Thursday, March 31, 2016

Cartoon Donald Trump On Stephen Colbert Late Show



CBS Late Show host Stephen Colbert has a bit of fun with Republican Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump's latest public comments.

Video: courtesy YouTube/CBS Late Show

John Clayton Royal Dies At 37

John Clayton Royal, age 37, of Clewiston, passed away March 30, 2016 in West Palm Beach.

He was born Feb. 22, 1979 in Belle Glade, FL, to Carroll John and Kimberly Ann (White) Royal. He worked as a refrigeration mechanic for United States Sugar Corporation for many years. He was a Clewiston High School Graduate, where he Varsity Lettered in Football and Track.

Survivors include his loving parents; Carroll John and Kimberly Ann Royal, one brother; James Crawford Royal and wife Jade and one sister: Jennifer Nicole Herring and husband Jessie L. niece; Amy Nicole Herring and nephew; Jacob Lee Herring and grandmothers, Jimmie Lou Mahoney and Susan White Flint, multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend who will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him.

Celebration of John's life will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:00 pm in Akin-Davis Funeral Home, where visitation will be held from 6-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in John's name to any hospice organization.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Obituary - Nelida Carbonell

Nelida "Nellie" Carbonell, formerly, Nelida Maldonado, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2016. A native of Puerto Rico, Nelida and Alfonso Maldonado moved their family to LaBelle, Florida in 1981. Nelida was a homemaker, housekeeper, clerk, avid reader and music lover. She was hard-working, quick-witted, and unfailingly placed her family's needs above her own.

She is survived by her two children, Ivelisse Miller (married to Michael Miller) of Fort Myers, and Luis Maldonado of Orlando, as well as two grandchildren, Michael Miller, Jr. and Mya Miller. To honor her wishes, no official service will be held. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter via phone at 1.800.272.3900 or by mail: Alzheimer's Association--Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd., #709, Clearwater, Florida 33762..

Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Motorcyclist Joey Pinheiro Seriouly Injured After Fleeing Deputy

CAPE CORAL, FL. --  Joey Pinheiro was seriously injured after a high speed crash Sunday at 10:52 a.m. in Lee county.

Joey Pinheiro, 21 of North Fort Myers driving a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was northbound in the continuous left turn lane on San Carlos Boulevard at a very high rate of speed and was in the process of fleeing from an earlier attempted traffic stop by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

Denise Vodola, 58 of Fort Myers driving a 2004 Hyundai was southbound in the left turn lane on San Carlos Boulevard beginning to make a left turn onto Buttonwood Drive at a green traffic control signal. Vodola and a passenger had minor injuries.

Pinheiro failed to stop for the red traffic control signal at Buttonwood Drive and the front of the motorcycle struck the front of the Hyundai.. The motorcycle overturned to the right and came to final rest facing west up against the front of the Hyundai which came to final rest facing southwest in the intersection.

Pinheiro was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. The crash is under investigation.

Janice Groves Shares Community Theater History April 7

LABELLE, FL. -- Janice Groves, a charter member of the LaBelle Firehouse Players as well as past-president of the Firehouse Cultural Center, Inc. will share her experiences with LaBelle's community theater over the past quarter century at LaBelle Heritage Museum on April 7 at 7 o'clock in the evening at the museum located at 360 North Bridge Street in the Downtown LaBelle Historic District.

Parking at the museum is limited, but Rene Curtis Pratt at Harold P. Curtis Honey Company, 355 North Bridge Street, immediately across from the museum says museum visitors for its evening programs are always welcome to use their parking lot.

There will be a short museum business meeting following a break for refreshments at the end of Mrs. Groves' presentation. Margaret England, chair of the museum's nominating committee, will present a slate of 1-year officers and one 3-year director to be elected at the May 5 program meeting. Nominations from the floor will be in order at the May meeting; however, all individuals being nominated from the floor must agree in advance to serve if elected.

The officers and director elected at the May meeting will take office at the Annual LaBelle Heritage Museum Potluck Dinner to be held at the museum on Thursday, June 2. All LaBelle Heritage Museum meetings are open to the public.

Zachary Kielbasa, Kathryn Knipper Win Washington Trip

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades Electric Cooperative announced the winners of the 2016 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington DC. Okeechobee High School student Zachary Kielbasa and Lake Placid High School student Kathryn Knipper will represent GEC, their families, schools and communities on an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital from June 11-16, 2016.

The students will join high school juniors from across the nation to learn the history of rural electrification, it’s importance in the development of our great nation, tour museums, monuments and government buildings, and meet with legislators. 

Zachary and Kathryn will have the opportunity develop lasting friendships with students from around the country who share the bond of living in rural America and being members of an electric cooperative.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Virtual Reality Coming To Your Phone



Soon you may be watching video, tv, and movies in 360 degree virtual reality. and even 3-D stereoscopic on your phone, computer or special VR viewing device. Virtual reality, or VR isn't just for gamers says the Wall Street Journal in a 360 degree video produced recently. From sports to real estate to education, WSJ's Joanna Stern takes you on a tour of the best real-world uses of VR.

Use you mouse or arrow keys to move around the video scene or if you have them, use Google cardboard with your phone and move your head up down and around, or you can use other more expensive viewing devices to travel around by moving your head for a truly immersive VR experience.

Video courtesy Wall Street Journal

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Hawaiian Round World Voyage Visits Everglades Park



EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FL. -- A traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe arrived Saturday morning offshore from Everglades National Park in Everglades City on part of its world tour. The craft had this week departed from Cuba making it's way to Key West and on to Southwest Florida. It's next port will be Fort Myers.

The canoe crew, singing and dancing greeted officials from the Seminole Tribe of Florida holding a "Ceremony of Friendship" at noon.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society, and Kanaka Maoli, the indigenous people of Hawaii are sailing the large catamaran like vessel Hōkūleʻa around the world, having completed about half the journey so far.
A cultural connection with the Seminole Tribe of Florida includes the Seminoles’ traditional dugout canoes, which were the primary mode of transportation in the Everglades through the early 1900s.

