Friday, August 31, 2012

Hendry Truck/Equipment Theft

Truck, Welding Equipment, And Trailer Stolen On State Road 29

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry Sheriff's Office is looking for information regarding a truck and equipment theft.

On August 28th at approximately 0932 hours, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received a report reference the theft of a vehicle and trailer loaded with equipment and tools. The victim reported that on August 27th at approximately 2300 hours, he was driving his truck on State Road 29 near E Road when the front right wheel began to mess up and he pulled over. 

The victim left the truck and trailer with equipment and tools on the side of the road and when he returned to this same location on the morning of the 28th, the vehicle, trailer and equipment were all gone.

Vehicle Information: 2005 Dodge Dually, Grey, Tag # JODIMAT $10,000.00
Equipment Information:
2007 Bobcat T300 Skid Trac with Bucket $60,000.00
Auger Attaachment $ 2,500.00
Pallet Forks $ 500.00
Miller 250 Diesel Welder $ 6,000.00
100 Gallon Diesel Tank $ 500.00
Stihl Chainsaw $ 300.00
Toolbox full of Tools unknown

The 2005 Dodge truck and the Bobcat were entered in FCIC/NCIC. The trailer was a homemade type trailer with no tag registered. The victim could not provide serial numbers for the remaining equipment at the time of report but will provide and this bulletin will be updated with those numbers.

If you receive any information regarding this incident, please contact the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 863-674-5600 or 863-805-5000.

From Clewiston City Hall - Phones & Birds


Code Red Notification Problems During Storm

CLEWISTON, FL. -- City manager Steve McKown reports during Tropical Storm Isaac, the city made the decision to postpone garbage collection from Monday to Tuesday and used Clewiston's “Code Red” phone system for notification.

McKown says, "Unfortunately, we only reached 30% of our customers.  It was a very good 'trial run' of the emergency system, but it shows that the system has a lot of old cell phone numbers in it. We would like to be able to reach everyone in case of an emergency through this system!"

McKown says the city can call you on a land line or on a cell phone, but the numbers must be up to date and offers two options for citizens to provide a good number. Simply call utilities at 983-1454 and provide us the information or visit www.clewiston-fl.gov and click the MORE tab under City Services and the Code Red notification. The sign up site is available at the top of the page.


Utilities Director Kevin McCarthy reports:

"Overall, the City faired very well through Tropical Storm Isaac, we had NO electrical outages even through the 40+ MPH wind gusts. We had over 6 inches of rain which did show some of our problems with inflow into our sewer system. With the manholes underwater, we have pumped an additional 1.5 million gallons through our plant. The flow is returning to normal and we will be addressing some of our worst areas from both a drainage and inflow issue.

"A flock of doves has been trying to roost in our substation; the unfortunate 12 will not be a problem anymore. The last two times that feeder two has tripped has been caused by birds. We have not had this kind of problem in our substation in the past and will be installing bird guards on top of the feeder breakers. We are also looking into some other methods of discouraging them from being in the substation."

Info Wanted On Hendry Assault And Fires


TWO MEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND, LEFT IN THE ROAD

On August 29, 2012, at approximately 8:30pm, Hendry County Deputies received a call reporting a possible shooting.  When Deputies arrived in the area of Nobles Road and Chickasaw Avenue, they found two men lying on the west side of the roadway.  Deputies were advised by an interpreter that 50 year old Rogelio D. Beltran of LaBelle reported that he and his friend were walking down the road when another man walked out from behind some trailers and pointed a gun at them.  Beltran stated that he was struck in the back of the head with the handgun and that his friend had been shot in the head.

EMS personnel arrived on scene and transported Beltran to an area hospital for treatment. The second, unidentified, victim was airlifted to a nearby trauma center.  It was later determined that the unidentified man did not sustain a gunshot wound but was struck in the back of the head.

Hendry County Investigators are unclear as to the motive and are continuing to look into the incident.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigative Division at 863-674-5600.


SUSPICIOUS FIRES BEING INVESTIGATED BY STATE FIRE MARHSALL’S OFFICE

On August 29, 2012, between 9:57pm and 11:00pm, Hendry County Deputies responded to reports of two structure fires in the Pioneer Plantation area.

At 9:57pm, Hendry County Deputies responded to the 3055 12th Street, Pioneer, regarding a trailer fire.  When deputies arrived on scene they found the double wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames.  Pioneer Fire Department arrived on scene and was able to extinguish the flames.

A short time later Deputies were dispatched to 3950 10th  Street, Pioneer, responding to a second structure fire.  Deputies reported that when they arrived they found a single wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames. 

Deputies reported that both homes appeared to have been abandoned and there was no electricity going to either trailer.

Hendry County Sheriff’s Office contacted the State Fire Marshall’s Office, who will continue to investigate the fires. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det. Ramiro, Florida State Fire Marshalls Office, at 954-321-3704or 1-877-No-Arson (662-7766), Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention (FACAP).  Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of individual(s) responsible for committing arson may be illegible for a reward up to $2,500.00 through the FACAP. 

Making Cigarettes Super Addictive




Whistle Blower Tells How Phillip Morris Built Secret 'Addiction' Lab

LABELLE, FL. --  A documentary film about the guest speaker for the next Hendry-Glades Tobacco Free Partnership meeting features a cigarette company's research psychologist's attempt to find an "safe" addictive chemical to place in tobacco products.

Dr. Victor J. DeNoble, a Ph.D. in psychology was recruited in 1980 by the Phillip Morris Research Center to build a secret research lab and to develop a cigarette with reduced heart risk but still with addictive qualities.

After successfully identifying a nicotine substitute that did not elevate the heart rate in animal models, his attempts to publish his work were suppressed by Philip Morris and he was eventually fired and his laboratory and data were seized.

(Video: clip from 2011 documentary Addiction, Inc.)

In 1994, after a decade of being silenced by a secrecy agreement, Dr. DeNoble became the first whistle-blower to testify before Congress about his research conducted within the tobacco industry. His research showed that nicotine has addictive properties similar to other drugs of addiction.

His congressional testimony was the cornerstone for sweeping changes in public policy regarding tobacco use, the national tobacco settlement and the events leading up to President Obama’s signing into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009.

Since his congressional testimony, Dr. DeNoble has been speaking to a wide range of audiences about his experience in the tobacco industry and providing education about the science of drug addiction.

DeNoble will be speaking at the Moore Haven (Florida) High School auditorium on Wednesday, September 12 at 6:00 pm. to detail his work with cigarette maker Phillip Morris to find an addictive substance to add to tobacco. He will also be speaking at the LaBelle High School auditorium at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11th and at the Clewiston High auditorium at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 12th.

Dr. DeNoble will explain how the developing teen brain is susceptible to addiction and how exposure to tobacco and other drugs can affect the brains of users for a life time.

Most Stolen Vehicles-Do You Own These?

Trucks And Older Models Are Most Targeted Vehicles
The National Insurance Crime Bureau has released its list of the 10 most-stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen.

The majority of vehicles on the national list were vehicles with models 10 years or older and pickup trucks. Pickups of all makes were the most stolen vehicles in 23 states, while minivans topped the list in only five. In Florida, the 2006 Ford pickup was the most stolen vehicle, followed by older-model cars, including the 1996 Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima. 

For 2011, the most-stolen vehicles in the nation were:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size)
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 2000 Dodge Caravan
6. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 2004 Dodge Pickup (Full Size)
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 1994 Nissan Sentra

The top 10 places were evenly split in 2011 with five belonging to foreign brands and five to U.S. automakers. Most popular models among the domestic brands were Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet pickup trucks each holding one spot with the Dodge Caravan and Ford Explorer rounding out the domestic models.

