Cities and Towns in Okeechobee County, Florida
Founded in 1917, Okeechobee County is one of 67 counties in the state of Florida. Historically, Okeechobee County was formed from Osceola and St. Lucie. The city of Okeechobee is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Okeechobee County has a population of 40,266 and area of 774 square miles (2,005 km²).
List of all cities in Okeechobee County, FL alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Basinger, FL | 34972 | 863 |
Okeechobee, FL | 34972 | 863 |
34973 | 863 | |
34974 | 863 | |
Yeehaw, FL | 34972 | 863 |
Yeehaw Junction, FL | 34972 | 863 |
Major Cities and Towns in Okeechobee County, Florida
Okeechobee
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 4.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,254 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 34972, 34974
- Latitude: 27.2439° N
- Longitude: 80.8298° W
Location and History
Okeechobee is the county seat and largest city in Okeechobee County, located in south-central Florida, near the northern shore of Lake Okeechobee. The city was incorporated in 1917 and grew as a hub for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and citrus farming, due to its fertile lands and proximity to the lake. Okeechobee’s location near the lake also made it a key area for fishing and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors interested in exploring Florida’s natural beauty. The city’s history is marked by its resilience, particularly following the devastating 1928 hurricane, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. Despite this, Okeechobee rebuilt and continued to develop as a central point for commerce and community in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Okeechobee is served by the Okeechobee County School District, with notable schools including Okeechobee High School and Yearling Middle School. Major landmarks in Okeechobee include the Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, which preserves the site of a significant battle during the Second Seminole War, and Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the second-largest in the contiguous United States. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, with several parks and recreational areas along its shores. The city’s annual Okeechobee County Fair and the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival draw visitors from across the state, celebrating the community’s culture and natural beauty. Okeechobee’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and access to outdoor recreation makes it the central city in Okeechobee County.
Taylor Creek
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 4.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,348 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 34974
- Latitude: 27.2410° N
- Longitude: 80.7965° W
Location and History
Taylor Creek is a small, unincorporated community located just northeast of the city of Okeechobee, along the shores of Lake Okeechobee. The area is named after the creek that runs through it, which has historically provided water and a transportation route for the region’s agricultural activities. Taylor Creek has developed as a quiet residential community, known for its close proximity to the lake and its rural, laid-back atmosphere. The community’s history is closely tied to the development of agriculture in the region, with cattle ranching and citrus farming playing significant roles in its growth. Taylor Creek’s location along the lake makes it a prime spot for those seeking a peaceful environment with easy access to fishing and boating.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Taylor Creek is served by the Okeechobee County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Okeechobee. Major landmarks in Taylor Creek include the Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area, which is a man-made wetland designed to improve water quality in Lake Okeechobee while providing habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The nearby Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and observing the natural beauty of the region. Taylor Creek’s combination of rural charm, proximity to Lake Okeechobee, and access to outdoor activities makes it an important community in Okeechobee County.