The event focused as well on preservation of The Everglades in the face of sea level rise and other environmental pressures with Park Superintendent Pedro Ramos, who pointed out he too grew up on an island, Puerto Rico.  A petition was prepared by the two indigenous peoples groups addressed to the United Nations seeking preservation of tribal and indigenous peoples' burial grounds world wide.

For more information about the voyage, visit www.hokulea.com.

Photo courtesy Jason Patterson, Hokulea.com

Conversation With Dr. Mao On Health And Success

Commentary by Don Browne

LABELLE, FL. -- I recently had the opportunity to talk by phone with Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best-selling author and Doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture from California, on the subject of his latest book, Live Your Ultimate Life. Dr. Mao has appeared nationwide in seminars and on the Dr. Oz Show on television and is the co-founder of Yo San University in Southern California.

The new book teaches how to find your personality traits from traditional Chinese five "elements" wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. Each of the five personalities or elements carries with it certain strengths and also characteristics one might want to watch for, to enable creating a better balance in order to more successfully carry on life's journey to health, happiness and success.

I had become acquainted with Dr. Mao after having read and studied his father's books some 30 years ago. His falther, Taoist Master Hua-Ching Ni, now 99 years old and still hiking an hour a day in the hills of Southern California, wrote dozens of books during his long career, carrying on traditions passed through seventy-four generations of his family in China.

Here is a 25 minute conversation, my questions, and answers from Dr. Mao:

Live Your Ultimate Life online at Amazon with book reviews

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Christopher Hall Sentenced In Child Porn Case

FORT MYERS, FL. – Christopher Hall 45, of Bonita Springs has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the computers he had used to commit the offense. Hall pleaded guilty on November 30, 2015.

According to court documents, on May 9, 2014, an undercover FBI Task Force agent discovered that Hall was sharing child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing network. A federal search warrant was then executed at Hall’s residence and his computers were seized. 

Forensic analyses subsequently revealed more than 2,500 images of child pornography and 9 videos depicting child pornography on those computers. Hall admitted that he had lived alone and was the only person who had used his computers, and that he never shared his secured Internet connection with anyone. He stated that he began downloading child pornography ten years ago.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Schmitz.

Free Class For Amateur Radio License April 16


LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Emergency Management Department sponsors amateur radio activities in Hendry county and is cooperating with the Big Lake Amateur Radio Club in free training to aid interested persons in getting their FCC amateur radio licenses and ultimately on the air.

The next class is scheduled for Saturday, April 16 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Emergency Operations Center west of LaBelle on SR80. The class will include testing.

The event is open to all and there is no age restriction and no prior knowledge is needed and no radio is needed.

Free study guides and answers to the FCC test questions are online:

Amateur Radio Study Guide
FCC Exam Questions

For more information, contact the EOC at 863-674-5404.

BigLakeARC.org - Big Lake Amateur Radio Club website

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Obituaries - Waynette Harris, Agustina Lopez

Waynette Pelham Harris passed away March 18, 2016 in Clewiston. She was born on Nov. 17th 1943 in Pahokee, FL to W.C. Pelham and the late Christine Brown Pelham.

She was married to the late Mack Harris the love of her life. She was a loving mother to Allen Harris and Cecil Harris, Sister to W.R. Pelham, Pete Pelham and the late W.C.(BO) Pelham, grandmother to Crystal Harris Spooner , Allen(A.J.) Harris, Natalie Harris and Bubba Harris.

Great grand mother to MelLainy Spooner, Madelyn Spooner, Mackenzy Spooner, Cecilia Spooner, Makinly Spooner, Joshua Harris, Kandice Hayes, Kendall McDonald and Brinley Harris.

She loved nature and spent as much time in the woods as possible in her younger days with her husband, children, grandchildren and all family that followed.

Celebration of Waynette's life is 3:00 p.m. Wednesday,, March 23, 2016 in Akin-Davis Funeral Home Clewiston. Interment will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery.


Agustina Maria Lopez, age 82, of Clewiston, passed away March 19, 2016 in Clewiston.

She was born June 22, 1933 in Cuba, to the late Augustine and the late Maria Josefa (De Armas) Etchegoyen.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

City Gets Fifth Traffic Light At Walmart!



Getting Ready For Lots Of Shopping Traffic In LaBelle

LABELLE, FL. -- Motorists driving through the city of LaBelle will come upon a new traffic light this week on State Road 80 at the new Walmart Superstore and Tractor Supply intersection.

Opening officially in May with employees checking in next month, the Walmart store is expected to bring lots of traffic to the area two miles west of downtown LaBelle.

The new traffic signal brings LaBelle's total of traffic lights to five, including three in downtown LaBelle, and one at Cowboy Way and SR80. The nearest traffic lights outside the city are 30 miles to the east in Clewiston, and 30 miles to the west in Fort Myers.

Map: Location of LaBelle's five traffic lights on State Road 80 including the new Walmart light at lower left on the map

Obituaries - Vargas, Sherrell, Sexton

Jose Luis Vargas, age 66, of LaBelle, passed away March 20, 2016 in LaBelle, Florida He was born Sept. 30, 1949 in Michoacan, Mexico. He later married Maria Luisa in Capula, Mexico in 1975.

Survivors include his wife: Maria Luisa Vargas, three children: Jose Luis Vargas, Jr. (Yessica), Carolina Vargas Arriola (Apolinar) and Hugo Vargas (Natasha).

Brother to siblings: Martin, Trinidad, Angel, Mariano, Alfonso, Angelina, Maria Dolores and Eugenia.

Grandchildren: Hugo Vargas, Jr., Angel Vargas, Jose Luis Vargas, III, Aveary Alejandro Vargas, Gabriel Benjamin Arriola and Dina Ximena Vargas.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 6:30-8:00 pm with Daniel Piñero officiating. Funeral will be held Friday, March 25, 2016 at 10:00 am followed by burial at Fort Denaud Cemetery.

Nellie Doris Sherrell, age 84, of Clewiston, passed away March 20, 2016 in Fort Myers. She was born Nov. 5, 1931 in Moultrie, GA, to the late Herschel and the late Kate Fletcher. She was married to Robert Freeman Sherrell and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2009. 

