Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Bicycle Safety Promoted By Florida Highway Patrol Troopers Today


FORT MYERS, FL. -- On September 30, 2015, the Florida Highway Patrol, held its 3rd quarterly wave of 2015 Operation P.E.D.S. (Pedestrian Education and Developing Safety details) on State Road 78 (Bayshore Road) from 9:00 am til 11:00 am. 

250 total educational citizen contacts and 30 bicycle lights were installed by FHP Troopers in the two hour period.

The purpose of this detail was to decrease the amount of injuries and deaths through a series of highly concentrated education and enforcement details in areas prone to pedestrian and bicyclist involved crashes. 

Troopers also passed out safety information educational flyers, installed bicycle lights/reflectors and provided reflective vest, wristbands and other safety material to those in need. 

The following roadways were found to have the highest concentration of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes- U.S. 41 (Cleveland Avenue), State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd.), Lee Boulevard, Estero Boulevard and State Road 78 (Bayshore Road). Help us continue to spread the word about bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Timothy Morris Dies At 26

The Lord has called home one of his best fishermen, Timothy B. Morris, 26 on August 24, 2015. 

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He loved fishing. Every moment not working, he could be found fishing at one of his secret spots.

He is survived by his parents, Dan and Angel Atkisson, siblings: twin sister, Victoria, Melissa, Mary, Danny and many nieces and nephews. Loved and missed by all.

A private memorial will be held on a later date. Cremation Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle

World Heart Day - Preventing Leading Cause Of Death

LABELLE, FL.-- Although World Heart Day fell on Tuesday, September 29, the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties celebrated the event early on Saturday morning September 26th with their first 5K Walk/Run for a healthy heart, in Moore Haven and Clewiston.

This was a run/walk event to raise awareness about heart health. As of 2013, 35% of adults in Hendry and Glades were diagnosed with high blood pressure! World Heart Day was first recognized 15 years ago to inform people that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death and claim over 17 million lives each year. This year’s theme is “Creating Heart-Healthy Environments”.

There were about 45 participants between the two locations. The 5K walk/run event attracted runners and walkers of all ages.

Photo: Dustin Green of Clewiston, winner in his event

“It’s something good to do as a family and it’s also healthy,” said Brian Prowant, who participated in the 5K with his wife and two children in Moore Haven.

This 5K walk/run gave people an opportunity to take part in the world’s biggest event to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.

“I am so pleased to see the great community support for healthier activities. The 5K events were just one example of how we can come together as a community to promote healthier lifestyles”. Said Joseph Pepe, Ed D, MSA, Interim Administrator/Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties.

Additionally, to recognize World Heart Day, the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County held a CPR Class and a Hands-Only™ CPR training at the LaBelle site on Sept. 29th.

Operation P.E.D.S. - Road Safety For Bicyclists And Pedestrians

FORT MYERS, FL. -- On September 30, 2015, the Florida Highway Patrol, along with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will begin its 3rd quarterly wave of 2015 Operation P.E.D.S. (Pedestrian Education and Developing Safety details) on State Road 78 (Bayshore Road) from Hart Road west towards Francis Road. 

The detail will commence at 9:00 am and conclude at 11:00 am. Troopers will be looking for pedestrian, bicycle and motorist violations that occur at or near intersections. 

During the 2013 calendar year, 491 pedestrians and bicyclist were involved in crashes within Lee County. Of those, 355 individuals were injured and twenty five lost their lives. In 2014, there were 524 total crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians, 25 of which were fatal. Since January 2015 there were 72 bicycle crashes with 1 fatality and 113 pedestrian related crashes resulting in 13 fatalities. 

The purpose of this detail is to decrease the amount of injuries and deaths through a series of highly concentrated education and enforcement details in areas prone to pedestrian and bicyclist involved crashes. 

The following roadways were found to have the highest concentration of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes- U.S. 41 (Cleveland Avenue), State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd.), Lee Boulevard, Estero Boulevard and State Road 78 (Bay shore Road).

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Obituary - Helen Lee Musgrave

Helen Lee Musgrave of Clewiston, Fl. died on September 20, 2015. Helen was proceeded in death by her husband; Edward E. Musgrave. She leaves behind two sons; Chris Musgrave and his wife Cindy, Greg Musgrave and his wife Shannon, and one daughter, Nikki Mancil, eight grandchildren; Christopher Musgrave and his wife Tina, Matthew, Morgan, Joshua, Timothy, Bailey, Sarah, and Daniel.

