OCEDC 2026 Q2 Updates

07/23/2026

Today, the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) had the opportunity to present our quarterly report (Q2) to the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, highlighting recent economic development activity, ongoing projects, and organizational updates.

We appreciate the continued partnership and support of the Board as we work together to advance economic opportunities and strengthen Okeechobee County’s business climate.

If you missed the presentation, the meeting recording is available on Okeechobee County’s website. You can also review the presentation material here.

We look forward to keeping our community informed and engaged as we continue working to support economic growth in Okeechobee County.

Kaylee King
President

863-357-2334
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Alex Tijerina
Director of Existing Industry

863-697-1963
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Kaylee King photo
Kaylee King
President
863-357-2334
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Kaylee King serves as the President of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, where she leads efforts to attract new business, support local industry, and build a stronger workforce for the region. A proud fourth-generation Okeechobee resident, Kaylee brings a deep commitment to her community and a passion for sustainable economic growth.

Before stepping into her current role, Kaylee served as Business Manager of the organization for three years. During her time with OCEDC, she has been instrumental in successfully recruiting new companies to the area—including 7 Brew, Culver’s, Aviation Resource Center, WSF Gas, Landmark Precast, and Kost Truss—and is currently supporting several active projects.

Kaylee is the founder of Okeechobee Junior Leaders, a career exploration and soft skills initiative for middle and high school students that directly supports the community’s long-term talent pipeline. In recognition of her leadership, she was named one of Treasure Coast Business Magazine’s “Leaders to Watch” in 2023.

She attened Indian River State College and the University of Central Florida—go Knights!—and brings a background in healthcare marketing to her economic development work. Her deep roots stretch back to her great-grandfather, one of the original cat fishermen on Lake Okeechobee. He can even be spotted in the mural on the Gilbert Bank building, honoring Okeechobee’s legacy.

Outside of work, Kaylee is a proud girl mom to Scarlett and Emerie and has been happily married for ten years.

Alex Tijerina photo
Alex Tijerina
Director of Existing Industry
863-697-1963
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Alex Tijerina serves as the Director of Existing Industry for the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, where she leads efforts to support business expansion, community organizational collaboration, and connecting the local workforce pipeline with business owners. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Marketing, coupled with her extensive portfolio highlighting a variety of industry skills including hospitality, property management, event coordination, marketing in commercial real estate, commercial architectural and interior design, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to further enhance the Corporation's Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program.

Alex joins the OCEDC team with a strong track record in non-profit development, having successfully spearheaded initiatives like Touch-A-Truck, a beloved community event since 2014. Her expertise in this field will serve as an asset in fostering strategic partnerships with local businesses, nurturing existing industry relationships, and identifying opportunities for expansion.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Alex is also a seasoned entrepreneur, having successfully owned and operated multiple small businesses. This firsthand experience and passion for her community gives her an intimate understanding of the intricacies of running a business, and she is eager to leverage this knowledge to support the local business community.