Nellie was a long time member of First Baptist of Clewiston. Nellie was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Survivors include one son: Lavonne Sherrell and his wife Ann Tim Sherrell and his wife Elizabeth all of Clewiston, FL, grandchildren; Luke Sherrell, Lori Sherrell, Tasha Cornelius, Joshua Sherrell, Stephanie Vinson, Andrew Sherrell, Tanya Sherrell and ten great grandchildren.

Celebration of Nellie's life will be held Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church Of Clewiston, with her grandson Pastor Josh Sherrell officiating. Interment will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston. Visitation is Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.

Edith L. "Betty" Sexton, age 81, of Alva, passed away March 21, 2016 in Clewiston. She was born June 15, 1934 in Mayking, KY, to the late Laster and the late Lola (Thomas) Craft. Betty married Delmus Sexton on March 29, 1952.

She is survived by her loving husband: Delmus Sexton, son: Terry Sexton, daughter-in-law Jodi Sexton, grandchildren, Abbi Smith (Coy) and Christopher Sexton (Ashley); great grandchildren, Del and Harper, brothers: Lester Craft, Ben Craft, sisters: Jean Woods, Mag Brewer, Phyllis Klugiewicz and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family members. She was preceded in death by her sons, Delmus Sexton, Jr. and Larry Sexton.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Live Your Ultimate Life - Dr Mao Shing Ni


Five Traditional Personality Types And Wisdom Of The Ages
Review By Don Browne

Dr. Mao Shing Ni's latest book, Live Your Ultimate Life, is based on traditional Chinese 'five element' personality theory, and not coincidentally his father Taoist Master Hua Ching Ni wrote one of the definitive books on the Chinese Book of Changes, the I Ching. Dr. Mao, a well known and respected doctor of Chinese medicine has appeared on numerous television shows including several on The Dr. Oz Show, teaching self-help techniques for better health.

Live Your Ultimate Life is an easy to read guide explaining the five traditional personalities; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water and how to improve one's life; bettering physical, mind, financial, career and relationship health. While I tried to guess my personality type while reading the book, I discovered Dr. Mao has an online 'five element quiz' that better narrows down one's main personality type, which turned out to be "water" for me. After taking the quiz I then went back to the book to read again those sections about my personality type and then study the advice given. Dr. Mao gives some additional advice on acupressure points and meditation for each personality type, as well as specific traditional Chinese herbal recommendations to improve health. (Note: The quiz page may ask for an email address to get your results. You can remove yourself from any emails you receive later with no problem should you desire.)

I would have wished the personality quiz was included in the book and a bit better organization of the book of the five element personality types to avoid searching through the book for each individual type and it's advice. Although the topic search was made easier by graphic symbols of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water on the edge of each page, making finding the individual sections a bit easier. There was quite extensive career advice that may be useful for those in doubt about current and future work choices

Recommended highly for those who might find traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy of life useful to one's life journey. Five Element Personality Quiz

Read more reviews of Live Your Ultimate Life or shop for the book at Amazon.com

Jose Cisnero Dies At 78

Jose Ramon Cisnero, age 78, of LaBelle, FL passed away March 16, 2016 in Tampa.

He was born Apr. 2, 1937 in Floresville, TX, to the late Teodoso Cisnero and the late Isabel (Suarez) Cisnero. He was a resident of LaBelle since 1965 and was a founding member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife: Carmel Hernandez Cisnero, sons: Jose Ramon Cisnero, Jr. and Pedro Cisnero, daughter: San Juana Cisnero Burns, brother: Jesse Cisnero, sisters: Frances Pena and Mary Lou Herrera, six grandchildren: Jose III, Pedro Jr., Patricia, Thomas, Desirae and Anthony and seven great-grandchildren: Adrienne, Thomas, Cameron, Alisha, Franklin, William and Lexie. Jose was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Cisnero.

Funeral services will be held Wed, March 23, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle with Father Luis Albarracin officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle

Obituary - Robert Betcher

Robert Ryland Betcher, age 46, of Melbourne Beach, passed away March 13, 2016 in Fort Myers. He was born Apr. 18, 1969 in Rockledge, FL, to the late Raymond Robert Jr. and Lucy Ann Betcher. He graduated from high school in 1987 and from St. Stanislaus College in Mississippi. Robert worked as an independent contractor in computer project management. He was also president of H2O Guitar.

Survivors include his mother: Lucy Ann Betcher, brothers: Raymond Betcher (Terri) and Russell A. Betcher (Micah Clark), nieces: Ainsley and Madison, special friend: Paula Saldarriaga and numerous friends.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 6:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers with Pastor Ken Dewalt officiating. Visitation was 1 hour prior to the memorial service at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Fort Myers. Memorial donations can be made to Special Equestrians Inc., P.O. Box 61528 Fort Myers, FL 33906 www.specialequestrians.net

Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Fort Myers

Friday, March 18, 2016

Two Dead In Early Morning Head-On Crash

LABELLE, FL. --  Nicholas Mankiewicz and Cebert Williams are dead as a result of a head-on crash about 5:40 a.m. Friday morning in rural Hendry county.

A 2005 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, driven by Nicholas Mankiewicz, 25 of Fort Myers was traveling west on State Road 80 west of Lexington Parkway in Hendry county as a 2002 Ford Expedition, driven by Cebert Williams, 55 of Lehigh Acres was traveling east on SR-80.

The Toyota attempted to pass slower traffic and  traveled onto the eastbound lane of SR-80. The Ford traveled onto the south shoulder of SR-80 to avoid the Toyota. The Toyota traveled onto the south shoulder of SR-80 as well. As a result, the two vehicles collided head-on within the south shoulder of SR-80. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Neither driver was wearing a seat belt according to the FHP investigators.

Boil Water Notice - Clewiston, Florida

CLEWISTON, FL. -- This is to notify the customers of the City of Clewiston water system of possible contamination of the city water supply. Customers are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute prior to using for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or use bottled water for a period of 72 hours unless otherwise notified.

Areas affected are 300 & 400 Blocks of W. El Paso Ave, W. Obispo Ave, W. Alverdez Ave, W. Trinidad Ave, W. Ventura Ave, W. Sagamore Ave, the Hospital, and Blocks 100-600 South W.C. Owens, Corona St and S. Olympia St.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Sugar Festival Events Today And Tomorrow



CLEWISTON, FL. – America’s sweetest town will host the annual Clewiston Sugar Festival Friday and Saturday, a free event featuring celebrity dessert chef Johnny Iuzzini, musical guests Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, and family-friendly activities.

