Moore Haven Courthouse Closed For Fumigation

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades County Courthouse and the Glades County Building Department and Planning and Zoning Buildings will be closed on September 28, 2018 due to fumigation.  

Both will reopen for normal business hours Monday October 1, 2018.

Vote Early, Vote On Election Day, Always Vote!

Advertisement Approved and Paid for by Hendry County Democratic Party

Obituaries - Strickland, Bradshaw, Trujillo

Van Wesley Strickland, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 21, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Strickland; his mother, Flora “Flo” Williams Strickland; his grandparents, Edna and Ebing Johnson and Gladys and Joe Williams.

Van is survived by his daughter, Tracy Ortega of Labelle; his son, Van Strickland of Labelle; five grandchildren, Nicholas and Chaz Ortega and Colman, Wayde and Damian Strickland; one great granddaughter, Madeline Strickland; former wife, Pat Fullard; one brother:  Dale Strickland of Belle Glade ; three sisters:  Glenda Strickland of Belle Glade, Patricia (Ed) Shays of Clewiston and Vickie (B) Bryson of Mocksville, NC; three aunts, Christine Harper and Wilma Mosley of Belle Glade and Lorene Mosley of Pahokee; three uncles, Troy Williams of Pahokee, Doug Williams of Belle Glade and Leonard Williams of Tellico Plains, TN, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Van loved to fish, tell jokes and story tale. He served in the United States Army as Sergeant and was responsible for Radio Relay Communications.  Van was a machinist and welder at Sugarcane Growers Co-op for over seventeen years.

Funeral Services:  Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 27, 2018, at the Church of God, 301 Dr. MLK Blvd., Belle Glade, Pastor David Ferrell officiating.

Arther Eugene Bradshaw, Sr., 80, of LaBelle, passed away September 22, 2018 in Fort Myers.

He was born Apr. 5, 1938 in Fisk, MO, to the late Barney Samuel and Hattie Celeste (Sisk) Bradshaw.

He retired as a Msgt. In the US Army. He worked in Corrections and in Law Enforcement.

Survivors include his significant other Kelly D Tanner

two sons: Willard Bradshaw and Arther E Bradshaw Jr.

and one daughter: Nicole Didry

two brothers: Willard Bradshaw and Leonard Bradshaw

4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren

Memorial Service is pending.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Orlando Trujillo 78, of LaBelle, FL passed away September 20, 2018 in LaBelle.

He was born Oct. 30, 1939 in Cuba to the late Alfonso and Anna (Rodriguez) Trujillo

Survivors include his wife: Amancia (Abreu) Trujillo

two sons: Orlando D Trujillo and Felipe A Trujillo

two daughters: Julia Abreu and Sandra Hernandez,

two brothers: Oreste Trujillo and Regino Trujillo

one sister: Rafaela Trujillo

3 grandchildren

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Democratic Meet The Candidates October 13

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

HENDRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY is hosting a Meet & Support Your Democratic Candidates Rally & Fundraiser on Saturday, October 13, on the Caloosahatchee at 4473 County Road 78, Fort Denaud, Florida 33935.

All Democratic Candidates appearing on our HENDRY COUNTY BALLOT have been invited.  

TICKETS are $30 each -- the proceeds will be used to cover event expenses and local GET OUT THE VOTE programs.  [This is not a donation for Income Tax purposes]

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Approved and Paid by HENDRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Museum Program October 4 Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

LaBelle Heritage Museum’s Wednesday October 4^th Program Meeting at the Dallas B. Townsend Agricultural Center at 1085 Pratt Boulevard will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a local flavor. Ramon Sanalfonso Rodriguez, a member of the 2018 Swamp Cabbage Pioneer Family headed by his parents the late Ramon S. Rodriguez and his 100 year old surviving wife Bersabe, will recollect his youthful experiences with Rudy Juarez in O.M.I.C.A. – Organized Migrants In Community Action – and later with Cesar Chavez as a farm labor union organizer with UFW, United Farm Workers, and his hand in negotiating union contracts with some the largest Citrus operations in Florida. 

Rodriguez later worked with the local telephone company and is now retired from CenturyLink where his son Ramon Rodriquez III works today in basically the same position his father did.

Since Hendry County ranks second only to Miami-Dade County in the percentage of those identifying themselves as Hispanic, this program should be of more than passing interest to the majority, Chicano or Anglo. The Townsend Agricultural Center’s doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the program which begins at 7 o’clock. The public is welcome and there is no charge.

