wemmer Family Orthodontics..........19

Weston Harvey ..................................87

Williamson Cattle Company..............99

WOKC 100.9 FM.................................89

Women's Health Specialists ...............61

Worley Construction..........................13

List of Advertisers

What People Are Saying...

We at Domer’s are honored to have been a part of Okeechobee The Magazine for many years and plan to continue this relationship

for many more! This magazine has been a great addition to our town and has filled a marketing need for many local businesses and individuals. I personally love how each issue is like a celebration of our community; it truly brings us the best of Okeechobee. — Justin Domer

(863) 763-0666 (863) 763-3154(863) 763-3154 (863) 763-6434(863) 763-6434(863) 763-2121

Serving Okeechobee Since 1924

HasIt.com

(863) 763-0666 (863) 763-3154(863) 763-3154 (863) 763-6434(863) 763-6434(863) 763-2121

would like to congratulate all of the participants in the

Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show!

The

Excellent ER Care. Convenient. Close to home.

Life can be fun, fun, fun. Until it’s not. Accidents and illnesses happen. When it happens to you, you want excellent ER care — and fast. Our ER is Open 24/7 and we always have an ER physician on site. Last year our ER treated more than 5,000 kids!

Needing an ER may not be fun, but knowing that you and your family are in good hands is a great feeling.

Proud supporters of worry-freeof worry-free

fun

For average ER wait times, text ER to 32222*. or visit RaulersonHospital.com.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

1796 Highway 441 N • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • RaulersonHospital.com

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okeechobee the magazine may/june 2016

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