Robert Starkweather Guilty In Animal Cruelty Charges

LABELLE, FL. -- Today Robert David Starkweather, 52, of Immokalee, was found guilty of 12 felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty following a four-day trial in Hendry County.

During late 2017 and early 2018, the defendant owned 144 cows and calves that he had in a pasture off Ft. Denaud Road in LaBelle. In March 2018, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit responded to the pasture after getting a report about a downed cow.

Deputies found 13 dead cows and 131 emaciated cows and calves at the scene.

The evidence presented at trial showed the defendant failed to provide adequate food, water, and medication to the animals. Further, he ignored signs, over a four-month period, that the cows
were in distress and suffering from malnutrition. The animals were taken by the Hendry County
Sheriff’s Office from the location.

The State Attorney’s Office filed a total of 131 counts involving animal cruelty and animal
abuse. There was one charge for each living animal. There were also 13 counts filed for

Improper Disposal of a Dead Animal. The jury was presented photographs of every animal found
on the property. They deliberated for more than four hours before returning the guilty verdict for the 12 felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty.

“It is important for people to realize that improperly caring for any animal in a manner that
violates the law, will not be ignored. Charges will be filed if the evidence supports the
allegation,” said State Attorney Amira Fox.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 26th. Assistant State Attorney Kimberlee Mitton prosecuted the case.

Obituaries - Hinson, Prophet, Jones, Romero

Peter G. Hinson, age 60, of Lehigh Acres, passed away January 31, 2020 in Fort Myers. He was born Apr. 18, 1959 in Washington, DC, to the late Donald and Joyce (Narney) Hinson. He served in the U. S. Army for 11 plus years. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Esther M Prophet, age 87, of LaBelle, passed away January 30, 2020 in Lehigh Acres. She was born Mar. 8, 1932 in Arcadia, FLORIDA, to the late Clarence A. and Anna (Westheaffer) Lamb. Survivors include her husband: Raymond Prophet Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 11:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 to 11 AM at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.

Laughton C Jones, age 82, of Clewiston, passed away January 28, 2020 in Riviera Beach. He was born Apr. 12, 1937 in Jamaica, to the late Hubert and Lilleth (Richards) Jones. Survivors include his wife: Delloritta (Gordon) Jones two sons: Steve (Simone) Jones and Jerry (Rae) Jones one daughter: Michelle (Michael) Chance grandchildren: Andre, Naomi, Maya, and Krystle great grandchild: Rieve Sisters and Brothers, Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 am at Saint Martin's Episcopal Church, Clewiston with Mother Kimberly Steill officiating. Interment will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Carmelina Romero, age 87, of Clewiston, passed away January 27, 2020 in Lake Worth. She was born May 29, 1932 in Habana Vieja, Cuba to the late Manuel Piñeiro and the late Maria Benita Lopez Iglesias, both from Spain. Mrs. Romero married Sergio Manuel Romero Rodriguez who has been patiently waiting in Heaven for her since December 2, 2019. Carmelina worked as a seamstress and a loving nanny for many years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed by her entire family. Carmelina is also survived by her children: Sergio Manuel Romero and his wife Eva, Miguel Sergio Romero and his wife Lourdes, Dania Maria Marquez and her husband Dennis, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and many extended family and friends. Family and friends will have a celebration gathering on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Dr. Mormino On Key Lime Pie As Florida's Favorite Pie February 13

LABELLE, FL. -- LaBelle Heritage Museum presents award winning Florida historian Gary Mormino, PhD, discussing Ten Foods that Define Florida in a special admission free FLORIDA TALKS program made possible by a Florida Humanities grant with monetary assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities at 7:00 p.m.on Thursday evening, February 13. at LaBelle High School, 4050 East Cowboy Way, LaBelle 33935. 

 The museum acknowledges local support from LaBelle High School and the Port LaBelle Inn & Conference Center that helped make this free program possible.

Dr. Mormino will present the case for Key Lime pie as Florida's favorite dessert or is it really sweet potato pie? Is our state sandwich the Cuban, invented in Tampa but perfected in Miami, or is Fried Grouper overpowering a large hamburger bun? 

Come early to get a good seat to learn more about Florida foodways and enjoy one of Gary Mormino's always delightful presentations. Contact LaBelle Heritage Museum at labelleheritagemuseum@comcast.net or call (863)674-0034 for information.

Youth Mental Health Training March 4

LABELLE, FL. -- March 4, 2020 at the Hendry County Emergency Operations Center. The training is a full day (8 hours). 

Typically there is a cost associated with the training but Golisano Children’s will be training free of charge.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. 

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. 

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Space is limited contact: Andrea S. May, MPH, Director of Community Health Promotions
Office: 863-302-6017
Cell: 863-843-0885

How Facebook Tracks You Even When Not On Facebook

LABELLE, FL. -- Facebook is tracking your online activities even when you are not on Facebook. Most users do not realize that using other apps and visiting websites, online stores and other activity allows Facebook to track your movements and gather your information.

If you visit a particular app and especially if you use your Facebook account to log into that app, that application may well be giving your information and online activity to Facebook, allowing Facebook to know more about your habits, likes, spending, and online activities in order to serve you ads or suggest new events or activities that they think reflects your online activity and likes.

How can you find out what apps are giving away your info to Facebook? Facebook hasn't made it easy, but there's a shortcut to seeing how many apps are sharing with Facebook, and exactly who is sharing your info with Facebook and what they are sharing.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/off_facebook_activity/ You may be shocked discovering how many places are sharing your activities with Facebook.

That page will say "Off-Facebook Activity. Off-Facebook activity includes information that businesses and organizations share with us about your interactions with them, such as visiting their apps or websites. Learn More"

Then click on the icons that indicate some of your apps, just below that message

You'll have to enter your password there to continue and then the list of apps will show up for you. 

I checked my Facebook account and and here's what came up:

Facebook said, "This is a summary of the 455 apps and websites that have shared your activity.
Some of your activity may not appear here. Learn More"

Additional instructions are available to manage those apps, but Facebook doesn't make it easy. It does seem one remedy is to not use a Facebook login with your apps, but instead use your email and passwords to sign up with apps and websites as the Facebook login feature easily allows apps or websites to share your data with Facebook.

How many apps did you find that are sharing information with Facebook? Comment below.

Tracking Coronavirus 2019 nCoV In Real-time

A new map from John Hopkins University now tracks the Wuhan Coronavirus in near real-time allowing concerned agencies and the public to see where the virus is expanding, tracking deaths occurring world-wide.

