LABELLE, FL. (Aug. 22, 2004) -- Early Sunday morning, August 15, Sheriff
Worley received a call from a volunteer counselor in Hardee County pleading
for assistance. It was explained to Sheriff Worley that the residence in
Hardee County were out of food, and they still had more people that had not
eaten in two days. Under the direction of Sheriff Steve Worley and Major
Terry Woods, the use of semi-tractor trailers, owned by Tracy Martinez and
Charles Chance, have been used for the transportation of food and other
goods to Hurricane Charley victims. Approximately seven and half hours
later, Sheriff Worley, Major Woods, staff and volunteers along with four
semi-tractor/trailers, a box truck owned by Sun Quest Shed, patrol cars and
additional trailers loaded with supplies departed for Hardee County. The
response from the community was overwhelming. Volunteers could not load
the trailers fast enough; even the general public was heard asking to help
load the trucks.
Lori Andrea, a private citizen responded to the Hardee County area on
Sunday, with the first convoy that responded to the hard hit area. Ms.
Andrea who personally witnessed the devastation in that area went back to
the Naples area and together with Costco and many volunteers, they have
managed to collect more than $75,000.00 worth of items to be taken to the
victims. She is now working on the fourth trailer, and currently another
member of the Naples community has donated the use of his
semi-tractor/trailer and is working with Sams Wholesale in Naples. These
Inland areas received Category three hurricane winds or possibly stronger
destroying a great deal of what was had by those that lived there.
So far the Sheriffs Office has taken eight tractor/trailers to Hardee
County and two, to Desoto County. Calls for assistance requesting,
specifically, food items at this time are still coming in. Most of the
non-perishable foods delivered to this area are gone. It is estimated that
in the Wauchula area alone, there are approximately 8,000 hurricane
victims.
It was reported to the deputies unloading food on Wednesday that the items
brought on Tuesday, were what got the residents through Wednesday and what
the Sheriffs Office was leaving was all that they had.
Again, we are reaching out to the public asking for your assistance.
Although the EOC manager has requested donations through the American Red
Cross these people need help NOW, they are hungry. If you can, please help
these victims by dropping off canned non-perishable items at the drop off
points located at the Hendry County Sheriffs Office Headquarters located on
Bridge Street in LaBelle, Florida or at the Hendry County Sub-Office in
Clewiston, or items may be purchased and loaded onto the
semi-tractor/trailers at either Costco or Sams in Naples, or dropped off.
PLEASE NO CLOTHING.
Please allow us to remind you that these items are immediately taken to a
designated area as requested by members of the Emergency Operation Center
in Hardee and Desoto Counties where they are easily accessible to the
victims. They are not placed in a distribution center to await
disbursement.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
$150M Loss To Citrus
Florida Citrus Crop Damage Estimated at Nearly $150 Million
LAKELAND, Fl. (Aug. 18, 2004) - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Farm Service Agency (FSA) posted preliminary figures representing an
estimated crop loss impact of Hurricane Charley on Florida citrus growers.
Officials estimate that the storm reduced the overall citrus harvest for
the upcoming season by 20 percent of the total crop, which equates to
nearly $150 million in crop loss given crop price levels for the past two
seasons.
This figure is for fruit only and does not represent tree loss and
re-planting costs or damage costs associated with barns, equipment,
processing and packing facilities, which will increase the overall economic
loss the industry will face. In addition, growers expect more fruit to
fall within the next few weeks, further adding to the overall fruit loss.
"This is a very preliminary figure that we fully expect to increase as
additional damage is discovered and industry losses are calculated," said
Andy LaVigne, Florida Citrus Mutual's executive vice president/CEO.
The counties most dramatically impacted financially are DeSoto and Hardee
counties where citrus drives the local economies. The economic impact from
the citrus industry for these two counties is approximately 445 million for
the 2002-2003 citrus season. Ninety-six percent of the Florida orange crop
is processed into orange juice. Florida citrus growers supply 80 percent
of the U.S. orange juice supply and 38 percent of the world orange juice
supply.
LAKELAND, Fl. (Aug. 18, 2004) - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Farm Service Agency (FSA) posted preliminary figures representing an
estimated crop loss impact of Hurricane Charley on Florida citrus growers.
Officials estimate that the storm reduced the overall citrus harvest for
the upcoming season by 20 percent of the total crop, which equates to
nearly $150 million in crop loss given crop price levels for the past two
seasons.
This figure is for fruit only and does not represent tree loss and
re-planting costs or damage costs associated with barns, equipment,
processing and packing facilities, which will increase the overall economic
loss the industry will face. In addition, growers expect more fruit to
fall within the next few weeks, further adding to the overall fruit loss.
"This is a very preliminary figure that we fully expect to increase as
additional damage is discovered and industry losses are calculated," said
Andy LaVigne, Florida Citrus Mutual's executive vice president/CEO.
The counties most dramatically impacted financially are DeSoto and Hardee
counties where citrus drives the local economies. The economic impact from
the citrus industry for these two counties is approximately 445 million for
the 2002-2003 citrus season. Ninety-six percent of the Florida orange crop
is processed into orange juice. Florida citrus growers supply 80 percent
of the U.S. orange juice supply and 38 percent of the world orange juice
supply.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
In The Service
Air Force Airman Sarah M. Ryder has graduated from basic military training
at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of
training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and
military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and
received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises,
and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an
associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the
daughter of Annette Schuetz of S. Tulip Road, Labelle, Fla., and
granddaughter of Ethel Ryder of Cass St., Sarasota, Fla. Ryder graduated
in the year 2000 from Clewiston High School, Fla.
at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of
training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and
military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and
received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises,
and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an
associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the
daughter of Annette Schuetz of S. Tulip Road, Labelle, Fla., and
granddaughter of Ethel Ryder of Cass St., Sarasota, Fla. Ryder graduated
in the year 2000 from Clewiston High School, Fla.
Governor's Announces Relief Fund
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today announced the creation of a 501(c)(3)
account, to be managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation, for
charitable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Charley.
"In the wake of this terrible storm, we are seeing a tremendous
outpouring of support from people around the state and across the nation,"
Governor Bush said. "The generosity from our federal partners, corporate
citizens and individuals will truly make a difference as we continue to
rebuild from the destruction of Charley."
So far, more than $1.1 million has been donated for relief efforts. The
family of Wayne Huizenga and the Miami Dolphins have announced they are
donating $1 million to the relief effort, $50,000 from Shell Oil Company and
$25,000 from BP. Individuals also are calling with donations.
Donations are being accepted through Volunteer Florida Foundation and
deposited into a special account specifically for this relief effort.
Information is posted and regularly updated at
www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org
. Checks should be made payable
to Hurricane Charley Relief Effort and may be mailed to Volunteer Florida
Foundation, ATTN: Hurricane Charley Relief Effort, 401 South Monroe Street,
Tallahassee, FL 32301. To make credit card donations, call 1-800-FL-HELP-1.
Other volunteer information may also be obtained by calling the toll-free
number.
Volunteer Florida Foundation will be guided by a steering committee to
oversee fund allocations. The committee will be chaired by former U.S.
Senator Connie Mack. Vice-chairs are Clarence Otis incoming CEO of Darden
Restaurants, Inc., and Joe Lacher, President Florida, BellSouth
Telecommunications. Tallahassee attorney Steve Uhlfelder will serve as the
CEO of the relief efforts
"Times of disaster bring together the spirits and hearts of our
communities," Senator Mack said. "I'm proud to serve in this capacity to
help rebuild the neighborhoods affected by this disaster."
Volunteer Florida Foundation has set up a separate Hurricane Charley Relief
Effort account for donations. All donations designated for this purpose will
be deposited in this special account and will be used only for relief
efforts to assist those affected by Hurricane Charley. A report of the use
of funds will be issued by the steering committee no later than six months
from today, and every six months thereafter until the fund is closed. An
evaluation of the use of private donations will be made by a nonpartisan
group independent of these efforts.
account, to be managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation, for
charitable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Charley.
"In the wake of this terrible storm, we are seeing a tremendous
outpouring of support from people around the state and across the nation,"
Governor Bush said. "The generosity from our federal partners, corporate
citizens and individuals will truly make a difference as we continue to
rebuild from the destruction of Charley."
So far, more than $1.1 million has been donated for relief efforts. The
family of Wayne Huizenga and the Miami Dolphins have announced they are
donating $1 million to the relief effort, $50,000 from Shell Oil Company and
$25,000 from BP. Individuals also are calling with donations.
Donations are being accepted through Volunteer Florida Foundation and
deposited into a special account specifically for this relief effort.
Information is posted and regularly updated at
www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org
to Hurricane Charley Relief Effort and may be mailed to Volunteer Florida
Foundation, ATTN: Hurricane Charley Relief Effort, 401 South Monroe Street,
Tallahassee, FL 32301. To make credit card donations, call 1-800-FL-HELP-1.
Other volunteer information may also be obtained by calling the toll-free
number.
Volunteer Florida Foundation will be guided by a steering committee to
oversee fund allocations. The committee will be chaired by former U.S.
Senator Connie Mack. Vice-chairs are Clarence Otis incoming CEO of Darden
Restaurants, Inc., and Joe Lacher, President Florida, BellSouth
Telecommunications. Tallahassee attorney Steve Uhlfelder will serve as the
CEO of the relief efforts
"Times of disaster bring together the spirits and hearts of our
communities," Senator Mack said. "I'm proud to serve in this capacity to
help rebuild the neighborhoods affected by this disaster."
