Welcome to America's Sweetest Town.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for City's New Water Plant - A "GREAT DAY" in America's Sweetest Town
April 25, 2008 — “It is a great day in ‘America’s Sweetest Town’”! exclaimed Mayor Mali Chamness as city officials officially turned on the tap to bring residents a reliable supply of high quality drinking water. See feature strory under "News" Menu.
++++++++++++++++
AMERICA'S SWEETEST TOWN
Clewiston, "America's Sweetest Town," was developed in the 1920's, incorporated in 1925, and occupies 4.57 square miles in Hendry County. Today, it is a friendly little town of approximately 6,500 people - way out in the middle of everywhere - 60 miles east of Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico and 60 miles west of Palm Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Through more than a half-century of growth, our town has kept its charm and beauty.
Where is our town? (Map) Take Route U.S. 27. Clewiston is found on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee, the second largest fresh water lake in the United States. The cross-state Okeechobee Waterway offers direct access from either coast by water for boats up to 120 feet. The marinas, motels, and condominiums located on the waterway have dockage space and most of the motels and restaurants offer courtesy transportation.
Many visitors are attracted to Clewiston because of the excellent freshwater fishing in Lake Okeechobee, offering the best in black bass and pan fishing, including crappie and bream. The City has a protected boat basin with many wide boat ramps and spacious parking for easy access to Lake Okeechobee. The municipal 18-hole golf course is seldom crowded and beautifully maintained. Other City-owned recreational facilities include the lighted tennis courts, library, public pool and water spray park. The Sugarland Park Recreational Facility boasts nine ballfields, racquetball courts, and soccer fields. Newly-added facilities at Sugarland Park include a pavilion, picnic facilities, tot lot, and basketball courts. Trinidad Park has gotten a new look, too, with playground equipment, pavilion, individual covered picnic tables, walking path, and much, much more.
Construction is slated for later this year to construct Clewiston's new upscale Commerce Park. Building sites are still available. Call City Manager Wendell Johnson at 863-983-1484 or email him at wendell.johnson@clewiston-fl.gov for more information.
Clewiston is proud to have the Hendry County Regional Medical Center located here. With the small town atmosphere, recreational facilities, and business opportunities, it is no wonder so many people are looking at Clewiston as the place to raise a family or retire. Clewiston’s temperate climate and tranquil palm-filled vistas make it a town for all seasons.
If you are interested in starting a business in Clewiston, the Hendry County Economic Development Council, Inc. has many incentives to offer you. Just click on the link below to learn more.
Public Service Announcement
Automated Sanitation
For Residential Customers
Learn more... about the new automated curbside sanitation system that will be implemented during mid-2008. Click on the video at the bottom of the Public Works page.
Dear Resident. The City of Clewiston is pleased to announce Automated Sanitation Service to all on May 12, 2008. Automated collection of household garbage is a technologically advanced refuse collection system and is called “automated” because a special truck, equipped with a mechanical/robotic arm, automatically lifts and empties a city-provided “tipper” cart without the driver ever leaving the cab of the truck. The automated system is designed to reduce operational cost, improve service efficiency, make the task of disposing of garbage cleaner for the residents, improve the appearance of the city, and greatly reduce the injury potential for city employees. Other general information follows:
HOMEOWNER REQUIREMENTS
1. Tipper Carts will be delivered to each residence by May 9, 2008 and use of the carts must start immediately upon delivery. Twice a week pick will continue and service days will not change. Service rates will not change. With the Automated System, the City will no longer provide back yard service other than for qualified “disability” customers.
2. All customers must roll their city-provided tipper carts to curbside on service day. No other garbage containers may be used for collection. The cart is to be placed at the street by 7:00 AM on the morning of collection and must be removed from the street before 7:00 PM on collection day. Carts are not to be left at the street at any other time. Customers who leave the cart at street side in violation of this policy will be subject to a fine of not less than $25.00.
3. All household refuse/garbage items must be placed within the cart. It is recommended that garbage items be bagged and tied, then deposited in the cart. Cardboard boxes should be broken down so they take less room in the cart. Do not overfill the cart to the extent the lid will not fully close. If the lid is not closed, garbage will spill to road so the container may not be emptied. Items not in the cart will not be picked up and no other waste items except horticulture or “special pick up” goods may be placed at curbside for city services.
4. The cart must be placed within 3 feet of the curb at least 4 feet from any tree, pole, mailbox, fire hydrant, etc, and at least 10 feet away from any cars parked in the street. Place the cart so the wheels and the handle face toward the house.
5. Except on service day, the cart must be stored in the backyard, garage, or other convenient location so it is not discernable from any street.
6. Clean the cart periodically with water. Do not place hot ashes, solvents, paints, or other flammable liquids in the cart. Do not use the cart to hold hazardous materials such as: dead animals, chemicals, oils, liquids and medical waste, exposed needles, used bandages, etc. Do not place dirt, rocks, limbs, or building materials in the cart. Do not allow children to play in or on the cart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if my cart is damaged or stolen? The carts are the property of the City of Clewiston and each one is assigned an address and serial number. All reports of damage or theft will be investigated by calling the Public Works Dept Office at 983-1471. Repairs or replacements will be made as needed.
May I use refuse containers other than the city provided tipper cart? No, the automated truck will only pick up city issued containers. Customers have a choice of a 96 gallon or a 65 gallon cart.
What kinds of refuse can I put in the Automated Garbage Container? Only residential refuse or solid waste resulting from normal housekeeping activities of a dwelling unit may be placed within the container. Household garbage, horticulture waste, and small volumes of construction debris resulting from minor home repair performed by the owner when such waste can be placed within the automated container.
Does the city provide assisted and / or rear door collection with the automated garbage container? Yes, the City provides “disability service” when residents provide a doctor's statement informing us that a resident is unable to take their garbage to the street. Once we have received that statement, we will begin your assisted service.
What if one cart is not enough for our weekly garbage? Additional carts may be purchased from the City. This is a one-time user fee and the cart remains the property of the City. If a resident moves to another location within the city, the extra purchased cart may be taken, otherwise, the cart stays at the current address.
If I purchase an extra cart, where do I place it for pick up? If you set out more than one cart for pick up, the carts must be placed at least 3 feet apart.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The City will only pick up the automated service cart that is assigned to your particular residence by the Public Works Department. All other bags, cans, containers or carts will not be picked up. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT 983-1471 FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