The World Health Organization was informed of a pneumonia of unknown cause from Wuhan City, China on December 31, 2019. On January 10 gene sequencing found it was a new and novel coronavirus and named 2019-nCoV. It is related to the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. 

At this time the mortality and transmissibility is unknown but seems to be transmissable before symptoms appear which may be between a few days and 14 days.  It appears that about 1 in 50 affected die from the disease. These number may change as the coronavirus is understood more and better statistics become available from China and around the world.

On Thursday coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.

"The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

John Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering developed an online dashboard mapping system to track reported cases from WHO, CDS, ECDC, China CCDC, NHC and DXY a Chinese website that aggregates NHC and local CCDC situation reports in near real-time.

John Hopkins Map:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Mood Gym Podcast New Episode 10

LABELLE, FL -- The latest Mood Gym with Don Browne podcast episode number 10 is online today. Focusing on health and wellness and helping to cope with depression and anxiety the free podcasts are short audio presentations available for listening on phones, tablets, smart speakers, and computers everywhere. Subscribe, listen, and comment by clicking any of the following links to the Mood Gym podcast:

Apple Podcasts - Easiest to use on phone and computer, speed control

Breaker - Very easy to use, search box makes finding other podcasts easy

PlayerFM - Easy to use, speed and volume controls

RadioPublic - Easy to use, speed control, tips for podcasters

Google Podcasts - Speed control on computer only

Spotify - Most flexible on computer, app required on phone, speed control on phone, can transfer audio to other devices like smart speakers, smart tv

Castbox - Easy to use. Speed and volume control, search box

Anchor - Easy to use. Provides free services for podcasters

Stitcher - Easy to use.

Subscribe on Android - One-click to use for any Android device

PocketCast app - Easy to use, speed and volume controls, sleep timer, requires PocketCast phone app

OverCast - Requires Overcast app or click it's Apple Podcast button

Florida Keys Watercolor Kapers by Bob Kranich

Western Union Cable Repair Schooner
They could spin many yarns, but one of the most interesting was the time they were returning from a job, and they passed too close to Cuba. It was just prior to the Bay of Pigs affair.

“Captain, we’re kind of close to Cuban waters.”

“Jack, according to my charting, we’re well out of it, at least five to ten miles.”

“ Don’t look now Cap’n, but what is that shape heading towards us on our rear port (left) side?”

“Jack, it looks like a small military vessel. I hope it’s not Cuban! Helmsman, hold your course straight towards Key West. We'll pretend we don’t see him.”

“That’s not going to work, Cap’n. He is bearing down on us very fast. In fact he has increased speed.”

The radio man appeared, head sticking out of his door. “They're trying to get us on the radio, Captain. They want us to heave-to. I can understand them in Spanish. They are also trying to use some broken English.”

“Carlos, don't let on that we can understand Spanish. Speak only in English, and when they finally say something in it, answer them and see just what they want.”

The radio man stuck his head right back out, “They finally got someone who can speak broken English. They want us to stop for inspection.”

“Well, all they will find is a hold of grappling hooks and cable. I guess we will do what they want.”

As the ship was getting closer, the radio man stuck his head out of the cabin again. “Oh, oh, sir, they just called shore and said they were bringing us in.”

“Oh no! We’re not going for that. I don’t want to spend some time in that Communist Cuba with Fidel Castro! Get on the ship-to-shore radio, and try to get ahold of some American authorities on the line, Carlos, and fast!”

“Aye, Aye, Captain Jack, I’m getting on that radio.”

“Here Captain, I’ve got someone who's got us hooked up with the U. S. Navy I think,” the radio man said.
“Hello, this is Captain Dick Steadman of the Western Union out of Key West. I’ve got a Cuban gunboat off my stern and closing fast. They just radioed their HQ and said that they were going to bring us in, to Cuba!”

“Hold on Captain Steadman, this is Captain Smithe of the U. S. Navy. Don’t let them board you. You’ll have a couple of jets from Guantanamo over you in a few minutes. We’re scrambling right now!”

At that point the Cuban gunboat was off their center port-side and they could see what appeared to be the captain with a megaphone trying to get their attention.

Suddenly out of the low-hanging cumulus clouds came two U. S. Navy jets streaking right over them. In fact they were so close that the exhaust blast and turbulence blew their sails and violently rocked both boats.

In a couple of minutes they were coming back. Suddenly the radio crackled on.

“Western Union, this is U. S. Navy jet overhead. Can you make a run for it? We’ll cover.”

“U. S. Navy jet, this is Captain Steadman on the Western Union, negative. I repeat, negative. We have some large drums of fuel for the engines on the deck. We’ll have to ease off.”

Excerpt from Bob Kranich's second full-length book, Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers. Composed of 336 pages and 12 stories running from 6 pages to as many as 72 pages, fully illustrated with 88 watercolors and sketches. The watercolors were made roaming around Key West after Kranich finished a 750 mile hike from Georgia to Key West. As you read these stories you will experience Key West, the Keys and the Caribbean. The stories span the time of the early 1800’s to 1969. bkranich.wixsite.com/bobkranich

James D. Carter Dies At 85

James D Carter, age 85, of LaBelle, passed away January 26, 2020 in Lehigh Acres. 

He was born July 27, 1934 in Pinemount, FL, to the late Roy Eris and Mamie Bell (Prevatt) Carter. 

He served in the U. S. Air Force. He owned a Heavy Construction Equipment Sales Company. 

Survivors include his wife: Marcia (Cocker) Carter one son: Kristopher Carter one daughter: Jennie Weaver two brothers: Wid and Dwain four sisters: Vonceil Blackmon, Shirley Bryan, Mildred Philyaw and Linda Costley. Grandchildren: Jordan and, Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his son Jeffery In 1986. 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Dale Reiss Dies In Motorcycle Crash - Two More Injured

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Dale Reiss, 60 of Okeechobee was traveling east on SR-78, 1 mile east of Gun Club Drive on a Harley C103 motorcycle Sunday at 3:10 pm as James Thomas Ruttan, 77 of Clinton Township, MI. was traveling east on SR-78 on a Harley motocycle, 1 mile east of Gun Club Drive in front of Reiss. 

Ruttan reduced speed in preparation to turn right into a vacant parking lot but Reiss failed to sufficiently slow.