The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Civic Park, on U.S. Hwy 27 in Clewiston and events throughout the day Friday. See the schedule above (click to see larger version) Admission is free.

Now in its 30th year, the Clewiston Sugar Festival celebrates the region’s annual sugarcane harvest and sugar’s important economic impact on Glades area communities and Florida’s agricultural industry. This year’s presenting sponsor is U.S. Sugar, a Florida pioneer in the sustainable farming and processing of sugarcane, citrus and sweet corn.

The event will include a Sweet Taste of Clewiston contest for best desserts with celebrity pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini, judge of the reality TV show Top Chef: Just Desserts and author of Sugar Rush. Performing on the main stage will be country music stars Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, along with the South Florida classic rock group Sierra Band and Clewiston’s own YourDesign.

The festival will feature appearances by Miss Sugar 2016 Vivian Haney, Junior Miss Sugar Jennah Hernandez and Little Miss Sugar Jade Potter. Other activities include a vintage tractor display, a kids’ park with games and inflatable jump houses, a Big Lake Cruisers Rod Run, wildlife show, gator wrestling, Lake O tours, a variety of delicious food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Also on the schedule are a Sugar Fest 5K run by Cross Training Ministries and tennis, basketball and horseshoe/cornhole tournaments.

Three Dead In Two-Car Crash In Collier County

UPDATE: The FHP has released the names of the deceased: Ayesha Khaleedah Idlette, 31; Alejandro Rodriguez, 41; Passenger Irvin Michael Arellano Rodriguez, 21

Three are dead after a Thursday morning crash in Collier county. Names are being withheld by the FHP pending notification of next of kin of two drivers and a passenger.

A 31 year old female driving a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire was traveling northbound on State Road 29 south of Oil Well Road. A 2007 GMC Savanna driven by a 41 year old male from Naples was traveling southbound on State Road 29 south of Oil Well Road.

The Pontiac traveled into the southbound lane of  State Road 29 into the path of the SUV. As a result, the left front of the car collided with the left front of the SUV within the southbound lane. The Pontiac rotated counterclockwise and came to final rest facing north within the northbound lane.

The GMC rotated counterclockwise and came to final rest facing south in the ditch on the west grass shoulder. A 21 year old male passenger in the GMC died in the crash and was not wearing a seat belt according to the FHP.

68-Year Old Dead In US27 Crash

UPDATE: The FHP has released the name of the deceased driver. He is David Lawrence Roberts, 68 of Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

MOORE HAVEN, FL. --  A 68-year old man is dead after losing control of his vehicle on US 27 Thursday afternoon about 12:33 p.m. Identification of the driver is pending notification of next of kin.

A 2002 GMC Sierra was northbound on US27 north of SR78 in Glades county when the 68 year old driver suffered a medical episode, said the FHP. The vehicle exited the paved portion of the roadway and entered a ditch/canal and collided with the embankment and a tree.

The vehicle overturned and came to final rest on its left side facing east in approximately one foot deep standing water. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene.

LaBelle's Project Graduation Looking For Student Gifts

It’s that time of year again. LaBelle High School graduation is May 21st and 270 Seniors are getting their diplomas. Project Graduation started as a way to safely celebrate graduating seniors' amazing accomplishment as all graduating seniors are invited to spend the night at LHS with their fellow students, as well as receive some awesome prizes.

Kim Gause's job this year is to head the donation committee and is looking for any nominal donations or any gifts to hand out to the seniors. The goal is to make sure each senior receives a gift. In the past years many businesses as well as private donors have blessed this event where this tradition has been going strong for over 20 years.

Any amount is greatly appreciated and no amount is too small. If you would rather donate a gift, gift card, or service, you can contact Kim or the high school so that the donation may be picked up.

Kim said, "Thank you so much to all that do for the youth in our community. For myself this will be my second child that will graduate from LHS and I am beyond proud that an event like this, which I attended 19 years ago is still just as anticipated by the seniors now as it was my graduating year."

Contact Kim Gause at Southern Heritage Real Estate or (863) 675-4500

Mary McDaniel Dies At 83

Mary Tillman McDaniel of Clewiston, Florida passed away on March 12, 2016 at 3:30 in the morning. She was born to Nora Mae and Joseph Wheeler Tillman on July 21, 1932 in Ocala, Florida.

Mary spent most of her life on the McDaniel Ranch 30 miles South of Clewiston, Florida. In 1947, as an 18 year old, she traveled with a choral group to sing at a Baptist Church in LaBelle, Florida, and that performance changed her life forever. 

John Wesley McDaniel and Agnes McDaniel and her son, Robert (Bob) E. McDaniel, were in their usual seats at the church that day. During the service, Bob turned to his Mother and pointing to Mary said, "Ask her home for dinner". Mary was invited, and it was love at first sight because Bob McDaniel had eyes only for the beautiful Mary and her beautiful voice. 

Shortly thereafter he began making frequent trips to Lakeland and several months later Mary and Bob were engaged on May 15th 1951.They were married on June 8th, 1951 and began their life together in a small wooden home at the ranch. 

Life was difficult. Their home had almost no modern conveniences. There was no inside plumbing, no air conditioning, no clothes dryer, outhouse and lots of hard work. The roads were very primitive with no grocery stores, no modern conveniences, and no neighbors. The land was forbidding. 

Water frequently stood in their yard and Bob would pump water off the vegetable fields when it was too wet and pump water onto the fields when it was too dry. For a young girl from the city these were challenging days. Yet, the love between Mary and Bob carried them through the difficult times. Mary spent the next years giving birth to four boys, cooking for cow hands, and taking care of her home and family. 

She was a pioneer woman in every sense of the word- courageous, hard- working and dedicated to her family and to the ranch. She was a strong, motivated person determined to make a success of the ranch and of her family and she would defy any attempts to do harm to either one. She would stand up and be counted when needed. She and Bob together made the McDaniel Ranch a happy and successful business and home for their sons who also worked on the ranch.

