Indian River State College is proud to be leading Okee-One — a transformative workforce development initiative and our vision to bring a vibrant new campus forward for Okeechobee. By transforming the 205-acre former Florida School for Boys site into a fully operational, community-anchored data and technology campus, we are creating real career pathways for Okeechobee residents and hands-on learning opportunities for students in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Okee-One will serve as a living learning lab where students train alongside real-world infrastructure, Okeechobee residents earn skilled, well-paying careers, and a historically significant piece of land becomes a source of regional pride and economic strength.
Workforce development is central to the College’s vision. Okee-One is directly connected to Indian River State College’s technical workforce programs, including but not limited to technology, cybersecurity, electrical systems, welding, and HVAC – and Okeechobee graduates will be first in line for the careers this campus supports.
The project is currently in the development stage as we work to find partners that will align with and support our vision.
FAQs
What exactly is Okee-One, and what is The River’s vision?
Okee-One is Indian River State College’s vision to transform the 205-acre former Florida School for Boys site into a fully operational, community-anchored data and technology campus. The River’s vision is to create a living learning lab where students train alongside real-world infrastructure, Okeechobee residents earn skilled careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, and a historically significant piece of land becomes a source of regional pride and economic strength. Okee-One will promote economic development and workforce development for the emerging digital economy.
Will this project actually create jobs for Okeechobee residents?
Absolutely — and local workforce development is central to why The River is leading this project. Okee-One is directly connected to Indian River State College’s programs in IT, cybersecurity, electrical systems, and other technical workforce programs. Graduates will be first in line for the skilled, well-paying careers this campus creates and supports.
What is being done to protect wildlife and natural habitats on the property?
Indian River State College contracted professionals at Kimley-Horn to make sure we were meeting all of the state and federal requirements to identify and protect the species identified on site and to ensure we’re good stewards of the surrounding natural resources.
Will this data campus drive up electricity prices for Okeechobee residents?
No. Okee-One is being envisioned as a 9-to-10-megawatt facility. We are aiming for Okee-One to fit with the infrastructure in place and originally supported the present development on site.
Will the data campus threaten the community’s water supply?
No. The intention is to build a facility that is supported by existing infrastructure. The Okee-One site also has proximity to Okeechobee Utility Authority’s existing water reclamation facility, which may work for the campus’s cooling operations.
Is it appropriate to redevelop the former Florida School for Boys site?
Indian River State College takes the history of this site seriously. A cultural resources assessment survey was completed. The intent is to transform this land into a campus of education and opportunity for a new generation of Floridians.
How has the community been involved as the project comes to fruition?
The project has been presented before the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners and the Okeechobee City Council in public sessions, and The River’s leadership has engaged with local government and economic development partners throughout. The College is committed to ongoing, open dialogue.
Questions?
Contact: Indian River State College | 772-462-4772 or PIO@irsc.edu
