Walk In Vaccines At Moore Haven Monday March 1

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Numerous individuals did not show for their vaccine appointment on Sunday, Feb 28th, therefore, the Glades County Health Department will take WALK-INS on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m. (While supplies last

NOTE: If you called the phone number to register or filled out the registration on-line, you will still need to fill out a “Consent Form” and “Initiation of Serves Form” on site for our local records to ensure that you will be scheduled for your second dose.

Swamp Cabbage Festival Ends Sunday In LaBelle

LABELLE, FL. -- The LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival continues on the last day Sunday with music and food vendors in Barron Park.

The annual festival takes place on the last full weekend of February each year. 

This year's activities were abbreviated due to the coronavirus and precautions about safely in the community. 

The annual mile-long festival parade through town was cancelled this year. 

The activities in Barron Park and the streets around the park continued although sabal palm fronds were not used for decorating this year and more music was added to the event along with a Clewiston radio station personality serving to introduce the entertainment at the park gazebo.

Crowds Mingle At LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival

 LABELLE, FL. -- A little bit less than normal crowds flowed into Barron Park and the streets of LaBelle Saturday for the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival.

Above: 360 degree photo of the festivities Saturday at Barron Park in LaBelle. Scroll around (or use VR glasses) the photo above to see a virtual reality view of the crowd and music stage.

Very few masks worn, and completely full bleachers seats at the Rotary Armadillo Race showed little evidence of festival goers taking coronavirus precautions, even for an outdoor event.

The annual festival continues Sunday with music all day and of course lots of food vendors and even camel rides this year. 

Photo: Camels At Barron Park

Walk In Vaccine At Moore Haven - Glades Health Department Sunday February 28

Glades County LIMITED WALK-INS COVID-19 Vaccination – First Dose Only

Moore Haven — The Department of Health in Glades County has a small allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will take limited walk-ins on Sunday, February 28th for individuals needing the first dose.

Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Sunday, February 28, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LIMITED WALK-INS (no appointment)!

The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency Requirements:
Valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card
OR
Two of the following items:

A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)
A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

Man Dies Walking On State Road 29 In Hendry County

LABELLE, FL. -- A 58 year old man was killed on State Road 29 in LaBelle early Friday morning at 12:30 a.m.

A pickup truck was traveling south on State Road 29, approaching E Road as the victim was walking in the southbound lane of State Road 29. 

Vehicle collided with Pedestrian who was pronounced deceased on scene, and the crash remains under investigation.

Obituaries - Abbie Whidden, Age 95; Guillermo Rios, Age 83

Guillermo B. Rios, age 83, of Clewiston, passed away February 24, 2021 in Clewiston. He was born Feb. 10, 1938 in Lares,Puerto Rico , to the late Primitivo Rios and Maria Bellos 

He worked as a Marine Mechanic. 

He was predeceased by his parents and a sibling Lenor Lopez. Survivors include his wife: Juana (Rivera) Rios one son: William Noel Rios two daughters: Ramona Ramos and Maria Judy Rios brothers: Carmen Gonzalez, and Jr. Rios sister: Enilda Herrera 2 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren, Services will be private. 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Abbie Mae Whidden, age 95, of Moore Haven, passed away February 24, 2021 in Sebring. She was born Dec. 25, 1925 in Desoto City, FL, to the late Albert W and the late Catherine Clydine (Arnold) Williams. 

She was a Member of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

Survivors include one son: Paul Whidden, three daughters: Evelyn Barker, Sharon Flowers and Kathy Miller 12 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and 5 Great Great Grandchildren 

She was predeceased by her husband Vance, and a son Joel. 

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM Friday March 5, 2021 at the Ortona Cemetery Pavillion. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11:00 am at Ortona Cemetery, Moore Haven 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Florida Keys' Watercolor Kapers by Bob Kranich - Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican, (Part 1, Excerpt 23)

In this new story, a Brown Pelican talks about the history of the Florida Keys and how the Brown Pelican was there when it all happened.

The Brown Pelican

Here I am, on my favorite dockside perch. You know it is just off Key West’s Mallory docks, the old town’s center of activity. I love to fly over here early in the morning. It is so invigorating. I fly low, skimming along the crests of the waves. I’m using a scientific term called “ground effect,” whereby as the air compresses between me and the water, it increases lift and easily supports me. That way I use very little energy. It is one of my favorite pastimes.

I nest every evening on a small uninhabited (at least by humans) mangrove island. It is located between the mainland and this fantastic chain of Keys. There is a small colony of us brown pelicans located there. We just love it because it’s so quiet and peaceful. But you should see it in breeding season, and when we raise our young. One can hardly move!

Wait! What is going on? That young man coming up the dock is a tourist, I suspect. What is he up to? Let’s see, he has a two-wheel contraption, they call it a bicycle. Now he is taking some materials out of the front basket. It looks like he is going to sketch me. Why, he must be an artist.

He has brushes and tubes of color. It looks like I’m going to be a watercolor painting! I will hold this pose. Look, he is finished and packing up already. That didn’t take long. I guess watercolor is a fast process, nothing like the time it takes for the oil colorists to paint. There he goes, pedaling his transportation.

Humans just don’t have the capabilities we have. In fact, he has my image, but he doesn’t know my soul. He doesn’t know the great and dynamic history of the brown pelicans. I would like to enlighten you. Come along and I’ll show you our environment, our home, our destiny.

I would like to start by taking you up. Let’s use the thermals to soar. Let’s take the Atlantic side of this string of keys running east northeast to south-southwest. Let’s go up...up...up. There, I am leveling off at six thousand feet, even though some of my peers have gone up as high as ten thousand feet!