Music was always a part of Mary's life. As a youth, she and her sisters visited with her Aunt Mattie and Uncle Lawrence McGlynn in Gainesville, Florida, and always sang at Pine Grove Baptist Church where the McGlynns were regular members. Through the years, Mary sang at weddings and funerals joyfully sang the wonderful hymns of her Christian faith. 

Whether in Clewiston, Fort Myers, and Immokalee or in the North Carolina Mountains, Mary enjoyed attending church services for the sermons, but never failed to speak of the music. Of course, music brought Mary and Bob together and they were happily married for 50 years until Bob's death on February 12, 2001. Mary was a beautiful woman loved by many people. 

When her husband and children needed her, she was, without hesitation, always there for them. She was known far and wide for her cooking skills and all were welcome at her table. Her kindness knew no bounds. Her smile was contagious and even in difficult times, she was cheerful, uplifting, and encouraging to those needing a hand up.

Her family extended to sons; Robert E. McDaniel, Jr. (Toni), John McDaniel, Sr. (Karen), David McDaniel (Kathy), Jeff McDaniel (Vonnie), thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. 

Mary had many friends in Clewiston, in Fort Myers, in Immokalee and in the North Carolina mountains where for the last ten years of her life she spent six months each year enjoying God's beautiful handiwork. Her presence and cheerfulness made a room feel warmer and brighter and her laughter and her genuine concern for others was felt by all. 

You always knew that Mary was on your side and could be counted on to assist whenever possible. Her kindness was apparent, and when friends and family members were troubled they knew Mary would pray for them and be there for them. She was a dedicated Christian. She and Bob raised their sons to be Christians, and Mary's example of goodness was a reflection of her love for God. 

Mary's life counted and now she is with the angels and family who have gone before. She loved angels and perhaps she is even now singing that old hymn that ends with "It is well, it is well, with my soul."

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church of Clewiston, Clewiston with Rev. Bill Derryberry officiating. Interment was Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 2:30 pm in Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Myers. Visitation was Tuesday from 6:00-8:00pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL.

Lois Spence Dies At 87

Lois Marie Hair Spence, age 87, of LaBelle, Florida passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016. She was born in Fort Drum, Okeechobee County, Florida on November 29, 1928, to Streety Ashford Hair II and Ella Vandalia Padgett Hair. She married Henderson Charles Spence, Jr. on October 7, 1950.

Lois is survived by a daughter, Ruth (Bill) Harrell of Fortson, GA; son, Steven (Julie) Spence of LaBelle, FL; son, David (Kate) Spence of Mill Spring, NC; son, John (Mabel) Spence of Rock Hill, SC; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Alice Spence Bagley died in 2005.

Lois grew up in the Fort Drum area of Okeechobee County. She attended school in Okeechobee. Lois was one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was a member of the LaBelle Congregation since 1996. She only had two goals in life, serve God faithfully and be a good mother. She accomplished both.

A funeral service will be held at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11:00 am with Toby Beardsley officiating. Graveside services will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Waycross, GA on Saturday, March 19 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday, March 17 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Counties Work To Improve Low Public Health Rankings

LABELLE, FL. -- The latest county health ratings in Florida and all other states became available recently, and Hendry and Glades county were ranked in the bottom third of Florida's counties in an annual ranking by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation..

Hendry came in at 53rd of 67 Florida counties in "health outcomes" and last at 67 in "health factors" while Glades county was rated 47th in both categories. By comparison, Lee county was ranked 16th in health outcomes, and 22nd in health factors.

To see the complete rankings click the links below:  

Glades County Health Ratings

In a statement this week, the Hendry/Glades Health Department said in part, "The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2016 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation."

“County Health Rankings help us to identify the need for additional resources and services in our communities,” said Joe Pepe, Administrator/Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties. “The rankings also provide us the opportunity to develop strategic plans with our local partners to help meet the needs of our community.”

"To promote health and preventative care, we have launched several local initiatives that include the following:

· School-Based Dental Sealant Program - an evidence-based intervention aimed at preventing permanent molar tooth decay in elementary school children.
· Car Seat Certification & Distribution - a program that provides car seat inspection, safety education, and distribution at community events.
· FOCUS - an evidence-based eight week curriculum integrated into high schools to educate young women on ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and secondary unwanted pregnancies.
· Choosing the Best Way – an evidence-based program that gives young people needed information and helps them build skills needed for making healthy decisions."

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Timothy Chamberlain Dies In Crash

FORT MYERS, FL. --  Timothy D. Chamberlain died in a Tuesday night crash in Lee county on Summerlin Road.

Chamberlain, 53 of Fort Myers was traveling eastbound on Summerlin Road in the left turn lane west of John Morris Road driving a 2013 Dodge Challenger about 11:16 p.m. Kent A. Kleeberger, 63 of Sanibel  was traveling in a 2003 Mercedes 500SL westbound on Summerlin Road in the outside lane, east of John Morris Road.

Chamberlain turned left into the path of Kleeberger and as a result, the front of the Mercedes collided with the right side of Dodge within the intersection. Post collision the Dodge rotated counterclockwise and collided with a guardrail on the northwest shoulder. The Mercedes rotated clockwise and came to final rest facing southeast within the intersection.

Chamberlain was not wearing a seat belt, said the FHP investigators. Keeberger had minor injuries and was taken to Health Park Hospital. The crash is under investigation.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Joshua L'Heureux Dies In Motorcycle Crash

Joshua Michael L'Heureux, 22 of Fort Myers, FL, driving a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX636-d motorcycle died in a high speed crash Monday night at 8 p.m.

L'Heureux was westbound on Chamberlin Parkway in the outside lane at 80 miles per hour in a posted 25 mile per hour curve and drove onto the grass shoulder on the north side of the roadway and overturned.

He was ejected from the vehicle and collided with the base of a metal sign support. He was pronounced deceased at the crash scene, said the FHP.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Rhonda Roff Climate Reality Program Monday

LABELLE, FL. -- The March Hendry-Glades Audubon program, “Climate Reality” will feature Rhonda Roff, Hendry-Glades Audubon’s Conservation Chair. 

This free event will be held Monday March 21st at the Hendry County Cooperative Extension Dallas Townsend Building located at 1085 Pratt Blvd. in LaBelle at 7 p.m.