As a result, the front of Reiss' vehicle collided with the rear of Reiss'. After the collision, Reiss separated from the cycle and came to rest on the paved shoulder and the motorcycle also came to a final rest on the paved shoulder.

Ruttan and the Passenger Marcia Kubacki, 75 of Michigan both separated from the motorcycle and came to a final rest in the westbound lane. The motorcycle also came to a final rest in the westbound lane. rest blocking both east and westbound lanes.

Ruttan's motorcycle crossed into the westbound lane.

Reiss was pronounced deceased at the scene and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Ruttan suffered serious injuries and Kubaki minor injuries. The FHP said it is unknown if Ruttan and Kubacki were wearing helmets.

The crash investigation is ongoing.

Sheniya Ray Injured Critically In Crash

LABELLE, FL. -- Alfredo Morales of Greenacres, Fl. was traveling east on State Road 80 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday approaching Belmont Street in LaBelle as Walter McFarlane III of Clarence, NY was traveling east on State Road 80 approaching Belmont Street behind Morales.  

Pedestrian Sheniya Ray, 23 of LaBelle was walking east on the sidewalk south of State Road 80 and began to enter the outside lane of State Road 80. 

The front of Morales' vehicle collided with her and she came to final rest in the inside eastbound lane. McFarlane's vehicle collided with miscellaneous personal items from Ray and Morales's vehicle came to controlled rest in a parking lot on Belmont Street. McFarlane's vehicle came to controlled rest on Florida Street.

Ray was taken to Lee Memorial with critical injuries. The accident is under investigation.

Center For Disease Control Issues Coronavirus Info

ATLANTA, GA. -- CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, including outside of Hubei Province. Infections with 2019-nCoV also are being reported in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States, where the first 2019-nCoV infection was detected in a traveler returning from Wuhan on January 21, 2020.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with MERS and SARS.

When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of MERS and SARS between people has generally occurred between close contacts. Past MERS and SARS outbreaks have been complex, requiring comprehensive public health responses.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people. The situation with regard to 2019-nCoV is still unclear. While severe illness, including illness resulting in a number of deaths has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness and been discharged.

There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.
On This Page
Situation Summary
Risk Assessment
What to Expect
CDC Response
Other Available Resources

Risk Assessment

Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications).

Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. It’s important to know this in order to better assess the risk posed by this virus. While CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Nevertheless, CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.
What to Expect

More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. Given what has occurred previously with MERS and SARS, it’s likely that some person-to-person spread will continue to occur.

Meanwhile in China, the government is issuing continuing news and information on the spread and prevention on it's television outlet China Global Television Network with live English and other language broadcasts at https://america.cgtn.com/tv-schedule. The World Today news program airs weekdays at 2, 3, 5, 6:30 and 8PM and weekends at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7PM and usually on the hour during the morning hours where Coronavirus updates are shown.

Additional Information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

Health And Wellness - New Podcast Episode This Week

Health And Wellness Podcast
LABELLE, FL. -- The latest episode of the Mood Gym podcast uploaded this week "The Secret Meditation Guide For Everyone."

In the growing world of podcasts, audio programs that can be downloaded or played on phone, tablet, computer and smart speakers and listened to anytime, the editor of Southwest Florida Online started a podcast in 2019 titled Mood Gym, featuring health and wellness topics with practical ideas discovered and practiced over many decades.

The podcasts relate his flying years, living life fully, and how to combine personal values with awareness.

All episodes are free and from 10 to 15 minutes in length. Podcasting apps allow free subscribing, rewind, fast forward, and pausing for the listener's convenience, or podcasts may be played directly without an app (see links and listings below.)

Hoping to be useful and convenient to as many listeners as possible, the Mood Gym with Don Browne podcast is available free on all the popular podcast apps or listened to directly at any of these links:

Apple Podcasts - Easiest to use on phone and computer, speed control

Breaker - Very easy to use, search box makes finding other podcasts easy

PlayerFM - Easy to use, speed and volume controls

RadioPublic - Easy to use, speed control, tips for podcasters

Google Podcasts - Speed control on computer only

Spotify - Most flexible on computer, app required on phone, speed control on phone, can transfer audio to other devices like smart speakers, smart tv

Castbox - Easy to use. Speed and volume control, search box

Anchor - Easy to use. Provides free services for podcasters

Stitcher - Easy to use.

PocketCast app - Easy to use, speed and volume controls, sleep timer, requires PocketCast phone app

OverCast - Requires Overcast app or click it's Apple Podcast button

Subscribe On Android - One-click to use for any Android device

RSS Feed (add to your favorite podcasting app)

Using Google Home speaker or Google Assistant: Say "Hey Google, play Mood Gym with Don Browne podcast"

Episode Titles:
Mood Gym Introduction

Responding To The Unexpected

Holiday Anxiety And Fear

Depression, Anxiety, Values & Goals

Staying Sane During Holidays

Having 2020 Vision, Who Are You, What Do You Want?

Visioning, Blockchain, Habits, Acceptance & Commitment

Accepting The Present, Commitment To Values & Change

Flying Through Life Without Distraction & Worry

Awareness & Meditation Guide For You

Mindful Awareness After Take-OFF

Don Browne is the editor/publisher of Southwest Florida Online, a YouTube creator, former radio broadcaster in LaBelle and Clewiston, and webcasting personality, and a certified trainer for 'Moving For Better Balance.'

Obituaries - Gordian Granrath, Penelope Gardner, Brenda Jaramillo

Gordian R Granrath, age 88, of Clewiston, FL passed away January 24, 2020 in Loxahatchee, FL. He was born Dec. 14, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Mark and Myrtle (Fuder) Granrath. He served during Korean War in the U. S. Marine Corps. He owned a Concrete Company. Survivors include his wife: Dee Granrath four sons: Torrance, Brian, Thomas and Charles two daughters: Victoria, Cathy three step daughters: Ashley, Danielle and Trisha one brother: John 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his Siblings: Mark, Teddy, Jeannie, and Mary Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Penelope Gardner, age 72, of Alva, passed away January 22, 2020 in Alva. She was born Dec. 8, 1947 in Fort Myers, FL, to the late Forrest and Martha (Griffin) Gardner. Survivors include one son: Edward Mills 1 sister: Deborah Goodwin 1 grandchild Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Fort Myers.

