Donald Dwayne Johnson Dies At 76

Donald Dwayne Johnson
December 5th, 1950 - January 2nd, 2026

Donald Johnson lived his life grounded in faith, service, and a deep love for his family. He was a man of quiet strength and steady character, someone who didn’t seek recognition but lived each day doing what he believed was right.

Donald proudly served in the United States Army, including time stationed overseas, and went on to spend more years serving others in various roles. His career included Lee County EMS, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. To Donald, wearing a uniform was never just a job, it was a responsibility he took seriously and carried with honor.

But more than anything, Donald was a family man. He was a devoted husband who led with love and faith, a steady and supportive father who was always there when needed, and a proud grandfather who found true joy in his grandchildren. He showed his love in simple, meaningful ways through his presence, his guidance, and his unwavering support. His family was his greatest blessing and his highest priority.

Donald’s faith was a constant source of strength in his life. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 46, a passage that reflected the way he lived: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” He trusted in God through every season of life and faced challenges with calm, faith, and perseverance.

Donald will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his strong faith, and the love he poured into his family. He will be deeply missed, but those who loved him find comfort in knowing he is now at peace and resting in the presence of the Lord.

In accordance with his wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alva Church of God Women’s Ministry

Bank Gives St. Matthew's House $50K Grant

BofA Names St. Matthew’s House its Southwest Florida 2025 Neighborhood Builder

St. Matthew’s House Receives a Multiyear Grant & Leadership Training to Expand Critical Services Locally

NAPLES, Fla. – Bank of America has named St. Matthew’s House as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder® for its work building career pathways for individuals facing hunger, homelessness, and addiction by providing tools and training needed to achieve long-term stability.

Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, while providing unique multiyear flexible grant funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide.

As a Neighborhood Builder, St. Matthew’s House is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader and the opportunity to connect with nonprofits in a peer network.

Since the program’s inception, seven nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Southwest Florida, with the bank investing more than $350,000 in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.

St. Matthew’s House provides a range of services to help individuals address the complex barrier on their path to employment. Participants have access to case managers, housing, transportation, counseling and peer support for addiction recovery, daily meals, childcare navigation, vocational instruction and Bank of America Better Money Habits financial literacy classes, as well post-job placement follow up and coaching to help retain employment and overcome any challenges. This new grant funding will support the St. Matthew’s House Workforce Development Program, which equips participants with the support needed to secure employment and achieve long-term stability.


“Being selected for the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders program is an incredible honor for St. Matthew’s House,” said Ben Bridges, CEO, St. Matthew’s House. “This investment strengthens our ability to help individuals move from crisis to contributor by expanding the training, support, and opportunities offered through our workforce development program. We see lives transformed every day, and this award deepens our capacity to create lasting change for families here in Southwest Florida. We are truly grateful for Bank of America’s belief in our mission and in the potential of the people we serve.”

About St. Matthew’s House

St. Matthew’s House is a faith-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that, for 35 years, has provided innovative solutions to help those experiencing homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. St. Matthew’s House has developed a unique social enterprise model that helps cover administrative expenses so that donations go toward programs and services to help those in need to realize fuller and more productive lives. The organization operates a Food Assistance Program; three homeless shelters; two temporary housing facilities; seven thrift stores; an award-winning commercial catering team, and LuLu’s Kitchen, a full-service restaurant that is open to the public. For more information

Tampa Woman Dead In Glades County Crash

From the FHP Crash Report:

Vehicle 1, driven by 31 year old female from Tampa was traveling west on County Road 74, west of the intersection of County Road 731 at 8:58 pm Monday night.

Vehicle 2, driven by 37 year old male from Loxahatchee, was traveling east on County Road 74.

V-1 entered the eastbound travel lane and the front of Vehicle 1 collided with the front of Vehicle 2.

Driver 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. Driver 2 had serious injuries and his 19 year old passenger with minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

Burning Ban In Hendry County Until Further Notice

 Burn Ban in Effect for Hendry County

(January 5, 2026) – LaBelle, Fla. – A burn ban is now in effect for unregulated fires for all of Hendry County as dry weather conditions impact the area.

An unregulated fire means any outdoor fire, other than a cook fire, which is not permitted by a governmental agency. Outdoor fires include, but are not limited to, bonfires, campfires or burning of yard debris.

Those who violate the burn ban can be subject to a civil fine or charged with a misdemeanor based on the nature of the violation.

To obtain a burn permit for commercial or contractor services only, contact the Florida Forest Service at 239-690-8001.

To report a burn ban violation, contact the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 863-674-5600 or Hendry County Code Enforcement at 863-675-5319.

Charlotte Opal Clark Durno-Wells Dies At 90

Charlotte Opal Clark Durno-Wells, has left this life for her Eternal home in Heaven on December 31, 2025.

Charlotte was born on March 24, 1935, in Littleton, Maine to the late Perley and Hattie Rourke Clark. She married Edward Joseph Durno, Sr. and he preceded her in death on January 15, 2001, and she later married Noah Ben Wells, and he preceded her in death on October 1, 2020. 

 Charlotte was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone who loved and cared for her. 

Charlotte was a member of Placid Lakes Baptist Church. She was a Glades County Commissioner for many years, before she retired. She loved teaching others how to pray and study God's word.

Charlotte leaves fond memories with her entire family including her four children; Edward Joseph Durno, Jr and his wife Deborah, Timothy Durno and his wife Kathryn, Kimberly Toms and her husband Thomas, and Mary Bond and her husband Gregory, four step-children; Phillip Durno, Jackie Stokes, Kim Betchwars and her husband Rob, Jaynne Sadberry and her husband Ralph, her loving grandchildren include: Tine Heflin and her husband David, Misty Dean, Matthew Durno and his wife Sarah, Jason Bond and his wife Jennifer, Sarah Williams and her husband Marcus, Ashley Johnson and her husband Scott, Danielle Jones and her husband Ryan, Thomas Noah Toms, III and his wife Donna, Corey Durno, Tiffany Nardontonia and her husband Jared, nine step-grandchildren; Sean Durno, Seth Durno, Sharon Durno, Cheryl Durno Toscano, Cheri Streeter Hubbs, Jake Streeter, Michelle Streeter, Nicole Streeter, and Lori Durno; twenty-four great grandchildren, fourteen step-great children, six great-great grandchildren, and four step-great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends as well as for her beloved care-givers, Dora Williams and Miriam Duncanson.

Charlotte's life will be celebrated on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ortona Cemetery Pavilion where Pastor Jason Bond will preside. Charlotte will be laid to rest next to her first husband Edward Joseph Durno, Sr.

Charlotte was also preceded in death by her grandson; Brian M. Durno, step-children; Peter Durno, and Shelia Durno Wick, and her sister Winnie Packard.

Memorial Donations may be made in Charlotte's name with Dunklin Memorial or Gideons.

Charlotte's celebration was entrusted to Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.