Rhonda Roff is an environmental chemist who has worked in private industry, nonprofit organizations, and government. She moved to Florida in 1996 to work on water related issues for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Since 2006 she has focused on safe and sustainable energy policy advocacy from her solar powered home in Hendry County where she lives with her husband and two children. She is certified as a Florida master naturalist and climate reality presenter.

Celebrate Spring by donating books, posters, collectables, and other items that can be repurposed to the free raffle drawing to be held for meeting participants at the end of the meeting.

Robert Betcher Dies In Motorcycle Crash

LABELLE, FL. -- Robert Ryland Betcher, 46 of Melbourne Beach, Florida died in a motorcycle crash Sunday morning in Hendry county.

A 2002 Honda VT1100C motorcycle was eastbound on SR 80 east of Birchwood Parkway about 11:58 a.m in the outside lane. While maneuvering through a left curve Betcher ran off of the roadway to the right and continued to travel northeast on the grassy shoulder.

The motorcycle traveled approximately 605 feet before it overturned, causing the helmet and the left side of the cycle to collide with a culvert. The motorcycle continued to travel northeast approximately 30 feet and rotated counter-clockwise, then came to final rest on the east shoulder of SR-80, faced southwest.

Betcher was ejected from the cycle at the point of collision and traveled in a northeast direction approximately 61 feet and came to final rest on the east shoulder of SR-80. He was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.

Friday, March 11, 2016

City Gets State $820K Funding For Civic Center, Rodeo, And Water Pipes

LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida legislature approved a fiscal budget today and included are $369,676 funding for the LaBelle Civic Center, $250,000 for renovation of the Fairground Rodeo Complex and $200,000 for the Fort Thompson Water Quality Improvement Project in the city of LaBelle.

Florida - Pedestrian Death Capital Of The U.S.

Across the United States, an estimated 2,368 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2015, an increase of 10% over the same time period the prior year, said a new report from the Governor's Highway Safety Association. But Florida's pedestrian deaths are still highest among states.

From January to June 2015, 273 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in Florida, a decrease of 11% compared to the previous year. In 2015, Florida had the highest pedestrian fatalities rate of any state (1.35 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population). 

The preliminary 2015 data were provided by Governors Highway Safety Association’s State Highway Safety Office members. 

Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Obituaries - Betty Parrish, Georgette Martin-Hogg

Betty J. Prather Parrish, age 81, of LaBelle, formerly of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Monday, February 29, 2016 in Fort Myers.

Betty was born on August 23, 1934 in Somerset, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Charles and Zora Eaton Prather. She was of the Baptist faith. Betty enjoyed her time spend with her grandchildren, reading the Holy Bible and her Angel Book.

She is survived by her daughters; Betty Jean Watkins, and Lynette Parrish of LaBelle, Florida, her brother; Henry R. and wife Freda Prather of Shelbyville, Indiana, her sister; Sue Prather Hawk of Somerset, Kentucky, eighteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Betty in death are her parents; her first husband, Cecil Jones, her second husband, John Parrish, her sons; Jimmy Jones and Johnny Parrish, her daughter; Kaye Jones Capling and Trudy Parrish, her brothers; Bill Prather and Earl Prather, and her sisters; Marie Ping, Peggy Slavey, and Kaye Grundy.

Visitation was held on Friday, March 4, 2016 after 11:00 a.m., in Southern Oaks Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service followed the visitation at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Bro. Henry Prather officiating. Burial was in Grave Hill Cemetery in Tateville. Local arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle.

Georgette Marie Martin-Hogg, age 93, of LaBelle, passed away March 5, 2016 in LaBelle. She was born Nov. 26, 1922 in Bronx, NY, to the late George D. and the late Martha Georgina (Mertz) Winkler. She was a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur since 1971.

Survivors include her sons: Christopher J. (Paula) Martin and Edward Hogg, daughters: Barbara Martin-Aufiero and Veronica (William) Deely, sister: Marjorie Thiesing, seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands: Raymond John Martin and Stanley T. Hogg, and daughters: Diane Martin and Margaret Haluczak.

The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 11, 2016, 10:00 am at Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle with Father Chester Domaszewicz officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.

Port LaBelle's Laurel Oak Village Yard Sale Saturday




PORT LABELLE, FL. -- It's the Laurel Oak Village semi-annual yard and garage sale this Saturday, March 12 from 8 to noon on Springview Circle and all the cul-de-sacs of the community. Come on out at meet the community! 

The 82-unit community is just off Birchwood Parkway and just north of State Road 80, 4 miles east of the city of LaBelle.

Visit and 'like' the Laural Oak Village Facebook page with information about the community, photos, and more.

(Photo courtesy John and Mary Hollingsworth)

Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Clewiston Sugar Festival Coming March 19




America’s Sweetest Town to Host Annual Clewiston Sugar Festival


CLEWISTON, FL. – America’s sweetest town will host the annual Clewiston Sugar Festival on March 19, a free event featuring celebrity dessert chef Johnny Iuzzini, musical guests Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, and family-friendly activities.

Video: Footage of the 2011 Festival and Car Show

The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Civic Park, on U.S. Hwy 27 in Clewiston. Admission is free.

Now in its 30th year, the Clewiston Sugar Festival celebrates the region’s annual sugarcane harvest and sugar’s important economic impact on Glades area communities and Florida’s agricultural industry. This year’s presenting sponsor is U.S. Sugar, a Florida pioneer in the sustainable farming and processing of sugarcane, citrus and sweet corn.

“We are honored and excited to be a part of this great tradition,’’ said Judy Sanchez, senior director of corporate communications and public affairs for U.S. Sugar. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our farmers and our community and express our gratitude for our employees, growers and vendors for another sugarcane harvest season.”

The event will include a Sweet Taste of Clewiston contest for best desserts with celebrity pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini, judge of the reality TV show Top Chef: Just Desserts and author of Sugar Rush. Performing on the main stage will be country music stars Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, along with the South Florida classic rock group Sierra Band and Clewiston’s own YourDesign.