El miércoles 4 de octubre, LaBelle Heritage Museum celebrará el mes de la herencia hispana con un sabor local en el Dallas B. Townsend Agricultural Center en el 1085 Pratt Boulevard. Ramón Sanalfonso Rodríguez, miembro de la familia pionera de la 2018 Swamp Cabbage Festival, encabezado por sus padres el difunto Ramón S. Rodríguez y su esposa Bersabe de 100 años, recordará sus experiencias juveniles con Rudy Juárez en O.M.I.C.A. – migrantes organizados en acción comunitaria – y más tarde con César Chávez como organizador sindical agrícola con UFW, trabajadores agrícolas unidos, y su mano en la negociación de contratos de unión con algunas de las operaciones más grandes de cítricos en la Florida.

Rodríguez más tarde trabajó con la compañía telefónica local y ahora se retira de CenturyLink donde su hijo Ramón Rodríguez III trabaja hoy en la misma posición que su padre.

Dado que el Condado de Hendry ocupa el segundo lugar sólo en el Condado de Miami-Dade en el porcentaje de los que se identifican como hispanos, este programa debe que ser un interés para la mayoría, Chicano o anglo. Las puertas del Townsend Agricultural Center se abrirán en 6:30 de la tarde para el programa que comienza a las 7 en punto.El público es bienvenido y no hay cargo.

Pat Johnson Injured In Gate Crash Incident

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Patrick M. Johnson, 25 of Clewiston was traveling eastbound on County Road 720 (Tobias Avenue NW) near 1st in Glades County Sunday night at 11 p.m. and came to the secured entrance way (swing access gates) of 204 Locks Road.

He then attempted to bring the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander to an abrupt stop. As a result, the windshield made contact with the gate access and the windshield was shattered upon impact with the gate access.

Johnson then placed the vehicle in reverse gear as it began traveling in a westerly direction in the eastbound lane of County Road 720. While westbound, it struck the north guardrail and then descended down the elevated north shoulder of the roadway.

It overturned coming to final rest (upright) partially submerged in a canal. He was taken to Hendry Regional Hospital in serious condition and was charged by the FHP for careless driving.

What High Speed Internet Is Available At Your Home?

The FCC has published maps showing how many internet providers are available at your home or business address and just what download and upload speeds are available.

Although the data may be a year or so old, it gives consumers a good guide to see what's available that they might not have known from company advertising or word of mouth.

At my particular location there are not only CenturyLink DSL and Comcast Cable but two satellite services available. The cable service is by far the fastest internet, with DSL falling significantly below in speeds available with 25 Mbps download, and 2 Mbps upload.

You can go to the map for your address at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/#/

Trail Association Meeting September 27

Do you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or bicycling? Families, youth and adults invited to the Fisheating Creek Florida Trail Association Sub-Chapter monthly meeting Thursday September 27th at 7pm at Carlson Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. 310 Campbell St. LaBelle. 

 For information Contact: Deanna Filkins 863-234-8181 dkfilkins@aol.com

Firehouse Theatre Volunteers

Are you interested in helping behind the scenes at the Firehouse Community Theatre? 

 The following positions are needed: Stage Managers, Back Stage Assistants, Set Designers, Directors, Lighting & Sound Technicians, Props, Costume Design, Concessions, Ushers. 

Any volunteer-time is greatly appreciated. There are talented people in our community that can help, so please call the theatre and leave a message with your contact information. 

Be part of the arts in our community. Call (863)-675-3066 or write to the theatre at: P.O. Box 958, LaBelle, FL 33975 or stop by the theatre to check it out: 241 N. Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935

Teenage Zombies At Theatre October 5

Night of the Teenage Zombies
When Mackenzie and her friends learn a group of students are heading to the spooky abandoned Bascomb House, they follow the students and sneak in.... Come to the Firehouse Community Theatre to see what hapoens next.

NIGHT OF THE TEENAGE ZOMBIES, directed by Maureen Doucette. 

Play dates: TWO NIGHTS ONLY October 5th & 6th. Support our young talented actors and get your tickets now.