Once again, 2011 is on track to continue the national vehicle theft decline. Preliminary 2011 FBI crime statistics indicate a 3.3 percent reduction from the 737,142 thefts recorded in 2010. Vehicle thefts have not been this low since 1967. 

“While overall thefts continue to decline, we are seeing a trend toward increases in the thefts of late model vehicles − ones that are theoretically harder to steal due to sophisticated key code technology,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle.

“Today’s vehicle thieves are typically professional criminals who have figured out how to get the key code for a specific vehicle, have a replacement key made, and steal the vehicle within a matter of days. We are aware of nearly 300 thefts that took place in the first three months of this year in which we believe replacement keys using illegally obtained key codes were used to steal the vehicle. 

"We are working closely with our member companies, law enforcement, and the vehicle manufacturers to track these illegal key code transactions and stop the thefts or recover the stolen vehicles before they can be resold here or shipped out of the country to be sold overseas.”

NICB urges motorists to follow its “layered approach” to auto theft prevention. By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions, people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.

Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen. “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics,” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheck, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at: www.nicb.org/vincheck.

Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our www.nicb.org.

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Eric Douglas Sanders, age 42, of Clewiston, passed away August 26, 2012 in Davie, Florida.

He was born Sep. 15, 1969 in Claremore, OK, to the late Richard and the late Norma Jean (Ross) Sanders. He served in the Army from 01/10/1989 to 07/24/1990.

Survivors include his wife: Virginia Carmen(Garcia) Sanders, sons: Kory Sanders, Eric D. Sanders Jr., Klayton Sanders, Karlito Wargolet, Derik Toho, Alonzo Wargolet, Jason Sanders, Joseph Lee Sanders, Kyngston Sanders, Asah Jumper, Kaleb Drake Jumper, daughters: Ashley Wolf, Hali Garcia, Gianna Wargolet, Erica Dale Sanders, brothers: Perry Alvin Sanders, Michael Owen Sanders, Richard Dewayne Sanders, sisters: Pamela Gail Korbelik, Deborah Lynn Sanders, Brenda Jean Sanders, Wyona Deneen Sanders, Marlene Renee Sanders, Sandra Lynn Carr and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Richard Doyle Sanders and Tim Nathaniel Sanders.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 31, 2012 at 10:00 am at Big Cypress First Baptist Church, Big Cypress Reservation with Pastor Josh Leadingfox officiating. Interment will be Friday, August 31, 2012 in Big Cypress Cemetery, Big Cypress Reservation.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

LaBelle Man Crashes On CR78

Richard P. St. Germain, 69 of LaBelle, Fl. was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital after a 9:45 a.m. crash at Hendry Couty Road 78 and Scott Road near the Lee county line.

St. Germain was westbound when his 2006 Toyota Pickup truck crossed the centerline and then left the roadway.


The driver lost control of the vehicle which came to a culvert on the south shoulder, then overturned several times before coming to final rest on the south grassy shoulder on it's right side.

Road Work Near Seminole Indian Reservation

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Hendry County will be conducting road improvements to approximately 4-miles of CR833 starting from the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation working northward.

This construction project will start September 12, 2012 and is expected to last 200-days ending in March 2013. This roadway will be open to vehicular traffic, but lane closures will occur resulting in delays. Drivers should utilize caution when traveling through the construction limits and allow extra time for travel.

Road Closing On County Road 835

Hendry County is repaving approximately 3-miles of CR835 from 5.75-miles south of US27 to 2.75-miles south of US27. This construction project is expected to last 60-days ending in mid October. This roadway will be open to vehicular traffic, but lane closures will occur resulting in delays. Drivers should utilize caution when traveling through the construction limits and allow additional time for travel.

Improvements will also occur at the railroad crossings within this construction project which will require the closure of CR835 for at least one week. This 3-mile segment of CR835 will be closed starting Monday September 17, 2012 and ending Sunday night September 23, 2012. Drivers will need to seek an alternative route.

Harlem Road Closing For Gas Line

Florida City Gas is installing a gas line along Lewis Blvd from US 27 to Georgia Avenue in Clewiston. This road closure is expected to last six days from Monday, September 10, 2012 through Saturday, September 15th, 2012. Drivers should seek an alternate route during this period.
Hendry County apologizes for any inconvenience that these construction activities may cause. If anyone has any questions regarding this project they should call Hendry County Engineering at (863) 675-5222.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

IMAGiNE Movie Pirate Walks Plank

Seller Of Tens Of Thousands Of Pirated Movies Pleads Guilty
A Virginia man, a member of the notorious IMAGiNE Group, an organized online piracy group, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to willfully reproduce and distribute tens of thousands of infringing copies of copyrighted works without permission, including infringing copies of movies before they were commercially released on DVD.

Jeramiah B. Perkins, 39, of Portsmouth, Va., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller in the Eastern District of Virginia. At sentencing, scheduled for Jan. 3, 2013, Perkins faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

Perkins directed and participated in using receivers and recording devices in movie theaters to secretly capture the audio sound tracks of copyrighted movies and then synchronized the audio files with illegally recorded video files to create completed movie files suitable for sharing over the Internet among members of the IMAGiNE Group and others. 

Perkins was indicted on April 18, 2012, along with three other leading members of the IMAGiNE Group, an organized online piracy group seeking to become the premier group to first release Internet copies of new movies only showing in theaters.

According to court documents, Perkins and his co-conspirators sought to illegally obtain and disseminate digital copies of copyrighted motion pictures showing in theaters. Perkins admitted he took the lead in renting computer servers in France and elsewhere for use by the IMAGiNE Group. 

He also admitted he registered domain names for use by the IMAGiNE Group, and opened e-mail and PayPal accounts to receive donations and payments from persons downloading or buying IMAGiNE Group releases of pirated copies of motion pictures and other copyrighted works. 

Perkins also admitted the IMAGiNE Group’s conduct resulted in a readily provable and reasonably foreseeable infringement amount of more than $400,000.

Co-defendants Sean Lovelady, Willie Lambert and Gregory Cherwonik each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement on May 8, 2012, June 22, 2012, and July 10, 2012, respectively.

This case is part of efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force) to stop the theft of intellectual property. Attorney General Eric Holder created the IP Task Force "to combat the growing number of domestic and international intellectual property crimes, protect the health and safety of American consumers, and safeguard the nation’s economic security against those who seek to profit illegally from American creativity, innovation and hard work."

Laura Reed Completes Air Force Training

LABELLE, FL. -- Air Force Airman 1st Class Laura A. Reed graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Reed is the daughter of John Reed of Case Road, LaBelle. She is a 2011 graduate of LaBelle High School. She earned an associate degree in 2011 from Edison State College, LaBelle.

How Boomer Women Can Keep Pounds Off Forever

Click-CDC fruits/vegetable tips

New Evidence Fruits And Vegetables Key To Permanent Weight Loss

Investigators in a new study on diet found eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat and cheese were associated with weight loss after six months and again after 30 months.

And after four years, reseachers found that eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat and cheese emerged as the most important predictors for long-term weight loss.

Also found important were eating fewer desserts and fried foods, eating more fish, and eating at restaurants less. 

“If the goal is to reduce the burden of obesity, the focus must be on long-term strategies because changes in eating behaviors only associated with short-term weight loss are likely to be ineffective and unsustainable,” concludes Dr. Barone Gibbs, lead investigator from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Health and Physical Activity.

Many people can drop pounds quickly in the early phases of a diet, but studies have found that it is difficult to keep the weight off in the long term.

Dr. Gibbs says “Not only does motivation decrease after you start losing weight, there are physiological changes, including a decreased resting metabolic rate. Appetite-related hormones increase. Researchers studying the brain are now finding that you have enhanced rewards and increased motivation to eat when you’ve lost weight.”

