FWC reminds waterway users to rent from permitted liveries and follow safety requirements

Photos courtesy of National Safe Boating Council

With spring in full swing and summer approaching, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s waterways safely and responsibly. Whether renting a motorized boat, a personal watercraft (PWC/Jet-Ski), canoe, kayak or paddleboard, it is critical to rent from a permitted livery.

In 2024, new livery regulations and updated boating safety education requirements went into effect to strengthen public safety, ensure accountability for liveries and promote safer operation by anyone using rented vessels. These rules require liveries to provide renters with important pre-rental and pre-ride instruction covering topics such as:

Local waterway characteristics
Proper use of an engine cutoff switch
On-the-water demonstrations of safe vessel operation

“Renting from an unpermitted livery or skipping proper instruction can put you, your passengers, and others on the water in danger,” said Maj. Tommy VanTrees, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Permitted liveries are well aware of the high safety standards required by law, and taking a few extra minutes to receive proper equipment and instruction can prevent accidents and save lives.”

The FWC urges all waterway users to make safety a priority by choosing permitted liveries and practicing safe boating every time they’re on the water.

For more information about liveries, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Livery Regulations and Safety Information” under “More Boating Links.”

For more information about boating safety or to find an FWC recommended boating safety course, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on the “Boating Safety and Education” button.

Consumer Alert - Diamond Equity Investments

 LABELLE, FL. -- Diamond Equity Investments with a mailing address of 3030 N. Rocky Point Dr. W, Suite 150 is mailing out fancy brochures and letters offering to buy real estate under a "Neighborhood Beautification" scheme. Diamond Equity says they "fund the purchase and renovations of houses throughout Florida" to "Make Your Neighborhood Even Better!!"

The brochure asks for referrals of addresses and names and an exterior photo of homes so Diamond Equity can contact the owners to make an offer.

But, in reality Diamond is just one of hundreds of non-local companies offering to buy real estate at bargain basement prices, well under the market value. They usually do not end up with the property but flip it or the sales contract to others at a markup.

Typical of such companies, they operate out of a "virtual office" address. Just a mail drop, in this case a virtual office center that advertises itself saying, "Give Your Business the Professional Image it Deserves. Use a virtual business address to receive your mail and packages, register your company, and utilize for marketing purposes."

A search of the Florida Secretary of State records found no company registered with that name or the name of the "Founder and CEO" Dan Breslin." It appears they may be operating in other states, and failed to register to do business in Florida, which would lead to some issues if customers have complaints and no legal Florida address to go to take to court. The BBB indicates offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia area, and Chicago.

Their literature indicates a BBB rating of A+ which is true. But a look at the reviews and complaints may give a better indication of what to beware of. BBB Reviews

Customers have said, "Worst experience ever" and "Predatory Thieves."

ADVICE: Don't be fooled by fancy looking mailings and offers that seem to good to be true. Watch out for non-local companies that will promise quick sales, market prices with no commissions.

Charles Calvin Croyl Dies At 89

Charles Calvin "Chuck" Croyl(e), Sr., age 89, passed away on March 28, 2026 at HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Charles was born on March 11, 1937, in Bedford, Pennsylvania to the late Frank, Sr and Ann Day Croyl. 

He was married to his loving wife, Shirley Imler, for over 60 years before she preceded him in death on May 16, 2022. 

 Chuck drove a stunt car for "The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show", as he loved to race cars and competed in demolition derbies, playing his guitar, driving and working on semi trucks and fishing on the weekends. 

He was a the cable yard manager for many years for Mastec. He was life-time member of the Improved Order of Redman Organization. He loved his family and worked all his life for them. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He will be forever missed by his family and all who was blessed to know him.

Chuck leaves fond memories with his loving children; Charles Croyl, Jr of Everett, PA, Rhonda Lippincott (Stanley) of LaBelle, FL, Jayme (Brandon) Leitzel of LaBelle, FL. "Super Pap" as he was known by his thirty-four grandchildren and four great grandchildren also will dearly miss him, along with his brothers, Robert, Ralph and James.

Chuck was also preceded in death by his three brothers, John, Jacob and Frank, three sisters, Anne, Ruch and Dorothy.

Celebration of Chuck's life will be held April 19, 2026 at the home of his daughter, Rhonda Lippincott located at 1493 Pollywog Drive in LaBelle from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cremation rites for Chuck was entrusted with Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle Chapel.

Nan Nell Clark Crosby Dies At 81

Nan Nell Clark Crosby, 81, passed away Monday March 30, 2026. Nan, daughter of James Ward and Mildred “Mickey” Clark, was born and raised in Clewiston Florida. 

Nan graduated from Clewiston High School in 1962 and went on to get an Associate’s Degree in business from Palm Beach Community College. 

Nan was married to Ronald Eugene Crosby for 37 years prior to his death in 2006. She traveled the world with her soldier husband, but returned back to Clewiston when he retired. Nan enjoyed spending time on the beach and reading her books. 

Nan was proceeded in death by her three brothers, Gary Clark, Mark Clark and Jay Clark and her step son Jerry Crosby. Nan is survived by her Daughter Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Griffin, Son Ronald Eugene Crosby II, and stepson Jeffrey Crosby, her grandchildren, Nancy Peeno (Cliff), Sera Aul (Corey), Jake Griffin, Wyatt Crosby and Heath Crosby, as well as great grandchildren, Cayson Holman, Hadlee Griffin, Kenley Roberts, Dennis Griffin and Mackynzie Peeno. She is also remembered lovingly by her cousins, nieces and nephews.

Nan was the anchor of her family and will be sorely missed. She is at peace and reunited with her family who preceded her in death that she has missed dearly.

Services will be held Saturday April 4, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Moore Haven.

Veteran Hendry Jail Officer Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges

HENDRY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ARRESTED ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES

LABELLE, FL. -- During the evening hours of March 31, 2026, 50-year-old Susan Kelly, Hendry County Correctional Officer, was arrested on Dometic Violence charges.

Deputies responded to the home of Kelly after receiving a 911 call from the victim. According to reports, Kelly and became involved in a verbal confrontation with the victim when it escalated to physical altercation.

Upon the arrival of deputies and after speaking with the victim it was found that Kelly was armed with a firearm which she had placed in the small of her back. She then armed herself with a screwdriver and reportedly attempted to stab the victim. It was at this time injuries were sustained to the victim’s hand.

Deputies on scene obtained custody of the firearm. Kelly was then taken into custody and charged with Battery, (Domestic Violence), Aggravated Battery (Domestic Violence) and Possession or Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Correctional Deputy Susan Kelly has been placed on Administrative Leave at this time. Kelly was released on $22,500.00 bond.

Kelly has been employed with the Hendry Sheriff’s Office for 17 years; she has been assigned as a Hendry Correctional Deputy for 8 ½ years.