Royal Palms line the main thoroughfare through downtown Pahokee.
Pahokee is a city located on the shore of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,985 at the 2000 census. As of 2007, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,459.[4] Culturally, Pahokee is associated with the Florida Heartland, although officially it is a part of South Florida.
"Pahokee" means 'grassy waters' in the Creek language. [5] The locals people refer to Pahokee as "The Muck" which refers to the mineral rich dark soil in which the local Sugar Cane, Citrus Fruits and Corn grows. It was once known as the "Winter Vegetable Capital of the World" in its hey day when the city had thriving commerce. Pahokee once boasted hotels, barber shops, restaurants, clothing stores, amusement arcades and a theatre. Recent years have seen the closure of these businesses aside from a few local grocery stores. The area is also known for its numerous churches of multiple Christian faiths including, Baptist, Methodist and Catholic.
The local radio station maintains this Christian theme with a gospel format and is known as WSWN Sugar 900. The local celebrity DJ's are known as Dawn Brady, Harvey Poole Jr. and the station Manager is Mike D. Harvey Poole Jr.'s father Harvey Poole Sr. was the longest running, continuously on air African-American radio personality and broadcaster in the U.S., delighting and enlightening audiences since 1945. The Distinguished Pioneer award was established to honor those who have paved the way for generations of others in their particular field of expertise. His far-reaching broadcasts became well known throughout South Florida and the Bahamas.
Pahokee in the Media
A local boy made world headlines for his interview of President Barack Obama. 10 year old Damon Weaver came to the world media's attention when he appealed to President Obama to help overcome problems in his community. [1]. Damon has since interviewed music stars and politicians eversince he came to the attention of the world's media.
Education
Local elementary education consists of Pahokee Elementary School and Canal Point Elementary Shool. Higher education exists in the form of Pahokee High School famed for its American Football training and producing numerous sports stars.
Geography
Pahokee is located at 26°49′29″N 80°39′35″W / 26.82472°N 80.65972°W / 26.82472; -80.65972 (26.824717, -80.659660).[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.0 km² (5.4 mi²), all land.
Demographics
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 5,985 people, 1,710 households, and 1,328 families residing in the city. The population density was 428.7/km² (1,109.4/mi²). There were 1,936 housing units at an average density of 138.7/km² (358.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 25.21% White[7] 56.06% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 15.20% from other races, and 2.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29.46% of the population. Whites not of Hispanic origin made up 13.6% of the populace.
There were 1,710 households out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 22.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.3% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.35 and the average family size was 3.79.
In the city, 38.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.3% were aged 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,731, and the median income for a family was $26,265. Males had a median income of $28,859 versus $20,066 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,346. About 29.4% of families and 32.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.9% of those under age 18 and 32.0% of those age 65 or over.
In 2000, 72.78% of the population spoke English as a first language, while those who spoke Spanish made up 26.65%, and those who spoke French Creole made up 0.56%.[8]
Notable residents
- Zabian Dowdell - basketball player for AS Junior Casale Monferrato
- Fred Taylor - NFL running back, New England Patriots
- Mel Tillis - Country musician. Born in Tampa, Florida but raised in Pahokee.
- Reidel Anthony - NFL wide receiver, Univ. of Florida Gators 1996 National Championship Team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Anquan Boldin - NFL wide receiver, Florida State University, Arizona Cardinals
- Rickey Jackson - NFL linebacker, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers
- Janoris Jenkins - Defensive back at the University of Florida
- Antone Smith - NFL running back, Florida State University, Atlanta Falcons
- Alphonso Smith - NFL cornerback, Denver Broncos
- Martavious Odoms - wide receiver, University of Michigan
- Freddie Lee Peterkin aka Freddie Lee - Soul & Gospel Singer [[2]]
References
External links
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