Combined with the natural energy expenditure decline in women following menopause, it is extremely difficult for older women to lose weight and maintain weight loss.

Traditional behavioral treatments for obesity, focused on caloric intake, have had poor long-term results. The investigators sought to determine if changes in eating behaviors and selected foods were associated with weight loss at six and 48 months in a group of overweight post-menopausal women.

A total of 508 women were randomized to either a Lifestyle Change group or a Health Education group. The Lifestyle Change group met regularly with nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and psychologists throughout the study. Their goals were to reduce fats and caloric intake, increase consumption of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and participate in regular moderate exercise.

The Health Education Group was offered seminars by health professionals on general women’s health, but not specifically weight loss.

Eating at restaurants declined at 48 months whether or not subjects lost weight. Dr. Gibbs speculates that this may have been related to economic factors and not relevant to the study.

Dr. Barone Gibbs explains that eating fruits and vegetables may not make as big a difference in your caloric intake but that small change can build up and give you a better long-term result, "because it’s not as hard to do as giving up French fries forever," she said.

The research is published in the September issue of Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

More Info:
CDC's Tips on adding more vegetables and fruits to diet
NPR Food Blog on vegetables and fruit for weight loss

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Storm Isaac Heads For New Orleans



Tropical Storm On Katrina's Track?

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the odds of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama area as a hurricane have risen to 40% as it appears to head for the New Orleans area, mimicking Hurricane Katrina's path of 2005.

In the the Gulf of Mexico this morning southeast of New Orleans, the storm is bringing some fears to residents of the Gulf states who, exactly seven years ago, suffered the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

In the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, winds have picked up a bit since leaving the coast of southwest Florida, with a chance of hitting hurricane force as the Tropical storm reaches the coast. Predictions from the National Hurricane Center, however, indicate the winds will quickly subside to tropical storm levels once it hits land,, if it even reaches hurricane force.

Meanwhile, most news media have been reporting the "worst" case scenarios for the last week, reporting much higher winds and tides than actually have occurred so far. Recommendation: Go directly to the National Hurricane Center for accurate forecasts and probabilities of wind speeds, times, and locations.

The National Hurricane Center graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) in the Gulf of Mexico and onto land areas.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Also see: NHC Storm Surge Chart - above normal water levels can be expected along parts of the Gulf of Mexico coastline as southerly winds pushes water into bays.

(Click on above graphic for larger image)

Internet TV Loses In Court

A Federal appellate court has upheld a judgment against IVI, Inc. and owner Todd Weaver who has been attempting to broadcast copyrighted television programming over the internet.

IVI, Inc. claimed the company fell under provisions of copyright law that allows cable and satellite companies to broadcast programming while paying royalties under the law's provisions to the Library of Congress. The court found that internet streaming of television programs is not covered under the law, and that Weaver's company was not a cable company.

IVI, Inc. was sued by WPIX of New York, ABC, Disney, CBS, NBC, MLB, Cox, Fox and other media companies to prevent streaming live programs via the internet to subscribers who paid a monthly fee to IVI.

Other similar companies have tried unsuccessfully to claim streaming of television programming without getting permission from the copyright owners is legal, and argue that they should have the same rights to freely re-transmit programming as the cable and satellite companies currently have.

Alki David, multi-millionaire eccentric, operator of Battlecam.com has been fighting for years to be allowed to stream live TV programming over the internet with FilmOn.com and other companies he owns around the world.  He has been sued in the U.S. and the U.K. by all major television networks and production companies to shut down the operations.

His latest venture BarryDriller.com is being sued by media mogul Barry Diller for violating publicity rights to Diller's name and for implying a false endorsement of David's company.

Diller has interests in Aereo, an internet tv program streaming company that has successfully so far been allowed to operate, even after being attacked by the networks who tried to get an injunction to shut the company down.

The court decision against IVI, Inc.
http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca2/11-788/11-788-2012-08-27.html

Marijuana Harms Intelligence Says Study

Declines In IQ And Memory For Youthful Marijuana Users

A new study from researcher in the U.S. and New Zealand says cannabis use causes harms to intelligence, memory, and attention in people who start using marijuana before age 18 and continue using it through the years. The harmful effects continue even after use is discontinued in mid-life, say the researchers.

Researchers from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Otago in New Zealand along with the Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, and colleagues from Duke University in North Carolina followed  1,037 individuals from from birth to age 38 and interviewed them at ages 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38 to ascertain cannabis use.

Neuropsychological tests were conducted at age 13, before marijuana use, and again at age 38 after a pattern of persistent marijuana use had developed.

An average drop of 8 IQ points was seen on intelligence tests for pot users. With a normal mean of 100 IQ points being at the 50 percentile, a drop of 8 points to 92 would drop the individual to the 29th percentile, significant drop.

Allowing for education levels, there were broad neuropsychological declines and cognitive problems for persistent cannabis users. The more the use, the greater the decline. Cessation of cannabis use did not fully restore the neuropsychological functioning to normal.

The researchers conclude the findings are suggestive of a neurotoxic effect of cannabis on the adolescent brain and highlight the importance of prevention and policy efforts targeting adolescents.

The study was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academies of the Sciences titled 
Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.

(photo: marijuana plants at Hendry county grow house - Courtesy Hendry Sheriff's Office)

Monday, August 27, 2012

South Florida Storm Rainfall Totals

Overnight Rainfall
LABELLE, FL. -- The Southwest Florida Water Management District reports the rainfall average as Tropical Storm Isaac passed through the area was 3.5 inches during a 24-hour period that ended at 6:30 a.m. today.

4.5 inches was recorded in Port LaBelle.

The heaviest rain was concentrated in Palm Beach and Broward counties. An intense period of rain during a 3-hour span overnight Sunday and into early Monday morning left several local areas with up to 10 inches of rain and localized flooding.

Significant rainfall was recorded in the following areas:

· Wellington and the Acreage, Palm Beach County – 6 to 8 inches

· Canal Point near Lake Okeechobee - 9.50 inches

· Sunrise, Broward County – 6.39 inches

· Homestead, Miami-Dade County – 5.54 inches

· Eastern Caloosahatchee, Lee County – 2 to 3 inches

· Eastern Collier County – 3 inches

· South Golden Gate Estates , Collier County – 3.07 inches

Isaac Still Not A Hurricane Until New Orleans?



Tropical Storm On Track For Gulf States

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the odds of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the Gulf States of Louisiana and Mississippi as a hurricane are from 5% to 40%.

In the middle of the Gulf of Mexico this morning, the storm is bringing only rain bands over land and the possibility of higher seas. Once well into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, winds may pick up, with a chance of hitting hurricane force midway into the Gulf waters and up to the Gulf coast states.

Meanwhile, most news media have been reporting the "worst" case scenarios for the last week, reporting much higher winds than actually have occurred so far. Recommendation: Go directly to the National Hurricane Center for accurate forecasts and probabilities of wind speeds, times, and locations.

The National Hurricane Center graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) out in the Gulf of Mexico through the weekend and beginning of next week.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Also see: NHC Storm Surge Chart - above normal water levels can be expected along parts of the coastline as southerly winds pushes water into bays.

(Click on above graphic for larger image)

Boil Water Warning In LaBelle - More Storm News

Equipment Failure Brings Water Boil Advisory

LABELLE, FL. -- A boil water notice has been issued for the City of LaBelle water service area. All City of LaBelle water users are advised to bring drinking water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to consumption. The notice is necessary due to an equipment failure. This notice is effective immediately and will be in effect at least until Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 4 pm or a different notice is issued lifting the boil water action.

For further information please call Joseph Thomas at 863-675-4684 or City Hall during regular business hours at 863-675-2872.

Shelters located at LaBelle Middle School and Clewiston Middle School have been closed.