New Board And Officers At Kiwanis

LaBelle Kiwanis installed their new board members and officers on Tuesday night, September 18th.The ceremony began with a flag presentation from LaBelle High School's Explorer Club. Music was provided by The LaBelle Kiwanis Aktion Club, Zena Smith and mandolin players, Tom Schroeder and Mary Ruff. 

 Special recognition went to Cecil Akin, a 35 year Kiwanis member (Cecil is also a Charter Member of the Club), Karan Roach was thanked for her service as secretary for the past 11 years and outstanding volunteers were Nikki Yeager and Margaret England. 

Kiwanis Lt. Governor, Mick Sheldrake officiated the ceremonies. Sue Williams, past President presented her pin to Carole Schroeder, incoming President. The new President - Elect , Mary Pringle received her pin. Mona Kajkowski was elected as secretary and Darlene Soud as Treasurer. LaBelle Kiwanis new Board members are: Alonzo McKenzie, Crystal Rodriguez, Karan Roach,Tracy Nobles, Helen Mead and Nikki Yeager.

Photos by LaBelle Kiwanis. Left to right: Mona Kajkowski, Margaret England, Crystal Rodriguez, Helen Mead, Sue Williams, Carole Schroeder, Mary Pringle, Nikki Yeager, Darlene Soud, Tracy Nobles and Karan Roach

New Waste Collection Schedule For Hendry County

HENDRY COUNTY HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE - SOLID WASTE &  RECYCLING

LABELLE, FL. -- There will be NO collection services of any kind - trash, recycling, bulky items or yard waste on the following holidays and collection will be the following day:

New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

If your regular collection day falls on any of these holidays, collection will be made on the following day. Example below for Thanksgiving week:

Monday, November19, 2018 (regular service)
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 (regular service
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 (regular service)
Thursday, November 22, 2018 (off)
Friday, November 23, 2018 (Thursday service)
Saturday November 24, 2018 (Friday Service)

Residents with questions can contact Hendry County Special Districts at: (863)-675-5252 or Waste Connections at: (863)-675-2481. Customer Service phone lines are closed on the above holidays.

Man Arrested In Death Of Taylor Hicks

LABELLE, FL. -- After conducting an exhaustive criminal investigation concerning a May 27, 2018 fatal traffic crash on State Road 80 and Joel Boulevard in Lee County, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Hermelo Maya Arias age 40 of Alva, Florida, for no driver’s license, the crash causing the death of Taylor Hicks, 21 of LaBelle. 

Mr. Arias will additionally be charged for exceeding the posted speed limit involving a crash with death, which carries a mandatory court date.

In the crash, Mr. Arias was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound on State Road 80 at 70 mph in a posted 45 mph zone, approaching the solid green traffic signal at Joel Boulevard. Ms. Taylor Hicks, 

21-year-old from Labelle, Florida, was driving a 2016 Ford Fiesta westbound on State Road 80, attempting to turn left onto southbound Joel Boulevard while facing a green solid traffic signal. In doing so, Ms. Hick’s Ford Fiesta turned left in front of the approaching Chevrolet. 

The front of the Chevrolet struck the right side of the Ford, forcing both vehicles to final rest within the southeast side grass shoulder. 

Ms. Hick died as a result of injuries sustained. 

Mr. Arias, and his right front passenger Jair Cuevas Salina, age 23 of Alva, Florida sustained minor injuries and were transported to Lee Memorial Hospital.

Orlando Trujillo Dies At 78

Orlando Trujillo 78, of LaBelle, FL passed away September 20, 2018 in LaBelle.

He was born Oct. 30, 1939 in Cuba to the late Alfonso and Anna (Rodriguez) Trujillo

Survivors include his wife: Amancia (Abreu) Trujillo

two sons: Orlando D Trujillo and Felipe A Trujillo

two daughters: Julia Abreu and Sandra Hernandez,

two brothers: Oreste Trujillo and Regino Trujillo

one sister: Rafaela Trujillo

3 grandchildren

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Obituaries - Dennis Howard, Sharon McCormick

Dennis Charles Howard, age 75, of Palmdale, passed away September 14, 2018 in Palmdale.

He was born Aug. 1, 1943 in Des Moines, IA, to the late Gilbert and Winifred (Locke) Howard.

Survivors include significant other: Carolyn Lowe

three sons: Matthew Howard, Joshua Howard and Raymond Lowe,

three daughters: Gail Howard, Beverly Heeb and Wendi Krizinofski,

two brothers: Gary Howard and Marvin Howard

one sister: Linda Johnson

13 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Sharon Hope McCormick, age 79, of Moore Haven, passed away September 12, 2018 in Loxahatchee.