Volunteer Florida Foundation has set up a separate Hurricane Charley Relief
Effort account for donations. All donations designated for this purpose will
be deposited in this special account and will be used only for relief
efforts to assist those affected by Hurricane Charley. A report of the use
of funds will be issued by the steering committee no later than six months
from today, and every six months thereafter until the fund is closed. An
evaluation of the use of private donations will be made by a nonpartisan
group independent of these efforts.
Columba Bush Statement on Child Drinking
Statement by:
FIRST LADY COLUMBA BUSH
Regarding: Semi-Postal Stamp to Benefit Childhood Drinking
Prevention and Education
"In Congress during July, U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) took a major step to stop underage alcohol use
when they introduced a bill that would establish the first-ever childhood
drinking semi-postal stamp.
"Underage alcohol use is a tremendous problem in Florida and
throughout the nation. Nationally, nearly one-third of youth begin drinking
before they reach age 13. In Florida, alcohol remains the most common
substance abused by children. Three times more 6th through 12th graders
have used alcohol in the past month than marijuana. While youth alcohol use
in Florida has decreased by 10 percent since 1999, far too many of our
children continue to drink, with significant risk to their health and
well-being.
"The new semi-postal stamp will raise awareness about the dangers
associated with alcohol use by children and fund prevention and education.
It has the potential to make an enormous difference. I join governors'
spouses all across the country, and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol
Free, in urging every member of Congress to support it.
"Underage alcohol use is taking a toll on our families, our
communities and our nation every day. There is no time to waste."
FIRST LADY COLUMBA BUSH
Regarding: Semi-Postal Stamp to Benefit Childhood Drinking
Prevention and Education
"In Congress during July, U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) took a major step to stop underage alcohol use
when they introduced a bill that would establish the first-ever childhood
drinking semi-postal stamp.
"Underage alcohol use is a tremendous problem in Florida and
throughout the nation. Nationally, nearly one-third of youth begin drinking
before they reach age 13. In Florida, alcohol remains the most common
substance abused by children. Three times more 6th through 12th graders
have used alcohol in the past month than marijuana. While youth alcohol use
in Florida has decreased by 10 percent since 1999, far too many of our
children continue to drink, with significant risk to their health and
well-being.
"The new semi-postal stamp will raise awareness about the dangers
associated with alcohol use by children and fund prevention and education.
It has the potential to make an enormous difference. I join governors'
spouses all across the country, and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol
Free, in urging every member of Congress to support it.
"Underage alcohol use is taking a toll on our families, our
communities and our nation every day. There is no time to waste."
Donations For Hardee County
The Hendry County Sheriffs Office is accepting non-perishable items for
hurricane victims of Hardee County.
Sheriff Worley and members of the Hendry County Sheriffs Office began
Sunday morning, August 15, 2004, accepting donations from those wanting to
help victims, after receiving a call for assistance earlier in the morning.
By Sunday afternoon, semi-tractor trailers donated by Martinez Trucking,
Chance Trucking, and Sun Quest Sheds, left Labelle for Hardee County.
Two of the semi trucks were taken to Wauchula, one to Zolfo Springs, and
the other to Bowling Green. The items donated were unloaded at a
designated EOC distribution center and given to the victims.
Monday the Sheriffs Office was still accepting donations and left Monday
afternoon with two additional trucks. When arriving at the inland areas,
the drivers were sent to an area where the items were distributed to the
victims, as they were unloaded from the trailers. Deputies, who were at
the scene, have reported that all of the supplies taken earlier are gone.
There are approximately 9,000 residents in Hardee County, many who have
been left with nothing; they are in need of non-perishable food, baby
supplies, hygiene, camping stoves and additional items such as this. The
Hendry County Sheriffs Office is accepting donations and has established an
account for the relief efforts. You may send checks made out to the Hendry
County Sheriffs Office, adding in the memo portion of the check Hurricane
Relief Fund.
If people want to help but aren't certain how to, making a donation to the
hurricane victims is a wonderful place to start. If there are places that
are saying they cannot accept any donations, we can, we have someplace to
put it and have trucks and drivers on standby to help.
The drop off point for these items is the Hendry County Sheriffs Office in
both LaBelle, and Clewiston.
Volunteers are available from 8:00am to 6:00pm, if you are unable to drop
off your donated items between these hours, they may be left at the
Sheriffs Office and organizers will be notified.
Your donations are not being sent to a distribution center, instead these
donations are being placed in an Semi-tractor trailer, as soon as the
trailer is full it departs for Hardee County and is distributed to the
victims there.
hurricane victims of Hardee County.
Sheriff Worley and members of the Hendry County Sheriffs Office began
Sunday morning, August 15, 2004, accepting donations from those wanting to
help victims, after receiving a call for assistance earlier in the morning.
By Sunday afternoon, semi-tractor trailers donated by Martinez Trucking,
Chance Trucking, and Sun Quest Sheds, left Labelle for Hardee County.
Two of the semi trucks were taken to Wauchula, one to Zolfo Springs, and
the other to Bowling Green. The items donated were unloaded at a
designated EOC distribution center and given to the victims.
Monday the Sheriffs Office was still accepting donations and left Monday
afternoon with two additional trucks. When arriving at the inland areas,
the drivers were sent to an area where the items were distributed to the
victims, as they were unloaded from the trailers. Deputies, who were at
the scene, have reported that all of the supplies taken earlier are gone.
There are approximately 9,000 residents in Hardee County, many who have
been left with nothing; they are in need of non-perishable food, baby
supplies, hygiene, camping stoves and additional items such as this. The
Hendry County Sheriffs Office is accepting donations and has established an
account for the relief efforts. You may send checks made out to the Hendry
County Sheriffs Office, adding in the memo portion of the check Hurricane
Relief Fund.
If people want to help but aren't certain how to, making a donation to the
hurricane victims is a wonderful place to start. If there are places that
are saying they cannot accept any donations, we can, we have someplace to
put it and have trucks and drivers on standby to help.
The drop off point for these items is the Hendry County Sheriffs Office in
both LaBelle, and Clewiston.
Volunteers are available from 8:00am to 6:00pm, if you are unable to drop
off your donated items between these hours, they may be left at the
Sheriffs Office and organizers will be notified.
Your donations are not being sent to a distribution center, instead these
donations are being placed in an Semi-tractor trailer, as soon as the
trailer is full it departs for Hardee County and is distributed to the
victims there.
Nespotism At Ave Maria U.
IMMOKALEE, FL. -- According to a AVE MARIA University parents group they
say they have discovered a number of important facts. In particular, they
say there were astonished to learn the increasing number of AMU Florida
President Nicholas Healy's own family members who are now working (or who
have worked) under his presidency at Ave Maria. At last count, there are
or have been SEVEN of Healy's family members working in some capacity for
Ave Maria.
The new school has been under fire by the group for breaking a promise to
keep the Michigan campus open. The Michigan campus' closing may prevent
graduation by some current students. The Florida and Michigan schools have
also been under investigation by the Department of Education for
irregularities in funding student aid.
say they have discovered a number of important facts. In particular, they
say there were astonished to learn the increasing number of AMU Florida
President Nicholas Healy's own family members who are now working (or who
have worked) under his presidency at Ave Maria. At last count, there are
or have been SEVEN of Healy's family members working in some capacity for
Ave Maria.
The new school has been under fire by the group for breaking a promise to
keep the Michigan campus open. The Michigan campus' closing may prevent
graduation by some current students. The Florida and Michigan schools have
also been under investigation by the Department of Education for
irregularities in funding student aid.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Some Problems At Emergency Management?
LABELLE, FL. (Aug. 15, 2004) -- There were some feathers ruffled and the
potential for disaster at the Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane
Charley sped northwest of LaBelle Friday afternoon.
As power went off in downtown LaBelle, it was discovered someone in charge
of emergency preparedness had neglected to test back up power at the
Emergency Operations Center and at the "special needs" public storm shelter
on SR29. Both buildings were off line for 45 minutes and 60 minutes
respectively when power went out in downtown LaBelle Friday afternoon. A
volunteer at the Emergency operation center was amazed when the electric
went out and found that there was no back up power for the computers and
emergency radios at the center. He said he had to go outside to his truck
to hook up a radio to his vehicle's power to operate his radio for about an
hour.
In Glades county, the Emergency Management office reportedly did not want
to officially authorize volunteer ham radio communication specialists to
help with Glades county's emergency operations. Amateur radio (ham)
operators around the country are trained for and members of national
emergency communications organizations, and have FCC licenses allowing them
to provide emergency communications to officials during times of special
need. At the Glades emergency shelter in Muse, electric went out and
communication was lost all except for a lone amateur radio volunteer who
was able to use his radio to communicate with Hendry's emergency
communication amateur radio operator Walt Weiland in the Hendry emergency
operations center. Weiland was able to relay the electric outage problem
message to Glades emergency officials in Moore Haven through the Hendry
operations center.
Traditionally, the Emergency Management director job and staff in Hendry
and Glades have been very low paying positions. Personnel tend to not stay
long, moving on to better paying jobs quickly. Perhaps county commissioners
need to take a look at this important position and provide needed funds and
support for the job.
potential for disaster at the Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane
Charley sped northwest of LaBelle Friday afternoon.