The Special Needs Shelter (SNS) located at the Glades County Health Department at 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL has been closed.

Hendry County Schools, Hendry County Government Offices and the City of LaBelle will be open Tuesday, August 28, 2012. All Students, Faculty, Staff and District Employees are to report to work at their normally scheduled times. The City of Clewiston is open on today.

There will be no Garbage collection in the City of LaBelle Monday.

Update August 29: The boil water notice issued for the City of LaBelle water service area on August 27th has been rescinded. Normal water usage may resume.

Gas Prices Continue Rise

Prices 10% Higher Than Month Ago

LABELLE, FL. -- Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 7.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.73/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.73/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Prices in Hendry and Glades county are from $3.77 to 3.81 per gallon, as usual higher than surrounding counties and higher than Florida averages and the lowest prices on State Road 29 South.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 17.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 32.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 23.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 11.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Well, for those that have noticed, the national average has perked up slightly in the last week as oil prices have advanced," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "While that may be notable, soon-to-be Hurricane Isaac will be the story this week. It's entirely within the realm of possibility that we see refinery outages, oil production losses, and gasoline supply issues- essentially all the things you don't want to happen."

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Hendry County Storm Information - Closings

Offices Closed In LaBelle, Open In Clewiston
LABELLE, FL. -- Tropical Storm Isaac will continue to produce showers and bands of squalls throughout this evening and possibly into the early morning hours. No significant rainfall accumulation is expected.

Shelters located at LaBelle Middle School and Clewiston Middle School will be closed between 7 and 8 AM on Monday, August 27th.

The Special Needs Shelter (SNS) located at the Glades County Health Department at 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL will be closed between 7 and 8 AM, Monday August 27th.

Hendry County Schools, Hendry County Government Offices and the City of LaBelle will be closed Monday, August 27, 2012 due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Students, Faculty, Staff and District Employees are not to report to work. 

The City of Clewiston will be open on Monday. Levy access has been blocked by the City of Clewiston.

Glades County Emergency Info Posted

Closings And Storm Warning For Glades County, Florida

United Way 211 has been activated and the public is encouraged to call them for Glades County updates. Glades County Schools are closed Monday. Glades County Courthouse is closed Monday. The Glades County BOCC meeting for Monday has been cancelled. Glades County Sheriff’s Office Administrative staff will be off Monday but all sworn personnel are to report to work as scheduled

Voluntary evacuation of mobile homes and low lying areas. The following shelters will be opened later today:
*Muse Community Shelter will be opened at noon today.
*Maple Grove Baptist Church will be opened at 2pm today.

The Glades County BOCC declared a state of emergency at 4:30pm on August 25, 2012 based on National Weather Service prediction of severe weather for Glades County. Conditions could be severe between noon on Sunday (Aug 26th) through noon on Monday (Aug 27th). Sustain winds are predicted at 40 – 50 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH during this period. The greatest threat to the area during this period is tornadoes. Citizens are advised to take precaution to protect life and property.

Rainfall is expected to be 4 – 8 inches. General shelters are Muse Community Center to be open at 12 noon and the Maple Grove Baptist church in Lakeport will open at 2pm. The Special Needs Shelter will be at the Glades County Health Department and will open at 11 am today.

County offices will be closed on Monday August 27th as well as Glades School Board schools. Emergency Management is in continuous operations until the event is no longer a threat to Glades County. They maybe be reached at 863-946-6020 for questions.

Update: The Muse Emergency Shelter has been closed at of 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Glades County General Shelters have closed as of 6:00 pm, due to not being utilized. The Special Needs Shelter remains open.

At 7 p.m. Sunday Glades County General Shelter Maple Grove is reopened.

Isaac Moving To Keys - Still Tropic Storm



Tropical Storm Moves Between Cuba And Keys

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the odds of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the Florida west coast as a hurricane is 5%. Odds increase slightly as the storm passes through the Florida Keys.

Over the north coast of Cuba this morning, the storm is expected to pass through the lower to mid Keys with a 10 percent probability of hurricane force winds. Once well into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, winds may pick up, with a 20 to 30% chance of hitting hurricane force midway into the Gulf waters and up to the Florida Panhandle.

The graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) out in the Gulf of Mexico through the weekend and beginning of next week.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Also see: NHC Storm Surge Chart - above normal water levels can be expected along parts of the Southwest Florida coastline as southerly winds pushes water into bays.

(Click on above graphic for larger image)

In Hendry county, a Special Needs Shelter (SNS) will be opened at Noon today, Sunday, August 26th. The SNS will be located at the Glades County Health Department at 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL 33471.

Hendry County Schools, Hendry County Government Offices and the City of LaBelle will be closed Monday, August 27, 2012 due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Students, Faculty, Staff and District Employees are not to report to work. The City of Clewiston will decide about closing later today.

A Local State of Emergency will go into effect for Hendry County and the City of LaBelle at 9 AM August 26th. The Emergency Operations Center has activated to Level 2 as of 9 AM today, August 26, 2012.

All residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the media and to make appropriate plans. There is currently no evacuation notice in effect for Hendry County. Shelters will be opened at LaBelle Middle School and Clewiston Middle School at 12 Noon today, August 26th. Residents seeking shelter are reminded to have three days of water, food, prescriptions, bedding and other necessities with them.

The Glades County Courthouse will be closed Monday and only essential employees need report for work.

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Angelica Flores De Pereyra, age 68, of Clewiston, passed away August 17, 2012 in Clewiston, Florida. She was born July 20, 1944 in Mexico to the late Horacio and the late Angelica (Puebla) Flores.

Survivors include her husband: Roberto Pereyra, five sons: Roberto Pereyra, Jose Martin Pereyra, Alfredo Pereyra (Maximina), Jil Pereyra, Horasio Pereyra (Sonia) and three daughters: Angelica Pereyra, Adriana Pereyra (Juan Carlo), Guadalupe Pereyra, three brothers: Horacio Flores, Arturo Flores, Federico Flores and five sisters: Gloria Flores, Maria Luz Flores, Bertha Flores, Elvia Flores, Maria Guadalupe Flores, twenty-six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston with Pastor Luis Ramirez officiating. Interment in Panteon Municipal Cementerio, Tierra Nueva San Luis Potosi. Visitation was Friday from 01:00  pm - 04:00pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Governor Scott Pulls Plug On RNC Speech

Florida's Rick Scott Bails On Convention Speech
From a visit to Fort Lauderdale, Florida Governor Rick Scott has canceled his appearance for a speech and other activities at Tampa's Republican National Convention Sunday and Monday.

In a press release Saturday night Scott says:

“As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches Florida and the possibility of hurricane strength conditions becoming more likely for the Keys and Panhandle, I have made the decision to cancel my speech on Monday night at the Republican National Convention and will also cancel my other scheduled convention-related activities on Sunday and Monday, so that I can respond to storm-related matters.

“As Governor of this great state, I am responsible for all 19 million residents and visitors and it is my duty to make sure we can quickly respond to the regions affected. While Tampa Bay has gotten a lot of attention due to the upcoming convention, I will unilaterally focus on the safety of every resident and community throughout the state.

“I am continuing to lead multiple daily briefings with local, state and federal decision makers and RNC officials to share information so the best decisions can be made for each region. I also spoke to Governor Romney earlier today and briefed him on the storm and possible impact to the state. I have made Governor Romney and RNC officials aware of the resources our state can provide in the chance Tampa is affected. Like all decision-makers affected by this storm, the convention officials will make the best decisions for delegates and participants.

“As we know in Florida, storm forecasts can and do change. As a result, I encourage all residents and visitors to pay close attention to local emergency management officials to ensure all necessary precautions are taken. Residents and visitors from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle need to make sure they have food and water for 72 hours and to check http://www.floridadisaster.org/ for up-to-date information.

