The winter season has begun, once again returning as our annual reminder that we truly live in paradise. Our northern friends seem to be arriving earlier this year. Maybe it’s because of the early snow, but I think it just may be that the fishing has never been so good in Lake Okeechobee. Read all about it in Capt. Mike Shellen’s column on page 74.

The American Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay for Life, is chaired by dedicated volunteer and local businesswoman Angie Griffin. Read about her passionate fight against cancer as she and her committee and team members work throughout the year to make the event a success. 

Most of you know Charlie Hukriede as the friendly face at the Golden Corral. Within these pages, you’ll get to know Hukriede as a man who gives back to the community in so many ways. Also read about Pastor Jim Benton, who incorporates humor into his preaching. Benton, director of Okeechobee Faith Farm, has a unique approach to reaching out to those in need. Not only does he greatly resemble comedian Drew Carey, but Benton is just as funny.

Don’t forget to check out the events covered in these pages, including Boots & Pearls, the Labor Day Festival and Rodeo, the Kiwanis Regatta, the Okeechobee Blood Roundup and more. Okeechobee volunteers sure know how to put on an event.

As Okeechobee The Magazine concludes its fifth year, we’re offering our final Okeechobee Shopper feature. Follow Tabitha Trent on a shopping spree that takes her to Teez 2 Pleez, Custom Window Treatments & Blinds and Syble’s Flowers & Gifts, followed by a great lunch at Mama Flegos Italian Restaurant. We’ll surprise you in the spring as we move forward, continuing to feature stories about life in our community and all that makes Okeechobee tick. Of course, it’s the people who really make this community so special. That is why it’s such a pleasure publishing Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.