If you look closer you can see the chain of shallow coral reefs running parallel to this arc. They are just under the beautiful turquoise water and occasionally rise slightly above. On the outside of the reef is the famous Gulf Stream and on the inside is the narrow Hawk Channel.

The Hawk Channel washes against the many coconut-studded sand beaches and mangrove shores. Both the Hawk Channel and the Gulf Stream are water highways, with treacherous reefs separating them. These reefs just sit there waiting a misstep by an unsuspecting ship.

This majestic environment is much over one hundred and fifty miles long. We consider it ours! We, brown pelicans traverse its entire length. It is our environment. Now we are one of the only two species of pelicans that reside in the United States. In the winter, one may see an occasional white pelican here, but their primary breeding ground is in western Canada and the northwestern US.

Even though I hate to admit it, the white pelican is much larger than us browns. They have a wingspan of up to nine and one half feet, where ours is six. They don’t feed as spectacularly as we do. They float, and scoop up fish and we, well I’ll show you, dive for our fish.

Let’s drop on down, soar some, and then drop down again. I can spot a fish from as high as sixty-five feet, but I like to be closer to the ocean. I glide above the crest of a wave, not even flapping a wing. When I spot a fish I dive straight in, leaning to the left to protect my throat from the impact. Then I open my pouch to let in the fish. I may also get a couple of gallons of water which I drain out as I float there. Then I just swallow the fish whole. Mm...Mmm, Good!

Oh, did I tell you about floating? I’m very buoyant. I float easily because I have air sacks in both my skin and bones. I can also swim very proficiently. Well, enough about me. As I may have mentioned, we brown pelicans have been here in the Keys from the beginning of time. As everyone knows, God made us, and Adam named us.

Let’s now go back in time, many years ago. Imagine a sparkling sand beach somewhere along this island chain. A dugout canoe, a boat made from a hollowed out log, is turning inward from the Hawk Channel. It is being paddled by three male natives. There are also two female passengers riding in it. They have come down in the Hawk Channel from the southeast Florida mainland. The waves carry them in towards the beach. They stop paddling and rest as they steady the canoe with their paddles. Suddenly a large wave picks them up, and they ride it up onto the sand. The three men drop their paddles in the boat, and jump out. The next wave pushes the boat farther up on the beach. The two women get out, with the help of the next wave they all pull the canoe up as far as they can.

The two older men take their weapons, one a spear and the other a bow with arrows, and head up into the vegetation. The remaining young man watches as the two women walk along the shore with a basket. They are gathering particular sizes and shapes of colored shells. These may be used for decorations, for tools to cut and clean the skins of animals, or even the end of a hoe for planting maize.

It seems the two men are the mates of the women and the third man watching over the women is the son of one. Their brown bodies glisten in the sunlight.

Suddenly the two men emerge from the tree line. Believe it or not, there are some very large mahogany trees growing on this key. They signal, and the two women put their woven basket of shells in the canoe. Each takes a bundle of items, and all three head towards where the two men had appeared.

On the inside of the mahogany forest, in a sizable clearing, is a mound. It is about fifty feet in diameter and three to four feet high. In fact, there are many more such mounds scattered through these Keys. They are either shell middens* burial mounds, or ceremonial locations. The Indians have been visiting, camping, and living in these Keys since two hundred years after the birth of Christ.

How do I know all this? Because we were there; in fact, we were there much earlier than the Indians.

From the Author:

My 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. It is fully illustrated with 88 watercolors and sketches. The watercolors I made roaming around Key West after I finished my 750 mile hike from Georgia to Key West. (See book or Don Browne’s SouthWest Florida Online News records, A Walk Across Florida.) As you read these stories you will experience Key West, the Keys, and the Caribbean. These stories span the time of the early 1800’s to 1969. bkranich.wixsite.com/bobkranich

Invasive Reptiles Rules Approved By FWC

FWC approves rule changes to help protect Florida from 16 high-risk invasive reptiles

At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles.

The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative snakes and lizards that pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, and human health and safety.

Commissioners also approved the staff recommendation to create a Technical Assistance Group, which will include representatives from the pet industry, environmental groups and other affected parties, to help develop a comprehensive regulatory approach to managing nonnative species in Florida.

The Commissioners also approved an amendment to extend the timeframe for animal owners to come into compliance with outdoor caging requirements.

“These animals are creating enormous issues for our state,” said FWC Chairman, Rodney Barreto. “I have always been proud that Florida is looked at as a leader. Let’s take a bold stance. We have to put our foot down. The time has come, and we hope other states will follow.”

“I’m very sensitive to the people in the pet trade and enthusiasts. But this action is a result of the invasive species that continue to get into the wild,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “We have so many of these species now: pythons, tegus, iguanas. These animals are doing lots of damage and we are incumbent to do something.”

“Addressing invasive species, such as the ones listed in this rule package, is extremely important for the preservation of our native species and the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Staff does not come to these recommendations lightly, but we know this action is necessary.”

The new rules move these 16 high-risk nonnative reptiles to Florida’s Prohibited List and include reporting requirements for permittees, biosecurity requirements to limit escape of these high-risk species, and additional language to clarify limited exceptions for some entities currently in possession of green iguanas and tegus for commercial use or as pets. The rule will allow for current tegu and green iguana pet owners to keep their pets with a no-cost permit.

Once rules take effect, pet owners and other entities in possession of these species will have 90 days to come into compliance except on caging requirements where they will have 180 days to improve outdoor enclosures to bring them into compliance with the new caging rules. The breeding of tegus and iguanas for commercial sale can continue until June 30, 2024 at which time it will be prohibited.