Brenda J. Jaramillo, age 70 of Clewiston, Florida passed away at home on January 22, 2020. Brenda was born in Crisfield, Maryland on January 16, 1950 to John and Emma Shores Conner. She worked for many years as a security guard for Southern Gardens before retiring in 2016. She was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing bingo, gambling, growing up in Maryland, her father was a commercial crabber, she loved to spend time with him crabbing. Brenda leaves behind her children; Tammy Meredith, William Meredith, Anita J. Rebollosa, Maria Jaramillo, Francisco Gonzalez, Connie Canales, Cindy Canales, and Elvin Canales, grandchildren; Carlie Gomez, Alexia Sterling, and Troy Evans along with fourteen other grandchildren and one great grandchild, her brother; Johnny Connor and sisters; Barbara Applegate, and Nancy Connor. Celebration visitation for Brenda will be from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home – Clewiston. Celebration of Life funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Crisfield, Maryland. Interment will take place at Sunny Ridge Cemetery also in Crisfield, Maryland.

Obituaries - Douglas Perkins, Angela Shane

Douglas Scott Perkins, age 41, of Clewiston, passed away January 18, 2020 in Lehigh Acres. He was born February 18, 1978 in Pahokee, FL, to John and Betty (Hopkins) Perkins. 

Mr. Perkins married Monica Rivera on September 18, 2010 in Clewiston, Florida. Douglas worked as a pest sprayer for Season to Season for many years. He also worked as an electrician for many years. 

Douglas is survived by his loving wife; Monica Rivera Perkins, his three sons; Kobe Scott Perkins, Kayson Scott Perkins, and Christian Scott Perkins, two brothers; John Moran and Kyle Jones. Celebration of his life will held as a later date. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Angela Rae Shane, age 62, of LaBelle, passed away January 13, 2020 in LaBelle. She was born Apr. 20, 1957 in Cincinnati, OH, to the late William Howard and Katherine Elinore (Paul) Alloway Jr. 

Survivors include her husband: Michael Shane two sons: Roger and Erik one daughter: Erica Martinez mother: Katherine Elinore (Paul) Alloway one brother: Billy one sister: Michelle 3 Grandchildren, Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Catfish Festival and Art In The Park January 25

This Weekend In Glades County:
28th Annual BHR Catfish Festival
January 25th 9am-3pm
30076 E State Road 78
Buckhead Ridge
Free admission

Art in the Park January 25th 9am-3pm
Tom Perry Memorial Park & Glades County Public Library
Riverside Drive
Moore Haven

Carlton Rush Sentenced For Sale Of Cocaine

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Carlton Rush was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison followed by 8 years of probation for Sale of a Controlled Substance within 1,000 ft. of a Church, a first-degree felony. He was selling crack cocaine in the city of Clewiston. Rush was found guilty at trial in August 2019.

The Clewiston Police Department led the investigation into this crime. During trial, evidence was presented that in early 2017, Rush gave a confidential informant a phone number to call for the purposes of buying illegal drugs.

When the number was called over the course of several days, different people answered. On February 28, 2017, a woman delivering drugs for the defendant met the informant and an undercover police officer with the Clewiston Police. She provided them crack cocaine prepared by Rush. The defendant was then arrested. The woman who sold the drugs had a separate case and was sentenced previously.

Assistant State Attorney Evan Chaput tried the case before the Honorable Judge James Sloan in Hendry County.

Obituaries - Dalia Olivarez, Vicente Perez-Trejo

Dalia B Olivarez, age 84, of LaBelle, passed away January 16, 2020 in LaBelle. She was born May 20, 1935 in Kingsville, TX, to the late Guadalupe and Cristina (Reyes) Benavides. 

She was predeceased by her husband Homero Olivarez in 2019. 

Survivors include one son: Homero Olivarez Jr six daughters: Alicia De La Rosa, Pilar Aguirre, Anna Gonzalez, Rosario Olivarez, Dalia Cordova and Trinidad Perez, two sisters: Delia Ramirez and Batrice Rodriguez 28 Grandchildren, 66 Great Grandchildren, 12 Great Great Grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends on Monday January 20, 2020 from 5 to 7 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 560 E. Hickpochee Ave. LaBelle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 10:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle. Interment will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020 in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle.

Vicente Perez-Trejo, 66, of Three Rivers and formerly of Florida, passed away Monday, January 13, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born February 15, 1953 in Queretaro, Mexico, the son of Victorio Perez and Maria Guadalupe Trejo. 

A farm labor contractor by trade, he made LaBelle, Florida, his home, but traveled for work between Michigan, New York, and Mexico. 

The second oldest of 11 siblings, he was a responsible and hard worker for his large family. Agriculture and family caretaking were important to him. 

In 1983 he married Lucy Perez; she passed away in 2005. 

He is survived by his son, Daniel (Alex) Perez of Three Rivers; daughters, Amanda (Jose) Garay of Three Rivers and Damaris Perez of LaBelle, FL; grandchildren, Isaac, Aubrianna, Adrian, Dominic, and Leo; companion of 13 years, Sandra Perez; six brothers and three sisters. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one brother. 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Infant Critically Injured In Driveway Accident

LEHIGH ACRES, FL. --On January 17, 2020 at 10:35 am, Nelda Tilus, age 41, of Lehigh Acres, drove her 2012 Kia Forte into the inclined driveway of 2905 48th Street SW, Lehigh Acres. 

Tilus’s daughter, Olivia Touasaint, age 1, was a back-seat passenger. Tilus picked up her daughter and exited the Kia but failed to put the vehicle in park. Once out of the vehicle, with the driver’s side door still open, the Kia rolled backward. 

Tilus fell backward, landing on the concrete driveway. In the fall, Olivia Touasaint’s head struck the concrete driveway. The left front tire of the Kia then struck the lower leg of Tilus. The Kia rolled to final rest in the middle of 48th Street SW. 

Tilus was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital with a minor injury. Olivia Touasaint was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

Wellness And Health Podcast From LaBelle

Health And Wellness Podcast

LABELLE, FL. -- In the growing world of podcasts, audio programs that can be downloaded or played on phone, tablet, computer and smart speakers and listened to anytime, the editor of Southwest Florida Online started a podcast in 2019 titled Mood Gym, featuring health and wellness topics with practical ideas discovered and practiced over many decades.

The podcasts often relate his flying years and living life fully, combining personal values and awareness.

All the episodes are totally free and from 10 to 15 minutes in length. Podcasting apps allow free subscribing, rewind, fast forward, and pausing for the listener's convenience, or podcasts may be played directly without an app (see links and listings below.)