As power went off in downtown LaBelle, it was discovered someone in charge
of emergency preparedness had neglected to test back up power at the
Emergency Operations Center and at the "special needs" public storm shelter
on SR29. Both buildings were off line for 45 minutes and 60 minutes
respectively when power went out in downtown LaBelle Friday afternoon. A
volunteer at the Emergency operation center was amazed when the electric
went out and found that there was no back up power for the computers and
emergency radios at the center. He said he had to go outside to his truck
to hook up a radio to his vehicle's power to operate his radio for about an
hour.
In Glades county, the Emergency Management office reportedly did not want
to officially authorize volunteer ham radio communication specialists to
help with Glades county's emergency operations. Amateur radio (ham)
operators around the country are trained for and members of national
emergency communications organizations, and have FCC licenses allowing them
to provide emergency communications to officials during times of special
need. At the Glades emergency shelter in Muse, electric went out and
communication was lost all except for a lone amateur radio volunteer who
was able to use his radio to communicate with Hendry's emergency
communication amateur radio operator Walt Weiland in the Hendry emergency
operations center. Weiland was able to relay the electric outage problem
message to Glades emergency officials in Moore Haven through the Hendry
operations center.
Traditionally, the Emergency Management director job and staff in Hendry
and Glades have been very low paying positions. Personnel tend to not stay
long, moving on to better paying jobs quickly. Perhaps county commissioners
need to take a look at this important position and provide needed funds and
support for the job.
Sheriff Office Gets A+
LABELLE, FL. (August 15, 2004) -- The Hendry Sheriffs Office certainly had
its hands full Friday the 13th. In charge of public safety for Hendry
county, LaBelle and 36,000 citizens, the department came through with
flying colors. Although hurricane force winds did not make it to Hendry,
the department acted collectively calm and collected during what could have
been a bomb waiting to explode as anxious and nervous resident and visitors
wondered if the would be a target for Charley's winds.
As Charley approached the area, deputies on the western edge of the county
monitored wind speeds and gusts and radioed the readings to headquarters
while other deputies patrolled the county making sure all was well.
Motorists from other counties seeking refuge were directed to Hendry's
local emergency shelters and in some cases led directly to the shelters by
deputies.
Other deputies manned the emergency shelters that at the LaBelle Middle
School became over capacity as the afternoon winds increased and Charley
moved closer to Hendry county.
At one point about 50 travelers were at the Pioneer Shell on SR80 asking
for directions to a shelter. A Hendry deputy was dispatched to provide info
to the group and provide an escort to the Clewiston or LaBelle shelter if
needed. Other deputies provided assistance to evacuees at the special needs
shelter in LaBelle. As the middle school shelter saw 300 evacuees, the
Country Oaks shelter was opened and deputies provided assistance there.
As the storm winds abated, deputies were called to miscellaneous reports of
areas with wires down and home damage, and gave assistance to residents
needing information about what to do for repairs.
All in all, a great job by the deputies and administration of the Hendry
Sheriff's office at a time of great stress.
its hands full Friday the 13th. In charge of public safety for Hendry
county, LaBelle and 36,000 citizens, the department came through with
flying colors. Although hurricane force winds did not make it to Hendry,
the department acted collectively calm and collected during what could have
been a bomb waiting to explode as anxious and nervous resident and visitors
wondered if the would be a target for Charley's winds.
As Charley approached the area, deputies on the western edge of the county
monitored wind speeds and gusts and radioed the readings to headquarters
while other deputies patrolled the county making sure all was well.
Motorists from other counties seeking refuge were directed to Hendry's
local emergency shelters and in some cases led directly to the shelters by
deputies.
Other deputies manned the emergency shelters that at the LaBelle Middle
School became over capacity as the afternoon winds increased and Charley
moved closer to Hendry county.
At one point about 50 travelers were at the Pioneer Shell on SR80 asking
for directions to a shelter. A Hendry deputy was dispatched to provide info
to the group and provide an escort to the Clewiston or LaBelle shelter if
needed. Other deputies provided assistance to evacuees at the special needs
shelter in LaBelle. As the middle school shelter saw 300 evacuees, the
Country Oaks shelter was opened and deputies provided assistance there.
As the storm winds abated, deputies were called to miscellaneous reports of
areas with wires down and home damage, and gave assistance to residents
needing information about what to do for repairs.
All in all, a great job by the deputies and administration of the Hendry
Sheriff's office at a time of great stress.
All's Well In Hendry/Glades
LABELLE, FL. (Aug. 15, 2004) -- LaBelle, Clewiston, and Moore Haven all
missed the fury of the Friday the 13th Hurricane Charley. The closest the
Category 4 eye of the storm came was about 40 miles from the LaBelle
Airport as it passed through Charlotte Harbor to the northwest of Hendry
county through Punta Gorda.
The storm traveled northeastward up the Peace River Valley tearing through
Arcadia, Wauchula, Lake Wales, Bartow, and lighter winds through Orlando
and northeast Florida. The most serious damage was at Punta Gorda and
through the Arcadia area of Southwest Florida. There is an abundance of
mobile homes in the SW Florida area and consequently they were the most
numerous housing casualties of the high winds.
Hendry and Glades county had reported "tornadoes" not confirmed, and were
probably micro bursts of high winds coming from the numerous storm cell
feeder bands around the perimeter of the hurricane eye. Reported high winds
were in the Clewiston area and northwest of Moore Haven. There were downed
trees and damage to some homes as limbs hit roofs and parked vehicles
around the area. Electricity went out momentarily throughout the area and
some wide spread areas of longer electrical outage. The city of LaBelle had
an electrical problem in late afternoon, shutting off power to the Hendry
County Sheriff's office, the jail, and most importantly the Hendry County
Emergency Management Operations Center housed in a room of the Sheriff's
office. When the electric went out in LaBelle it was discovered to the
horror of the emergency management personnel that a backup generator did
not provide electric to all the needed equipment in the emergency
operations room. Computers and other vital equipment were down for about an
hour while waiting for power repairs. At the same time, the special needs
emergency shelter at the VFW hall on SR29 in LaBelle lost power and
personnel could not get it connected to the building power until Hendry
county building maintenance personnel got it up and running 45 minutes
later. The shelter housed nurses and citizens needing special medical care.
missed the fury of the Friday the 13th Hurricane Charley. The closest the
Category 4 eye of the storm came was about 40 miles from the LaBelle
Airport as it passed through Charlotte Harbor to the northwest of Hendry
county through Punta Gorda.
The storm traveled northeastward up the Peace River Valley tearing through
Arcadia, Wauchula, Lake Wales, Bartow, and lighter winds through Orlando
and northeast Florida. The most serious damage was at Punta Gorda and
through the Arcadia area of Southwest Florida. There is an abundance of
mobile homes in the SW Florida area and consequently they were the most
numerous housing casualties of the high winds.
Hendry and Glades county had reported "tornadoes" not confirmed, and were
probably micro bursts of high winds coming from the numerous storm cell
feeder bands around the perimeter of the hurricane eye. Reported high winds
were in the Clewiston area and northwest of Moore Haven. There were downed
trees and damage to some homes as limbs hit roofs and parked vehicles
around the area. Electricity went out momentarily throughout the area and
some wide spread areas of longer electrical outage. The city of LaBelle had
an electrical problem in late afternoon, shutting off power to the Hendry
County Sheriff's office, the jail, and most importantly the Hendry County
Emergency Management Operations Center housed in a room of the Sheriff's
office. When the electric went out in LaBelle it was discovered to the
horror of the emergency management personnel that a backup generator did
not provide electric to all the needed equipment in the emergency
operations room. Computers and other vital equipment were down for about an
hour while waiting for power repairs. At the same time, the special needs
emergency shelter at the VFW hall on SR29 in LaBelle lost power and
personnel could not get it connected to the building power until Hendry
county building maintenance personnel got it up and running 45 minutes
later. The shelter housed nurses and citizens needing special medical care.
Citrus Hit Hard By Charley
LAKELAND, FL (Aug. 14, 2004) - Hurricane Charley devastated Florida citrus
growers as it made its way through central Florida yesterday. Three of the
state's largest citrus producing counties - DeSoto, Hardee and Polk - were
hit hard by the storm.
"Growers in these areas have seen their groves, barns, equipment and homes
destroyed," said Andy LaVigne, Florida Citrus Mutual's executive vice
president/CEO. "This will certainly have a huge impact on their livelihood
and this season's citrus crop."
These three counties, in addition to Manatee, Sarasota, Lee and Charlotte
counties, make up more than 280,000, or about 35%, of the state's 800,000
acres of citrus groves. Preliminary reports indicate that citrus trees have
been uprooted and fruit has been blown off remaining trees. The fruit,
which is currently golf-ball sized and green, is in the process of maturing
for next season's crop. "Since communication lines are down in these areas,
it is difficult for us to adequately gauge the crop loss and economic
impact this storm will have on Florida citrus growers who are already
suffering from very low fruit prices," said Andy LaVigne. "We hope to have
a better understanding within the next week."
Florida Citrus Mutual is communicating with state and federal authorities
to ensure that growers will be able to obtain any disaster assistance
available to alleviate the severe economic impact of this storm. Florida
Citrus Mutual, founded in 1948, is the state's largest citrus grower
organization with more than 11,000 members. The Florida citrus industry
provides a $9.1 billion annual economic impact to the state and employs
90,000 people.
growers as it made its way through central Florida yesterday. Three of the
state's largest citrus producing counties - DeSoto, Hardee and Polk - were
hit hard by the storm.