Helen worked every day of her life whether at the honey store making royal jelly in Felda or making a beautiful showplace of a home for her family in Clewiston.

Celebration of Helen's Life will be held Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10:00 am at Evangel Assembly Of God, Clewiston with Pastor Gary Corley officiating. 

Interment will be Thursday, September 24, 2015 in Felda Cemetery, Felda. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Susan Hall Dies At 74

Susan G Hall, age 74, of LaBelle, passed away September 13, 2015 in Lehigh Acres. She was born May 17, 1941 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Frank C. Hall, Sr. and the late Bertha A (Wakefield) Hall.

She is survived by her brother, Frank C Hall, Jr. of LaBelle, FL.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

NAMI Support Group Meets Monthly At United Way House

LABELLE, FL. -- A NAMI sponsored support group will meet monthly on the second Monday starting October in LaBelle at the United Way House on Bridge Street.


Volunteer Meet And Greet At Emergency Operations Center

LABELLE, FL. -- A Volunteer Admin Rodeo/Meet and Greet will be held at 2:00-4:00 PM on September 26th at the Hendry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at 4425 W SR 80 LaBelle, FL 33035.

Anyone interested in volunteering or receiving training are welcome to attend. Volunteering opportunities available include working with the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) located throughout the county, Working with the ARES/RACES ham radio teams, or simply volunteering your time at the Hendry County EOC during regular business hours. All are welcome!

For information 863-675-5400 or email hccertv@gmail.com

Friday, September 18, 2015

Billy Fuccillo Kia's Huge Failure Rating

Better Business Bureau Rates Fuccillo Kia Of Cape Coral Huge "F"
FORT MYERS, FL. -- You've seen Billy Fuccillo on TV and either hate the commercials or love them. Selling Kia brand automobiles at his Cape Coral dealership, he claims to be the largest Kia dealer in the world and closes every commercial with "It's Huge."

But, like his advertisements, it's not always the whole truth you get. In the car business, there's lots of tricks to sell cars and Fuccillo is a master of most of them. A little puffery here and a little misleading word there,,,it's all part of the game to get cars sold fast.

Fuccillo plays up his "huge" dealership and gifts and prizes he regularly give to buyers but unless customers check carefully they'll miss one huge red flag, the local Better Business Bureau review of Fuccillo Kia.

The West Florida Better Business Bureau has given Fuccillo Kia of Cape Coral a failing or "F" grade for at least the last year. 

The BBB says the grade was a result of the "complaints filed against business, Failure to respond to 2 complaints filed against business, 4 complaints filed against business that were not resolved, and the Length of time business has taken to respond to complaint(s)."

The BBB cites 38 complaints against the Cape Coral dealer in the last three years with 14 in the last 12 months. From the total over three years, 18 complaints were about service or products, 14 for advertising and sales issues, 4 for billing and collection issues, and 2 for warranty issues.
And is Fuccillo Kia the largest Kia dealership in the world as Fuccillo claims?  One Florida Kia dealer might take issue with that.

Rick Case Kia in Sunrise, Florida has a giant 260,000-square-foot dealership standing five stories high claiming it's the world's largest Kia dealership. It's so large that it holds the dealership's entire inventory of 600 new and used cars all inside in a climate-controlled environment, as one trade magazine story reported.
But it all depends on what the word "huge" means. Announcing a new store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, a news release in May, 2015 said "The Fuccillo Automotive Group, the largest Kia dealership in the world 7 years running.."  So maybe Billy Fuccillo is talking numbers of Kia stores. 

He sell reportedly near a 1,000 cars a month in Cape Coral, quite a percentage to financially challenged buyers with less than great credit,  so maybe it's the number sold. Five years ago Fuccillo's New York store won the number one title for the most Kias sold via internet leads.

What Billy Owns In Florida - A Huge Success Story

Fuccillo started in the car business back in 1980, two years after attending Syracuse University on a football scholarship. He started buying car dealers' trade-in vehicles, reconditioning them and selling them at dealer auctions for a nice profit splitting it with the dealership for which he worked.

Having saved a large nest egg from his car sale profits, he bought a Dodge dealership in 1989 in Adams, New York, with $125,000. He bought a second dealership in 1990, beginning a string of dealership purchases all over the country. He says he liked to buy a dealership cheap, and then sell it two years later for a big profit.

He's owned automobile dealerships in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and the Carolinas. His base, however is New York.