The FWC hosted online stakeholder workshops to present proposed rule changes and collect public comment on the draft rules. FWC staff considered this feedback to help improve the final rule language.

The FWC has received extensive feedback on the draft rules including substantial support from a variety of conservation organizations.

“The people of south Florida depend on the South Florida Water Management District to effectively manage our water resources and provide flood protection,” said Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. “High-risk invasive species pose a significant risk to water management infrastructure and negatively impact the restoration of America’s Everglades. We appreciate FWC taking action to protect native Florida wildlife and minimize impacts to water management infrastructure.”

“The Nature Conservancy supports proposed rule changes to address the threat of nonnative species and looks forward to working with the FWC toward solutions that could further protect Florida’s environment, human health and safety, and economy.” – Greg Knecht, Deputy Director Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

“Breeding invasive exotic species in Florida is like playing with matches in a tinder box. With such hospitable winters, a few escapes can become populations, and then taxpayers and private landowners are on the hook for millions annually in eradication and management costs. Audubon supports these proposed rules as common-sense protections for our environment and economy.” – Julie Wraithmell, VP and Executive Director, Audubon Florida.

“The Everglades Coalition strongly supports the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s proposed draft rules related to high-risk, nonnative invasive reptiles, which would add the highest risk invasive reptiles to the list of prohibited nonnative species.” – Mark Perry and Marisa Carrozzo, Co-Chairs of the Everglades Coalition.

More than 500 nonnative species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade with at least 139 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Since most nonnative fish and wildlife find their way into Florida's habitats through escape or release from the live animal trade, it is important to prevent high-risk nonnative wildlife from becoming introduced or further established in Florida’s environment through regulatory action.

The FWC uses regulation of high-risk nonnative fish and wildlife in conjunction with a variety of other management strategies to minimize adverse impacts of invasive species and to prevent the introduction of additional species into the wild.

For more information, including details on the no-cost permits, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.

LaBelle Airport Undergoing Construction Activity

LABELLE, FL. -- The LaBelle Municipal Airport is undergoing extensive repair work at the T-Hangars. 

Paving crews are hard at work running heavy construction equipmen, while aircraft owners have abandoned the hangars and parked planes on the ramp in front of the new Terminal Building.

Click on the photo above and scroll around or use Virtual Reality google to see a 360 degree view of the airport terminal and construction work underway.

Abbreviated LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival 2021

LABELLE, FL. -- The 2021 Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle will be very different from past years due to coronavirus precautions and social distancing requirements.

The annual mile long parade down Bridge and Main Street was cancelled this year while activities in Barron Park will be modified, staked out spots for vendors and exhibitors instead of sabal palm frond enclosures.

On Thursday, Festival committee members, including Amanda Nisbet were seen making final preparations making reading Barron Park for expected crowds on Saturday and Sunday.

A Rodeo is scheduled for Friday evening, and music all day at the park on the weekend.

Read about past Swamp Cabbage Festivals and Parades in LaBelle over the years.

Hendry Obituaries - Abraham Gallegos, Age 47; Mary Conrad, Age 69

Abraham Gallegos, age 47, of LaBelle, passed away February 22, 2021 in LaBelle. He was born Aug. 10, 1973 in Naples, FL, to the late Isaias S Gallegos and Emma (Castro). 

He worked in Agriculture. 

Survivors include one son: Abraham Jr. four daughters: Tatiana, Abagail, Abriana and Angelina mother: Emma Castro one brother: David Gallegos two sisters: Yolanda Hunt and Emma Gallegos 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Mary Ellen Conrad, age 69, of Clewiston, passed away February 19, 2021 in Fort Myers. She was born May 15, 1951 in Waukesha, WI, to the late Carrol Eugene and the late Christina Viola (Mains) Voelker. 

She was a Homemaker. 

Survivors include three sons: Joel Miles, Jaime Miles and Shane Miles, 11 Grandchildren & 1 Great Grandchild, 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Vaccine And COVID News From The CDC This Week

Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

As the death toll due to COVID-19 reached 500,000 in the U.S. today, and now a leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. 

Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. But while COVID-19 vaccines can keep you from getting sick, scientists are still learning how well vaccines prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. 

So even after vaccination, we need to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. 

Although the vaccine supply is currently limited, the federal government is working toward making vaccines widely available.

Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating globally. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway. Prevention strategies like vaccination, social distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine are essential to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.

New Data Show Ongoing Need for Prevention

Data published last week in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlight how new COVID-19 variants are spreading. These data show the ongoing need for proven prevention strategies to limit the impact of these variants. To slow the spread, everyone should:

Wear a well-fitting mask.
Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with them.
Avoid crowds, gatherings, and poorly ventilated spaces.
Postpone travel.
Wash their hands often.
Get a vaccine when it’s available to them.

LaBelle Man Convicted For Possession Of Child Abuse Images

LABELLE, FL. – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Nobles, age 61, of LaBelle to five years in federal prison for possession of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

Nobles was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervised release and was ordered to register as a sex offender. Nobles was found guilty following a bench trial on January 16, 2020.

According to court documents, FBI agents began an undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular website on the dark web to access and download images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. From February 20, 2015 to March 3, 2015, Nobles accessed visual images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Nobles’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Nobles admitted to accessing and viewing child pornography on the website. A subsequent forensic examination of Nobles’s computer, CDs, and thumb drive revealed images and videos depicting children being sexually abused that Nobles had accessed and downloaded using the dark web.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

Susan Louise Stanford Dies, Aged 75

Susan Louise Stanford, age 75, of LaBelle, passed away February 20, 2021 in LaBelle. 