"Growers in these areas have seen their groves, barns, equipment and homes
destroyed," said Andy LaVigne, Florida Citrus Mutual's executive vice
president/CEO. "This will certainly have a huge impact on their livelihood
and this season's citrus crop."
These three counties, in addition to Manatee, Sarasota, Lee and Charlotte
counties, make up more than 280,000, or about 35%, of the state's 800,000
acres of citrus groves. Preliminary reports indicate that citrus trees have
been uprooted and fruit has been blown off remaining trees. The fruit,
which is currently golf-ball sized and green, is in the process of maturing
for next season's crop. "Since communication lines are down in these areas,
it is difficult for us to adequately gauge the crop loss and economic
impact this storm will have on Florida citrus growers who are already
suffering from very low fruit prices," said Andy LaVigne. "We hope to have
a better understanding within the next week."
Florida Citrus Mutual is communicating with state and federal authorities
to ensure that growers will be able to obtain any disaster assistance
available to alleviate the severe economic impact of this storm. Florida
Citrus Mutual, founded in 1948, is the state's largest citrus grower
organization with more than 11,000 members. The Florida citrus industry
provides a $9.1 billion annual economic impact to the state and employs
90,000 people.
Watch For Price Gougers
TALLAHASSEE- Attorney General Charlie Crist today announced the creation of
the Attorney General's Hurricane Task Force intended to stop the potential
onslaught of price gougers emerging in the wake of Hurricane Charley.
Criminal and civil investigators from the Attorney General's Office have
been mobilized statewide for a crackdown on price gouging on items that are
in high demand following a hurricane such as food, water, hotels, ice,
gasoline and lumber.
Today Attorney General Crist will be with the Governor touring the areas
damaged from the storm. Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida John
Carassas will convene the task force in Tampa today to review final
mobilization details before investigators are dispatched into the field.
"The most important thing is for our citizens to be safe," said Crist.
"One of the most egregious things a business can do is to take advantage of
our citizens through price gouging. The Hurricane Task Force is prepared
to identify and prosecute all violators of the price gouging statute."
As a result of Governor Bush's declaration of a state of emergency, the
price gouging statute requires that the cost of necessities like food and
water must remain at the price that was average during the 30 days
immediately prior to Hurricane Charley's making landfall. Otherwise,
violators of the statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per
violation up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a
single 24-hour period.
Crist encourages all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Charley to continue
reporting potential price gougers to the state's toll-free hotline,
1-800-646-0444. The more quickly citizens report suspected price gougers
to the hotline, the more promptly investigators can respond to the problem.
the Attorney General's Hurricane Task Force intended to stop the potential
onslaught of price gougers emerging in the wake of Hurricane Charley.
Criminal and civil investigators from the Attorney General's Office have
been mobilized statewide for a crackdown on price gouging on items that are
in high demand following a hurricane such as food, water, hotels, ice,
gasoline and lumber.
Today Attorney General Crist will be with the Governor touring the areas
damaged from the storm. Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida John
Carassas will convene the task force in Tampa today to review final
mobilization details before investigators are dispatched into the field.
"The most important thing is for our citizens to be safe," said Crist.
"One of the most egregious things a business can do is to take advantage of
our citizens through price gouging. The Hurricane Task Force is prepared
to identify and prosecute all violators of the price gouging statute."
As a result of Governor Bush's declaration of a state of emergency, the
price gouging statute requires that the cost of necessities like food and
water must remain at the price that was average during the 30 days
immediately prior to Hurricane Charley's making landfall. Otherwise,
violators of the statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per
violation up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a
single 24-hour period.
Crist encourages all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Charley to continue
reporting potential price gougers to the state's toll-free hotline,
1-800-646-0444. The more quickly citizens report suspected price gougers
to the hotline, the more promptly investigators can respond to the problem.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
After Hurricane Charley - Back To The Gulf. The Caloosahatchee River was busy Saturday at the LaBelle Bridge as hundreds of boats and yachts returned westward to the Gulf of Mexico after the storm. Bridge tenders kept busy as repairs were being made after the storm including replacing the bridge barrier gates on SR29.
Hurricane Scam Warning
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner
Charles H. Bronson is warning Florida residents to beware of potential
scams in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, especially con artists posing
as contractors offering to make repairs.
In the past, the Department has received complaints following natural
disasters from consumers about people taking money for home repairs and
then disappearing. In some cases con artists go door to door telling
consumers they have leftover materials from other jobs and will make
repairs at a discounted price and take the money in advance. In other
cases, scam artists will ask for money up front to buy materials and
disappear.
"Unfortunately, criminals will take advantage of a crisis to make money on
the backs of innocent storm victims," Bronson said. "I want citizens to
make sure they check out any contractors or other companies they may be
doing business with before signing any contract or giving them any money."
Some tips on how to spot a scam artist include:
* Usually solicits door to door and has "just finished a job down the
street." * Arrives in an unmarked vehicle. * May claim to have leftover
materials from another job and can do the work at a discount. * Has a
motel or post office box as an address but no regular street or business
address. * Asks the homeowner to obtain all necessary building permits.*
Here's how to protect yourself:
* Call the Department's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-HELP FLA to find out the
complaint history of a business. * Call the Construction Industry
Licensing Board at (904) 727-6530 to make sure the contractor is licensed.
* Contact your local county or city building inspector's office and ask if
they are familiar with the contractor. * Get more than one written
estimate, especially on large jobs. Make sure the estimates include a
complete description of all the work to be done, the costs and completion
dates. * Ask for and verify local references. * Don't automatically
accept the low bid, especially if it is considerably lower. The "low-ball"
contractor may intend to ask for more money after the job is under way and
may not be able to meet contract specifications and obligations.*
For more information about the legitimacy of a contractor or other
construction related questions, call the Construction Industry Licensing
Board. Consumers with questions about a business or who want to file a
complaint can also call the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA.
Bronson says bogus charities will also prey on the public, supposedly
seeking funds for storm victims but pocketing the money instead. He urges
people to call the Hotline to ensure a charitable solicitor is properly
registered with the state before donating any money. Callers can also
verify how a charity spends its money, how much goes to overhead and to
fundraising. If a consumer suspects a fraud, Bronson urges them to report
it to the same hotline number.
Bronson has also extended the hours of the price-gouging hotline in
anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Charley. The hotline will be
staffed on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for consumers who
have complaints. The Division of Consumer Services has also set up a
special voicemail to accept complaints after hours so consumers will have
24-hour access to the price-gouging hotline.
Charles H. Bronson is warning Florida residents to beware of potential
scams in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, especially con artists posing
as contractors offering to make repairs.
In the past, the Department has received complaints following natural
disasters from consumers about people taking money for home repairs and
then disappearing. In some cases con artists go door to door telling
consumers they have leftover materials from other jobs and will make
repairs at a discounted price and take the money in advance. In other
cases, scam artists will ask for money up front to buy materials and
disappear.
"Unfortunately, criminals will take advantage of a crisis to make money on
the backs of innocent storm victims," Bronson said. "I want citizens to
make sure they check out any contractors or other companies they may be
doing business with before signing any contract or giving them any money."
Some tips on how to spot a scam artist include:
* Usually solicits door to door and has "just finished a job down the
street." * Arrives in an unmarked vehicle. * May claim to have leftover
materials from another job and can do the work at a discount. * Has a
motel or post office box as an address but no regular street or business
address. * Asks the homeowner to obtain all necessary building permits.*
Here's how to protect yourself:
* Call the Department's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-HELP FLA to find out the
complaint history of a business. * Call the Construction Industry
Licensing Board at (904) 727-6530 to make sure the contractor is licensed.
* Contact your local county or city building inspector's office and ask if
they are familiar with the contractor. * Get more than one written
estimate, especially on large jobs. Make sure the estimates include a
complete description of all the work to be done, the costs and completion
dates. * Ask for and verify local references. * Don't automatically
accept the low bid, especially if it is considerably lower. The "low-ball"
contractor may intend to ask for more money after the job is under way and
may not be able to meet contract specifications and obligations.*
For more information about the legitimacy of a contractor or other
construction related questions, call the Construction Industry Licensing
Board. Consumers with questions about a business or who want to file a
complaint can also call the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA.
Bronson says bogus charities will also prey on the public, supposedly
seeking funds for storm victims but pocketing the money instead. He urges
people to call the Hotline to ensure a charitable solicitor is properly
registered with the state before donating any money. Callers can also
verify how a charity spends its money, how much goes to overhead and to
fundraising. If a consumer suspects a fraud, Bronson urges them to report
it to the same hotline number.
Bronson has also extended the hours of the price-gouging hotline in
anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Charley. The hotline will be
staffed on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for consumers who
have complaints. The Division of Consumer Services has also set up a
special voicemail to accept complaints after hours so consumers will have
24-hour access to the price-gouging hotline.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Emergency Management Has No Stand-by Power!
LABELLE, FL. -- At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the power went out in downtown
LaBelle and parts of Glades county due to a power tranformer on Bridge
Street. Unfortunately, the Emergency Operations Center at the Hendry
Sheriff's office also lost power. And unfortunately as well, the emergency
generator at the Sheriff's office apparently doesn't power up the Emergency
Center. Some emergency volunteers had to go outside to operate their battery
operated radios.
