News Cast 10/31
News Cast for October 31st:
Woman killed crossing the street
A 51 year old Okeechobee woman was struck and killed while trying to cross US 1 at night Saturday in St. Lucie County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the unnamed woman was struck in the north bound lane by a sedan operated by a 22 year old Stuart woman around 9:15 pm.
Troopers said there is no lighting on that section of the road north of Fort Pierce.
Okeechobee City Councilman Bob Jarriel has focused his campaign on being smart with city funds.
He wants to provide services but also have a balanced budget.
He said he thinks the city is getting permits done quickly and does welcome growth.
“We have seen a lot of industry come in, we have the WaWa downtown, the Cattlemen’s Square Park go in, and we’ve seen the city cleaned up. I think we are very, very open to new business and we have to make sure we do a managed growth in our city.”
He also supports code enforcement and getting the city cleaned up.
Waste Pro wanted a 37 percent increase for garbage collection in St. Lucie County.
They had been under fire during the pandemic like most trash collectors. Companies have had trouble hiring and retaining employees and meeting pickup schedules across the state.
Russell Mackey with Waste Pro said they are doing better and getting the job done.
“We got behind, we stumbled. We were wobby and punch drunk. We are putting that back together with a great team. We are sitting at a point where we have enough trucks and we have more than enough people.”
Commercial rates go up 38 percent if the company performs well.
The average residential rate hike is $8.79 per month.
An Okeechobee man picked up on a warrant charging him with home invasion robbery here last wee, was also charged in Hendry County for leaving the scene of an accident that seriously injured a female there during July, 2019.
Cameron Carter fled the accident near Clewiston and a search with helicopters was unable to locate him after he was spotted twice in Hendry County.
Local veterans can take a ride on a Huey Helicopter November 10th at the Okeechobee County Airport.
Part of the proceeds to benefit the project to enhance Veterans Memorial Park downtown.
Organizer Todd Chambers said each flight will include 10 passengers and last about 10 minutes.
“The non-populated areas are where we plan to do all of our maneuvers. We will go north and south and won’t saturate one area. This is good because there are not a lot of houses in those areas.”
Chambers said the rides are completely safe.
The helicopters were widely used during the Vietnam War.
The event from 9 am to 4 pm will also include live music.
FEMA has expanded Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) to seven additional Florida counties: Brevard, Glades, Hendry, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Pasco.
The program provides temporary hotel stays for Hurricane Ian survivors who cannot remain in their storm-damaged homes.
Tallahassee police said nine people were shot, one fatally late Saturday, during a mass shooting.
Three suspects are behind bars in connection with the incident and more arrests are possible.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell said officers acted quickly to stop the shooting.
“Knowing others could still be in dangers, the officers pursued the armed suspect, gave verbal commands for him to stop and drop the weapon, and then shot him to stop the threat and prevent further people from being victimized.”
The suspect was shot three times and is expected to survive.
Police said dozens of shots were fired at a liquor store and night club. They did not release the motive for the shootings.