Southwest Florida Online News
From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Monday, March 16, 2026
Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Violation of Probation Big This Week
03/09/2026 – 03/15/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Briana Nicole Watson, 33, Clewiston was arrested on March 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Carranza on charges of Felony Violation of Conditions of Release
Evan Michael Nathan Buehler, 22, Ft. Myers was arrested on March 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Felony Failure to Appear
Jerome Demtris Nicholls, 48, Clewiston was arrested on March 10, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Violation of Probation
Jose Manuel Esquivel, 43, LaBelle was arrested on March 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Felony Violation of Probation
Martha Cecilia Ortiz, 62, Clewiston was arrested on March 11, 2026, by Detective K. Negron on charges of Insufficient Funds/Check
Lasandra Nicole Dominique Allen, 38, South Bay was arrested on March 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Violation of Probation
Javier Crespo, 46, Clewiston was arrested on March 11, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Cocaine, Possession Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Physical Evidence
Joaquin Armando Fana, 62, Moore Haven was arrested on March 11, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L Drew on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession Drug Paraphernalia
Manuel Gamez, 22, LaBelle was arrested on March 11, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. drew on charges of Flee & Eluding Law Enforcement and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked
Luis Angel Fundora 33, Clewiston was arrested on March 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Morales on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resist Arrest without Violence
William James Westberry, 24, Clewiston was arrested on March 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Friday, March 13, 2026
Why Wars - Beliefs Systems And Lack Of Data
Clewiston Sugar Festival, March 13-14
Kids' Carnival: Open from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
DJ Nu Sound: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Yacht Rock Revue: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Evening Finale: Fireworks show to close the night. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Event Hours: Starts at 8:00 AM.
Races & Sports:
Half Marathon: Starts at 6:45 AM (Packet pickup at 3:00 PM Friday).
5K/10K Races: Start at 8:00 AM.
Cornhole Tournament: Kicks off at 9:00 AM.
Kids' Carnival: Open from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Gator & Wildlife Shows: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at Library Park.
Sugar Express Train: Rides featuring the No. 148 steam locomotive.
Zach John King: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Country Music Lineup: Afternoon and evening performances including Tyler Hubbard, Justin Moore, and Niko Moon.
Displays: Antique tractor and classic car displays available throughout the day.
Trump's Dress Code For Shoes - Wear Them Or Else?
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Scam Alert - Rebuilt, Home Buying Company
Owners around the nation may be receiving unsolicited offers to buy homes and property, the latest received here in Florida is from Rebuilt of 15 Century Blvd,, Suite 307, Nashville, Tn.
They also are found under the names Rebuilt Realty, LLC and Rebuilt Nashville.
Much like other offers to buy property, deception is the key word to look out for in dealing with any company offering to buy land or homes through a mail offering.
A quick online search comes up with caution warnings, including the Better Business Bureau with a list of comments and complaints about Rebuilt. They are given a one star rating from 22 reviews.
Rebuilt seems to be one of the most deceptive offer of late. A fake but real looking check is enclosed as payment for the property they want to buy. The very fine print indicates you don't want to deposit this check as it has no banking numbers but otherwise looks legit. The also say "This offer may or may not be the fair market value of the property...and may go up/down based on property condition and other factors.
Google reviews are not any kinder, with 121 reviews and a 2.7 star rating.
Advice: Don't waste your time on offers sent by mail. The companies will try to get you to agree to a price much lower than market value for the property, no matter what the letters seem to indicate.