“Experts at the local, state and federal level prepare for storms like this every day. All visitors and residents can be assured every precaution will be taken to ensure their safety.”

Update: The Governor on Sunday morning, announced he will also cancel his Tuesday RNC activities in Tampa as well.

Hendry County Issues Storm Advisories

Shelters Open, Schools & Government Closing, Emergency In Effect Sunday

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County Schools, Hendry County Government Offices and the City of LaBelle will be closed Monday, August 27, 2012 due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Students, Faculty, Staff and District Employees are not to report to work. The City of Clewiston will decide about closing on Sunday.

A Local State of Emergency will go into effect for Hendry County and the City of LaBelle at 9 AM August 26th. The Emergency Operations Center will activate to Level 2 at 9 AM Sunday, August 26, 2012.

All residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the media and to make appropriate plans. There is currently no evacuation notice in effect for Hendry County. Shelters will be opened at LaBelle Middle School and Clewiston Middle School at 12 Noon on Sunday, August 26th. Residents seeking shelter are reminded to have three days of water, food, prescriptions, bedding and other necessities with them.

Sand for sand bags is available at the Rodeo Arena in LaBelle at 100 Rodeo Drive and Felda Fire Station.

The Hendry County Supervisor of Elections Office has requested a voluntary ‘take down’ of all Candidate election signs located in Hendry County.

Hendry County Emergency Management urges all county residents from LaBelle to Clewiston to use caution and follow your emergency plan.

In Moore Haven, Glades County Schools are closed Monday and the Glades County BOCC Monday night meeting has been cancelled.

Hurricane Chance Less Than 10% In Gulf



Tropical Storm Moves Into Gulf Of Mexico

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the odds of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the Florida west coast and the Florida Keys as a hurricane are from 5 to 10%. As the storm passed more westerly through the Caribbean, the track show a less than 10 percent probability of hurricane force winds.

The highest winds of the storm are tracking toward the Gulf of Mexico and winds may affect the Keys with the highest winds, and less so along the west coast of Florida and higher winds later in the Panhandle.

The graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) out in the Gulf of Mexico through the weekend and beginning of next week.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Also see: NHC Storm Surge Chart - parts of SW Florida have a 50-70% chance of 2 feet above normal

(Click on graphic for larger image)

Update: THE GLADES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL HAVE AN EMERGENCY MEETING AT 4:30 SATURDAY IN THE GLADES COUNTY COURTHOUSE TO SIGN A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.


Hendry County government continues to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac. All residents are encouraged to be monitoring the media and to make appropriate plans. There is currently no evacuation notice in effect for Hendry County. Sand for sand bags is available at the Rodeo Arena in LaBelle at 100 Rodeo Drive.

A decision regarding schools closing or being open on Monday will be made as conditions change. Hendry County Emergency Management urges all county residents to use caution and follow your emergency plan.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Shooting In Clewiston - Info Wanted


Information Sought On Obispo Shooting

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Clewiston Police Chief Don Gutshall reports Officers responded to a shooting Thursday afternoon on East Obispo in the city. A home was shot into from the street, but no one was injured, says the Chief.

A suspect has been named, but no arrests have been made. Investigators are receiving nearly “zero” cooperation from witnesses and point out the shooting is not a random event. Authorities feel that this house was intentionally targeted.

In other city police news this week, the Florida Department of Youth Services inspected the department's facility on Tuesday for juvenile detention policies and conditions and it passed without notation.

The department staff is maintaining hourly observations of the weather in the Caribbean, noting the Disaster
Preparedness Plan can be implemented upon very short notice.

Following is a brief synopsis of the weekly police activity:
1119 Commercial / Residential Security Checks
522 Complaints Investigated
50  Traffic citations Issued
22 Red Light Camera Violations
14 City Ordinance Violations
8 Criminal Arrests Made
62  Merchant Escorts Provided
14 Alarms Responded To
7  Traffic Accidents Investigated

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Gordon Ray Crews, age 83, of Clewiston, passed away August 16, 2012 at his home in Clewiston. He was born Oct. 18, 1928 in Henry County, TN, to the late Robert Wilson and the late Flora Cordelia (Helems) Crews.

He was a resident of Clewiston since 1992 and before that lived in Belle Glade from 1967 to 1992. He loved his family and animals.

Survivors include son: Dennis Crews, daughter: Donna Crews Yates (Jim), sister: Vennie Parson, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his dog Candy.

Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Hurricane Isaac Unlikely For Florida


Poorly Organized Tropical Storm Moves More Westward

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the likelihood of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting Florida as a hurricane is unlikely through Wednesday. As the storm passes more westerly through the Caribbean, the track show a less than 10 percent probability of hurricane force winds which would occur out in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.

The graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) out in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday next week.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

(Click on graphic for larger image)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Hendry-Glades Students At Orlando Training


Five Students Represent Hendry-Glades At Orlando Meeting

LABELLE, FL. -- Five youth from Hendry and Glades Counties Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) attended the Statewide SWAT Training held in Orlando on July 24-26, 2012. SWAT members representing Glades  County were Blanca Aranda, Monica Leavy, and Elsi Velasquez; these students attend Moore Haven Jr/Sr High School.

Hendry County representatives wereYanely Ramirez, LaBelle High School, and Savana Beckett, Clewiston Middle School. The training was hosted by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida and facilitated by the state SWAT Youth Advocacy Board.

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) was established in August 1997 whenFloridawon a landmark victory against the tobacco industry. SWAT is an anti-tobacco organization that students in middle and high school can join to participate in activities and events that support the vision of a Tobacco Free Florida. SWAT is the youth advocacy organization supported by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. 

On a local level, SWAT members advocate for policy change that will discourage youth tobacco initiation, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and promote cessation. The goal of these policies is to change social norms so that tobacco use and advertising by tobacco companies are not accepted as part of our cultural norms.

During the statewide SWAT training, youth focused on the marketing practices of “Big Tobacco” that often appeal to youth and other disparate populations. SWAT works to educate the community about the marketing practices of Big Tobacco and the benefits of leading tobacco-free lifestyles. All who attended were invigorated and learned skills to carry on with the important anti-tobacco messages to their peers, schools and communities.

Finally, during the statewide SWAT training, elections for the state SWAT Youth Advocacy Board were held. The SWAT Youth Advocacy Board (YAB) is the 12-member executive committee of the SWAT whose members are elected yearly by their peers. 

The YAB consists of three SWAT members representing each of the four regions in Florida. One of our local Hendry County youth was elected to the SWAT YAB: Savana Beckett, she is an 8th grade student at Clewiston Middle School and will represent Hendry County and Region 4 over the next 12 months.

For more information on Hendry and/or Glades County SWAT please contact Valarie James-674-4041 ext 128 or Doug Freer-946-0707 ext 404.

Photo Left to Right: Monica, Savana, Blanca, Yanely, Elsi

How Storm Isaac May Affect Florida


Very Low Probability Of Florida Hurricane So Far

LABELLE, FL. -- Predictions by the National Hurricane Center indicate a very low probability of hurricane force winds hitting Florida.  Tropical storm Isaac is running through the Caribbean today.

The graphics show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force). These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Each graphic provides cumulative probabilities that wind speeds of at least 74 mph will occur during cumulative time periods at each specific point on the map.

(Click on graphic for larger image)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Sandra Mireyva Colon, age 53, of Clewiston, passed away August 8, 2012at home in Clewiston.
She was born Dec. 31, 1958 in Puerto Rico , to the late Peyin and the late Ana Ida (Perez) Santiago.