William B. Fuccillo owns Fuccillo Ventures of Florida, Inc. and Fuccillo Enterprises of Florida, Inc. since May 2014 and Fuccillo Associates of Florida, Inc. started in 2011 and Fuccillo Affiliates of Florida, Inc. started in 2010, all based in Cape Coral but with an Adams, New York mailing address. 

Other Florida corporations he solely owns: It's Huge Of Florida, Inc., WFB Aircraft Management, Inc., a new corporation in 2015, WFB Reinsurrance of Florida, Inc., WFB Properties of Florida, Inc., and four other real estate corporations.

End Of Life Program Tuesday At Hope Connections

LABELLE, FL. -- A free film "Consider the Conversation" and discussion on end of life issues will be held Tuesday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Hope Connections in LaBelle.

Talking about issues related to end-of-life or care when someone has a serious illness is not the easiest thing to do. However, having the conversation ahead of time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your loved ones. Hope HealthCare Services invites the public to an educational event to help you plan for your future health needs.

The afternoon will begin with “Consider the Conversation,” a moving and thought-provoking film. Afterwards, Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Jonathan Scalone, MA, DMin., USAF (Ret.), will lead a discussion on how to use the Five Wishes advance directive forms that can provide guidance for our loved ones based on our own personal, emotional and spiritual needs.

Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 239-985-7727 or email Michelle.Martin@HopeHCS.org.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Preventing Falls - Leading Cause Of Injury Among Seniors

This fall season brings more than just cooler weather and football, it is also the time to prevent falls in older adults. This month, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs join together to highlight Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23, 2015- the first day of fall.

“Through active prevention, our seniors can reduce their risk of injury from falls,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Improving balance through simple exercise routines, managing medications and getting vision and hearing checked regularly are three actions to prevent falls.”

Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury death among Florida residents ages 65 years and older and the fourth leading cause of injury death overall. This year’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day theme, “Take a Stand to Prevent Falls,” raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA), there are numerous measures that can reduce the risk of falls:
Exercise regularly. NCOA cites several evidence-based programs that are proven to help older adults reduce their risk, including Tai Chi and the Otago program.
Consult with a health care professional about a fall risk assessment.
Have medications reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist.
Get eyes and ears checked at least annually.
Ensure the home environment is safe and hazard free.

“Falls pose one of the biggest threats to elders in Florida, and there is so much we can do to reduce the risk,” said Elder Affairs Secretary Samuel Verghese. “The key to falls prevention is to understand the problem and to acknowledge the steps that we can take to keep our seniors safe.”

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has several falls prevention grants active in Hendry and Glades County providing free Tai Ji Quan classes over three month periods several times a year at the L.J. Nobles Senior Center and other locations.

For additional information, please visit the Injury Prevention Section website for Older Adult Falls Prevention.

For additional information on the Department of Elder Affairs events, visit http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/cfal.php

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Dr. Michael Reilly Wins $12 Million In Hospital Case

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. -- Dr. Michael Reilly will receive over $12 million as a result of alleging the North Broward Hospital District had improper financial relationships with referring doctors.

The settlement announced today resolved allegations that the hospital district provided compensation to nine employed physicians that exceeded the fair market value of their services. The United States contended that these agreements violated the Stark Statute and the False Claims Act. The Stark Statute restricts the financial relationships that hospitals may have with doctors who refer patients to them.

The allegations settled today arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, Dr. Michael Reilly, under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. Dr. Reilly will receive $12,045,655.51 from the recovery announced today.

North Broward Hospital District, a special taxing district of the state of Florida that operates hospitals and other health care facilities in the Broward County, Florida, area, has agreed to pay the United States $69.5 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in improper financial relationships with referring physicians, the Justice Department announced today.

“The Department of Justice has long-standing concerns about improper financial relationships between health care providers and their referral sources, because those relationships can alter a physician’s judgment about the patient’s true health care needs and drive up health care costs for everybody,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “In addition to yielding a recovery for taxpayers, this settlement should deter similar conduct in the future and help make health care more affordable.”

“Our citizens deserve medical treatment uncorrupted by excessive salaries paid to physicians as a reward for the referral of business rather than the provision of the highest quality healthcare,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida. “This office will be steadfast in continuing to devote all necessary resources to ensure that anyone rendering medical care does so for the sole benefit of the patient and in compliance with the law.”

“Improper financial rewards given to physicians in exchange for patient referrals corrupts medical decision making and inflates health care costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency will continue to root out such behavior from our health care system.”

Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $25 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $16 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.

