OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — An Okeechobee County deputy, continuing to recover from serious injuries, reached an important milestone, returning home after being released from the hospital.
Deputy Austin Rhodes was originally injured on February 23 while directing traffic at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Wolf Road after a traffic signal malfunctioned. A vehicle entered the intersection and struck him with enough force to throw him a significant distance down the roadway, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he was initially listed in serious but stable condition as doctors began evaluating and treating his injuries.
March 11, 2026 – Deputy Austin Rhodes—who was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at U.S. 441 and Wolf Road after a signal malfunction—has returned home to continue recovering following his release from HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he underwent a successful surgery and showed encouraging improvement. (OCSO){ }
In the days following the crash, Deputy Rhodes underwent a surgical procedure that doctors deemed successful. Updates shared with permission from his family indicated he was awake, alert, recognizing those around him, and responding appropriately—signs that his medical team called promising as he began his path toward recovery.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that Deputy Rhodes transitioned to outpatient care and is now home, where he will continue resting and rebuilding his strength.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that while this is a significant step, he still faces a long road ahead.
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OCSO expressed gratitude for the continued outpouring of support, as well as, for the medical professionals who treated Deputy Rhodes on scene, during his air transport, and throughout his hospitalization.
“This is a heartfelt welcome home to Austin and a sincere thank you to our Okeechobee community, along with the many people from across the country and around the world who have lifted Austin up in prayer and sent their well wishes for his recovery,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Your support, faith, and encouragement have meant more than words can express.”
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the traffic incident that led to Deputy Rhodes’ injuries.