She was born Dec. 13, 1938 in Moore Haven, FL, to the late Archie and Lydia (Taylor) Waggerby.

Survivors include one son: Everett "Buddy" Garvey

two daughters: Lydia Pell and Hope Pena,

two brothers: Bobby Waggerby and Gary Waggerby,

one sister: Muriel Green

eleven grandchildren:, Cole Garvey; Jesse Wallace; Jay Pell;, Wendy Mullens; Bonnie Moser;, Brent Moser; TJ ( Lexi) Pell;, Summer (Rick) Ortiz; Will McGruther; Casey Potter; Scotty Potter;

six great-grandchildren, Riley Mullens;, Stella Garvey; Liam Garvey; Caramia Ortiz; , Hope Pell; Lily Pell

She was predeceased by a grandson Seth Garvey.

The family will receive friends on Sunday September 23, 2018 from 10 to 11 AM at the first Baptist Church of Moore Haven.

Celebration of Life services will be held Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Moore Haven, with Rev. Sherrill Tillery officiating, with a luncheon to follow.

.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Dems Meet In Clewiston September 22

Hendry County Democratic Executive Committee will meet at the Harlem Community Center on 7th Street off Georgia Avenue in Clewiston on Saturday, September 22, at 9:00 a.m.  Coffee and pastry will be available, and everyone interested in the November 6 Midterm General Election is welcome.  

Local Democrats will be encouraging Hendry County voters to sign up for Vote By Mail as well as taking advantage of Early Voting, particularly the one Sunday in October set aside to accommodate those who prefer to vote after church, and last but not least Election Day voting.  The Hendry County Democratic Executive committee is now registered as a Third Party Voter Registration Organization and will be registering new voters after the meeting. 

Joe Thomas, chairman of the local Democratic party, says there is at least one vacant position in each of Hendry County's 10 voting precincts asks anyone willing to serve as a Precinct Captain to bring their Voter Registration Information Card with voter registration number and precinct number on it as both are required on the official form that must be submitted to the Florida Democratic Party and the Hendry County Elections Office. 

The October meeting of the Hendry County Democratic meeting will be scheduled for LaBelle in accordance with the long established practice of alternating meetings between the county's two cities. For information email hendrydems@embarqmail.com or call (863)234-8890.

Free Paint At Hendry Recycling Centers

Free paint is available at the Hendry county recycling centers in LaBelle and Clewiston.

Port LaBelle Sewer Cleaning Ongoing

LABELLE, FL. -- Under a recent grant, the Port LaBelle Utility System is inspecting and cleaning all sewer lines in Port LaBelle in Hendry county including Unit 4 (Eucalyptus Village), Unit 5 (Laurel Oak Village), Country Walk, and the Port Labelle Villas in Glades county. All other Port LaBelle communities have septic tanks and do not have sewer lines.

National Water Main Cleaning Co. from New Jersey won the lowest bid to suck out sand and debris from the sewer mains which are about 10 feet underground, and make a video inspection of all the pipes to see if there is damage along the main line or ground water intrusion.

The company forces water into the 8 inch sewer lines between manholes at about 500 psi to scour the pipes and sucks the muck out into a giant tank on their truck, then sends a video camera through the pipes to see where ground water is leaking into the pipes.

Watching the operator today, it was noticed in the Laurel Oaks subdivision many breaks in the pipe where ground water was leaking in, as well as "watermarks" showing where sand and silt had been laying on about 25% of the bottom of the sewer pipes. (Right: photo of live video monitor)

Port LaBelle Utilities says several people have called complaining of water in their bathroom after the inspections. Supposedly the 500 psi water scouring the pipe built up pressure in the lateral lines serving the residences and shot water out of the toilet, in one case, hitting the bathroom ceiling.

Dr. Philip Stansly Dies At 74

Philip A Stansly, Ph.D. age 74, of LaBelle, passed away September 12, 2018 in Fort Myers. Dr. Stansly Professor of Entomology served the agricultural industry as a member of the UF/IFAS SWFREC team for 32 years.

He was born May 5, 1944, to Philip G and Marguerite (Anzolut) Stansly. Mr. Stansly married Silvia Linares; she survives. Philip was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He was an Entomologist for the University of Florida for over 30 years.