Survivors include her husband: Eliud C.Colon, four sons: Heriberto Gonzalez, Melvin Gonzalez, Rafael Gonzalez, Osvaldo "Chi-Chi" Gonzalez, one daughter: Marisol Gonzalez and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 11:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston with Pastor Mike Santana officiating. Visitation was Saturday at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.

Florida Governor Scott Issues Storm Statement

Republican Convention Working With Emergency Teams
Tallahassee, Fl. – “Although Tropical Storm Isaac is still far from Florida’s shores, we are closely tracking the potential for the storm to impact part or all of the state, including the Tampa Bay region during the Republican National Convention," announced Governor Rick Scott. 

He said Florida’s state emergency management team and local emergency teams have been working closely with convention officials and have been planning for this event for more than a year, and the possibility of a hurricane hitting the convention has been part of that planning process.

“I am confident in our preparation, and the decision process in place to ensure the safety of both our residents and visitors during the convention," said Rick Scott.

“As Florida’s governor, I’m urging everyone across the state to monitor the storm track, and use the next several days to prepare for a potential storm. As we know, storms this far from land are still unpredictable and everyone should be vigilant and prepared.”

Hendry State Road 80 Expansion In September

Four-Lanes Coming From Birchwood To Dalton
LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is expanding a two-mile segment of State Road 80 from two to four lanes from CR 833 to just west of US 27. 

Beginning the first week of September, FDOT is also widening the five-mile segment of SR 80 from two to four lanes from Birchwood Parkway in Port LaBelle to Dalton Lane in mid-Hendry county. Completion of these projects in Hendry County is expected spring/summer 2014, weather permitting.

( Photo: Four-Lanes Will Continue Eastward From Birchwood Parkway )

FDOT is hosting a public information meeting regarding the two upcoming construction projects from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Port Labelle Inn, Sable Room, 1563 Oxbow Drive in Port LaBelle.

The public is invited to attend the informal open house to ask questions and discuss the jobs one-on-one with project staff. The public information officer for the SR 80/US 27 interchange job also will attend and will be available to answer questions about this project.

U.S. Sues Gallup Organization On Overcharges

Suit Alleges Polling Firm Overcharged Government on Contracts
The United States has joined a whistleblower lawsuit against The Gallup Organization, the Justice Department announced today. The lawsuit was filed by Michael Lindley, a former Gallup employee, who alleges that Gallup violated the False Claims Act by making false claims for payment under contracts with the U.S. Mint, the State Department and other federal agencies to provide polling services for various government programs.

According to the whistleblower’s complaint, Gallup violated the False Claims Act by giving the government inflated estimates of the number of hours that it would take to perform its services, even though it had separate and lower internal estimates of the number of hours that would be required. The complaint further alleges that the government paid Gallup based on the inflated estimates, rather than Gallup’s lower internal estimates. The government intervened in the lawsuit with respect to Gallup’s contracts with the Mint and the State Department.

The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for submission of false claims to the government. The private plaintiffs are entitled to receive a share of any funds recovered through the lawsuit. The False Claims Act authorizes the United States to intervene in such a lawsuit and take over primary responsibility for litigating it. The False Claims Act allows for recovery of three times the government’s losses, plus civil penalties.

In its notice announcing intervention, the United States also indicated that it plans to assert additional claims related to Gallup’s subcontract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These claims relate to allegations in the whistleblower lawsuit that Gallup negotiated for employment with a FEMA official who was responsible for Gallup’s subcontract while, at the same time, Gallup was seeking to obtain additional funding from FEMA for Gallup’s subcontract.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the District of Columbia, is captioned U.S. ex rel. Lindley v. The Gallup Organization, 09-cv-01985. The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.

Casey Anthony Free On Friday



Casey Anthony Off Probation On August 24

OKEECHOBEE, FL. -- Infamous, and much hated by many trial watchers, Casey Anthony is scheduled to be released from probation this Friday.

Convicted of check fraud, after stealing checks from a friend in 2010, Anthony is serving a one year probation somewhere in Florida. Keeping her location and other information private, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will not release any information about Anthony, reportedly due to threats against her as reported by her attorneys.

She was acquitted of the murder of her two-year old daughter last year. She alleges the child died in a back yard drowning accident, and her father was involved in hiding the body in a wooded area near the Anthony home.

Charles White, her current attorney says she has been at one location in Florida during the entire one-year probation time and indicates Anthony will not make her post-probation plans public.

The only word from Anthony during the past year was an interview with Piers Morgan and a leaked video. (Video: An October 2011 'video diary' by Casey Anthony from a secret Florida location)

Her former criminal attorney Jose Baez says Anthony didn't put the video online, and doesn't know how it got there, saying someone else must have posted it online. Baez is now promoting his book about the Anthony trial, and is opening a Miami area office in addition to his Kissimmee office.

On the video, Anthony, with shorter blond hair, says she has been using Skype to talk with someone. Presumably anyone she might talk with over Skype could record the call and post it online.

From the video, it might be guessed she is living in a small mobile home or travel trailer, probably in a remote rural location to keep her whereabouts hidden. It appears she's not actually talking with anyone, but merely giving a four minute and 20 second commentary on her life since she left Orlando in August.

She said in the video she'll remain at her current location until at least the end of February, noting her birthday is in March.

Is she in Okeechobee, Florida?  Story: http://swflorida.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-florida-encounter-with-casey-anthony.html

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Clewiston Man Offers Bribe To Hendry Deputy

Bribe Allegedly Offered To Release Arrested Man
CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Friday, August 17, 2012, Hendry County Deputies arrested 33 year old Analid Cruz and 21 year old Marino Sanchez after they refused to allow Hendry County Sheriff’s Agriculture Deputy Mark White to remove three malnourished horses from the property.

Sanchez (photo above) threatened a deputy with harm at the scene. On the way to jail, Cruz allegedly offered to pay a deputy to let him go.

Deputy White responded to the area of 756 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, Clewiston, Florida to remove three malnourished horses that had previously been reported by the property owner. When Deputy White arrived at the property he was met by both Cruz and Sanchez. Deputy White identified himself and told them he was there to take the horses. 

Both Cruz (photo left) and Sanchez refused to allow Deputy White onto the property and told him that he was not taking them without giving them money. White again told them of his intentions to remove the horses; both Cruz and Sanchez began speaking with one another in Spanish. Sanchez looked at Deputy White and threatened him stating “you can be killed” and then smiled.

Deputy White left the property but returned with two additional deputies. It was during this time that both suspects were taken into custody. During a spontaneous statement they did admit to interfering with White’s investigation.

A warrant check on Analid Cruz revealed an outstanding Hendry County Warrant. It was during his transport to the Hendry County Jail that he asked the Deputy to let him go numerous times and told the deputy he would compensate “him” with whatever he wanted.

Analid Cruz, 33, of 556 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, was arrested and charged with Bribery of a Public Servant and Obstructing Justice. He was later released on $6,950.00 bond.

Marino Sanchez, 21, of 756 N. Arboleda Street, Montura Ranch Estates, was arrested and charged with Obstructing Justice. He was later released on $1,250.00 bond.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Rape Rarely Makes You Pregnant?



Candidate Akin Says "Female Body Has Ways To Try To Shut That Whole Thing Down"
Representative Todd Akin, Republican candidate for a Senate seat for Missouri, and a conservative Catholic, has claimed that abortion would be wrong even in the case of a victim of rape.

In a weekend interview Akin said “First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare.”

 “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Akin claimed that rape victims have a biological defense that prevents pregnancy.

“Let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work, or something,” Akin continued. “I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”

Medical studies indicate rape victims do become pregnant at rates of about 5% of the time, the same rate as normal pregnancies.

Akin, an outspoken member of the Republican party, has previously called for banning the "morning after pill" and eliminating school lunch programs. He co-sponsored a failed 2011 bill to limit federal payments to rape victims only in "forcible rape" cases.