Click here for one of the most listened to episodes "Responding to the Unexpected":



The Mood Gym with Don Browne podcast is available free on all your popular podcast apps or directly at any of these links:

Apple Podcasts - Easiest to use on phone and computer, speed control
Breaker - Very easy to use, search box makes finding other podcasts easy
PlayerFM - Easy to use, speed and volume controls
RadioPublic - Easy to use, speed control, tips for podcasters
Google Podcasts - Speed control on computer only
Spotify - Most flexible on computer, app required on phone, speed control on phone, can transfer audio to other devices like smart speakers, smart tv
Castbox - Easy to use. Speed and volume control, search box
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Using Google Home speaker or Google Assistant: Say "Hey Google, play Mood Gym with Don Browne podcast"

Episode Titles: 
Mood Gym Introduction
Responding To The Unexpected
Holiday Anxiety And Fear
Depression, Anxiety, Values And Goals
Staying Sane During Holidays
Having 2020 Vision, Who Are You, What Do You Want?
Visioning, Blockchain, Habits, Acceptance & Commitment
Accepting The Present, Commitment To Values And Change
Flying Through Life Without Distraction And Worry
Awareness and Meditation Guide For You
Mindfulness Awareness After Take-OFF

Don Browne is the editor/publisher of Southwest Florida Online, a YouTube creator, former radio broadcaster in LaBelle and Clewiston, and webcasting personality, and a certified trainer for 'Moving For Better Balance.'

Angela Rae Shane Dies At 62

Angela Rae Shane, age 62, of LaBelle, passed away January 13, 2020 in LaBelle. 

She was born Apr. 20, 1957 in Cincinnati, OH, to the late William Howard and Katherine Elinore (Paul) Alloway Jr. 

Survivors include her husband: Michael Shane two sons: Roger and Erik one daughter: Erica Martinez mother: Katherine Elinore (Paul) Alloway one brother: Billy one sister: Michelle 3 Grandchildren

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Ortona Cane Grinding Festival February 1

ORTONA, FL. -- The 47th Ortona Cane Grinding Festival will be held Saturday, February 1 at the Indian Mound Park on SR78 in Glades County from 9 until 3. Free parking and free entrance with donations accepted. Games, contests and flea market are all scheduled for this annual event.

Obituary - Delores Jeannette Scott

Delores Jeannette Scott, age 84, of Clewiston, passed away January 12, 2020 in Clewiston. She was born July 16, 1935 to the late William Everett and the late Eva Lydia (Emrich) McDonald. 

She married Kenneth Earl Scott, he preceded her in death. Jeannette worked for over 30 years as a waitress for Denny's Restaurant and later worked as a cashier for Publix Market. She attended New Harvest Fellowship Church in Clewiston, along her sister and nephews. 

Survivors include her loving daughter; Denise Scott of Stanwood, Washington siblings; Cherri Pelham, Christine Wheeler, William E. "Billy" McDonald all of Clewiston, and Mildred Roadarmel of Fort Myers, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Celebration of Jeannette's life was at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at New Harvest Church of Clewiston, where Pastor Chuck Pelham did officiate. 

Visitation was 30 minutes before the service also at the church. Burial will be in Osceola Memory Gardens – Kissimmee, Florida. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Juan Rosas Dies In Motorcycle Crash

LABELLE, FL. -- Juan Vasquez Rosas, 31, of LaBelle was traveling westbound on County Road 78 on a motorcycle as Michelle Joyce McDaniel, 61 of Henager, Al. in a 2019 Buick convertible was traveling eastbound on County Road 78 at Old North River Road in Hendry county at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday.

Rosas failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and crossed the centerline. As a result, the right front of the Buick struck the motorcycle in the eastbound lane. The cycle was then propelled from the roadway onto the south grassy shoulder. 

Rosas separated from the cycle and came to final rest on the south grassy shoulder. The vehicle also came to rest on the grassy shoulder. The Buick came to rest partially in eastbound lane and paved apron of the roadway.

The crash is under investigation to determine if alcohol was a factor for Rosas.

Road Construction - Glades And Hendry County

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- US 27 from 5th Street to north of SR 78: Construction project: Crews will be milling and resurfacing the roadway on US 27 from 5th Street to north of SR 78 in Moore Haven. 

 Additional work includes improving the drainage, sidewalks and road shoulders, and installing curb and gutter, signage and pavement markings, and water and sewer lines along US 27. 

 Work also includes replacing traffic signals at 6th Street and 10th Street and adding new streetlights at 10th Street and SR 78 intersections. Motorists should expect periodic nighttime and daytime lane closures on US 27 during construction.

· Motorists should expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on US 27 from 5th Street to SR 78 while crews grade and install drainage pipe and widen right turn lanes throughout the project limits.

Please use caution and watch for workers in the construction zone. Estimated project completion is summer 2020. The contractor is AJAX Paving Industries of Florida

HENDRY COUNTY

CLEWISTON, FL. -- US 27 from Industrial Canal to Central Street in Clewiston: Construction project: Crews will install welcome signs, lighting, fencing, and landscaping at the eastern (west of San Diego Street North) and western (west of Lewis Boulevard) city limits of the City of Clewiston. The contractor is Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. Estimated project completion is early 2020.

SR 80 from Dalton Lane to CR 833: Construction project: Crews will widen approximately 11 miles of roadway from two to four lanes and add new turning lanes. Additional work includes repaving the current lanes and constructing ten new bridges. Three of the bridges will require full demolition and removal of the existing bridges to construct the new ones. Work also includes drainage improvements, adding curb and gutter, and installing LED lighting. Please use caution and watch for workers in the construction zone. Estimated project completion is summer 2020. The contractor is AJAX Paving of Industries Florida.

SR 80 (W. Hickpochee Avenue) from north of Bee Creek to north of Fort Thompson Avenue; Bee Creek (just south of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) to north of Fort Thompson Avenue: Construction project: The contractor is also improving the drainage along SR 80, and upgrading the sidewalks and curb ramps. Work also includes upgrading the existing traffic signals on SR 80 at Main Street and Bridge Street and Lee Street intersections; adding streetlights on both sides of the roadway from College Street to east of Lee Street. Motorists should expect nighttime lane closures on SR 80 from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night.

· Sunday nights through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. motorists should expect closures on the outside lanes of SR 80 from south of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to north of East Fort Thompson Avenue while the contractor performs milling and resurfacing of turnouts, side streets and turn lanes.

