Lucky 13 LaBelle Home Sales?

Sales May Be Picking Up In Hendry County

LABELLE FL. -- From October 27 to November 24, there were 13 homes sold in the LaBelle area of western Hendry county for an average price of $77,615. The homes sold were a mixture of Port LaBelle resales and homes in Hendry county and the city of LaBelle.

The  LaBelle area real estate sales this month include:

1) $100,000 on 6th Ave in LaBelle
2) $195,000 on County Road 78 in Hendry County
3) $100,000 on Euclid Pl in LaBelle
4) $47,000 on Fort Keis Ave in Hendry County
5) $34,000 on Hendry St in LaBelle
6) $71,000 on Kumquat Cir in Port LaBelle
7) $69,000 on Nobles Rd in Hendry County
8) $130,000 on Pollywog Pt in LaBelle
9) $60,000 on Ramrod Cir in Port LaBelle
10) $40,000 on N Edgewater Cir in Port LaBelle
11) $50,000 on S Davis St in LaBelle
12) $83,000 on S Edgewater Cir in Port LaBelle
13) $30,000 on W Crow Cir in Port LaBelle

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Hendry Deputy Branaman Saves Life

Allegedly Drunk Woman Saved From Canal CLEWISTON, FL. -- Due to the quick actions of Hendry County Sheriffs Deputies, their success in extricating a female driver from a sinking car may have saved her life.  During the early morning hours of Friday, November 20, 2009, Hendry County Agriculture Deputy Blake Branaman was patrolling the area of Flaghole Road outside of Clewiston, when he witnessed a vehicle exit the west side of Flaghole Road and enter a canal that parallels the roadway.  Acting quickly Deputy Branaman immediately called for assistance and exited his vehicle.  After notifying sheriff's office communication dispatcher, Lori Rodriguez, Branaman told them he was entering the canal in an effort to rescue the driver as the vehicle was quickly sinking.  Upon making contact with the driver, later identified as Robin Jones, Branaman struggled with her to get her out of the vehicle as she was uncooperative and resisting his efforts.  Moments later additional Sheriff's Office personnel arrived on scene and were able to assist Branaman in removing Jones from the vehicle unharmed.  Clewiston towing was then called to remove the completely submerged vehicle.  Once Jones was removed from the vehicle she was transported to Hendry Regional Medical Center and later released.  At the time of her release Jones was transported to the Clewiston Sub Office where she was interviewed.  It was at this time that deputies determined that Jones was in fact intoxicated.  She did submit to a breathalyzer to determine her blood alcohol level which measured .140, nearly twice the legal level.  Jones was placed under arrest and transported to the Hendry County Jail and later released on a $750 bond.   Sheriff Whidden stated ''I am very proud of the efforts of Deputy Blake Branaman, Sgt. Larry Preece, Deputies Clifton Green, Shannon Bell and Brian VanFleet.  Their heroic efforts and selfless action are an example of the risks that law enforcement officers around the nation may be called upon to take each day while protecting its citizens.''

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At The Glades County Commission Meeting

What's Happening In Glades County MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- At Monday evening's Glades County Commission Meeting, Commissioner Donna Storter announced the dedication service for Ortona Community Park would be held Tuesday December 8 following the BoCC meeting.   Commissioner Giesler stated Mr. Ritter had informed him that the Pearce Canal dredging project is within one mile of completion.  He thanked the Muse Community Association for the Thanksgiving Dinner enjoyed last week, and introduced Rogel Brown, President of Buckhead Ridge Home Owners Association.   Commissioner Echols relayed the message from Mrs. Claudie McPherson that she is beginning the fund drive for Toys for Tots to buy bicycles for local children to be distributed December 19.  The bicycles cost from $60 to $70 and checks of any amount are to be made to Toys for Tots and may be left with Jennifer Hopper in the County Manager�s office for Mrs. McPherson.  Echols noted that funds sent directly to Toys for Tots may not be distributed locally, but would be, if sent thru Mrs. McPherson.  If you know of a deserving needy child who could use a bike, contact Mrs. McPherson at 863-946-0561.   Commissioner Beck reported on recent meetings concerning Curry Island and the desire of the county to basically provide a wilderness park with improvement for habitat.  He proposes the county consider executing a 50-year lease of Water Management approximately 200 acres between SR7 and Curry Island. He said LOHA was getting the lease of the old Parker place.    He said he had met with Boy Scout representatives and though they liked the Curry Island property for a new campsite, they need 600-1000 acres but may consider creating a satellite camp on Curry Island because of its central location and proximity to both coasts.  Beck said he was told they have up to 5,000 campers per weekend.