Philip leaves behind his loving wife: Silvia Stansly, two sons: Theodor L Stansly and Philip Kipling Stansly, and two daughters: Kasandra S Gallegos and husband Rudy, Gallegos, Jr and Anna M Stansly, one sister: Pamela Jane Bell, granddaughter; Aria Stansly Gallegos, niece; Annelise Belle.

Funeral liturgy will be held Monday, September 17, 2018, at 7:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle. Visitation will be Monday from 6-7 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.

Obituaries - LaBelle, Clewiston

Herbert Lee Byars, age 82, of Clewiston, passed away September 10, 2018 in Clewiston. He was born Sep. 15, 1935 in Pahokee, FL, to the late Joseph and Charity (Maynor) Byars

He was a veteran of the US Army.
He worked as a Mechanic for JJ Farms.
Survivors include his wife: Diane Byars, Daughters: Judy (Mike) Moore; Ellen (Richard) Clemmons; Helen Byars; Grandsons: Jimmy Rourks; Zack, Tyler, and William Clemmons.

Visitation will be held on Thursday September 13, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 438 E. Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston with Pastor Troy Ezell officiating.

Interment with Military Honors will be Friday, September 14, 2018 in Ortona Cemetery Pavillion.


Ronald Phillip DeStefano, Ph.D. passed away September 7, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Laona, daughter; Kimberly (Chris) and son, Ronald, Jr., step-children; Yvonne, Joseph, William, and Jonathan, brother; Lawrence (Karen) and sister; Barbara (Terry), grandchildren; Franklin, Jesse, Kaleigh, Jordyn, Nataleigh, Grave, Emaleigh, Arthur, and Triston; nephew; Patrick, nieces; Candance and Krystle and many extended family members. Ron was enjoying retirement after 39 years of employment with United States Sugar Corporation.

A celebration of Ron's life will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Lake Harbor Methodist Church, 29 West Corkscrew Blvd Lake Harbor, Florida.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston

Jacquelyn T. Fuller, age 87, of Clewiston, passed away September 5, 2018 in Clewiston.

She was born Oct. 5, 1930 in Mineola, NY, to the late Theodore and the late Tyler Vesta (Dorr) Paradis.

She is survived by her daughter: Karen Tyler Larson.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Laura Myree Snyder, age 58, of Clewiston, passed away September 4, 2018 in Lehigh Acres.

She was born September. 4, 1960 in Canton, OH, to the late James Calvin Snyder and Nada K (Cumpton) Blount.

She is survived by her son: Jordan Herkach, mother: Nada Blount, brothers: Mark A. Snyder and James K. Snyder and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father, James Calvin Snyder.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Community Presbyterian Church, Clewiston with Rev. Tom Slager officiating.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Michael George Anthony Aston, Jr, age 59, of LaBelle, passed away September 2, 2018 in LaBelle.

He was born July 18, 1959 in Hobart, OK, to the late Michael George Anthony and Bertha Mae (Hutcherson) Aston.

Survivors include his wife: Patricia J (Hartley) Aston.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Two Berry Pickers Die In Canal

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Monday, September 10, 2018, at approximately 10:10 am, Hendry County Sheriff’s Agricultural Deputy, received a call reporting that two men had been pulled from a canal off of Dooley Grade, in southeastern Hendry County,

The two men, later identified as Manual Santiz Lopez and Jose (Joel) Lopez Gomez, were employed as part of a berry picking crew who were legally harvesting the berries with a permit.  Witnesses reported that they saw the two men attempt to cross what appeared to them to be a shallow canal; they then lost sight of them. 

Both men were pulled from the canal and attempts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.  Family members have been notified.

Obituaries - Joan Bloomster, Rita Carter

Joan “Chu Chu” Larsen Bloomster, age 66, of LaBelle, passed away at home with her family by her side on September 2, 2018.

Chu Chu was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on January 23, 1952 to Edward James and Lorainne Ann Romond Larsen. She was a member American Legion Post # 130, VFW Post #10180, and the LaBelle Moose Lodge for many years along with her husband, David.

Chu Chu leaves behind her loving husband David L. Bloomster of LaBelle, her children; Angel Drapal, Ryan Drapal, Chase Drapal, her grandchildren; Neil Drapal, Amber McDonald, Cove Drapal, Isabelle Drapal, Sebastian Drapal, her loving brother; James Larsen, her closest and dearest friend, Judy Skinner, her very large extended family all who loved and will miss Chu Chu.

