OKEECHOBEE, FL — July 19, 2025 — Construction on the new Okeechobee High School (OHS) reached an important milestone on Friday, July 18, as local officials, construction crews, and community members gathered for a topping-out ceremony — a time-honored tradition that celebrates the placement of the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen and Undersheriff Michael Hazellief joined the ceremony, which symbolizes the significant progress made on the new campus and the community’s excitement for what’s ahead.

“Traditionally, this is a celebration in the construction industry marking a major milestone and the completion of the highest point or top of the structure or the last beam when it is completed!” said a statement from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, which shared photos from the event.

The topping-out marks the end of structural steel work on the new OHS building — a facility that will replace aging infrastructure with a modern, safer, and more flexible learning environment for current and future students.

A Modern Campus for a Growing Community

Once complete, the new high school will offer updated classrooms, expanded STEM labs, a larger media center, enhanced security features, and flexible learning spaces that reflect today’s educational best practices. The facility will also include new athletic fields, upgraded parking, and improved traffic flow to accommodate Okeechobee’s growing student population.

District officials say the project is being built with community input, ensuring the design meets the needs of students, teachers, and local families for decades to come.

A Symbol of Progress and Community Pride

The OHS project is part of a larger investment in Okeechobee County Schools aimed at modernizing aging facilities and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in an evolving workforce and higher education landscape.

Local leaders say the milestone is also a reflection of the community’s ongoing commitment to education.

“Congrats to OHS. The community of Okeechobee is looking forward to seeing the new school and many more celebrations to come!” the statement continues.

The district has not yet announced a formal grand opening date, but construction crews say the project remains on track for completion in 2026, with students expected to move into the new campus the following academic year.

What’s Next

In the coming months, crews will transition from structural work to interior construction, focusing on installing electrical systems, walls, flooring, and classroom finishes. Landscaping, outdoor spaces, and athletic facilities will follow in later phases.

Okeechobee residents can expect more community updates and opportunities to tour the new high school once it nears completion.

Originally reported by Lake Okeechobee News.