Akin later said he miss-spoke about the abortion topic.

The Medieval Idea On Rape And Pregnancy
In English law as late as the 1800s it was thought that a woman could not become pregnant if raped. The legal idea of the time, came about sometime in the 13th century saying any pregnancy would disprove a woman's claim of rape. One early British legal text, Fleta, said, "...for without a woman's consent she could not conceive."

Pregancy was though to be possible only when intercourse included a woman's organsm. It was believed a woman could not become pregnant otherwise, and therefore could not claim to be raped if she were pregnant. By the 19th century this idea was no longer thought true.

Medical Ethics Today For Rape Victims And Treatment For Rape Victims
Catholics medical institutions today follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services in cases of victims of rape. The directives for patient treatment call to "prevent the possible contraction of venereal disease and pregnancy."

The directives say a woman who has been raped may "defend herself against a conception," but adds there must be no evidence that conception has occurred already. She can be treated with medication that would prevent ovulation or fertilization, including the use of anti-fertility drugs within the first 72 hour, or over a period of several days.

The treatment to prevent pregnancy is allowed by Catholic ethics because among other reasons, the woman was not responsible for the action, and because it was not in the context of marriage, where the possibility of conception would have to remain "open to the transmission of life."

Commentary on the ethics of abortion after rape, from the Catholic viewpoint:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0566.html

Gas Prices Still Surprising Motorists

Price Still About 10 Percent Higher Than Month Ago

LABELLE, FL. -- Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 1.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.64/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.70/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Hendry/Glades county prices are still a dime or more higher than Florida averages. In LaBelle yesterday $3.77 was the going rate.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 10.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 27.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 21.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 11.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"The national average has finally begun to cool off after rising nearly every day since the start of July," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "As the West Coast and Great Lakes see refining issues in the rear view mirror, as well as the end of the summer driving season approaching, we may see a new downward pattern develop which could see average prices falling- especially after mid-September, a pattern that could dominate the gas pump until the holiday season," DeHaan said.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

International Geocaching Day Brings Out Hikers



GPS Receivers, The Woods, And A Fun Hobby Celebrated Today

LABELLE, FL. -- Watch for tens of thousands of folks walking through the woods today with GPS receivers in hand. It's International Geocaching Day where 'geocachers' seek hidden caches in locations all around the globe.

(Video: Curt, Becky, and Jerri, all from Miami, visit C.R.E.W. Marsh in Collier County)

The hobby has caught on world-wide thanks to the website www.geocaching.com and it's enormous database of hidden caches in just about every community you can think of.

There are dozens of hidden geocaches in the Hendry and Glades county area. Go to the geocaching website and make a search to find the locations and sign up for your own geocaching profile page.

As geocachers unite on August 18 to celebrate International Geocaching Day, devoting the day enjoying what they love — geocaching, those who log an “Attended” at an Event Cache or a “Found it” for another cache type on International Geocaching Day earn a souvenir for their Geocaching.com profile page.

Thousands of adventurers will attend one of more than 250 International Geocaching Day events around the globe.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Clewiston Police Chief Reports Week's Activities

Burglaries Attempted This Week In Clewiston
CLEWISTON, FL. -- Clewiston Police Don Chief Gutshall reports this week some local businesses have suffered “attempted” burglaries this week. He said, all attempts were isolated to the East End of Sugarland Highway. Nothing appears to be missing from any of the businesses adding "a good alarm systems (including a large dog) worked well in these instances."

The department has two officers serving Armed Forces Reserve duty during August. Both will then act as security in Tampa for the Republican Convention. "It is a difficulty to deal with this for such a small agency manpower wise, but we are so very proud of them too." said the Chief.  Please remember Sgt. Justin Spence (USCG Reserve) and Sgt. Patrick Malley (National Guard).

K-9 Handler Garrett and his partner, Javiar, are responsible for the removal of a gun and narcotics from the Clewiston streets this week. A nice arrest went along with that. Officer Chamberlain also kicked in a foot race of his own with a prize consisting of a good arrest and confiscated bag of marijuana. 

The Chief would like to remind residents also of the efforts of K-9 Handler Pilon and his partner, Dax, who together tracked and arrested the armed robbers from Popeye’s restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Clewiston's two K-9 Teams are really showing their value lately.

A brief synopsis of the weekly activity in Clewiston:1816 Commercial / Residential Security Checks
895 Complaints Investigated
13 Criminal Arrests
50 Traffic Citations Issued
45 Red Light Camera Infractions
154 Merchant Escorts
28 Alarms Responded To
10 Traffic Accidents Investigated

Baby Boomers Need Hepatitis Check

One In Thirty Have Hepatitis C And Don't Know
All U.S. baby boomers should get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus, according to final recommendations published this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

One in 30 baby boomers – the generation born from 1945 through 1965 – has been infected with hepatitis C, and most don’t know it. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases, including liver cancer (the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths) and is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, and deaths have been increasing steadily for over a decade and are projected to grow significantly in coming years.

“A one-time blood test for hepatitis C should be on every baby boomer’s medical checklist,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. 

CDC’s previous recommendations called for testing only individuals with certain known risk factors for hepatitis C infection. Risk-based screening will continue to be important, but is not sufficient alone. More than 2 million U.S. baby boomers are infected with hepatitis C – accounting for more than 75 percent of all American adults living with the virus. 

Studies show that many baby boomers were infected with the virus decades ago, do not perceive themselves to be at risk, and have never been screened.

CDC estimates one-time hepatitis C testing of baby boomers could identify more than 800,000 additional people with hepatitis C. And with newly available therapies that can cure up to 75 percent of infections, expanded testing – along with linkage to appropriate care and treatment – would prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases and save more than 120,000 lives.

For additional information about hepatitis, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

10 New Cars For Hendry Sheriff

Sheriff Leases 10 Fords

LABELLE, FL. -- This week Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden unveiled 10 new 2013 Ford Police Interceptors. 

 Sheriff Whidden and Pat Langford of Langford Ford worked together to make this possible by having the vehicles leased for four years and at the end of the lease the Sheriff’s Office may purchase them for $1.

“These additional 10 cars are a necessary item. There have been no replacement vehicles in 2 years. They will be replacing 6 and 7 year old cars that have reached the end of their useful life,” said Sheriff Steve Whidden.

Live YouTube Broadcast - 9 A.M



Live Broadcast On YouTube/Google+

LABELLE, FL. -- A live TV broadcast with Southwest Florida Online/Sunday Morning News' Don Browne. Join the live broadcast as a guest.

Click on YouTube icon on the video to watch on the YouTube channel and to make comments, or you may leave comments below on this blog.

If you would like to get an invitation to join the live Google Plus-YouTube broadcasts, add Don Browne to your Google+ circle. Current and past shows: www.youtube.com/user/kq4ym/feed.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Labor Day Shopping - Patronize Local Businesses


Save Time And Money - Support Your Community Businesses

LABELLE, FL. -- Want to save time and support our Hendry and Glades local merchants, professionals, and trades people for the best in convenience and service?

Here's our recommendations from among the sponsors of the Sunday Morning News and Southwest Florida Online. Please consider shopping with them and tell them you saw them mentioned online here!

Gary Peters Computer Services, phone (863) 675-7925
Alden A. Rumfelt, Attorney At Law, phone (863) 673-0251
LaBelle Plumbing Corporation, phone (863) 675-1155
Pete's Tractor Service, phone (239) 728-6629
LaBelle Barber Shop, phone (863) 673-2265
Alvarez Tire Shop, phone (863) 946-1370
Phillip's AC And Heating Services, phone (863) 675-2878
Ram's Used and New Tires, phone (863) 675-4777
Stratonet Internet Service, phone (888) 382-8503

Also see our sponsor's ads and specials on the Southwest Florida Online News Page! Please tell them you saw them here online!

