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Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival Draws Big Crowds as Deputies Tackle Traffic, Step Up Safety

County agencies deployed extra crews with an on-site medical facility after months of planning.

Overview

  • The four-day festival returned after a two-year hiatus and is underway through Sunday at Sunshine Grove.
  • Traffic backups stretched for hours on Highway 70 East near 128th Avenue and on U.S. 441 near 144th Drive as deputies directed flow and urged alternate routes.
  • Drivers were warned not to use Waze due to misrouting onto Northeast 80 Avenue, which is not a cut-through and could leave vehicles stuck.
  • Public safety coverage increased on-site with extra paramedics, multiple ambulances, a fire truck, a shift commander, and a festival-run medical setup.
  • The sheriff’s office reported three arrests on drug charges this week, while local businesses saw roughly 20–30% sales gains as 30,000–35,000 visitors are expected.