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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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About our Health Officer

Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County

Bret A. Smith, Okeechobee Health Officer
Bret A. Smith
Interim Administrator
Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County

Bret Smith joined the Florida Department Health in Osceola County in 1996 as an inspector in Environmental Health. Prior to this he spent 10 years teaching High School Science.

During his time with the Florida Department of Health, he has had the opportunity to serve in numerous leadership roles, which include Environmental Health Administrator for 10 years and the past 7 years as the Assistant CHD Administrator.

During his time with Florida Department of Health, he completed the CDC Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute. Bret and his team have received several awards and recognitions for their service to the community, including two NACCHO Best Practice Awards for their work with PACE-EH.

Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Ed., with a Biological Sciences Major from Heritage College, and a Master in Business Administration degree with a focus on Leadership and Management. He is currently attending Luther Rice College working on an M.S. degree in Crisis Counseling.

In February of 2021, Mr. Smith was given the opportunity to serve as the Interim CHD Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County. Soon after, he began building strong community partnerships. He currently serves on a number of committee’s and councils. It is his goal to maintain and establish partnerships that support a healthy community and fulfill our public health mission.