Businesses - Why Pay Too Much For Your Ads?

We've been publishing Hendry-Glades county daily news for over a decade and have more verified readers than any other newspaper in Hendry or Glades county and much, much lower advertising rates. Choose any day you want to run ads (we're daily, not weekly), no deadlines (your ad appears the same day), and save hundreds of dollars compared to other media. Why pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for advertising when you can save 50% or more advertising on Southwest Florida Online? Call (863) 800-0010 or email for rates.

LaBelle Office Building Auction Coming

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!

LABELLE, FL. -- The new commercial building at 505 W Hickpochee Avenue and a commercial building with a laundromat on 1st Avenue in downtown LaBelle will be auctioned off at the Hendry County Courthouse on August 22nd.

A Final Judgment of Foreclosure has been signed by the court allowing the sale to go forward next Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.

The property is included in a foreclosure action by Fifth Third Bank against Washbowl of Fort Myers, Inc. and other defendants including Rajambal Balachanthiran, Kiruddinan Balachanthiran, The Bras-Plaza Strip, Inc., and First Bank who hold an inferior mortgage to Fifth Third.

The plaza is valued at about $869,000 and the 1st Avenue property about $403,000. It is likely there will be no bidders at the sale, and Fifth Third Bank will take title to the properties 10 days after the sale.

Lorie Ward Thanks Glades Voters


Paid for and approved by Lorie Ward, Democratic candidate for Glades Property Appraiser

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Glades County Seats Five In Election

Five Winners Today - One More Will Go To November Election

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Dennis Griffin will take the Glades County Commission District 1 seat with 43% of the votes in the Primary election today. Tim Stanley with 52% of the votes will take the District 5 Commission seat.

Scott Bass won the School Superintendent race with 57% of the vote. Jennie Allen won the School Board District 2 seat with 57% of the votes.

Sandra Brown will be the new Glades Clerk of Court with 77% of the votes.

Lorie Ward won the Democratic party race for Glades Property Appraiser with 83% of the vote and will face-off in the November election against Robin Knight McLean (R) to determine the winner.


Winners In Hendry Primary Election

One Hendry Candidates Gets Seat, The Rest Face-Off In November

LABELLE, FL. -- Incumbent Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden (D) kept a commanding lead with 66% of the Democratic votes and Mark Chamberlain (R) took 57% of Republican votes in today's primary election for Hendry Sheriff. The two will face-off in November's general election.

District 1 County Commissioner Janet Taylor (D) took 55% of the vote over Pamela Jackson (D). Taylor will thereby keep her commission seat. Taylor will be the only Hendry candidates in the primary to not have to go to the general election in November.

Although John Perry, candidate for School Board District 4 appeared to win a board seat with 48% of the non-partisan votes, the most votes, legal research of Florida election statutes by Judge James Sloan and Supervisor of Elections Lucretia Strickland, showed that because of there being multiple candidates in that race and that no one candidate obtained a majority of the votes cast, the two candidates with the highest votes will face each other in the November General Election. Stephanie Busin with 420 votes will face John Perry who had 578 votes.

Paul Puletti took 72% of the Republican votes for School Superintendent and Brenda Hoots 72% of Democratic votes for Supervisor of Elections. Both will face their challengers in November.

10 Years Ago - Clewiston Druggist Arrested

From The Archives - Ten Years Ago - Druggist Arrested

CLEWISTON, FL. (July 18, 2002) -- Many people have bought drugs from this well-known Clewiston businessman over the years legally, and now authorities claim illegally. 

Owner of the J and J Pharmacy of Clewiston, Juan Ibietatorremendia (mug shot photo left) was arrested in a Ft. Lauderdale suburb, charged with trafficking inhydrocodone (a synthetic painkiller derivative of codeine) in an amount over 28 grams and less then 30 kilos, possession of cocaine, and possession of cannabis in an amount less than 20 grams.

Hydrocodone is an analgesic prescription drug with potency similar or greater than that of oral morphine. Illegal use of this drug has increased four-fold in the last several years. The drug is abused by oral administration rather than intravenously.

Hydrocodone is a powerful painkiller that can produce a calm, euphoric state similar to heroin or morphine. Experts say addiction can occur withn one to four weeks at higher doses. Authorities says hyrdocodone, as a cause for visiting an emergency room, have increased dramatically in recent years. The DEA believes hydrocodone may be the most abused prescription drug in the country.

The 41-year old, 5' 10"" 215 pound state licensed pharmacist is in jail in Ft. Lauderdale with bond set at $251,000 for drug trafficking and possession charges.

Ibietatorremendia is the co-owner of L&J Drugs with Lazaro Ibietatorremendia, and co-owner of J&J Drugs in LaBelle with John Munson, according to Florida Secretary of State records. L&J Drugs was incorporated on June 19, 2002, one year and 12 days after a final divorce decree from former wife Michelle, a licensed massage therapist.

Ibietatorremendia has had his share of difficulties in the past few years, including a divorce finalized a year ago, and a recent petition against him for an injunction for protection against domestic violence filed by girlfriend Roberta Munson, 43 and ex-wife of Ibietatorremendia's business partner John Munson.

Drug abuse reported
According to court filings by Mrs. Munson, Ibietatorremendia spent nights at her home at 202 Ft. Thompson Street in LaBelle. Munson alleged in court papers that Ibietatorremendia has a serious drug abuse problem, and alleges numerous domestic violence acts against her, culminating in a May 17th incident, after which she filed for court protection against him.

In directions for the Sheriff's department to serve papers on Ibietatorremendia, Munson said she was "not sure" of his address, "he goes from place to place" during the day, she said. Munson said Ibietatorremendia's nicknames are "Coach" and "Godfather." In her complaint, Munson said Ibietatorremendia had threatened to kill her when she said she was going to report his drug activities to authorities, putting his state pharmacist license in jeopardy.

He later apologized for his actions against her and promised he was "going into rehab," she said, alluding to his drug abuse problems. She said he recently wanted to borrow $20,000 from her, and ironically earlier bought her a ring valued between $14,000 and $24,000 but tried to take it back. She said he "tried to rip the ring off my finger" while they were driving down the highway while his 12-year old son was in the backseat.

Munson said she pulled Ibietatorremendia from a local motel room he was occupying with a black man, alluding to a drug encounter. Later, she said Ibietatorremendia slapped her while she was taking a shower, and threatened her to "never take him away from drugs."

On another occasion she claimed "he tried to run over me, my daughter and her friend, in my brand new BMW." She says the Clewiston Police came to arrest him but, "I asked that he not be arrested because he's my source of income."

Munson claims drug store irregularities and drug stupor
Munson asked the police to investigate Ibietatorremendia for the "serious drugs going out the back door of the Clewiston (drug) store. It is my understanding there are more drugs going out the back door than the front, not to mention, more than half the time Juan's so strung out he doesn't even show up for work. The store is being run by a 'tech' and few employees. This is against the law."

On June 3, County Judge Sloan denied the Munson petition for an injunction, but noted that "each needs an injunction against each other" and said a mutual restraining order would be granted if both agreed. Ibietatorremendia objected to the court's suggestion.

Details of Ibietatorremendia's arrest first appeared on the Broward county Sheriff's official webpage earlier this week. By week's end the information had mysteriously disappeared from the website database.

(This story first appeared on the Sunday Morning News 10 years ago - Arrest Of Clewiston Druggist )

Update: Ibietatorremendia was incarcerated on July 15, 2002 and released from Hendry County Correctional on July 2, 2008.  He was sentenced to a seven year prison sentence for drug trafficking.