· Sunday nights through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. concrete crews will be working on the north side of SR 80 between Anderson Street and Hall Street (Big V Restaurant) and installing a new inlet top adjacent to the entrance of Two Pea’s Café.

· Monday through Friday, signal and lighting work will take place during the daytime. The work will be performed outside of the roadway, no lane closures needed. Sidewalks will be detoured as needed around the work sites.

Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and watch for workers in the construction zone. The contractor is Preferred Materials, Inc. Estimated project completion date is Spring 2020.

Ventura Avenue from Lopez Street to Berner Road in Clewiston: Construction project: Crews will construct five-foot sidewalks along the north side of Ventura Avenue and improve driveways and drainage along Ventura Avenue from Lopez Street to Berner Road in Clewiston. Daytime lane closures may be required along Ventura Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, weather permitting. The contractor is Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. Estimated project completion is early 2020.

City of LaBelle hardscape and entry signs at Patton Road, Industrial Loop. Forrey Drive, and Grandma’s Boulevard: Construction project: Crews will install welcome signs including landscaping, irrigation, and decorative lighting on the northern (near Patton Road), eastern (near Forrey Drive), southern (near Industrial Loop), and western (near Grandma’s Boulevard) city limits of LaBelle. The contractor is Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. Estimated project completion is early 2020.

From Glades Property Appraiser's Office - Exemptions

(Office Staff: Anita Woods, Trish Coleman, Marina Langdale, Lorie Ward, Ragen Mathis, Darcie McRoy, Josie Boix)


MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades county property appraiser Lorie Ward says her department eases the burden on property owners automatically by renewing property tax exemptions. This automatic renewal helps to ensure that you do not lose your exemption simply because you failed to renew.

If you had a property tax exemption or agricultural land classification in 2019, you will receive at least one of the four renewal cards listed below:

The WHITE card is for Homestead Exemption and other exemptions like widow, widower, disability, veteran, and senior citizen.

The GREEN card is for Agricultural Land Classification.

The YELLOW card is for property that is being used for tax exempt purposes.

The BLUE card is for Tangible Personal Property valued no more than $25,000.

As long as the Tangible Personal Property remains at $25,000 or less, you are not required to file a 

Tangible Personal Property Return, form (DR405).

If your value exceeds $25,000, you will receive a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return that must be completed and returned. The form is also downloadable from the website at www.GladesFLPA.com.

If you are still eligible for these exemptions do not return the card

Exemptions and Agricultural Land Classifications are not Transferrable

NEW property owners must submit NEW applications by March 1, 2020.

Tangible Personal Property deadline is April 1st

Obituaries - John Burchard, Mary Sauls, LIsa Staples

John William "Billy" Burchard, age 65, of LaBelle, passed away January 10, 2020 in Lehigh Acres.He was born Mar. 15, 1954 in Fort Myers, FL to the late Robert Everette Burchard, Sr. and the late Ella Margaret (Forrey) Burchard. He was a lifelong resident of LaBelle. 

Survivors include his wife: Neila R. Burchard, two sons: Michael Thielen and Joshua (Ariel) Cline, and four daughters: Rachel (Christopher) Gambele, Ella Marie (Phil) Jourdan, Tiffany (Matthew) Donovan and Trinity Thielen, grandchildren, Preston, Christopher, Arabella, Joseph, Daniel, Leta, Ame, Amelia And Evelyn. 

He was preceded in death by his son, John Paul Burchard and brothers: Robert Everette Burchard, Jr. and Easton Burchard. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of LaBelle with Rev. Frank Deerey Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.

Lisa Beth Staples, age 50, of LaBelle, passed away January 9, 2020 in Lehigh Acres. She was born Sep. 28, 1969 in New Bedford, MA, to Frederick and Linda (Kristofferson) Staples. She worked in Retail Management. Survivors include one daughter: Mischa Staples Her parents: Frederick and Linda (Kristofferson) Staples two sisters: Cheryl and Kristen, Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Mary C Sauls Napier, age 67, of LaBelle, passed away January 8, 2020 in LaBelle. She was born Oct. 26, 1952 in Miami, FL, to the late James and Eunice Juanita (Wright) Sauls. She was a Bookkeeper. Survivors include her husband: Revis C Napier one son: James Michael Napier one daughter: Annissa Carol one brother: James Sauls one sister: Peggy Petrokevich 8 grandchildren, Memorial services are Pending. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

How Smart Meters And Other Devices May Make People Sick

Are We Gambling With Health When Using Smart Meters And Devices In Our Homes?

Cindy Sage, an environmental consultant has been critical of smart electric meters and electronic devices that emit radio frequencies, possibly causing damage to our bodies, and has warned that government and corporate interests have often clashed in assessing the dangers of RF energy of devices on the human body.

Sage warns that without more evidence, there is a possibility of disability and illness to some individuals caused by the emitted radiation from smart meters as well as other electronic devices in our homes and businesses.

The FCC in the United States is mandated with the task of providing safe levels of radio frequency radiation levels from electronic devices, but Sage believes the "safe" levels currently set may not be sufficient to prevent damage to humans.

She has criticized public utility commission rulings which rely on FCC exposure levels to determine if permission is given to install smart meters at homes, noting that studies provided by utility companies typically may not have tested the specific conditions under which the smart meters are installed at residences, including information about the particular antenna models and makes, and the duty cycle being used, that is, how long the device is radiating RF energy, and whether consideration is taken when more than one smart meter is installed along a residence wall.

Although a very technical issue, it is considered that the smart meter's typical transmitted frequency at 915 Megahertz and 2405 Megahertz may be safe at exposures of 0.11 micro watts per square centimeter at a distance of 10 feet to a healthy adult. But studies have shown adverse health impacts at levels above that, based on RF exposure studies from cell towers.

The problem says Sage, is that no data is usually provided by utility companies or manufactures of the equipment about safe levels for other than 'healthy' adults and leaving issues about levels at varying distances, and unknown measurements from various models and manufacturers of the RF emitting devices, leaving an unknown health risk. especially to individuals who may be more sensitive to radio frequency energy at these extreme high frequencies, approximately at the same frequency as a microwave oven.

FCC's data assumes that there is no danger from high frequency radiation. but the current standards prevent only heating and burning of tissues, and any shock hazard. The higher the frequency and power, and the closer to the device radiating RF energy, the more danger there is to effects that can damage human tissue. (That's how microwave ovens work, RF energy heating up the food in the device.) 