The festival will feature appearances by Miss Sugar 2016 Vivian Haney, Junior Miss Sugar Jennah Hernandez and Little Miss Sugar Jade Potter. Other activities include a vintage tractor display, a kids’ park with games and inflatable jump houses, a Big Lake Cruisers Rod Run, wildlife show, gator wrestling, Lake O tours, a variety of delicious food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Also on the schedule are a Sugar Fest 5K run by Cross Training Ministries and tennis, basketball and horseshoe/cornhole tournaments.

“This festival has something for everyone and puts a spotlight on what makes our community special and unique, and that’s sugarcane,’’ said Hillary Hyslope, executive director of the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, which is helping to organize the festival. “We encourage everyone to come and see why Clewiston is the sweetest town in America.’’

$34.7 Million Settlement With Cancer Care Center

FORT MYERS, FL. -- 21st Century Oncology Inc., the nation’s largest physician led integrated cancer care provider and its wholly owned subsidiary South Florida Radiation Oncology LLC, have agreed to settle allegations that they performed and billed for procedures that were not medically necessary. 21st Century is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, and has offices in 16 states.

The settlement relates to defendants use of a medical procedure – called the Gamma function – to measure the exit dose of radiation from a patient after receiving radiation treatment. The United States alleged that the defendants knowingly and improperly billed for this procedure under circumstances where the procedure served no medically appropriate purpose. For example, the government alleged that the procedure was performed by physicians and physicists at 21st Century Oncology locations who were not properly trained to interpret and utilize the Gamma function results. The government also alleged that the defendants billed for this procedure when no physician reviewed the Gamma function results until seven or more days after the last day patients received radiation treatment therapy. Finally, the government alleged that the defendants billed for the procedure when no Gamma result was available due to technical failures in the imaging equipment.

This lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Joseph Ting, a former physicist at South Florida Radiation Oncology. Under those provisions, a private party, known as a relator, can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. Ting will receive more than $7 million.

“The waste of health care program dollars will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond for the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General. “Providers at 21st Century Oncology have agreed to settle claims that in some instances they performed tests that were not only medically unnecessary, but that no one had been trained to properly interpret, thereby allegedly causing the taxpayers to pay for useless tests.”

This past December, 21st Century Oncology LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of 21st Century Oncology Inc., paid $19.75 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by billing for medically unnecessary laboratory urine tests and for encouraging physicians to order these tests by offering bonuses based in part on the number of tests the physicians referred to its laboratory.

The lawsuit against the defendants was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and is captioned United States ex rel. Ting v. 21st Century Oncology and South Florida Radiation Oncology.

Sunday, March 06, 2016

Jamie Maradiaga Critically Injured In Motorcycle Crash

NAPLES, FL. -- A 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle was northbound on SR 29 just north of CR 837  in Collier county Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and traveling through a right hand curve in the roadway. James Hughes, 48 of Hollywood failed to successfully negotiate the curve and ran off the road to the left.

Once on the shoulder, the motorcycle overturned and ejected the driver and passenger Jamie Gaito Maradiaga, 48 of Hollywood,

The motorcycle came to final rest in the wood line that parallels the roadway. The driver and passenger came to final rest on the west shoulder of SR 29. The passenger was transported via MedFlight to Kendall Regional Hospital with life threatening head injuries. Hughes was taken to Naples Community Hospital with minor injuries.

The crash is under investigation. Neither were wearing helmets said the FHP.

Credit Pending - Bill Neville

Commentary by T.W. Bill Neville
As Jackie Gleason used to say, "What a revolting development this is." That was my first reaction as I received the first e mail response to my article on the "Blessed Dream."

I had to set it aside for a while, before I reread it,and then understood what the point of dissension was. It was my use of a "dream" as "factual" to my ability to accept the "dream" as a salubrious adaptation of "dreams" without my wife.

What I'm learning is that the absence of my wife is conceptual in just about every facet of my continuing existence. For instance, I remember when our grand kids were trying to convince "Ga", that's what they all called her, to learn how to "text."

She was not interested under any circumstances. Just like the Internet. "NO WAY" She wanted to hear voices. So they asked me if I could please try and get her to text. I accepted and chose to try and convince her by relating a story about an aging couple with mobile phones learning how to text.

The wife was a "romantic" and he was more of a no-nonsense guy who traveled on business One afternoon she decided to send him a romantic text message. "If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing send me your smile. If you are eating, save me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, save me your tears. I love you."

He texted her back. "I'm in a truck stop, on the toilet. Please advise" My wife, only paused for a split second and said, "What's that got to do with texting?", and I never brought the subject up again.

So, I responded to the critical "DREAM" e mail by saying, as diplomatically as possible, that, like the "texting" episode, I wasn't about to NOT accept "DREAMS" involving my WIFE, and "risking" another, "What's that got to do with "DREAMS" response!

Saturday, March 05, 2016

Jose Sanchez Seriously Injured

LABELLE, FL. -- Jose Sanchez, 22 of LaBelle was seriously injured by a hit an run driver early Saturday morning while walking on MLK Boulevard.

On March 5th 2016, at approximately 2:00 am, Sanchez was walking on the northbound lane of County Road 731 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), near the intersection of Lincoln Rd., when he was struck by a vehicle believed to be traveling north on County Road 731.

Sanchez was propelled onto the east shoulder where he laid until being discovered some time later and then was transported by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The vehicle failed to remain at the crash scene and is believed to be a 1995-1997 4x4 Toyota Tacoma of an unknown color with damage to the front passenger side. It is requested that anybody having information about this vehicle or this crash contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-344-1730 or call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS to remain anonymous.

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

How Fisherman Should Release Hooked Birds

Don’t cut the line! Reel. Remove. Release.
It’s a beautiful day and the fishing is good. Suddenly, the line snags on something as the cast is made. A bird is hooked. Don’t panic. There’s a way to get that bird released.

“The first thing to know is don’t cut the line,” said Kevin Oxenrider, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Birds that fly away with hook and line attached are at risk of getting entangled in trees and dying. And that line is left to possibly snare other wildlife.”

The FWC has come out with these steps to rescue a hooked bird: Reel in the bird. Remove the hook. Release the bird. Go to www.MyFWC.com/unhook for details.

“If possible, enlist others for assistance,” Oxenrider said.