She was born June 20, 1945 in Miami, FL, to the late Beverly Daniel and the late Beverly (Moorefield) Ashlin. 

Survivors include a son: David Stanford a daughter: Lorie Crawford a brother: Dan Ashlin a sister: Ramona Ashlin Uhlmeyer grandchildren Skylar Stanford and Holden Crawford 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

First Christian Church Services And Activities This Week

LABELLE, FL, -- The First Christian Church in LaBelle announces it's schedule of services, outreach activities and Bible Study Classes.

Sunday Morning Worship - 11:00 am
Sunday School - 9:45 - 10:45

Ladies Bible Study - Tuesdays - 12:00
Women of the Bible Study - Wednesdays - 7:00 pm

Disciples’ Diner : 11:30- 12:30 on Monday, Friday, Saturday - free hot meals to go

Alcoholic Anonymous - Tuesday/Thursday 7:00 pm

(Please note - If positivity rate on COVID testing is above 10%, we will not meet. If rates are between 5% to 10%, we will meet in the Garden Sanctuary, at 9:30. Below 5% we will meet in the Sanctuary at 11:00. 

Please call for additional information. First Christian Church(863) 675-1366
fcclabelle@embarqmail.com

Obituaries - Wanda Gatch, Ann Holland, Paul Gagne

Wanda Joyce Gatch, age 69, of LaBelle, passed away February 13, 2021 in LaBelle. She was born Apr. 3, 1951 in Haleyville, AL, to the late Wentford Aaron and the late Betty Jo (DeFoor) Spears. Survivors include her husband: Robert Gatch one son: John Lang two daughters: Lera Tanner and Zena Smith, one brother: Michael Spears one sister: Judy Hindershied 6 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren, Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle with Pastor Clifford Avery officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10a.m. to 11 a.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.


Ann Louise Holland, age 87, of LaBelle, passed away February 12, 2021 in LaBelle. She was born June 27, 1933 in Hackensack, NJ, to the late Frederick and the late Martha (Siegley) Beynon. She moved from Hackensack, NJ when she was 6 to Miami with her parents and sister Carolyn. She lived in Florida for 81 years. She loved her family and enjoyed the larger family meals using the depression glass bowls that belonged to her grandmother. She loved all aspects of the family meal. With her love of flowers, you would find vases and bowls of fresh cut flowers from her rose, pansy or dahlia garden all over the house. She was reunited with the love of her life, Claude on their 60th wedding anniversary on the streets of gold in gloryland. Survivors include: daughter Carol Ann Howard two sons: Robert F. "Bobby" Holland, and Lee Frederick Holland sister: Carolyn Davis 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Private Interment will be in Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Lithia, FL. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Paul E. Gagne, Sr, age 83,of Lehigh Acres passed away on February 12, 2021. Paul was born on April 28, 1937 in Canada to the late Antonio and Stella Brillant Gagne. He married Dawn Patricia Zeller, she survives. Paul worked for many years as an electrician. He was of the Catholic faith. Paul is survived also by his son Paul Gagne, Jr and his wife Lorena of Buckingham, one brother and three sisters. Paul was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Gagne. Visitation will be held at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 12 - 2 p.m. Graveside service will be held at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, Florida at 3:00 p.m. with Father Jiobani Batista presiding.

COVID Vaccinations Cancelled In Glades County, Fl

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Cancellation COVID-19 Vaccinations In Glades County 

Due to the effects of the weather issues throughout the U.S., the Florida Department of Health in Glades County has been informed that vaccine delivery will be delayed.

There will be no COVID-19 Vaccinations in Glades County (Moore Haven) on Sunday, February 21st or Monday, February 22nd.

An announcement will be made when vaccines are received in Glades County.

COVID Vaccination Cancellation Alert For Hendry County

LABELLE, FL -- Cancellation COVID-19 (First-Dose) Vaccinations In Hendry County 

Due to the weather issues throughout the U.S., the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County has been informed that vaccine delivery will be delayed for this week.

There will be no first-dose Vaccinations in Hendry County (LaBelle and Clewiston) this week.

An announcement will be made when vaccines are received in Hendry County.

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals that have an appointment for their 2nd-dose will receive their vaccine in LaBelle on Wednesday, February 17th and in Clewiston on Thursday, February 18th.

Moore Haven Giving Shots February 14 -15 - Limited Allotment For Walk Ins

Glades County COVID-19 Vaccination Announcement – First Dose Only

Moore Haven — The Department of Health in Glades County has a small allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will take limited walk-ins from 9:00am to 10:30am on Sunday, February 14th.

Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Sunday, February 14, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

UPDATE: The Department of Health in Glades County has a small allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will take limited walk-ins from 9:00am to 10:30am on Monday, February 15th.

Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Monday, February 15, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

LIMITED WALK-INS (no appointment)!
The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency Requirements:

Valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card

OR

Two of the following items:

A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)

A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

LaBelle Obituaries - Angelina Mendez, Naomi Parrish, Dorothy McCormick

Angelina Mendez, age 55, of LaBelle, passed away February 11, 2021 in Lehigh Acres. She was born Nov. 26, 1965 in Mexico, to the late Marcos Mendez and the late Barbarita Palacios. 

Survivors include two sons: Rogelio Mendez and Javier Mendez one daughter: Esmeralda Mendez 2 grandchildren and many brothers and sisters, 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held (PENDING) at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle with Father Juan Carlos Sack officiating. 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Naomi Sallie Parrish, age 102, of LaBelle, passed away February 11, 2021, in LaBelle. She was born May 15, 1918, in Berrien County, GA, to the late Rowand Andrew and the late Jane Melissa (Robinson) Walker. 

