Mary Ellen Belk Dies At 92

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk age 92, passed away on August 19, 2026, in her home following a lengthy illness.

Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk was born in Golddust, Tennessee on February 8, 1934, to the late John and the late Flossie Elizabeth Mooney Mahoney. She married George Maury "Sonny" Belk, Jr on July 4, 1952, in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee they were married for 48 years before he preceded her in death on November 5, 2000. 

Mary Ellen was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family whenever she could. Brat enjoyed shopping, being in the sun, gardening, traveling and spending precious hours with her adorable family and grandchildren. Brat's favorite saying "fully rely on sod - F.R.O.G.". Brat was a Godly woman who had a great sense of humor and who loved life to the fullest. If you knew Brat, then you knew what unconditional love felt like.

Brat leaves fond memories with her loving children; Ruth Ann (Lewell), Stephaine (Danny), Margo, Tina (Clay), her adorable eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren along with a host of other family members.

Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston.

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, Assaults

ARREST BLOTTER

08/10/2026 – 08/16/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Stephanie Marquez, 35, Clewiston was arrested on August 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony

Juan Jesus Bedolla, 20, Winter Garden, was arrested on August 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Smuggling Contraband into Detention Facility and Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant

Melissa Kay Bryant, 41, Moore Haven was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoke – 3rd of Subsequent Violation and Resist Officer without Violence

Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditional Release

Jean Riffin, 56, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Felony Destruction/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission

Sarah Michelle Garner, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Smiley Hendry, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

John Thomas Lange, 45, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession Drug Paraphernalia

Kai Javier Peak, 23, Immokalee was arrested on August 15, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Johnnie Joe Harper, 73, Clewiston was arrested on August 15, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Mfg/Del Controlled Substance

Ronal Gonzalez Maceo, 35 was arrested on August 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling

No Criminal Charges In Clewiston Crash

CLEWISTON, FL — The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is issuing a formal update regarding the single-vehicle commercial property collision that occurred at the First Bank location near Berner Road and US Highway 27 on July 15, 2026.

Following the initial on-scene investigation, CPD officers determined that a male driver was exiting an adjacent oil change facility when he inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to strike the exterior wall of First Bank. While no pedestrians or additional vehicles were involved in the collision, the female passenger suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen at the time of impact and sustained critical injuries after striking the windshield. 

CPD has received the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Report detailing the outcome of their investigation, which determined that her death was a result of the collision.

The Clewiston Police Department has reviewed the Medical Examiner's report and all evidence. At this time, the investigation is closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.

The Chief of Police and the members of the Clewiston Police Department extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family and loved ones during this difficult period. 

In light of this tragic outcome, CPD strongly reinforces the critical necessity of vehicle occupant safety. Even during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot navigation, or short trips, proper seatbelt restraint remains the single most effective measure to prevent traumatic injury and loss of life. 

Food Safety Report - Log Cabin Bar-B-Que Restaurant

LABELLE, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection at LaBelle's Log Cabin Bar-B-Que LLC found six violations at the 115 seat restaurant. The inspection was August 12. Michael Reale is the owner of the company.

Inspector's Notes

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling stained with grease/smoke. **Repeat Violation**
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license current but not displayed.
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in the cook area cracked.
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the walk in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, operator removed for cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken**
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available for quaternary or chlorine sanitizer.

Violations in the  following areas:

1 + Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
1 * Dishwashing facilities; chemical test kit(s); gauges
1 * Current license properly displayed
1 Food-contact and nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
2 Floors, walls, ceilings and attached equipment properly constructed and clean; rooms and equipment properly vented

Source: https://data.tallahassee.com/restaurant-inspections/hendry/log-cabin-bar-b-que/sea3600511/7418160/

Alberto Escobar Bemudes Dies At 88

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Papi, known to most as "Chino."

Alberto Escobar Bemudes was born in Cuba on August 8, 1938, to the late Antonio and Maria Pena. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, after being blessed with 88 years of life.

A true survivor, Alberto immigrated to the United States in 1972, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and a genuine love of living.

Alberto was a lover of life. He had a special kindness for children and an unfiltered sense of humor-usually sprinkled with a little sarcasm for everyone else. He brought so much light and laughter into our family, and his presence will never be forgotten.

As the longtime owner of Chino's Nursery, Alberto spent many years growing and sharing the trees, plants, and flowers that are still rooted throughout our community today. They are a living reminder of the life he built and the beauty he leaves behind.

He is survived by his children, Mildrey McConvery (Michael), Alberto Hernandez, and Anthony Escobar (Renee); his grandchildren, Alison, Jennah, Kyton, and Keily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

We will always remember his laughter, his humor, his kindness, and the many things he nurtured throughout his life. His memory will continue to grow in the hearts and lives of all who loved him.