At the same time, power went off at the Special Needs Emergency Shelter at
the VFW hall on SR29. The staff manning the shelter were unable to get the
generator to power the building for about 45 minutes.
In Muse, at the Emergency Shelter for Glades county, the power went out as
well for the 76 people there, and the staff could not get the emergency
generator running. The biggest problem might have been the task of getting
to the bathroom at the Muse Community Center in the dark.
LaBelle and parts of Glades county due to a power tranformer on Bridge
Street. Unfortunately, the Emergency Operations Center at the Hendry
Sheriff's office also lost power. And unfortunately as well, the emergency
generator at the Sheriff's office apparently doesn't power up the Emergency
Center. Some emergency volunteers had to go outside to operate their battery
operated radios.
At the same time, power went off at the Special Needs Emergency Shelter at
the VFW hall on SR29. The staff manning the shelter were unable to get the
generator to power the building for about 45 minutes.
In Muse, at the Emergency Shelter for Glades county, the power went out as
well for the 76 people there, and the staff could not get the emergency
generator running. The biggest problem might have been the task of getting
to the bathroom at the Muse Community Center in the dark.
Charlie Skirting Coast
LABELLE, FL. -- Hurricane Charlie is now moving along the Southwest Florida
coast west of Sanibel Island and seemingly heading northward towards the
Charlotte Harbor vicinity.
In LaBelle, the LaBelle Middle School emergency shelter is at double its
capacity and now has about 300 people. The Country Oaks shelter is at about
100 plus evacuees. Sources at the Emergency Operations Center in LaBelle say
that in the event of a power outage in LaBelle, Florida Power and Light will
not send any repair crews to the area until at least Friday.
The Hendry EMS units will be unable to transport patients westward to the
Ft. Myers area due to weather and will instead transport only to Hendry
Regional Hospital in Clewiston.
coast west of Sanibel Island and seemingly heading northward towards the
Charlotte Harbor vicinity.
In LaBelle, the LaBelle Middle School emergency shelter is at double its
capacity and now has about 300 people. The Country Oaks shelter is at about
100 plus evacuees. Sources at the Emergency Operations Center in LaBelle say
that in the event of a power outage in LaBelle, Florida Power and Light will
not send any repair crews to the area until at least Friday.
The Hendry EMS units will be unable to transport patients westward to the
Ft. Myers area due to weather and will instead transport only to Hendry
Regional Hospital in Clewiston.
Charlie Now CAT 4 - 145 mph!
LABELLE, FL. -- The National Weather Service has upgraded Hurricane Charlie
to a Category 4 storm with winds about 145 mph. The storm has shifted
slighly to the east and may be headed for North Fort Myers and the Charlotte
Harbor vicinity in southwest Florida. In LaBelle, the LaBelle Middle School
Shelter became over capacity around noon and the Country Oak Elementary
School is now open for evacuees. County officials have recommended that
residents and visitors of low lying land in western county and mobile home
occupants seek the nearest shelter.
Glades county also recommends mobile home dwellers seek shelters as soon as
possible.
From the NWS:
(Expires: Friday August 13 6:00PM EDT)
bulletin - immediate broadcast requested
hurricane local statement
national weather service miami fl
135 pm edt fri aug 13 2004
...inland hurricane wind warning in effect for hendry and glades
counties...
...areas affected...
this statement applies to persons in collier, hendry, glades,
mainland monroe, palm beach, broward, and miami-dade counties.
...storm information...
at 1 pm edt...the center of hurricane charley was located near
latitude 25.7 north...longitude 82.5 west or about 50 miles west
southwest of naples. charley is moving toward the north northeast
near 20 mph and this motion is expected to continue today with an
increase in forward speed. maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph
with higher gusts making charley a category four hurricane on the
saffir-simpson hurricane scale. fluctuations of intensity are
possible as charley approaches the florida west central coast by
late afternoon.
...precautionary/preparedness actions...
hurricane warning in effect for the southwest florida coast from
east cape sable to bonita beach. tropical storm warning in effect
for lake okeechobee. inland hurricane wind warning in effect for
glades and hendry. inland tropical storm wind warning in effect for
western palm beach...western broward...and western miami-dade
counties in south florida. tropical storm warning from east cape
sable to ocean reef. tropical storm watch in effect for the
southeast florida coast north of ocean reef including biscayne bay.
flood watch in effect for all of south florida. tornado watch in
effect for all of south florida. wind advisory in effect for metro
palm beach...broward...and miami-dade counties.
the collier county office of emergency management has issued a
mandatory evacuation for for all locations west of u.s. highway 41.
this includes the communities of marco island, copeland,
chokoloskee, everglades city, goodland, isles of capri, naples, and
naples park. in addition...mobile home parks outside the mandatory
evacuation area have been advised to evacuate. several shelters are
open in collier county. tropical storm force wind gusts are
affecting the naples area and emergency management advises collier
residents it is not safe to be outdoors. the collier county
information line for rumor control...damage reports and information
is 239.774.8444.
officials in hendry and glades counties have recommended voluntary
evacuations of mobile homes. several shelters are open.
strong tropical storm force winds with gusts to 60 mph are expected
inland from the hurricane warning along and west of a line from port
mayaca south to florida city including all of lake okeechobee. gusts
to tropical storm force are possible east of this line in metro palm
beach...broward...and miami-dade counties including west palm
beach...fort lauderdale...and miami.
to a Category 4 storm with winds about 145 mph. The storm has shifted
slighly to the east and may be headed for North Fort Myers and the Charlotte
Harbor vicinity in southwest Florida. In LaBelle, the LaBelle Middle School
Shelter became over capacity around noon and the Country Oak Elementary
School is now open for evacuees. County officials have recommended that
residents and visitors of low lying land in western county and mobile home
occupants seek the nearest shelter.
Glades county also recommends mobile home dwellers seek shelters as soon as
possible.
From the NWS:
(Expires: Friday August 13 6:00PM EDT)
bulletin - immediate broadcast requested
hurricane local statement
national weather service miami fl
135 pm edt fri aug 13 2004
...inland hurricane wind warning in effect for hendry and glades
counties...
...areas affected...
this statement applies to persons in collier, hendry, glades,
mainland monroe, palm beach, broward, and miami-dade counties.
...storm information...
at 1 pm edt...the center of hurricane charley was located near
latitude 25.7 north...longitude 82.5 west or about 50 miles west
southwest of naples. charley is moving toward the north northeast
near 20 mph and this motion is expected to continue today with an
increase in forward speed. maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph
with higher gusts making charley a category four hurricane on the
saffir-simpson hurricane scale. fluctuations of intensity are
possible as charley approaches the florida west central coast by
late afternoon.
...precautionary/preparedness actions...
hurricane warning in effect for the southwest florida coast from
east cape sable to bonita beach. tropical storm warning in effect
for lake okeechobee. inland hurricane wind warning in effect for
glades and hendry. inland tropical storm wind warning in effect for
western palm beach...western broward...and western miami-dade
counties in south florida. tropical storm warning from east cape
sable to ocean reef. tropical storm watch in effect for the
southeast florida coast north of ocean reef including biscayne bay.
flood watch in effect for all of south florida. tornado watch in
effect for all of south florida. wind advisory in effect for metro
palm beach...broward...and miami-dade counties.
the collier county office of emergency management has issued a
mandatory evacuation for for all locations west of u.s. highway 41.
this includes the communities of marco island, copeland,
chokoloskee, everglades city, goodland, isles of capri, naples, and
naples park. in addition...mobile home parks outside the mandatory
evacuation area have been advised to evacuate. several shelters are
open in collier county. tropical storm force wind gusts are
affecting the naples area and emergency management advises collier
residents it is not safe to be outdoors. the collier county
information line for rumor control...damage reports and information
is 239.774.8444.
officials in hendry and glades counties have recommended voluntary
evacuations of mobile homes. several shelters are open.
strong tropical storm force winds with gusts to 60 mph are expected
inland from the hurricane warning along and west of a line from port
mayaca south to florida city including all of lake okeechobee. gusts
to tropical storm force are possible east of this line in metro palm
beach...broward...and miami-dade counties including west palm
beach...fort lauderdale...and miami.
Hendry County Hit By High Wind
Clewiston, Fl. -- A report by the National Weather Service indicates a
possible tornado hit an area southwest of Clewiston, reportedly in the
Harlem subdivision. A latter report through the Hendry Emergency Operations
center said the hit was south of the Clewiston Police Department in
Clewiston. An even latter report said the touch down was not yet confirmed.
(Ed. note: we suspect the areas were hit by "microbursts" or a small area of
high winds resulting from the storm cell in the area.)
The Weather Channel also reported a tornado touching down in Glades County.
Both Hendry and Glades counties are subject to a tornado warning by the
National Weather Service.
A semi-truck collided with a vehicle at U.S. 27 and State Road 29 in Glades
county. Injuries have not been released. This area was subject to a major
storm cell from the Charlie feeder bands around noon Thursday.
And in LaBelle at the middle school emergency shelter on Cowboy Way, at noon
a reported 196 people were registered, about 50 people more than the planned
capacity of the shelter.
possible tornado hit an area southwest of Clewiston, reportedly in the
Harlem subdivision. A latter report through the Hendry Emergency Operations
center said the hit was south of the Clewiston Police Department in
Clewiston. An even latter report said the touch down was not yet confirmed.