The case, United States ex rel. Reilly v. North Broward Hospital District, et al., Case No. 10-60590 (S.D. Fla.), was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida and the HHS-OIG. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Monday, September 14, 2015

What's New At The LaBelle Heritage Museum

LABELLE, FL. -- LaBelle Heritage Museum President Joe Thomas, Vice-President Keitha Daniels, and Director Patricia Newell Johnson attended Florida Gulf Coast University's Service-Learning Fair at its main campus on Friday, September 11, with a display highlighting the museum complex in the Downtown LaBelle Historic District, some of our displays, and programs along with volunteer possibilities for FGCU students to complete their class and school service-learning requirements. 

The museum personnel talked to students about the many activities available for student volunteers at the museum and also networked with a number of non-profit organizations in Lee and Collier County who might want to volunteer for special events with the museum. Several FGCU students have already come to LaBelle Heritage Museum with volunteering at the museum as their primary purpose.

LaBelle Heritage Museum also welcomes students from FSW State College's Hendry/Glades Center and LaBelle High School who need a local venue to complete their school's Service-Learning requirements. Hendry/Glades Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honor Society of the Community College, are already scheduled to volunteer with the museum during the 50th Annual LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival this coming February.

The museum also welcomes individual members of the community looking for an opportunity to donate their services and learn more about LaBelle, its history, and its heritage at the same time. For more information, call (863)674-0034 or drop by the museum at 360 North Bridge Street Wednesdaythrough Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1.pm.

Comedian Stephen Colbert Talks About His Religion



CBS Late Show Host Stephen Colbert speaks openly with Father Thomas Rosica on what makes us laugh, his life philosophy, why the "T" is silent, and his Catholic faith among other subjects.

Originally broadcast this week on Salt and Light TV's weekly Witness interview program with Fr. Rosica.

Video courtesy: Saltandlighttv.org/witness and YouTube

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Obituaries - Elizabeth Galloway, Phillip Gale

Elizabeth Gail Galloway, 61, of LaBelle, FL passed away September 6, 2015 at her home. She was born in Logan, WV where she began an extensive career as a kindergarten teacher. 

As part of that career, she spent over 35 years touching and inspiring the lives of students in West Virginia, as well as, Florida. 

Gail had a zest for life. She was fun, energetic, had an infectious laugh, and a smile that lit up every room. Gail loved deeply; her favorite loves being her family, teaching, the beach, and Notre Dame Football. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles A. Hall and Doris H. Hall. Left to cherish and honor her memory are her husband David L. Galloway; her children Whitney (Bobby) Christian and Shaun (Lindsey) Galloway; her stepsons Matthew Galloway and David Galloway II; her grandchildren Wesley, Maddox, Liam, and Raeanna; her sister Linda (Buddy) Marushi; a special nephew Barry (Debbie) Marushi; and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and students.

A private service and celebration of life was held on Friday, September 11, 2015 in LaBelle, FL. In order to continue teaching children, the family has honored Gail's wishes to be donated to Miami University Medical Center so that she will be part of teaching her last class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gail's memory to either the American Heart Association at https://donatenow.heart.org or the Ronald McDonald House Charities at https://donate.rmhc.org.

Phillip Evan Gale, age 78, of Moore Haven, passed away September 6, 2015 in Moore Haven. He was born Jan. 18, 1937 in Center Ossipee, NH to Parkman D. Gale and Lucille Mary (Gray) Gale.

Phillip served in the US Air Force. He worked for 38 years with NOAA. Phillip was a loyal member of the Moose and Eagles Club, the American Legion and the local Garden Club of Lakeport, all of which were all a home away from home for him. He was a resident of Moore Haven for the past 32 years.

Survivors include his sons: Rick Sutler of Port Charlotte and Frank Sutler of Gaithersburg, MD, daughters: Lisa Foster of Hiram, GA and Sheila Gale of Breman, GA, many grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife: Carolyn Downing Gale and son: Greg Sutler. 

Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

World Heart Day September 29

LABELLE, FL. -- World Heart Day is recognized each year on September 29th. It gives people an opportunity to take part in the world’s biggest event to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.

As of 2013, 35% of adults in Hendry and Glades were diagnosed with high blood pressure!

The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties will be facilitating two events on September 26th in recognition of World Heart Day. There will be a 5-K Walk/Run in Clewiston and Moore Haven. Grab your running shoes and join us! NOTE: Parent authorization needed for participants under the age of 18

Event information:
Clewiston: Clewiston Cane Field (Behind Clewiston Middle School), Saturday, September 26th Registration at7:30am, 5K Walk/Run will begin promptly at 8:00am.

