OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV's Let's Hear It team was in Okeechobee County on Thursday, connecting with residents and local leaders at the Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th St.
WATCH BELOW: WPTV connecting with the community in Okeechobee County
The monthly meet-up is designed to give community members a chance to share the stories and issues that matter most to them — whether that's a problem that needs answers or a community concern that deserves attention.
One common theme heard throughout the day was that Okeechobee is a close-knit community where local leaders and residents work together.
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Justin Hazellief told WPTV's Brooke Chau his department makes it a mission to build relationships across the community.
"It's not county versus city. We are Okeechobee together and it's something that we're very proud of," he said. "I've known the mayor my whole life and, I'm proud to say that and he's a wealth of knowledge and history for Okeechobee, as well as a vision for the future."
Hazellief also addressed hurricane preparedness, warning that "hurricane fatigue" can set in when storms don't directly impact the area, causing residents to let their guard down during storm season.
WATCH: Okeechobee County Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Justin Hazellief emphasizes hurricane preparedness
"We look at the tropics daily," Hazellief said. "We want to make sure that that our residents are still staying prepared. They still have their go-bags ready. They still have an evacuation plan ready."
Okeechobee County Mayor Dowling Watford Jr. also spoke with WPTV reporter Brooke Chau and said growth is a threat to the community, but the city council and county commission are focused on keeping development controlled to preserve local lifestyle.
"With private enterprise and private property rights, not an awful lot you can do about some developments," he said. "Thank goodness our city council and our county commission, they try to focus on planned growth and controlled growth."
One woman raised concerns about Flock cameras during today's event after the state ordered law enforcement to stop using them.
Laurie Bergman told WPTV she is concerned about how the cameras were being used.
"I'm not a criminal, that's my beef, I am not a criminal," she said. "They've gotten on there and found out where their ex-girlfriends are going, where their ex-wives are going. You don't need to know where I'm going. That's my problem."
WPTV plans to follow up on her concerns and take them to the county.
Can't make it to the library in person? The Let's Hear It team still wants to hear from you. Reach them anytime by emailing LetsHearIt@wptv.com.
We want to be your voice and help you find solutions.
While we hold our monthly Let's Hear It meet-ups, we know many are not able to attend, but we still want to hear from you and start taking action to get you answers. You can e-mail us at LetsHearIt@wptv.com.