Smart electronic meters measuring electric use are not the only devices that may be problematic. Smart water meters are now common outside homes electronically measuring water usage and sending the data by radio frequency to a nearby tower which is relayed to the utility company. Smart speakers may be sitting on your table, also sending out high frequency radio waves and causing possible damage to you if you are located within a few feet of the device. And home are increasingly become "smart" with wireless doorbells, cameras, and other IoT devices continuously emitting RF energy.

Sage says the current information about the danger of RF energy from electronic devices is too limited and is not useful to determine real damage to humans by RF emitting devices. and the estimates of dangers to chronic danger may be entirely underestimated, noting "No one can reconcile or separate reasonable from unreasonable RF predictions without some better, more systematic computer modeling of RF exposures."

References: http://sagereports.com/smart-meter-rf/?p=343, https://www.sageliving.us/emf-and-health/

Traveling Key West; Stories by Bob Kranich

Western Union Cable Repair Schooner

(This is the excerpt of the first of two stories told to me by the captain of the schooner)

    “A little more to starboard,” the captain said.

    “All right, Capt’n,” the First Mate said respectfully.

    Relaying this to the helmsman and double-checking the magnetic compass, Captain Dick Steadman looked forward from where he stood in the stern of the cable repair schooner named the Western Union.

    The tropical, turquoise Florida Bahamian sea was a spectacular sight before him.

    Beautiful day for the work ahead, he thought. Light seas, sun beaming down, and not a Nor’wester in sight. If we can just find that break in this cable and get it repaired.

    The schooner is the last of a vanishing breed, including the men who run her. It is a telephone-telegraph cable-laying and repair schooner. The Western Union is out of Key West, Florida. It had been only four days since they received the emergency call from headquarters in New York. There was a break in the undersea cable heading out of Key West towards the Bahama Islands.

    The two full-time, and maintenance men, Captain Dick Steadman and First Mate Jack Fryer had to hunt high and low to round up a crew. They had been fortunate that eight of the ten-man crew were old hands from the last job, six months ago. It had been a hectic preparation. Not only did a crew have to be rounded up, but provisions for ten to twelve days had to be purchased. The equipment had to be stowed, and the schooner made ready. Like most boats, she was constantly being repaired and maintained, with maintenance as diverse as painting and engine tune-ups. This kept things out-of-place and disorganized.

    But now, here they were, almost on station. They had been following the cable using a Leaer-Amplifier. This piece of equipment receives signals coming from the underwater cable which are being sent by the sending station. When they are over the cable the signals are strongest.

    “That’s it Cap’n,” Jack said.

    The signal had faded out, meaning that the break was below.   

    “Out with the buoy!” Captain Dick yelled.

    “Aye, Sir!” This is just what two of the crew were waiting to hear, and overboard it went. First, they would make sure it anchored and stayed in one place. Next, they would head back the way they had come about a half-a-mile and drop out a grappling hook. Then, they would proceed to go across the cable perpendicular to it. If they hooked it they would then bring it up to the boat.

    “We’ll use the sand grappling hook,” Captain Dick ordered.

    He knew by the Fathometer* readings the bottom was sandy. The longer hooks of the sand grappling apparatus would work in this bottom.

    “Ok, let her go!” the first mate commanded.

    Over the side the bulk weight of the hook and chain were wrestled by Jack and the crew. This hook and chain was fastened to a cable and threaded from the pulleys on the bow of the boat around the cable drum and into the cable hold.

       If they were lucky, they could snag their objective on the first try. However, sometimes they had to try as many as eight runs to finally capture the cable lying on the bottom. They had 258 fathoms* of cable out and now were making an approach perpendicular to the cable. This could be performed in relation to the buoy lines they had set out.  The greatest depth they had worked in was 380 fathoms in this Bahamain area.

    By the tension of grappling cable on the dynamometer* they could tell when the  cable was snagged. But, this time they didn’t need it, and there was a sudden lurch of the schooner.

    “Full ahead!” the captain shouts.

    This was needed because if they were to drop back from the force of wave the grappling hook could let its precious catch slip loose. The next step was to winch it up and secure it to a buoy. Then the same operation had to be repeated to obtain the other end of the broken cable.

    It being impossible to stretch it back together, a piece had to be spliced in. This length varied depending on the depth of the water. A 20-foot splice was about average, and that was what they did to complete the job.

    The cable schooner was two-masted and was built in a shop near the Mallory Docks in Key West, in 1939. It was one of three similar types, built according to the New England coast style. She was 92-feet long, 23.5-feet wide and drew six to eight feet of water. Her top speed was about eight and one half knots* and designed primarily for shallow water. But, just like this job they were on now, she had worked a lot of deep sea…

    It was interesting to stand around on the deck of the ship and listen to these two salty characters responsible for her performance, and talk of past days. I could tell they were just as much a part of her, as she was to them.   

    They could spin many yarns, but one of the most interesting was the time they were returning from a job, and they passed too close to Cuba.

Bob Kranich's second full-length book , Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers is composed of 336 pages. There are 12 stories running from 6 pages to as many as 72 pages, fully illustrated with 88 watercolors and sketches. The watercolors were made roaming around Key West after Kranich finished a 750 mile hike from Georgia to Key West. As you read these stories you will experience Key West, the Keys and the Caribbean. The stories span the time of the early 1800’s to 1969. bkranich.wixsite.com/bobkranich

Obituaries - Oneva Smith, Charles Ivy, Hester Renfroe

Oneva Janet Smith, age 62, of Clewiston, passed away January 6, 2020 in Hollywood. She was born Feb. 8, 1957 in Clewiston, FL, to the late Harold Jones and late Louise Smith.
Survivors include daughter: Nelda V. Melton, brother: Tracey Smith grandchild, Jason G. Melton, II; niece, Julia Smith. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mike Smith Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 12:00 pm at First Indian Baptist Church of Brighton, Okeechobee with Pastor Jr Taylor officiating. Interment will be Thursday, January 9, 2020 in Ortona Cemetery, Moore Haven. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 hour prior to service at First Indian Baptist Church of Brighton, Okeechobee, FL. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Charles Aaron Ivy, age 83, of LaBelle, passed away January 4, 2020 in LaBelle. He was born Nov. 7, 1936 in Poplar Bluff, MO, to the late Charles Eli and Hattie Alice (Rushin) Ivy. He retired after 20 years with the U.S. Navy Survivors include his wife: Mary Ellen (Dame) Ivy two daughters: Sharla Carol Fridblom and Vicky Denise Ivy one brother: Clifford Dale Ivy one sister: Bonnie Corine Barnett Grandchildren: Tabitha Ivy, and Nicholas Fridblom 2 Great Grandchildren, Memorial service will be held at a Later Date. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Hester S Renfroe, age 94, of Felda, passed away January 2, 2020 in Felda. She was born Mar. 7, 1925 in Felda, FL, to the late Gilbert D and Pearl (Keene) Taylor. She worked as a Hostess at the Matador Room in Lehigh Acres for 21 years, then at the Seminole Casino. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to so many. Her sense of humor and laughter were contagious. Survivors include two daughters: Cheryl A Hicks and Regina (Tiny) Cain, 3 Grandchildren, 6 Great-grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren She was preceded in death by her Son, Robert A Tillman, and a Granddaughter, Nina Lewis Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 1 to 3 pm at Primitive Baptist Church, Felda with Pastor L. W. Howard officiating. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Health Department Urges Flu Shots To Residents