To pre-register please contact Mary Ruth Prouty at 863-674-4041 xt135.

Moore Haven: Terrier Field (At Moore Haven Jr/Sr High School), Saturday September 26th Registration at 7:30am, 5K Walk/Run will begin promptly at 8:00am.

To pre-register please contact Brian Prowant at 863-946-0707 xt203.

World Heart Day was first recognized 15 years ago to inform people that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death and claim over 17 million lives each year.

This year’s theme is “Creating Heart-Healthy Environments”. World Heart Day events will raise awareness about making healthy heart choices wherever we live, work, and play and help to reduce our cardiovascular risks.

Obituaries - Hollis McKenzie, David Beck

Hollis Gatien McKenzie (nicknames "Cyrano" "Hollister" "Mac") was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on December 18, 1937 to the late Everline Arneaud and the late Patrick McKenzie, both of Trinidad & Tobago. He departed this life on September 4, 2015 at Promise Hospital of Fort Myers, Florida. He was the loving husband of Doreen McKenzie, and loving father to his three daughters, Ann Kelly, Alethia McKenzie and Allison McKenzie, who have survived him.

At the age of 30, he moved to the United States to better his life, and was an employee of AT&T Corp. in New York for over 30 years. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends during any holiday, birthday or spontaneous gathering at his home. He was also an avid gardener, and a faithful member of the local Catholic Church. Hollis was devoted to help anyone in need, and encouraged any young man or woman he knew to always seek a good education. He adored all of his family and friends; they meant the world to him.

Besides his wife and children, he is survived by the following family members: his sisters Cynthia McKenzie, Irma Alexander and Lorrain Etienne; his cousins Lynette Thompson, Sheila Legall, Henry Smith, Witney Smith, Michael Smith, Eastman Stephens, the Cournand Family, the Arneaud Family; his son-in-law Rufus Kelly; his grandchildren Rena Kelly and Nathaniel McKenzie; his great-grandchild Cameron Washington; his nephews Ruthven Boucaud, Roland Boucaud, Corey Alexander, Colin Alexander, Hayden Lawrence, Kyle Etienne, Franklyn Aing Etienne, Ranaldo George and Andre Carrion; his nieces Judyann McKenzie, Giselle McKenzie and Nikeisha Sooknanan; eight (8) great-nephews and eleven (11) great-nieces, including Shavon Boucaud, and all other family members that are still living at this time.

A service is being held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in LaBelle, Florida on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10:00am, and a bereavement reception will follow at 12:00 pm in the Pariah Hall. Another service is planned for September 19, 2015 at 10:00am at the St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church in Malick, Barataria and his body will be laid to rest in Lapeyrouse Cemetery located in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

David Allen Beck, age 54, of Moore Haven, passed away September 8, 2015 in Clewiston. He was born Jan. 25, 1961 in Gainesville, FL.

Survivors include his wife: Deborah L. "Dee Dee" Beck, son: Gary Beck, daughter: Alisha Beck (Daniel Cockram), parents: Jerry and Kathy Beck, brothers and sisters: Brenda Kjos (Don); Karen Albert (Brian), Jennifer Cosby (Phillip), Jeremy Patterson (Jennifer), Jeffrey Patterson (Tiffany), Bruce Ball, Roger Swanson (Natalie) and granddaughters: Emma and MacKenzie Cockram. He was preceded in death by his mother: Juanita Kilibrew Beck and brother, Gary Beck.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 11, 2015, 4:00 pm at Maple Grove Baptist Church, Moore Haven with Pastor Charley Watts officiating. Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Jesus Cavazos Graduates From Combat Training

LABELLE, FL. -- Army Pvt. Jesus I. Cavazos has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. 

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is a 2015 graduate of Labelle High School, Labelle, Fla.

Monday, September 07, 2015

Honoring Fallen Men And Women 9/11 Concert

LABELLE, FL. -- The Annual 9/11 Concert at LaBelle High School wil be held Saturday, September 12th at the LaBelle High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. Admisssion is free and the music will be
Honoring all Fallen Brave Men & Women who lost their lives in the tragic event.

(IF you or a group would like to sing a patriotic or gospel song or two, please contact:
Carless Summerals at 863-673-0570 or Wayne Wilkins at 863-673-0760)

Teens Now Use E-Cigarettes To Vaporize Cannabis

Research has found electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among middle school and high school students. A new study finds high school students are using e-cigarettes, battery powered devices originally developed to vaporize nicotine, to vaporize cannabis. 