Reel the bird in slowly and evenly. Don’t try to shake the bird loose by jerking the line – it will inflict additional injury to the bird.

Make sure that the bird remains on the water until a net, such as a hoop net, can be used to lift it out of the water. Birds reeled up out of the water can be seriously injured, or can potentially damage fishing equipment.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Take extra care to protect yourself when handling long-billed wading birds and hooked-billed cormorants

“Many people are afraid to grab a large bird like a pelican, but there’s a way to do it without hurting the bird or the rescuer,” Oxenrider explained.

Firmly grasp the bird’s head behind the eyes. Then fold the wings up gently but firmly against the bird’s body so that it can’t flap its wings, and hold the legs. Hold firmly but don’t strangle the bird. If it is a pelican, hold the beak but keep it slightly open so the bird can breathe.

Rescuers can also cover the bird’s head with a towel, hat, shirt or other cloth. This will calm the bird and make it easier to remove the line and/or hook.

Remove the hook by cutting the barb and backing the hook out. If the barb is imbedded in the bird’s flesh, push the hook through until the barb emerges from the skin and then clip the barb.

If the bird is entangled in line, use scissors, clippers or a knife to gently cut the line. Place the cut line in a monofilament recycling bin, or cut the line into small (less than 3-inch) pieces and place in a lidded trashcan. Carefully check the bird for other hooks or line and remove them too.

If the bird is feisty, it is likely healthy enough to release. Place the bird’s feet on the ground and step back while you release the bird. Let the bird take off on its own. Sometimes birds shake out their feathers, assess the situation and are then ready to fly. Other times, they just take off. Either way, this represents a successful release.

If the bird has swallowed the hook, or is severely injured, take it to a local rehabilitator. For a list of rehabbers in your area, go to: MyFWC.com/education and click on “Learn about Wildlife,” then “Unhook Seabirds” and “list of rehabilitators” near the bottom of the page.

Monofilament and fishing tackle left in the environment create potential traps for unsuspecting wildlife that become entangled or snared, leading to injury and death.

What can you do to prevent bird entanglement?
Don’t feed pelicans and other waterbirds. This causes them to congregate in areas where they are more likely to get hooked or tangled in fishing line. Feeding pelicans is prohibited by law (F.A.C. 68A-4.001).
Discard fish carcasses in lidded trash cans. Birds will feed on carcasses tossed in the water, which can lead to injury or death. Fish carcasses often are larger than the bait fish that birds normally feed upon, and the larger bones and spines can puncture the bird’s throat or digestive tract. Birds attracted by fish carcasses may gather in areas where they are more likely to become entangled in fishing line.
Cast away from birds and shoreline vegetation.
Collect and store loose monofilament line until it can be discarded properly.
Keep bait buckets covered.
Take unused bait home.
Let other anglers know how to prevent bird entanglement.

Darryl Langford Dies At 58

Darryl Ray Langford, 58, Alva, died Sunday February 28th, 2016 in Alva, Fl peacefully in his home.

He leaves behind his 3 sons, Darryl Jerrette Langford and wife Casey, Casey Ray Langford and fiancé Shawna, and Dalton Wesley Langford; his 3 grandchildren, Jacey Rae Langford, Laret Dale Langford, and Mabry Jane Langford; his father, David Wesley Langford and Stepmother Donna; his 2 brothers, David Wayne Langford and wife Patsy, and Donald Wesley Langford; his 2 sisters, Lanelle Brown, and LaCretia Ann Langford; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dora Jean (Dodie) Langford; and granddaughter, Baylee Jean Langford.

He was born the 12th of August in 1957. He was raised in Alva, Florida. The son of David Wesley Langford and Dora Jean (Dodie) Langford.

Darryl attended Riverdale High School and graduated in 1976. He was full of life and a hard worker. Growing up around animals, he loved working cows on his horse, Fancy. Darryl also spent time as a lineman, climbing telephone poles all over the South Florida area and restoring people's power following natural disasters.

Staying true to his country roots; he enjoyed trips to the Everglades, going hunting, and catching fish. A sociable man, who always found time to have a conversation if he recognized a familiar face. He had a large heart and would always make time to lend a helping hand.

Services will be held at 10:00am, Thursday March 3rd, at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Labelle, Pastor Roger Bradley is the officiant.

Tuesday, March 01, 2016

Diane Davis Dies At 68

Diane Jean Davis, 68 of Palmdale, Florida passed away on Feb. 28, 2016 in Lake Placid, Florida. Diane was born in Warren Ohio to Luther & Doris McCall on October 4 1947.

She enjoyed being a devoted wife and mother. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, riding the Harley, painting, and knitting.

She spent many hours working for the American Legion Post Auxiliary 130, where she held the position of President for many years as well as others offices for the organization.

Diane is survived by her Husband William E. Davis of Palmdale, Florida. Two Daughters and one Son; Yvonne Todaro (Camillo), Vicki Boyle (Michael), William Kyser (Jeannie), Seven grandchildren: Brittany Westbrook, Shane Satterlee, Lynnsey Satterlee, Johnny Lawson, Chelsea Lawson, Garret Lawson, Destini Hall. And four grandchildren. She is also survived by her Mother Doris Lazio, brother, Larry McCall and sister Sandra Platt.

She was proceeded in death by Luther McCall (father), David Ford, Virgil Ford (brothers).

Memorial services will be held at the American Legion Post 130, Wednesday March 2, 2016, 1:00PM. Memorial donations may be made at 1st Bank of Clewiston to The Davis family.

Thousands Enjoy Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade



LABELLE, FL. --The 50th Annual LaBelle, Florida Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade moved up Bridge Street Saturday morning Februrary 27, 2016. Part of a two day celebration of the festival which is always the last full weekend of February this 50th anniversary year featured floats, music, and Budweiser's eight Clydesdale draft horses pulling a restored 100 year old red beer wagon, accompanied by two drivers and the famous Dalmation dog mascot.

Parade Float Winners: Overall-Caloosa Humane Society, 1st Place-Southern Shears, 2nd Place-Rising Stars Child Care, 3rd Place-Christ Central, Good Neighbor-Moore Haven Senior Center

See yourself in the parade video? Add a comment to this story or on the Youtube comment section.

Video: 2016 Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade