Despite all the rumors and red flags, Okeechobeings have been holding onto hope — but, it’s really not likely that Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is coming back next year.
In a November 8th meeting with the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator Robbie Chartier stated point blank: “It’s pretty safe to say there won’t be a festival this year.”
As it turns out, OMF hasn’t applied for the required permit to hold a 2019 installment. Although organizers reportedly still own the land, a permit is a necessary step to lock down the event. In other words, it’s not looking good. 
The 2018 music festival drew in 34,000 people, with approximately 26,000 paid admissions, according to Lake Okeechobee News. Months after the fest, OMF shared an update on September 13, which stated, “Hang in there … info coming soon.”
After an epic three years, Okee would most definitely be going out on top. Still, it would be a shame, considering how much music fans love it and the kind of culture the festival has cultivated. For many, it has become more than just another music festival, but a yearly tradition.
It might finally be time to let go.
Source: Lake Okeechobee News | Photo via Ben Weickert for Okeechobee