(Ed. note: we suspect the areas were hit by "microbursts" or a small area of
high winds resulting from the storm cell in the area.)
The Weather Channel also reported a tornado touching down in Glades County.
Both Hendry and Glades counties are subject to a tornado warning by the
National Weather Service.
A semi-truck collided with a vehicle at U.S. 27 and State Road 29 in Glades
county. Injuries have not been released. This area was subject to a major
storm cell from the Charlie feeder bands around noon Thursday.
And in LaBelle at the middle school emergency shelter on Cowboy Way, at noon
a reported 196 people were registered, about 50 people more than the planned
capacity of the shelter.
Charlie Strike Probabilities - NWS
According to the National Weather Service forecasters the probabilities of
Hurricane Charlie coming within 75 miles of the following cities today is:
Ft. Myers 50%
Key West 91%
Venice 55%
Marco Island 53%
Tampa 47%
AT 5 AM EDT...0900Z...THE CENTER OF CHARLEY WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 23.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 82.9 WEST
Hurricane Charlie coming within 75 miles of the following cities today is:
Ft. Myers 50%
Key West 91%
Venice 55%
Marco Island 53%
Tampa 47%
AT 5 AM EDT...0900Z...THE CENTER OF CHARLEY WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 23.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 82.9 WEST
Weather Message - Hendry/ Glades
From the National Weather Service (Expires: Friday August 13 8:00PM EDT)
urgent - weather message
national weather service miami fl
342 am edt fri aug 13 2004
glades-hendry-
342 am edt fri aug 13 2004
...inland tropical storm wind warning...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind warning for glades and hendry county in south central
florida. this includes labelle...clewiston...moore
haven...ortona...devils garden...and surrounding areas. as hurricane
charley moves north to the west of south florida...winds across
glades and hendry counties will be increasing steadily. by
noon...winds across glades and hendry will be from the south 30 to 40
mph with occasional gusts to 50 mph. these conditions will last
through the afternoon hours until charley moves farther north and the
winds veer to the southwest. after sunset today...winds will
gradually subside.
an inland tropical storm wind warning is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm force...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm force...are certain within the next 12 to 24 hours.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties should consider
alternate routes farther east like interstate 95 or the florida
turnpike to avoid strong winds.
urgent - weather message
national weather service miami fl
342 am edt fri aug 13 2004
glades-hendry-
342 am edt fri aug 13 2004
...inland tropical storm wind warning...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind warning for glades and hendry county in south central
florida. this includes labelle...clewiston...moore
haven...ortona...devils garden...and surrounding areas. as hurricane
charley moves north to the west of south florida...winds across
glades and hendry counties will be increasing steadily. by
noon...winds across glades and hendry will be from the south 30 to 40
mph with occasional gusts to 50 mph. these conditions will last
through the afternoon hours until charley moves farther north and the
winds veer to the southwest. after sunset today...winds will
gradually subside.
an inland tropical storm wind warning is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm force...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm force...are certain within the next 12 to 24 hours.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties should consider
alternate routes farther east like interstate 95 or the florida
turnpike to avoid strong winds.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Weather Message - Hendry/Glades
From the National Weather Service for glades-hendry-counties
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...inland tropical storm wind watch...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind watch for glades and hendry counties of south florida. an
inland tropical storm wind watch is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm strength...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm strength...are possible within 24 to 36 hours.
hurricane charley will be entering the southeast gulf of mexico
tonight and moving north through the gulf just west of south florida
friday. winds will be increasing across glades and hendry counties
after sunrise friday and could reach tropical storm strength...40
mph...with gusts as high as 50 mph...around noon friday. tropical
storm force winds could last through the afternoon decreasing again
around sunset friday evening.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when the winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties on friday should
consider alternate routes farther east to avoid the stronger winds.
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...inland tropical storm wind watch...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind watch for glades and hendry counties of south florida. an
inland tropical storm wind watch is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm strength...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm strength...are possible within 24 to 36 hours.
hurricane charley will be entering the southeast gulf of mexico
tonight and moving north through the gulf just west of south florida
friday. winds will be increasing across glades and hendry counties
after sunrise friday and could reach tropical storm strength...40
mph...with gusts as high as 50 mph...around noon friday. tropical
storm force winds could last through the afternoon decreasing again
around sunset friday evening.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when the winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties on friday should
consider alternate routes farther east to avoid the stronger winds.
Probabilities of Charlie Hitting You
At 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service says the probability of
Hurricane Charlie coming within 75 miles of Ft. Myers is 40% by 2 p.m.
Friday. The NWS says the chance of Charlie moving with 75 miles of Tampa by
Saturday morning is 39% and of passing Venice 43%. Marathon stands a 40%
chance, Key West a 59% chance, while Marco Island has a 44% chance by Friday
afternoon.
In Hendry county, emergency shelters are open and the Emergency Operations
Center in LaBelle will have a small staff overnight, with a full staff
arriving about 6 a.m. Friday.
Hurricane Charlie coming within 75 miles of Ft. Myers is 40% by 2 p.m.
Friday. The NWS says the chance of Charlie moving with 75 miles of Tampa by
Saturday morning is 39% and of passing Venice 43%. Marathon stands a 40%
chance, Key West a 59% chance, while Marco Island has a 44% chance by Friday
afternoon.
In Hendry county, emergency shelters are open and the Emergency Operations
Center in LaBelle will have a small staff overnight, with a full staff
arriving about 6 a.m. Friday.
Special Weather Alert - Hendry County
(Expires: Friday August 13 4:00AM EDT)
bulletin - immediate broadcast requested
flood watch
national weather service miami fl
208 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...flood watch in effect for all of south florida tonight and
friday...
the national weather service in miami has issued a flood watch for
the areas of hendry...glades...palm beach...collier...broward...
mainland monroe and miami-dade. the watch is in effect until 800 pm
edt friday evening.
hurricane charley will be moving into the southeast gulf of mexico
late tonight and should pass west of south florida on friday. all of
south florida will be on the east side of the storm...which is a
favorable location for very heavy rains.
at this time...the national weather service forecast office in miami
is expecting 4 to 8 inches of rainfall with local amounts to 10
inches over the gulf coastal area including mainland monroe and
collier counties through saturday morning. farther inland...over the
lake okeechobee region including glades and hendry counties...3 to 5
inches of rainfall with local amounts as high as 6 inches are
expected. over the metro areas of palm beach...broward...and dade
counties...2 to 4 inches of rain can be expected through saturday
morning with local amounts as high as 5 inches.
any deviation in the track of hurricane charley can make a big
difference in the amount of rain that occurs over south florida.
should the track of charley actually be farther west...rainfall
amounts would be less than currently forecast. if charley moves east
of the current forecast...heavier rainfall totals would occur
farther east.
tropical cyclones can produce torrential amounts of rainfall in a
short time. in particular...spiral bands associated with tropical
cyclones can cause training of thunderstorms across the same location
for several hours producing excessive rainfall and flooding. persons
with potential problems from flooding should take precautions now to
protect property.
a flood watch means that conditions are favorable for
heavy...possibly flash flood producing...rains in the watch area.
monitor noaa weather radio and local television and radio. heed the
advice of local officials.
(Expires: Friday August 13 4:00AM EDT)
urgent - weather message
national weather service miami fl
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
glades-hendry-
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...inland tropical storm wind watch...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind watch for glades and hendry counties of south florida. an
inland tropical storm wind watch is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm strength...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm strength...are possible within 24 to 36 hours.
hurricane charley will be entering the southeast gulf of mexico
tonight and moving north through the gulf just west of south florida
friday. winds will be increasing across glades and hendry counties
after sunrise friday and could reach tropical storm strength...40
mph...with gusts as high as 50 mph...around noon friday. tropical
storm force winds could last through the afternoon decreasing again
around sunset friday evening.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when the winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties on friday should
consider alternate routes farther east to avoid the stronger winds.
bulletin - immediate broadcast requested
flood watch
national weather service miami fl
208 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...flood watch in effect for all of south florida tonight and
friday...
the national weather service in miami has issued a flood watch for
the areas of hendry...glades...palm beach...collier...broward...
mainland monroe and miami-dade. the watch is in effect until 800 pm
edt friday evening.
hurricane charley will be moving into the southeast gulf of mexico
late tonight and should pass west of south florida on friday. all of
south florida will be on the east side of the storm...which is a
favorable location for very heavy rains.
at this time...the national weather service forecast office in miami
is expecting 4 to 8 inches of rainfall with local amounts to 10
inches over the gulf coastal area including mainland monroe and
collier counties through saturday morning. farther inland...over the
lake okeechobee region including glades and hendry counties...3 to 5
inches of rainfall with local amounts as high as 6 inches are
expected. over the metro areas of palm beach...broward...and dade
counties...2 to 4 inches of rain can be expected through saturday
morning with local amounts as high as 5 inches.
any deviation in the track of hurricane charley can make a big
difference in the amount of rain that occurs over south florida.
should the track of charley actually be farther west...rainfall
amounts would be less than currently forecast. if charley moves east
of the current forecast...heavier rainfall totals would occur
farther east.
tropical cyclones can produce torrential amounts of rainfall in a
short time. in particular...spiral bands associated with tropical
cyclones can cause training of thunderstorms across the same location
for several hours producing excessive rainfall and flooding. persons
with potential problems from flooding should take precautions now to
protect property.
a flood watch means that conditions are favorable for
heavy...possibly flash flood producing...rains in the watch area.
monitor noaa weather radio and local television and radio. heed the
advice of local officials.
