Florida Cold Weather Tips For Residents And Visitors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management reminds residents and visitors of cold weather safety, as a strong cold fronts cross Florida in the next weeks, and one is expected to bring the lowest temperatures of this winter season across North Florida late this weekend into next week.

Cold temperatures in the 20s and 30s are expected across North Florida from Sunday through mid-to-late next week, with wind chills in the teens and 20s. Strong to severe thunderstorms may impact North and Central Florida on Saturday ahead of the cold front, while some areas in the Florida Panhandle could experience wind chill temperatures near single digits. Residents should take precautions throughout the week and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

Floridians are encouraged to remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety: Protect People, Protect Plants, Protect Pets, Protect Exposed Pipes and Practice Fire Safety. To stay cozy and safe during cold weather, keep these tips in mind:

Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.

When outdoors, stay dry and wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Using extension cords may cause circuit overload and result in a fire.

Keep space heaters away from drapery, furniture and other flammable materials. Do not leave them unattended.

Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source They are ineffective and dangerous.

Never use grills as an indoor heating source. Charcoal and propane emit deadly carbon monoxide gas and are not suitable for indoor use.

Never leave lit candles unattended. Candles are unsafe and ineffective as a heat source.

When using a fireplace, ensure it is properly vented, and the chimney is cleaned periodically to avoid flash fires.

Do not burn anything in the fireplace other than firewood and do not leave a fire burning when going to sleep.

Install smoke detectors and regularly check that they work. If you have gas appliances, install a carbon monoxide detector.

To learn more about severe weather in Florida and to Make a Plan, visit FloridaDisaster.org, and follow FDEM on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) @FLSERT, and on Facebook @FDEM.

Property Tax Exemptions And Military Tax Benefits

NEWS FROM THE GLADES COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- If you had a property tax exemption or agricultural land classification in 2024, you will receive at least one of the four renewal cards listed below:

The WHITE card is for Homestead Exemption and other related exemptions such as widow, widower, disability, veteran, and senior citizen.
The GREEN card is for Agricultural Land Classification.
The YELLOW card is for property that is being used for tax exempt purposes.
The BLUE card is for Tangible Personal Property valued no more than $25,000.As long as the Tangible 

Personal Property remains at $25,000 or less, you are not required to file a Tangible Personal Property Return, form (DR405).

If your value exceeds $25,000, you will receive a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return that must be completed and returned.

If you are still eligible for the exemption, do not return the card. New Property Owners Must Complete New Applications

Did you know there are property tax benefits available to members of the Armed Forces?

When a person serving in the Armed Forces owns and uses property as a homestead, the service member may rent out the homestead property without abandoning the claim to the homestead exemption. (Florida Statute 196.061)

A service member’s next of kin or any other person who has written authorization may file a homestead exemption on behalf of a service member who cannot file in person because of a service obligation. (Florida Statute 196.071)

A member or former member may receive an exemption if they were deployed the previous calendar year outside the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii in support of a designated operation. (Florida Statute 196.173)Thanks for allowing me and my team to serve you! We are here to help.

-Courtesy of Lorie Ward, C.F.A.
Glades County Property Appraiser

Army Corps Of Engineers Areas Free January 20

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20.

The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

Visitors are encouraged to contact USACE lake and river projects before visiting to ensure recreation areas are open. More information can be found at www.corpslakes.us.

The MLK Day fee waiver began in 2023 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, a national leader of the 1950s-1960s Civil Rights movement who continues to inspire the pursuit of civil rights today. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

USACE also offers other fee-free days throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration, including the USACE birthday; Juneteenth National Independence Day; Veterans Day; and National Public Lands Day.

USACE is one of the leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.

To discover a USACE recreation site nearest you, please visit the USACE website at https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm or visit www.recreation.gov.

New Seminole Hotel And Casino Opens February 6

BRIGHTON RESERVATION – The new Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino in northeastern Glades County will officially open its doors at noon on Thursday, February 6, following a grand opening celebration for invited guests at 10 a.m.

The renowned rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform on Thursday, February 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, January 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino is one of six casinos owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is located just west of Lake Okeechobee on the Brighton Seminole Reservation.

The new resort, which will replace the existing Seminole Casino Brighton (first opened in 1980), will include a casino with a total of nearly 38,000 square feet, including space for 640 slot machines and 18 tables for blackjack, craps, roulette, and other house-banked card games. Included is a smoke-free gaming space with 104 slot machines and a high-limit gaming area with 42 slot machines and four table games.

Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino will include the first hotel to open on the Brighton Seminole Reservation. It will feature 100 guest rooms on four floors, totaling 72,000 square feet. Guest rooms will include a mix of rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds, plus three suites, a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.

The complex will also feature an indoor event space with 400 seats for banquet events or bingo games, or 900 seats set up as a performance hall, as well as a 10-lane bowling alley (Brighton Bay Bowling) of 7,044 square feet, a first for any Seminole Casino.

Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino will be home to four eateries, offering a wide range of dining options plus a place to relax and socialize with a favorite cocktail.

Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino has become one of the Lake Okeechobee region’s largest employers, with more than 500 team members at the new casino and hotel complex.

Linda Elaine Cochran Dies At 69

Linda Elaine Cochran, age 69 of LaBelle, Florida passed away on January 12, 2025 in LaBelle.

Linda was born on March 18, 1955 in Lake Waukegan, Illinois to Frank and the late Elaine Frances Roedell Deluca. 

Elaine married Robert W. “Wayne” Cochran, he survives Linda. 

Linda was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in LaBelle for many years. She enjoyed swimming, going to Disney World, traveling with her husband, being outdoors, and loved going to Church. 

Linda was a administrative assistant for Florida Power and Light for 20 years, retiring in 2005. Linda was a loving wife, daughter, sister and friend who will dearly be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Linda leaves fond memories with her husband; Robert “Wayne” Cochran of LaBelle, Florida, her father' Frank Deluca of Illinois, her brothers and sister; Jim and Frank Deluca and Lorie Deluca.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Linda.