She married Randall T. Parrish, Sr; he preceded her in death on March 10, 1990. 

Naomi enjoyed cooking, reading the Bible, reading other books and spending time with her family. 

She leaves behind her loving children; James Kenneth Parrish, Randall Thomas Parrish, Jr. and wife Vicki, Thomas A. Parrish and wife Becky, brothers; Roland A. Walker and Clenton P. Walker, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Sue Mathews, son-in-law Thomas W. Mathews and daughter-in-law Nan Parrish. 

Celebration of Naomi’s life was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021 in Felda, Florida at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where Elder Hollis Albritton  officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations be given to Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in care of Randall Parrish 100 North Main Street LaBelle, Florida 33935. . 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle

Dorothy McCormick, age 101, of LaBelle, passed away February 10, 2021 in LaBelle. She was born Mar. 18, 1919 in Yonkers, NY, to the late James and the late Ida (Balletto) O'Brien. 

Survivors include one son: Arthur McCormick 4 Grandchildren & 10 Great Grandchildren 

She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, a daughter Maureen, her brother William O'Brien, and 4 sisters Louisa, Margaret, Frances, and Mildred. 

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Clewiston Pedestrian Killed In Hit And Run

 CLEWISTON, FL. -- The FHP reports a 55 year old female in Vehicle 1 was traveling east on County Road 80A (Old US Highway 27), approaching the intersection with Art Lawrence Road as Pedestrian 1, male age 18 was within the intersection of Old US Highway 27 and Art Lawrence Road. 

Driver 1 failed to observe Pedestrian 1. The front of Vehicle 1 collided with Pedestrian 1. Pedestrian 1 was propelled into a utility pole located on the south grass shoulder of Old US Highway 27. Pedestrian 1 came to rest on the grass shoulder of Old US Highway 27. 

Driver 1 fled the scene in Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 was later located and impounded from the owner's residence in Clewiston. The exact time of this crash and the crash itself remain under investigation. 

Criminal charges are pending upon completion of the investigation.

Moore Haven COVID Testing Canceled - Health Dept. Testing Slows

LABELLE, FL. -- The Health Departments in Hendry & Glades Counties have transitioned their COVID-19 operations to offer COVID-19 vaccinations rather than testing. Testing will still be available periodically at the Health Departments. Please contact your healthcare provider for alternate testing locations.

**NOTE: Testing that was previously scheduled for Feb 22nd in Moore Haven has been cancelled.

The next scheduled testing site at the Health Departments will be in LaBelle (See below)


TESTING Location: Hendry County Health Department
1140 Pratt Blvd. LaBelle, FL 33935
Monday, March 8th -- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

TESTING for COVID-19 (Drive-Thru)
Open Testing – No Appointments Needed - Free
Testing Adults & Children over 5yrs (with Parent Consent)

No criteria or restrictions for testing
Persons tested will be given instructions on how to receive their test results.

Florida Counties Still In COVID Red 'Hotspot' Category - School Opening Cautions

The CDC issued on Friday recommendations for the opening of schools. suggesting four color-coded categories of low, moderate, substantial, and high transmission with criteria for each separate color-coded category.

High transmission, or red zone is defined as 100 or more new cases per 100,000 population in the last 7 days for any particular county and 10% or higher positive tests averagred during the last 7 days. If the two categories conflict, the higher threshold should be used. says the CDC. 

Hendry with 178 cases per 100K. 13% positivity, Lee with 191 per 100K , Charlotte with 139 per 100K, and Collier with 175 per 100K, in SW Florida all are in the red zone and under CDC recommendations should have the most restrictions for school openings and school precautions. Hendry county has the highest test positivity rate of all the SW Florida counties.

Hendry schools currently have 110 students in quarantine, including 15 tested positive for COVID. Five staff are quarantined, and two tested positive.

Schools in red zones should follow these recommendations: 

-Elementary schools in hybrid learning mode or reduced attendance4
-Physical distancing of 6 feet or more is required
-Middle and high schools in virtual only instruction unless they can strictly implement all mitigation strategies, and have few cases; schools that are already open for in-person instruction can remain open, but only if they strictly implement mitigation strategies and have few cases5
-Sports and extracurricular activities are virtual only

All counties in the South Florida area have 100 or more new cases per 100K in the last seven days.

The reports for all U.S. counties for rates of positive tests and new case transmission rates are found here: COVID County Views

The FDC report on school openings says:

" As communities plan safe delivery of in-person instruction in K-12 schools, it is essential to decide when and under what conditions to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services. 

To enable schools to open safely and remain open, it is important to adopt and consistently implement actions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both in schools and in the community. This means that all community members, students, families, teachers, and school staff should take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play. 

In short, success in preventing the introduction and subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools is connected to and facilitated by preventing transmission in the broader community. This operational strategy presents recommendations based on the best-available evidence at the time of release. 

As science and data on COVID-19 continue to evolve, guidance and recommendations will be updated to reflect new evidence. 

This document is intended to complement CDC’s guidance, tools, and resources for K-12 schools, including guidance on operating schools during COVID-19 and overview of testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This document is intended to complement the U.S. Department of Education’s Handbook on Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools. It reflects evidence on COVID-19 among children and adolescents and what is known about SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools, summarized in CDC’s Science Brief on Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 Schools. 

This operational strategy presents a pathway to reopen schools and help them remain open through consistent use of mitigation strategies, especially universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing. 

Evidence suggests that many K-12 schools that have strictly implemented mitigation strategies have been able to safely open for in-person instruction and remain open.1 This document provides an operational strategy to support K-12 schools in opening for in-person instruction and remaining open through an integrated package of mitigation components. 