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600 Hendry Cats Needing Homes

University Of Florida Organizing Massive Cat Rescue Effort LABELLE, FL. -- The City of LaBelle Animal Control department has accepted custody of approximately 600 cats following the closure of the Tenth Life Sanctuary in Hendry County located off State Road 80 east of LaBelle. Maury Swee, the operator of the cat shelter is reportedly cooperating with authorities but has not allowed media to view the rescue operation. Swee reportedly took possession of the cats from individuals or groups with the understanding that Swee would take care of the animals in return for a payment by the cat owners, and that experiments may be performed on some of the animals. A team of veterinarians from Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida will examine all of the cats on November 23rd through the 25th. The UF VETS program in collaboration with partners from HSUS, ASPCA, and other regional humane agencies have already performed a preliminary assessment and will set up a field hospital to triage and treat the large number of cats. Although many of the cats are ill, the team hopes to save as many as possible finding capable placement partners that can take them in. All cats have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. They will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, and tested for FeLV and FIV prior to transfer to other agencies. Several important infectious diseases, including herpesvirus, calicivirus, giardia, cryptosporidia, and tritrichomonas have been identified in the population, so appropriate isolation capacity must be available at the receiving agency. Many of the cats are feral and require placement in highly enriched confinement or a free-roaming situation. Relocation of feral cats is especially challenging and requires a careful acclimation plan. Transfers will begin on Tuesday November 24. The friendliest cats will be available for immediate transfer on that day, while remaining cats will likely require treatment. If an agency can provide a second chance for these cats, they may print and complete this application and submit it as soon as possible. More information will be available following processing of the application. Officials say any group or individual that brought animals to the Hendry Tenth Life Sanctuary may reclaim them by submitting an application. Private individuals interested in adopting can contact the city of LaBelle Animal Control at 863-675-3381. Help Needed At LaBelle's Animal Rescue Shelter Hendry county has two other animal shelters including Animal Rescue of LaBelle, Inc., Hendry/Glades county's only non-profit 'no kill' shelter that has many healthy cats available to the public for adoption or for foster home care pending an adoption. Volunteers are always much needed to socialize the animals and for clean-up at the rescue shelter, located on the north side the LaBelle bridge just north of the Handy Store.

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Florida Wildlife Commission Meeting In Clewiston

Hendry County - Site Of December FWC Meeting

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in Clewiston Dec. 9 and 10 to vote on and discuss numerous inland and marine issues. The Wednesday and Thursday sessions at the John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Ave., will begin at 8:30 a.m. both days and are open to the public.

The Dec. 9 meeting focuses on inland issues. The Commission will consider the final rule that would allow use of peregrine falcons for falconry in Florida, consistent with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Commissioners will discuss draft rules that would change deer hunting seasons and zone boundaries. The purpose of these changes is to align season dates with the rut (a time of peak white-tailed deer activity), and thus increase hunter satisfaction.

Commissioners also will consider draft rule proposals pertaining to hunting on about 150 wildlife management areas, wildlife and environmental areas, mitigation parks and miscellaneous areas.

The first day�s full agenda also includes a discussion of a draft rule change for taking or removing nuisance wildlife, adding the possibility of allowing off-site relocation under specific conditions, rather than euthanizing the wildlife, and requiring trap and snare inspection at least once every 24 hours.

Other proposed rules would require a permit to import nonnative wildlife on the conditional list, including the Northern largemouth bass. Another proposed rule would prohibit importation of quagga mussels.

Commissioners will consider draft rules revising Florida�s listed-species process. The proposed changes would create one Florida list for imperiled species that includes any species listed at the federal level as well as Florida-designated listed species. The new draft rules concentrate on sound management strategies to ensure no species goes extinct in Florida. 

Commissioners will hear a request to continue consideration of changes to manatee zones in Sarasota County and discuss potential changes to the permits available to commercial fishers and professional fishing guides for higher speed operation in some manatee zones statewide. Land acquisition and management issues will also be discussed. Commissioners will wrap up the first day with election of a new chairman and vice chairman for 2010. 

Presentations during the second day of the meeting include a report on options for future action for reptiles of concern, including the Burmese python. Also on Dec. 10, the Commission will hold a final public hearing on proposed federal consistency rules to address overfishing of grouper in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida.  These rules would decrease the aggregate daily recreational bag limit for all grouper in Atlantic and Monroe County state waters from five fish to three fish per person, prohibit the captain and crew of for-hire vessels from retaining any species in the aggregate grouper bag limit, and decrease the aggregate recreational bag limit for gag and black grouper from two fish combined to one fish in Atlantic and Monroe County state waters.

The proposed federal consistency rules also would prohibit all recreational and commercial harvest of shallow-water groupers (including gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper and tiger grouper) from Jan. 1 through April 30 in Atlantic and Monroe County state waters. 

In addition, a final public hearing will take place on a proposed federal consistency rule that would require dehooking tools to be aboard commercial and recreational vessels and used as needed when fishing for reef fish in Atlantic state waters. 

