Brighton

Florida Seminole Veteran’s Building at Brighton

The Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation in northern Glades County was established around 1938, beginning their modern economy with cattle shipped in from the Depression era dust bowl communities in Oklahoma before going on to grow to become one of the major beef producers in the southeastern United States. While cattle can be seen throughout the reservation grazing in improved pasturelands maintained by the Seminole cattle owners with some help from the tribe, much of the reservation remains intact as it existed decades ago with the large hammocks and palmettos, while some assets have been carved out and dedicated to their thriving tourism brand.

The Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation offers a variety of experiences for visitors. The Seminole Casino at Brighton, 17735 Reservation Rd., Okeechobee, FL 34974, features over 300 gaming machines, 4 poker tables and high-stake bingo or dine at the Josiah Restaurant and Lounge. Open 24/7.  For more information, phone (863) 467-9998 or visit https://www.seminolebrightoncasino.com/

An alternative option for breakfast, lunch and dinner is Alices Restaurant, 17410 Reservation Rd NE, Okeechobee, FL 34974. Described as a family style restaurant serving comfort food where breakfast, burgers, wings and cheese sticks are all good, it’s open daily until 9 p.m. For more information, phone (863) 467-2226

The Seminole Arts and Crafts Center, located at 16250 Reservation Road, Okeechobee, FL 34974, features traditional Native American Seminole Jackets, Shirts, Jewelry, Arts & Crafts. For more information, phone (863) 467-6791

 Rodeo fans can enjoy professional rodeo action and special events like the Brighton Field Days Festival and Rodeo, held annually the second week of February at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, Brighton, 500 Harney Pond Road, Okeechobee, Florida 34974. For more information, phone (863) 467-6039 or visit www.rezrodeo.com

Veterans and their families may particularly enjoy visiting the Florida Seminole Veteran’s Building at Brighton, 800 East Harney Pond Road, Okeechobee, FL 34974. The Veteran’s Building, which opened in 2009, is a star-shaped building representing the five branches of the United States Armed Forces. There is a walking path which is a quarter-mile track with exercise equipment areas and gazebos around the path. For more information, phone (863) 357-7620 or visit www.semtribe.com/veterans

Visitors to Brighton have the option of staying at the The Brighton Seminole Campground and RV Park, 14685 Reservation Rd NE, Okeechobee, FL 34974, which offers 56 pull-in RV slots to accommodate every size and class of RV, or in one of four brand new lakefront log cabins. Visitors can enjoy the new and expanded pool area, get their provisions at the adjacent Trading Post, which features souvenirs and snacks or check out the Brighton Up Your Day Spa for a massage.

For more information, phone (863) 467-0474 or visit https://www.brightonrvresort.com/accommodations/rv-site/