Lake Okeechobee authorized uses for Lake Okeechobee include the following: The wide dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee is the basis for the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), a part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a trail that is a National Scenic Trail. There is a well-maintained paved pathway along the majority of the perimeter, although with significant breaks. It is used by hikers and bicyclists, and is wide enough to accommodate vehicles. The most common fish in this lake are largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Pickerel have been less commonly caught. Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades are featured as a backdrop for
Florida Heartland Series race usually held in the second week of March, drew a "paying crowd" of more than 169,000 in 2006. Many seasonal residents live in the area during the winter months only, as temperatures in south Florida stay very moderate during that time of year. Lake Okeechobee and Lake Istokpoga attract fishers to the area. Area code 863 is used throughout the region. There are two daily newspapers published in the Heartland, the "Okeechobee News" (Okeechobee), and "Highlands Today" (Sebring). Other daily newspapers that serve the Heartland include: There are no local television stations in the Florida Heartland. TV service