These essential elements include: 1. Consistent implementation of layered mitigation strategies to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV2 in schools 2. Indicators of community transmission to reflect level of community risk 3. Phased mitigation and learning modes based on levels of community transmission The following public health efforts provide additional layers of COVID-19 prevention in schools: • Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection to limit transmission and outbreaks • Vaccination for teachers and school staff, and in communities, as soon as supply allows."

60s Musical Scheduled For LaBelle Theatre February 12-21

LABELLE, FL. -- The Firehouse Theatre Inc Presents: "Beehive: The '60s Musical" is all about big voices with big hairdos. It is a wild toe-tapping, head shakin’ musical tribute to the rockin’ women who made the music of the era so special – everyone from Janis Joplin, Supremes, Aretha Franklin to Tina Turner, and every woman in between! 

With beloved hits from the 60's, the show takes you on a journey through song, documenting the dramatic changes that America underwent during the ‘60s. BEEHIVE The ‘60s Musical will have you dancing in your seats and coming back for more!

Call 863-675-3066 to get your tickets. Leave a message and someone will call you back!

The show runs February 12, 13, & 14 and also February 19, 20, & 21. Friday and Saturday evening shows start at 7pm and Sunday shows are at 2pm.

Christopher Allen Carr Dies At 57 In Moore Haven

Christopher Allen Carr, age 57, of Moore Haven, passed away February 9, 2021 in Moore Haven. He was born Apr. 12, 1963 in Blytheville, AR, to the late Richard A and the late Norma J (Dodge) Carr Sr. 

Survivors include his wife: Lindsay Marie (Rider) Carr two sons: Nicholas and Carson one daughter: Kristin two brothers: Darrel and Richard "Rick" Jr one sister: Kimberly 1 Grandchild 

Memorial services are Pending. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Florida Keys' Watercolor Kapers - Part 13

Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers

by Bob Kranich

No Name Key, (Part 13, Excerpt 22)

In this part, Our three main characters, Manuel, Hector, and their friend, Enrique, have traveled through the Zapata Swamp and have just made the beach. They are looking for a rescue.

“We’ll cross before they come back, then we’ve only a mile to the beach,” Hector suggested. “What do you think, Enrique?”

“Sounds good!”

Hector commented, “We’d better get going. Along the way keep a lookout for pools of water in old stumps or coral rock formations.”

“There’s a large stump and some water pooled in it. There must have been some logging here,” Hector motioned.

Enrique exclaimed, “There used to be a lot of virgin mahogany timber here. Yep, they logged all of the big trees.”

“It doesn’t look like much,” Hector exclaimed. “But if you put these two chlorine tablets in your canteens and shake it up, in a half of an hour it will be all right to drink.”

“There’s the water,” Manuel pointed.

They could faintly see the far shore about four miles across the bay through the mangroves. Enrique waded through the mangroves and exclaimed, “I see the Houston beached and to the south way out there the smoke from Grion. (Blue Beach)”

He waded back. “Guys, here is what I think we should do. Go back to where it’s dry. Move farther down, another mile, eat our plantains and sleep. First thing in the morning we’ll go out past the mangroves, and look for a boat to save us.”

At first light they waded out past the mangroves.

“Look! Out there!” Hector said. “A big boat!”

“It’s a destroyer, an American,” Enrique said enthusiastically, “Let’s see if we can wade out to those reefs, and wave our shirts.”

The sun broke out through the clouds. The three men kept wading and waving their shirts. From the destroyer, a boat started to head their way. They got to the small coral reefs sticking out of the water. They climbed up on the rocks. The boat came closer. They started to leave the rocks and wade towards the small boat fast approaching. As it drew closer they could see two of their Cuban frogmen. Then a guy with a short-sleeved tan shirt and sunglasses started to stand up.

Thank you Lord!” Hector exclaimed.

Manuel was aroused from his daydreaming stupor by a sudden jerk on his pole. He yanked it to set the hook and pulled hard. His pole bent double. He could see as he fought the monster that it was a clunker of a Red Snapper. As far back as he could remember it was the largest fish he had ever hooked off this dock. He started to get the better of the snapper, and as it got close to him he slipped his net under and brought it up.

As he proudly surveyed his upcoming meal, he suddenly got recall. He remembered. There was a guy sketching me. I thought he was a phantom from the past. I guess he must have been just an artist tourist. At least he only sketched me from the back. Well, he’s gone. Thank the good Lord!

From the Author:

This story is purely fictitious. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. The Bay of Pigs invasion, environment and activities are referenced by the books in the glossary.

In no way is this story meant to take anything away from the Cuban Freedom Fighters of Brigade 2506. They fought bravely against tremendously overwhelming odds and put up a fantastic showing. They surrendered when they ran out of ammunition. They were fighting for democracy and freedom for their country. What they did not know is that unfortunately, the action was doomed before it started. If you read the books referenced, you will see that there is enough blame to go around for the government planners and people in control. You can draw your own conclusions. I pray that the men who died in this action did not die in vain, and some day the Cuban people will be truly free.

My 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. It is fully illustrated with 88 watercolors and sketches. The watercolors I made roaming around Key West after I finished my 750 mile hike from Georgia to Key West. (See book or Don Browne’s SouthWest Florida Online News records, A Walk Across Florida.) As you read these stories you will experience Key West, the Keys, and the Caribbean. These stories span the time of the early 1800’s to 1969. bkranich.wixsite.com/bobkranich

Glades County Vaccine Thursday February 11

Glades County COVID-19 Vaccination Announcement – First Dose Only
\
Moore Haven — The Department of Health in Glades County has a limited allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will take limited walk-ins from 9:00am to 10:30am on Thursday, February 11th.

Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Thursday, February 11, 2021 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency Requirements:
Valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card

OR

Two of the following items:
A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)
A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

Vaccinations Available At Stores And Pharmacies Now By Appointment

LABELLE, FL. -- Through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the state of Florida is expecting to receive 65,300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Future allocations through this program will be announced as they become available.

In Florida, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Publix Super Markets and Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket and Fresco y Más) pharmacies were selected to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The sites were selected based on a number of factors including the number of stores and the ability to reach prioritized populations.

Select Publix locations previously receiving allocations from the state will now receive their allocations directly through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. A list of all vaccination sites at Publix locations in Florida is available here.

In accordance with Executive Order 20-315, these sites will offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as frontline health care workers.

These allocations are additional doses to the state’s weekly allocations to supplement existing COVID-19 vaccination efforts. All locations listed will receive their vaccine doses directly from the federal government and the federal government determines allocations for each location.

The number of sites and the counties they are located in are as follows:

Publix – 593 locations (324 current, 269 new) (Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwanee, Volusia and Walton)

Walmart and Sam’s Club – 119 locations (Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Gadsden, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Lucie, Sumter, Wakulla)

Winn-Dixie – 43 locations (Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Putnam, Sarasota, Sumter, Volusia)

Appointments are required at each location. Appointments can be made on the pharmacy’s website. Designated websites for each location include:
Publix - https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida

Walmart and Sam’s Club - http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and http://www.samsclub.com/covid

Winn-Dixie - https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine

Hours and operations vary per site. Websites for each pharmacy will have additional information regarding hours of operations.

These sites are in addition to ongoing state vaccination efforts. To date, more than 330 vaccination sites have been opened statewide through partnerships with local communities and hospitals. The Florida Department of Health continues to identify active vaccine sites. All vaccine sites in Florida are posted on the Florida Department of Health's website here.

Jeffrey Savacool of Okeechobee Dies at 60

Jeffrey Savacool, age 60, of Okeechobee, passed away February 6, 2021 in Okeechobee. He was born Dec. 9, 1960 in New York, NY, to the late Howard Edward and the late Patricia Theresa (Fitzgerald) Savacool. 

He owned a cabinet making business, and was a musician for many years. 

Survivors include one son: Sean Savacool of Hermitage, TN one brother: Richard Savacool 

He was predeceased by a son Justin, and 4 brothers 

Memorial services are pending arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Audubon Backyard Bird County Scheduled February 12-15

LABELLE, FL -- The 24th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is coming . Be on the lookout for birds around you February 12-15 (Friday through Monday) and share your love of birds with the world. 

The GBBC was one of the first online citizen science projects established to collect information on wild birds. Simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days and submit your observations in the eBird website https://ebird.org or free ebird app ! 

If you need help identifying birds, download the free the Merlin Bird ID app. 

You are invited to events hosted by Hendry-Glades Audubon during the GBBC. On Friday February 12 meet Margaret England at Barron Park in LaBelle for bird walk from 5:30pm-6:15 pm. On Saturday February 13 Steve Buczynski will lead a walk at W C Bo Pelham Junior Park, Clewiston from5:30pm-6:15pm. 

Expect to see Purple Matins and numerous birds at the park. 

Hendry-Glades Audubon will host 3 driving trips at STA 5/6 (Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6, Clewiston) during the GBBC. 

The February 13 will be led by Steve Buczynski, February 14 Bob Hartmann will be your guide and David Simpson will lead the group February 15th. 

To register for these driving trips beginning at 8:30am register at the Hendry-Glades Audubon website: hendrygladesaudubon.org For information contact: Steve Buczynski stephenbuczynski@gmail.com or Margaret England sta5birding@embarqmail.com 863-517-0202

60 Year Old Pedestrian Killed In LaBelle Crash

 LABELLE, FL. -- The FHP reports a pedestrian fatality Sunday at 7:40 p.m. as follows:

Vehicle 1, a pickup truck was westbound on State Road 80 (Hickpochee Avenue) on the inside lane, approximately west of Hendry Street in LaBelle. 

Pedestrian 1, a 60 year old male from Winter Haven was on the north sidewalk of Hickpochee Avenue and attempted to cross the westbound Hickpochee Avenue travel lanes. 

The front of Vehicle 1 collided with Pedestrian 1. Vehicle 1 and Pedestrian 1 came to final rest in the area of collision.

Hendry/Glades Counties Transitioning Away From COVID Testing

LABELLE, FL -- The Health Departments in Hendry & Glades Counties have transitioned to offer COVID-19 vaccinations rather than testing. 

Testing will still be available periodically at the Health Departments. Please contact your healthcare provider for alternate testing locations.

TESTING for COVID-19 (Drive-Thru)
Open Testing – No Appointments Needed - Free
Testing Adults& Children over 5yrs (with Parent Consent)
No criteria or restrictions for testing

TESTING Location: Hendry County Health Department
1100 S. Olympia, Clewiston, FL 33440
Monday, February 8th – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

TESTING Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Monday, February 22nd – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

TESTING Location: Hendry County Health Department
1140 Pratt Blvd. LaBelle, FL 33935
Monday, March 8th -- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Persons tested will be given instructions on how to receive their test results.

79 Year Old Belle Glade Man Dies In Crash

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The FHP reports the following crash at 1 p.m. Friday:

Vehicle 1 was westbound on US-27. Vehicle 2 (pickup truck with trailer) was eastbound on US 27. Vehicle 1 turned left into the path of Vehicle 2, at the intersection of CR-835. 