(Expires: Friday August 13 4:00AM EDT)
urgent - weather message
national weather service miami fl
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
glades-hendry-
247 pm edt thu aug 12 2004
...inland tropical storm wind watch...
the national weather service in miami has issued an inland tropical
storm wind watch for glades and hendry counties of south florida. an
inland tropical storm wind watch is issued when sustained winds
near tropical storm strength...or frequent gusts at or above tropical
storm strength...are possible within 24 to 36 hours.
hurricane charley will be entering the southeast gulf of mexico
tonight and moving north through the gulf just west of south florida
friday. winds will be increasing across glades and hendry counties
after sunrise friday and could reach tropical storm strength...40
mph...with gusts as high as 50 mph...around noon friday. tropical
storm force winds could last through the afternoon decreasing again
around sunset friday evening.
high profile or light weight vehicles will become very difficult to
drive when the winds increase. truckers who would normally use u.s.
highway 27 through glades and hendry counties on friday should
consider alternate routes farther east to avoid the stronger winds.
Schools Closed - Shelters Open
The Hendry county schools will be closed Friday, August 13 due to the
weather alert and small possibility of Hurricane Charlie brushing by west of
Lee county. The county's emergency shelters will be opened at 5 p.m.
Thursday. Shelters are at the Clewiston Middle School and the LaBelle Middle
School. Special needs shelters will also open in Hendry county at 5 p.m.
Thursday.
No word has been received about the opening of Glades county emergency
shelters.
Meanwhile, amateur radio (ham) operators are standing by in Hendry and
Glades county and will operate independently for emergency communication as
well as volunteer their services at emergency shelters around the area. In
the event of a major weather event, phone lines and cell phones will be out
of service or lines overloaded. Amateur radio operators are licensed by the
FCC to operate wireless communication equipment and serve voluntarily as a
public service in the event of local or national emergencies.
weather alert and small possibility of Hurricane Charlie brushing by west of
Lee county. The county's emergency shelters will be opened at 5 p.m.
Thursday. Shelters are at the Clewiston Middle School and the LaBelle Middle
School. Special needs shelters will also open in Hendry county at 5 p.m.
Thursday.
No word has been received about the opening of Glades county emergency
shelters.
Meanwhile, amateur radio (ham) operators are standing by in Hendry and
Glades county and will operate independently for emergency communication as
well as volunteer their services at emergency shelters around the area. In
the event of a major weather event, phone lines and cell phones will be out
of service or lines overloaded. Amateur radio operators are licensed by the
FCC to operate wireless communication equipment and serve voluntarily as a
public service in the event of local or national emergencies.
Volunteers In Action - LaBelle
FAITH IN ACTION in LaBelle> -- Heart Beats & Hands - Volunteer Profile
We only have to mention the name, Millard Wagnon, and people nod their
heads in recognition, usually with a big smile. Millard is a man of action,
and an extraordinary example of how an individual can make a difference if
they have the desire to do so.
Millard was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He met his wife, Marigene, better
known to others as Micki, in church where he was the altar boy. The happy
couple has been married for fifty-two years. They've raised three children
and are the proud grandparents of one grandchild, Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Wagnon has had his share of exciting jobs. The one he's proudest of was
working for the space program. In 1969, Millard was the person in charge of
placing the monkey inside the spaceship which orbited the earth for eight
days. He stated that it was a big event. Barbara Eden of "I Dream of
Jeannie" was on location and was escorted from place to place by the
astronauts. He retired in 1989 from the Einstein Medical Center in
Philadelphia, where he was the Supervisor of Research Surgery.
Upon retirement, he and Micki decided to sail to Florida to be near his
mother. However, their sailing expedition was short lived thanks to
Hurricane Hugo. He added, "The hurricane actually saved our lives. The
alternator went out and we had to pull into port for repairs on Thursday,
and the hurricane hit on Tuesday. We took shelter ashore, otherwise we
would have been in it." After arriving in LaBelle, he became an active
volunteer for Senior Connections of Southwest Florida. "The agency was
doing wonderful things for my mother, and I wanted to help them," he added.
Millard has had some good role models in life, such as his mother who was
one of ten women in the Navy in 1918. He also is an excellent role model
for others. He provides over ninety hours of volunteer service each month
providing transportation, sponsoring SHARE food packages and performing
various other duties for veterans or their families. He is a member of the
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Greater Labelle Chamber of
Commerce, and Kiwanis of LaBelle. He has served on the coalition of FAITH
IN ACTION in Labelle, is the immediate past president of the board of
Senior Connections of Southwest Florida, and is the vice chairperson of
Local Coordinating Board of Transportation for the Disadvantaged. He says
his reason for becoming a FIA volunteer is simply because he was asked by
one person and recommended by another. He said "I was already doing all the
things a FAITH IN ACTION in LaBelle volunteer is known for, and decided I
would become a FIA volunteer too."
If you would like learn more about FAITH IN ACTION in LaBelle, become a
volunteer or if you or someone you know needs the assistance of a
volunteer, please call Barbara Marshall at (863) 675-1446. FAITH IN ACTION
in LaBelle is a program with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, Senior Connections of Southwest Florida, Inc., a United Way
partner agency, grants and donations from other individuals and groups in
our community.
We only have to mention the name, Millard Wagnon, and people nod their
heads in recognition, usually with a big smile. Millard is a man of action,
and an extraordinary example of how an individual can make a difference if
they have the desire to do so.
Millard was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He met his wife, Marigene, better
known to others as Micki, in church where he was the altar boy. The happy
couple has been married for fifty-two years. They've raised three children
and are the proud grandparents of one grandchild, Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Wagnon has had his share of exciting jobs. The one he's proudest of was
working for the space program. In 1969, Millard was the person in charge of
placing the monkey inside the spaceship which orbited the earth for eight
days. He stated that it was a big event. Barbara Eden of "I Dream of
Jeannie" was on location and was escorted from place to place by the
astronauts. He retired in 1989 from the Einstein Medical Center in
Philadelphia, where he was the Supervisor of Research Surgery.
Upon retirement, he and Micki decided to sail to Florida to be near his
mother. However, their sailing expedition was short lived thanks to
Hurricane Hugo. He added, "The hurricane actually saved our lives. The
alternator went out and we had to pull into port for repairs on Thursday,
and the hurricane hit on Tuesday. We took shelter ashore, otherwise we
would have been in it." After arriving in LaBelle, he became an active
volunteer for Senior Connections of Southwest Florida. "The agency was
doing wonderful things for my mother, and I wanted to help them," he added.
Millard has had some good role models in life, such as his mother who was
one of ten women in the Navy in 1918. He also is an excellent role model
for others. He provides over ninety hours of volunteer service each month
providing transportation, sponsoring SHARE food packages and performing
various other duties for veterans or their families. He is a member of the
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Greater Labelle Chamber of
Commerce, and Kiwanis of LaBelle. He has served on the coalition of FAITH
IN ACTION in Labelle, is the immediate past president of the board of
Senior Connections of Southwest Florida, and is the vice chairperson of
Local Coordinating Board of Transportation for the Disadvantaged. He says
his reason for becoming a FIA volunteer is simply because he was asked by
one person and recommended by another. He said "I was already doing all the
things a FAITH IN ACTION in LaBelle volunteer is known for, and decided I
would become a FIA volunteer too."
If you would like learn more about FAITH IN ACTION in LaBelle, become a
volunteer or if you or someone you know needs the assistance of a
volunteer, please call Barbara Marshall at (863) 675-1446. FAITH IN ACTION
in LaBelle is a program with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, Senior Connections of Southwest Florida, Inc., a United Way
partner agency, grants and donations from other individuals and groups in
our community.
Hurricane Probabilities For Ft. Myers
LABELLE, FL. -- According to the National Weather Service, the probability
of Hurricane Charlie passing within 65 nautical miles of Ft. Myers by 8 p.m.
Friday is only 25%. The risk of the same passing by Venice, Fl. is 34% and
Tampa is also 34%. The NWS estimated these numbers at 11 a.m. Thursday.
of Hurricane Charlie passing within 65 nautical miles of Ft. Myers by 8 p.m.
Friday is only 25%. The risk of the same passing by Venice, Fl. is 34% and
Tampa is also 34%. The NWS estimated these numbers at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Thursday LaBelle Weather Forecast
From the National Weather Service - Noon Thursday:
Rest of today. Partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs in
the lower 90s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Tonight. Partly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid
70s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Friday. Strong winds. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds in the
afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds 30 to 35 mph in the
morning becoming south 40 to 45 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 80 mph.
Chance of rain 90 percent.
Friday night. Showers and thunderstorms in the evening then scattered
showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds
decreasing to 10 to 15 mph late. Chance of rain 90 percent.
Rest of today. Partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs in
the lower 90s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Tonight. Partly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid
70s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Friday. Strong winds. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds in the
afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds 30 to 35 mph in the
morning becoming south 40 to 45 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 80 mph.
Chance of rain 90 percent.
Friday night. Showers and thunderstorms in the evening then scattered
showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds
decreasing to 10 to 15 mph late. Chance of rain 90 percent.
