It may not have had storm surge in Okeechobee, but it has devastation and I understand you cannot get through to Okeechobee on US 27. There was a Marina destroyed and Mobile Homes destroyed.
I don't doubt the area saw strong storm effects and damage, but until the hard data comes in, I like to look for reasons to be optimistic. It's a personal choice, not at all meant to minimize anyone's loss or suffering.