The study, “High School Students’ Use of Electronic Cigarettes to Vaporize Cannabis” in the October 2015 Pediatrics (to be published online Sept. 30), examined rates of using e-cigarettes to vaporize cannabis among a sample of 3,847 high school students who were surveyed anonymously in Spring 2014 at five high schools in Connecticut. 

The authors found rates to be high, particularly among all lifetime e-cigarette users (18.0%); among all lifetime cannabis users (18.4%); and among lifetime users of both e-cigarettes and cannabis (26.5%). 

“This is a relatively novel way of using marijuana, and kids are using it at a fairly high rate,” said lead author Meghan E. Morean, now assistant professor of psychology at Oberlin College, who conducted the research while in the lab of senior author Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, professor of psychiatry at Yale.

Common means of vaporizing cannabis using e-cigarettes included hash oil and wax infused with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Study authors from Yale University said the findings raise concerns about the lack of e-cigarette regulations, especially since the forms of cannabis commonly vaporized often are highly concentrated yet less easily detected in the absence of the pungent odor of smoked cannabis.

“The smell of vaping marijuana isn’t as strong as smoking it, plus the similarity in appearance of hash oil and nicotine solutions make this a really inconspicuous way of using marijuana,” Morean said.

Jack Linn And Jennifer Chrisman Die In Motorcycle Crash

LEHIGH ACRES, FL. --  A motorcyclist and his passenger died as a result of a crash Sunday night about 9:15 p.m. in Lehigh Acres after the cycle failed to observe a stop sign..

A 2007 Hona motocycle driven by Jack Laroy Linn, 48 of Nokomis, Florida was traveling south on Alabama Road and was approaching a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 82. A 2005 Chevy Tahoe driven by Elizabeth Diaz Conde, 47 of Davie, Florida was traveling east on State Road 82 and was approaching the intersection of Alabama Road.

Linn failed to observe the stop sign as the motorcycle approached the intersection. As a result, he laid the motorcycle down on it's right side and began to slide into the intersection of State Road 82. Both Linn and his passenger, Jennifer Lynn Chrisman, 43 of Estero, Florida were ejected from the motorcycle as they crossed both lanes of State Road 82 in a southern direction.

Linn and Chrisman slid directly into the path of travel of the Tahoe. The front portion of the SUV collided with both. The Tahoe came to final rest just east of the intersection in the eastbound lane facing southeast. Linn and his passenger both came to final rest underneath the Tahole. The motorcycle had slid across both lanes of State Road 82 and came to final rest in the southern grassy shoulder on it's right side facing west.

Friday, September 04, 2015

Mosquito Spray Plane Active This Weekend

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County will be conducting aerial adult mosquito control operations over Airport-Sears, Felda, Flaghole, Hookers Point, LaDeca, Pioneer, Montura Ranch Estates, and North LaBelle including Caloosa Estates, Double J Acres, Ft. Denaud, Ft. Denaud Acres, North LaBelle Heights, and Northwest Hendry County on Saturday, September 5th weather permitting. 

Sunday, September 6th will serve as a make-up day if needed. 

These operations will continue throughout the remainder of the year as mosquito levels warrant. The insecticide to treat for adult mosquitoes is approved for application by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida. This operation will be conducted by Clarke.

If you have questions concerning this operation, please call Clarke at 800-443-2034 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Water System Violates Chemical Byproduct Standards

Port LaBelle Treatment System Violates Standards For Trihalomethanes

LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has cited the Port LaBelle Utilities water treatment system for failure to keep byproducts of disinfection below standards.

Laboratory analysis for the last four quarterly samples of Total Trihalomethanes from the public drinking water system indicate concentrations of 103.03 micrograms per liter from one sampled location and higher than allowed amounts from other locations. The DEP has determined the levels are higher than the 80 micrograms per liter maximum standard.

In July the water system filter membranes were cleaned, but the action was not successful at correcting the problem. The last test results were from August 8.

Some people who drink water with excess trihalomethanes over many years may experience problems with liver, kidneys, or central nervous system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

The DEP and Roger Greer, administrator of the Port LaBelle Utility System say this is not an immediate risk but until the problem is corrected, those concerned may wish to use alternative sources of water such as commercial bottled water or treat water with a home water treatment device for reducing trihalomethane in drinking water.

For more information call Roger Greer at (863) 675-5376 at Port LaBelle Utilities or Patty Baron at DEP at (239) 344-5615, email: patty.baron@dep.state.fl.us