Chu Chu was preceded in death by her parents; Edward James and Lorrainne Larsen.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Rita Ellen Carter, age 81, of Moore Haven, passed away August 27, 2018 in Lehigh Acres.

She was born Feb. 18, 1937 in Flint, MI, to the late Thomas E. and the late Lena O. (Spillman) Carter.

Survivors include three sons: Stephen Safford, Craig Safford and Jeff Safford, and one daughter: Jody Saddler, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Ruby Garcia At Kiwanis

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Criminal Interdiction Unit and Crime Prevention Unit Deputy Ruby Garcia spoke to LaBelle Kiwanis members on September 14th.  

Talked about was the importance of protecting one's identity: locking your car and your house, and securing your Social Security number.

Photo by Helen Mead. LaBelle Kiwanis President Sue Williams, Hendry County Sheriff Office Deputies Krasinskas, Garcia, Hainley, and Todd.

School Bus Hits Car - No Injuries

ALVA, FL.-- A Lee County School bus driven by Kelli Hall-Thomas, 54 of Lehigh Acres with 31 student passengers was traveling east on the left turn lane of eastbound State Road 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard), approaching Old Olga Road at 8:21. a.m. Thursday as Lindsey Bottoms of LaBelle was traveling west on SR-80 approaching the same intersection.

The school bus turned left toward Old Olga Road and traveled into the path of the smaller Ford Edge. The front right of the Ford collided with the rear right side of the bus.

There were no reported injuries from this crash. There was no roadway blockage as a result of this crash. School District officials responded to the scene.

The bus driver was cited for failing to yield right of way.

Lockdown At Clewiston Elementary Schools

Nathaniel Lee Arrested After School Incident

Clewiston Elementary Schools were on a brief lockdown today until Hendry County Deputies apprehended the man that entered Central Elementary School. 

Deputy Julio Perez was on duty today at Central Elementary when he witnessed a man enter the front door of the school.  He then heard Principal, Melissa Carter say that the man was not permitted to be on their school campus.

The man, later identified as 27 year old, Nathaniel Lee, walked back out the front door of the school and off school property. 

Court records indicate Lee is homeless and has been arrested three times for non-support of children or spouse, the last arrest on August 29.

Deputy Perez contacted road units to assist in locating Lee because they had lost sight of him.  Perez then contacted Eastside/Westside Elementary School (ESE/WSE) Resource Officer (SRO), Shanita Campbell to make her aware that he could now see Lee walking toward her school. 

Perez and Principal watched the man walk across the PE field of ESE schools.

Central Elementary and Eastside/Westside Elementary Schools were placed on a brief lockdown until Lee was taken into custody by deputies.

“This was a classic example of a working relationship between school staff and Deputies”, said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden.  “The job of the SRO is so vital and important.  Every day that SRO puts on his or her uniform, they know there are thousands of parents relying on them to protect their children and keep the community and school campus safe.  Today, that is exactly what they did.” 

Deputies transported Lee to the Sheriff’s Office sub-station.  After Lee struggled with deputies, he was placed under arrest for Trespass and Resisting Arrest without violence.

Three Car Crash Seriously Injures Elderly Man

William Parish Roversi, 75 of LaBelle was traveling south on State Road 29 (Bridge Street) in the left turn lane at 3:17 p.m. Sunday as Constantino Reyes, 41 of LaBelle was northbound on Bridge Street. Both were approaching the State Road 80 / Bridge Street intersection. 

Molly Kay Harrell, 45 of Clewiston was stopped in the westbound left turn lane of State Road 80 (Hickpochee Avenue). 

The FHP says Roversi failed to yield to oncoming northbound traffic on Bridge Street and then proceeded to initiate a left turn (east) directly in the path of Reyes. 

Collision impact caused Roversi's vehicle to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Reyes' vehicle was propelled in a northeasterly direction. The front of Reyes' vehicle then collided with

the front of a vehicle driven by Harrell in the (westbound) left turn lane of State Road 80. 

The rear of Harrell's vehicle then collided with the concrete median on State Road 80.  

Roversi was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital by Hendry County EMS and was in serious / stable condition. He was charged with failure to yield right of way.