Pahokee sits on the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee in western Palm Beach County, about 38 miles from West Palm Beach. The city's name comes from a Creek word meaning "grassy waters," and it was incorporated in 1922. The 2020 census counted 5,524 residents. The defining feature of Pahokee is "The Muck" — the dark, mineral-rich soil of the Everglades Agricultural Area that surrounds the lake. This soil made the region one of the most productive farming belts in the United States, and Pahokee grew up around it. Sugarcane, citrus, sweet corn, and winter vegetables have long driven the local economy. During harvest season the town historically ran around the clock, with trains of refrigerated produce rolling out to northern markets. A sugar mill built in 1963 marked the region's shift toward mechanized cane production. Pahokee is also famous for its football. The community has produced a remarkable number of NFL players for a town of its size, including Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, and the annual Muck Bowl against Glades Central in Belle Glade is one of Florida's most storied rivalries. The old Pahokee High School building, constructed in 1928, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's waterfront sets it apart within the Glades. The Pahokee Marina and Campground offers boat ramps, a 125-site campground, fishing, and access to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, a roughly 109-mile path around the lake. U.S. 441 and State Road 715 connect Pahokee to Belle Glade, West Palm Beach, and the rest of the county. For residents, Pahokee offers a rural, agricultural character, a strong sense of community, and a cost of living far below the Palm Beach County coast. It suits people tied to agriculture and the lake, and those who value small-town roots.