Hendry County Hurricane Closings
LABELLE, FL. -- The Courthouse and suboffices in both LaBelle and Clewiston
will remain closed until the storm is clear and roads and buildings are safe
to use. All departments under the Hendry County Board of County
Commissioners will be open, although a decision will be made at a later time
regarding operations on Friday.
will remain closed until the storm is clear and roads and buildings are safe
to use. All departments under the Hendry County Board of County
Commissioners will be open, although a decision will be made at a later time
regarding operations on Friday.
State Building Closures
TALLAHASSEE - The approach of Hurricane Charley has necessitated the
closure of the following state office building effective 1:00 pm on August
12, 2004. The building will reopen Monday August 16, 2004:
Monroe County:
Monroe County Regional Service Center
2796 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
Agencies impacted: MONROE COUNTY SHERRIFF, DCA, DCF, DEP, DJJ, DMS, DOE, FWCC
The Department of Management Services closes DMS pool facilities in
affected counties during disaster/emergency situations based on; local
government's decision to close offices, mandatory evacuation notice for the
area, or local state of emergency. Office closures for non-state owned
facilities will continue to be left to the discretion of the agency head in
the affected areas.
For more information, please log on to the Florida Division of Emergency
Management's website at
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
closure of the following state office building effective 1:00 pm on August
12, 2004. The building will reopen Monday August 16, 2004:
Monroe County:
Monroe County Regional Service Center
2796 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
Agencies impacted: MONROE COUNTY SHERRIFF, DCA, DCF, DEP, DJJ, DMS, DOE, FWCC
The Department of Management Services closes DMS pool facilities in
affected counties during disaster/emergency situations based on; local
government's decision to close offices, mandatory evacuation notice for the
area, or local state of emergency. Office closures for non-state owned
facilities will continue to be left to the discretion of the agency head in
the affected areas.
For more information, please log on to the Florida Division of Emergency
Management's website at
Hendry County Courthouse Closing
Due to Hurricane Charley the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle will be
closing at noon Thursday, August 12, according to the Clerk's office in
LaBelle.
closing at noon Thursday, August 12, according to the Clerk's office in
LaBelle.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
In The Service
De'Shawnta N. Williams has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers'
Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The camp is a
four-week leadership internship for cadets who are normally between their
sophomore and junior college years. College students experience and
examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or
ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and
attend the ROTC Advanced Course at their college.
The Army observes and evaluates cadets to determine their officer
potential, leadership abilities and skills, while cadets are trained to
have a sound understanding of traditional leadership values. The training
develops well-disciplined, highly motivated, physically conditioned
students, and helps improve the cadets' self-confidence, initiative,
leadership potential, and collective team cohesion. The cadets receive
training in fundamental military skills, rifle marksmanship, small arms
tactics, weapons training, drill and ceremonies communications, and
squad-level operations field training. The cadet is a student at Tuskegee
University, Ala. He is the son of Amanda L. and Sammy D. Brown of N. State
Road 715, Belle Glade. Williams is a 2002 graduate of Glades Central
Community High School, Belle Glade.
Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The camp is a
four-week leadership internship for cadets who are normally between their
sophomore and junior college years. College students experience and
examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or
ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and
attend the ROTC Advanced Course at their college.
The Army observes and evaluates cadets to determine their officer
potential, leadership abilities and skills, while cadets are trained to
have a sound understanding of traditional leadership values. The training
develops well-disciplined, highly motivated, physically conditioned
students, and helps improve the cadets' self-confidence, initiative,
leadership potential, and collective team cohesion. The cadets receive
training in fundamental military skills, rifle marksmanship, small arms
tactics, weapons training, drill and ceremonies communications, and
squad-level operations field training. The cadet is a student at Tuskegee
University, Ala. He is the son of Amanda L. and Sammy D. Brown of N. State
Road 715, Belle Glade. Williams is a 2002 graduate of Glades Central
Community High School, Belle Glade.
Smith Convicted
CLEWISTON, FL. (August 5, 2004) -- David W. Smith, 36, of Clewiston was
convicted of DUI in Vero Beach by county Judge Joe Wild. Smith was also
charged with violation of license restrictions. He was sentenced to 75 hours
community service, a $250 fine, and a one-year license suspension.
convicted of DUI in Vero Beach by county Judge Joe Wild. Smith was also
charged with violation of license restrictions. He was sentenced to 75 hours
community service, a $250 fine, and a one-year license suspension.
In The Service
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Bruce E. Williams Sr. has graduated from
basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission,
organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and
ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field
training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition,
airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree
through the Community College of the Air Force. Williams is the son of
Willie Mae Williams of S.W. Third St., Belle Glade.
basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission,
organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and
ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field
training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition,
airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree
through the Community College of the Air Force. Williams is the son of
Willie Mae Williams of S.W. Third St., Belle Glade.
Roland Martin Honored
CLEWISTON, FL. (August 4, 2004) -- Roland Martin received the BASS
Outstanding Achievement Award at last week's CITGO Bassmaster Classic in
Charlotte, N.C. It's the third time the award has been presented to
recognize an individual's dedication and excellence in service to the bass
fishing sport.
The 64-year-old Martin has been competing in bass tournaments for 35 years.
He owns the record for most BASS victories with 19, and with nine Angler of
the Year titles. He qualified for the Bassmaster Classic 25 times. Martin
has fished in 269 BASS events. Martin is a member of the Freshwater Fishing
Hall of Fame, the Pro Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and recently was inducted
into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.
Outstanding Achievement Award at last week's CITGO Bassmaster Classic in
Charlotte, N.C. It's the third time the award has been presented to
recognize an individual's dedication and excellence in service to the bass
fishing sport.
The 64-year-old Martin has been competing in bass tournaments for 35 years.
He owns the record for most BASS victories with 19, and with nine Angler of
the Year titles. He qualified for the Bassmaster Classic 25 times. Martin
has fished in 269 BASS events. Martin is a member of the Freshwater Fishing
Hall of Fame, the Pro Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and recently was inducted
into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
In The Service
De'Shawnta N. Williams has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers'
Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The camp is a
four-week leadership internship for cadets who are normally between their
sophomore and junior college years. College students experience and
examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or
ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and
attend the ROTC Advanced Course at their college.
The Army observes and evaluates cadets to determine their officer
potential, leadership abilities and skills, while cadets are trained to
have a sound understanding of traditional leadership values. The training
develops well-disciplined, highly motivated, physically conditioned
students, and helps improve the cadets' self-confidence, initiative,
leadership potential, and collective team cohesion. The cadets receive
training in fundamental military skills, rifle marksmanship, small arms
tactics, weapons training, drill and ceremonies communications, and
squad-level operations field training.
The cadet is a student at Tuskegee University, Ala.
He is the son of Amanda L. and Sammy D. Brown of N. State Road 715,
Belle Glade, Fla.
Williams is a 2002 graduate of Glades Central Community High School,
Belle Glade.
Training Corps) Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The camp is a
four-week leadership internship for cadets who are normally between their
sophomore and junior college years. College students experience and
examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve in the Army or
ROTC, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and
attend the ROTC Advanced Course at their college.
The Army observes and evaluates cadets to determine their officer
potential, leadership abilities and skills, while cadets are trained to
have a sound understanding of traditional leadership values. The training
develops well-disciplined, highly motivated, physically conditioned
students, and helps improve the cadets' self-confidence, initiative,
leadership potential, and collective team cohesion. The cadets receive
training in fundamental military skills, rifle marksmanship, small arms
tactics, weapons training, drill and ceremonies communications, and
squad-level operations field training.
The cadet is a student at Tuskegee University, Ala.
He is the son of Amanda L. and Sammy D. Brown of N. State Road 715,
Belle Glade, Fla.
Williams is a 2002 graduate of Glades Central Community High School,
Belle Glade.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Former Super Now Principal
MOORE HAVEN, FL. (August 1, 2004) -- Gary Clark, former Glades County
Superintendent of Schools from 1992 to 2000, has been appointed the new
principal of Williston High School, in Williston, Fl. Clark has been a
teacher, guidance counselor and principal during his education career. For
the last three years he was a guidance counselor at Acrcher Community
School in Levy county.
Superintendent of Schools from 1992 to 2000, has been appointed the new
principal of Williston High School, in Williston, Fl. Clark has been a
teacher, guidance counselor and principal during his education career. For
the last three years he was a guidance counselor at Acrcher Community
School in Levy county.
Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested
BIG CYPRESS, FL. (July 31, 2004) -- Joey Henry, 39, surrendered to
Seminoled Police detectives earlier this week in connection with a Big
Cypress Seminole Reservation shooting on July 22. He is in the Hendry
County Jail on $5,000 bond, charged with attemptem murder, aggravated
battery with a deadly weapol and possession of a fire arm while committing
a felony. 19-year-old Andrew Bowers was shot multiple times while driving
on the reservation, to visit a friend. Bowers said he saw someone he
recognized aiming a gun at him, but did not know the name.
Seminoled Police detectives earlier this week in connection with a Big
Cypress Seminole Reservation shooting on July 22. He is in the Hendry
County Jail on $5,000 bond, charged with attemptem murder, aggravated
battery with a deadly weapol and possession of a fire arm while committing
a felony. 19-year-old Andrew Bowers was shot multiple times while driving
on the reservation, to visit a friend. Bowers said he saw someone he
recognized aiming a gun at him, but did not know the name.
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