The front of Vehicle 2 collided with the right side of Vehicle 1. 

Driver 1, male, 79 of Belle Glade, Fl. was pronounced deceased on scene and E.M.S. transported the Vehicle 1 rear seat passenger, female 64 of Belle Glade to St. Mary’s Hospital.  

Vehicle 1 came to rest on the eastbound lanes of US 27. Vehicle 2 came to rest on the right grass shoulder, south of the intersection.

Jazmin Gomez Dies, Aged 22

Jazmin Gomez, age 22, of Clewiston, passed away February 1, 2021, in Belle Glade, Florida. She was born June 1, 1998, in Belle Glade, Florida, to Aldo and Graciela (Puente) Gomez. 

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, enjoyed baking. 

Survivors include her father; Aldo Gomez, mother; Graciela Calderon, three brothers: Eduardo Calderon, Francisco Calderon and Brayden Gomez, and three sisters: Marlee Calderon, Jacquelyn Calderon and Marilyn Calderon, Aunts and Uncles, Amita "Amy" Trevino, Juan Puente, Jr; Rafael Rodriguez; Gabriel Trevino; Bianca Madrigal, and Marlene Puente 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 10:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, Florida. 

Interment will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston.

Vaccinations For Hendry County - Registrations For LaBelle and Clewiston

If you have already pre-registered to “get in line” for your appointment notification, there is no need to register again.

COVID-19 Vaccination Announcement – First Dose Only

Hendry County — The Department of Health in Hendry County will receive a limited allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will now accept pre-registrations by using the new online registration system. Please do not call the direct phone number for the Health Department. You must use the online registration system listed below.

Individuals can now pre-register to “get in line” and will be notified with available appointment time. Visit https://myvaccine.fl.gov/ or call 866-201-6745. If you call the phone number, you still need to go on-line to “pre-register”.

Print or take a photo of your pre-registration confirmation to bring with you and also visit www.preparehendry.com to download a consent form that is required to receive your vaccine. You must wait until you are notified of your appointment time. Your pre-registration is not your appointment. All clients receiving a vaccine must be registered.

The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency RequirementValid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card

OR

Two of the following items:

A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)

A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

By appointment only: Pre-register to “get in line” to receive notification of your vaccine appointment by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/.


Location: Hendry County Health Department
1140 Pratt Blvd. LaBelle, FL 33935
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon

Location: Hendry County Health Department
1100 S. Olympia, Clewiston, FL 33440
Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon

Obituaries - Norman West, Age 91; Susan Youngblood, Age 64

Norman West, age 91, of Palmdale, passed away February 3, 2021 in Lake Placid. He was born Feb. 6, 1929 in IL, to the late Norman F and the late Pauline Anna (Fleming) West. Survivors include four sons: Kevin West , Phillip West, Marc West and Eric West, 5 Grandchildren & 4 Great Grandchildren. He was a retired School Administrator. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Susan K Youngblood, age 64, of Alva, passed away January 28, 2021 in Alva. She was born June 15, 1956 in Watseka, IL, to the late Kenneth Luther and Dorothy Elaine (Christensen) Bickers. Survivors include her husband: Carl Youngblood a son: Joshua Youngblood a daughter: Amanda Sprouse step daughters: Victoria Slinker, Tonia Matthews and Kimberli Youngblood, two brothers: Gary Bickers and Robert Bickers 13 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Fort Myers.

COVID 1st Dose Appointments For Glades County, Fl

COVID-19 Vaccination Announcement – First Dose Only

Glades County — The Department of Health in Glades County has a limited allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will now accept pre-registrations by using a new online system. Please do not call the direct phone number for the Health Department. You must use the online registration system listed below.

Individuals can now pre-register to “get in line” and will be notified with available appointment times. Visit https://myvaccine.fl.gov/ or call 866-201-6745.


Print or take a photo of your pre-registration confirmation and also visit www.myglades.com to download a consent form that is required to receive your vaccine. You must wait until you are notified of your appointment time. Your pre-registration is not your appointment.

The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency Requirements:

Valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card

OR

Two of the following items:

A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)

A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.

Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

By appointment only: Please pre-register to “get in line” to receive notification of your vaccine appointment by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/.

Location: Glades County Health Department
1021 Healthpark Drive, Moore Haven, FL 34471
Friday, February 5, 2021 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., then 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AND
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

1st Dose COVID Vaccination For Hendry County - Limited Allotments

COVID-19 Vaccination & Appointment Announcement – First Dose Only

Hendry County — The Department of Health in Hendry County received a limited allotment of COVID-19 Vaccines and will now accept appointments. Individuals can now pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/ or by calling 866-201-6745 for Hendry County.

Print your registration form or visit: www.preparehendry.com to download a consent form.

The Health Department will be following the Governor’s Executive Order 20-315.

COVID-19 vaccine shall only be given to the following populations (Must have proper ID):

• Long-term care facility residents and staff;
• Persons 65 years of age and older; and
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact

The Health Department will also be following the State Surgeon General’s Public Health Advisory, which requires every vaccine provider in Florida to ensure every recipient is either a resident of Florida or is a frontline healthcare worker providing services in Florida.

Florida Residency Requirements:
Valid Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card

OR

Two of the following items:
A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)
A utility hookup or work order that is not more than 2 months old.
A utility bill that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address. Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).

Additional dates and times will be announced as COVID-19 vaccines become available.

By appointment only:

· Location: Hendry County Health Department
1140 Pratt Blvd. LaBelle, FL 33935
Thursday, February 4, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

· Location: Hendry County Health Department
1100 S. Olympia, Clewiston, FL 33440
Friday, February 5, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.