Another final public hearing will take place on proposed new rules that would be compatible with an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plan for Atlantic coastal sharks and enhance current FWC protective measures for sharks that inhabit Florida waters. These rules would prohibit harvest of sandbar, silky and Caribbean sharpnose sharks from state waters; establish a 54-inch fork-length minimum size limit for all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, bonnethead, finetooth and blacktip sharks and smooth dogfish; prohibit removal of shark heads and tails at sea; allow only hook and line gear to harvest sharks; and make other technical shark rule changes.

A final public hearing will also revolve around proposed rule amendments that would automatically allow use of new designs of bycatch reduction and turtle exclusion devices in shrimp trawls in state waters when new designs are certified for use in adjacent federal waters; restrict the use of the Florida fisheye to inshore and nearshore Florida waters, where trawls are limited to 500 square feet; and delete a provision that allows use of the extended funnel in state waters.  Technical changes to turtle-excluder device rules are also proposed.

In other marine fisheries action, the Commission will receive reports on permit and bonefish management issues; consider draft rules that would prohibit harvest of lemon sharks from Florida waters and extend the expiration date of the moratorium on new spiny lobster commercial dive permits from July 1, 2010, until July 1, 2015; review and discuss various federal fishery management issues; and receive reports on goliath grouper and the Marine Recreational Information Program.

Before adjourning the two-day session, Commissioners will also examine draft rules updating boating-restricted areas along the Florida Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway portion in Palm Beach County.

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Florida Shoppers Urged To Use Caution

Holiday Shopping Tips For Floridians

LABELLE, FL. -- With the holiday shopping season getting under way, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is encouraging consumers to shop wisely, know their rights and keep track of purchases.

"Whether you shop by telephone, catalog, in retail stores or online, it pays to be a savvy consumer," Bronson said. "Being smart about shopping and exercising a little care can be the difference between having a happy holiday season and a disastrous one."

Among the tips for shopping wisely:

-- Get the best deal. Comparison shop and research merchants' pricing policies, as some will match, or even beat, a competitor's price. Where applicable, check shipping and handling fees and don't forget to factor those into the cost of the item.

-- Can you get your money back? Check out a merchant's refund and return policy before you buy.

-- Check delivery dates. When shopping by phone, from a catalog or online, find out how long it takes for the item to be delivered. Be sure to order merchandise early enough to make sure that it arrives on time.

-- Protect your privacy and know who you are dealing with. Provide personal information, such as a credit card number, home address or telephone number, only when necessary and make sure that you know the merchant with whom you are dealing. If you have never heard of the seller, check out the company with your local Better Business Bureau or with the Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELPFLA before you decide to make a purchase.

-- Track your purchases. When shopping online, keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including any warranties, or return and refund policies. When shopping by phone or from a catalog, keep records of your order, including the company's name, address, telephone number, date of your order, and item number or description of the merchandise you ordered.

-- Keep receipts. You might need them to return an item or reconcile a credit card statement. When purchasing a gift, ask for a separate gift receipt.

Gift cards are becoming an increasingly popular choice for holiday gifts as they enable the recipient to choose whatever he or she wants and eliminate the guesswork about sizes, styles and colors of merchandise. In 2007, the Florida Legislature enacted a law that prohibits gift cards from a retail store from having an expiration date or imposing monthly service charges, dormancy fees or account maintenance fees. However, those restrictions do not apply to general-purpose gift cards, including ones from American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, which are also sold at stores and honored by establishments that accept those forms of payment. Therefore, consumers should carefully examine the terms and conditions of such cards and weigh whatever fees, if any, they impose against the flexibility of giving a gift card that is widely accepted by retailers throughout the country.

For additional consumer information or to file a complaint against a business, Floridians can visit the department's Division of Consumer Services web site at http://www.800helpfla.com or call 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352).

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One Million U.S. Workers To Be Hired

Got Your Application In For A Census Job?

LABELLE, FL. -- Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) announced today that the U.S. Census Bureau is accepting applications for temporary employment.

In preparation for the 2010 Decennial Census, the Bureau will be hiring as many as one million people across the country.  Primary recruiting for census workers will take place throughout the fall and winter of 2009 with the bulk of hiring to occur in the spring of 2010.

''A reliable and accurate count in the 2010 census is extremely important for Florida," said Rooney.  ''The Census Bureau needs capable and dedicated workers to carry out the mission of the 2010 census."

Available positions include census takers who conduct personal interviews with respondents in their communities, crew leaders who train and supervise census takers, crew leader assistants, census clerks who perform administrative duties in local census offices and recruiting assistants who help spread the word in their communities about employment opportunities.

For most positions, hours vary and do not exceed 40 hours per week.  However, working evenings and weekends may be required.  Employment with the Bureau usually lasts five to 10 weeks.

For more information and to apply for a position, please call 1-866-861-2010.  Additional information can be found at: http://2010censusjobs.gov

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