Hendry & Glades Counties - The Florida Department of Health (Department) is strongly encouraging all unvaccinated residents to get their flu shot as soon as possible. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  estimates that, nationwide, for the 2019-2020 season so far, there have been at least 6.4 million cases of influenza, more than 55,000 associated hospitalizations and approximately 2,900 related deaths. For Florida flu statistics, please visit the Department’s Florida Flu Review website.

“With this year’s flu season in full swing, it is critical that adults and children get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others”, said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “By getting a flu shot now, you will protect yourself, as well as your family and friends.”

“Influenza is a contagious virus that can spread rapidly in our communities and cause severe illness resulting in hospitalization or death”, said Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the flu; it reduces the spread of the virus and can also help make illnesses less severe for those who do still get sick.”

Get the Flu Shot

The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals that are at most risk for getting severely ill from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older.

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s strain. Even if the vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Where to Get the Flu Shot

Flu vaccines are offered at health care providers’ offices, clinics, county health departments, pharmacies, schools, college health centers and from many employers. Find flu vaccine in your area: VaccineFinder.org. Learn more: FluFreeFlorida.com.

Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu

Good health habits like washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing may prevent those around you from getting sick. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office.

Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it's just as important to contain the virus, and that means staying home when you're sick.

Road Construction Continues In LaBelle

LABELLE, FL. -- Construction continues along SR 80 (W. Hickpochee Avenue) from north of Bee Creek to north of Fort Thompson Avenue; Bee Creek (just south of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) to north of Fort Thompson Avenue: Construction project: The contractor is also improving the drainage along SR 80, and upgrading the sidewalks and curb ramps. 

Work also includes upgrading the existing traffic signals on SR 80 at Main Street and Bridge Street and Lee Street intersections; adding streetlights on both sides of the roadway from College Street to east of Lee Street. Motorists should expect nighttime lane closures on SR 80 from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night. 

·         Sunday nights through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. motorists should expect closures on the outside lanes of SR 80 from south of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to north of East Fort Thompson Avenue while the contractor performs milling and resurfacing of turnouts, side streets and turn lanes.  

·         Sunday nights through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. concrete crews will be working on the north side of SR 80 between Anderson Street and Hall Street (Big V Restaurant) and installing a new inlet top adjacent to the entrance of Two Pea’s Café. 

·         Monday through Friday, signal and lighting work will take place during the daytime. The work will be performed outside of the roadway, no lane closures needed. Sidewalks will be detoured as needed around the work sites.

Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and watch for workers in the construction zone. The contractor is Preferred Materials, Inc. Estimated project completion date is Spring 2020.

Benjamin Nieves Charged With Murder

19 YEAR OLD ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF HOMICIDE

On Friday, December 27, 2019 19 year old Benjamin Nieves was arrested and transported to the Hendry County Jail on charges of Murder and Attempted Murder.

Since November 10, 2019, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has been investigating the shooting death of 27 year old Luis Andres Salas, Jr., of LaBelle, Florida.

On November 10, at approximately 8:00 pm, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call reporting a shooting at 6495 S. State Road 29. When deputies arrived on scene they found Salas lying on the front porch of his home and another man suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thru a comprehensive investigation it was determined that Nieves, along with three other individuals had come to Salas’ home. When the visitors began to leave the residence of Salas an argument ensued.

Medical personnel pronounced Salas deceased at the scene.

Major Crimes Investigators, with the assistance of the Hendry County Vice-Narcotics Unit and the US Marshals Office were able to locate and safely take Nieves into custody.

Nieves was booked into the Hendry County Jail on charges of Homicide, Attempted Homicide and shooting into an occupied dwelling. Nieves is currently being held with No Bond.

Cedric Saxton Charged In Clewiston Homicide

18 YEAR OLD ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF 2ND DEGREE HOMICIDE AND ROBBERY

In the afternoon hours of January 3, 2020, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Capt. D. Weathers, and Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Major Crimes Unit, Lt. M. Rowan, took custody of 18 year old Cedric Saxton in Macon County Alabama and delivered him to the Hendry County Jail. 

After being identified as a suspect in a homicide, resulting in the death of Alister Bernard Greaves Thomas , Saxton fled the Clewiston community and traveled to Alabama where he has family.  It was while he was in Alabama, that Macon County Alabama authorities placed him under arrest for an outstanding Hendry County warrant for charges of Robbery and 2nd Degree Homicide.

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County Sheriff’s Office CID Major Crimes Unit, have been looking into the death of 23 year of Alister Bernard Greaves Thomas of Clewiston that occurred on December 13, 2019 at approximately 7:00pm.  Thomas was found lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Major Crimes Lt. M. Rowan was just blocks away when he heard the gunshots.  When he arrived in the area of 10th Street and Alabama Ave., he found a man later identified as Alister Thomas lying in the street. Thomas was transported to Hendry Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff. 

Hendry County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit and Road Patrol Units continued to follow up on leads they were receiving. The Major Crimes Unit worked diligently building a case and had recovered the suspected firearm used in the homicide. Coordination between the Hendry County Sheriff's Office and the Macon County Sheriff's Office in Alabama led to the arrest of this violent felony fugitive. On December 24, 2019, 18 year old Cedric Saxton was taken into custody by Macon County, Alabama law enforcement personnel.  

Both Capt. Weathers and Lt. Rowan traveled to Macon County, Alabama and took Saxton into custody.  He was booked into the Hendry County Jail on Friday, January 3, 2020, on charges of Robbery and 2nd Degree Murder.  Saxton is currently being held with no bond.