Paul Daniel Arthur, Sr. Dies At 83

Paul Daniel Arthur Sr., affectionately known as Danny to those who knew him well, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2026. Born on April 8, 1942, in Miami, Florida, Paul’s life was one marked by dedication, skill, and a profound connection to the outdoors and his family.

Paul proudly devoted over four decades of his life to his career as a mill operator at U.S. Sugar, beginning his work in 1962. Throughout these many years, he mastered the art of running the mill with impressive precision and earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. His dedication and expertise were recognized in February 1993 when he was awarded the Silver Veteran’s Badge by the Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers—a distinguished honor reflecting his commitment and skill.

Beyond his professional life, Paul was a man of many talents and passions. His love for the great outdoors was evident in the way he spent his time. Whether working on a project in his yard or operating his tractor, he found true joy in the physical, hands-on work that connected him to nature and to his roots. He was an avid fisherman and a gifted cook, often grilling meals on a grill he crafted himself, showcasing his remarkable ability to build anything he envisioned. His skill with tools was extraordinary; if Paul could draw a design, he could turn it into reality with a torch, hammer, wrench, or tiller. His green thumb was just as strong as his handyman’s touch—he grew his own vegetables, embracing the role of provider with pride and care.

Paul’s family was central to his life. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his children: Sharon (Joey) Arthur Godfrey, Daniel (Lynelle) Arthur, Steve (Mindy) Arthur, Wayne (Emily) Arthur, Leslie Arthur, and Sophie Howard. Additionally, he was a father to his step-daughter, Tedra Gunn. Paul’s legacy extends further through the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who carry forward his memory and influence.

Paul was predeceased by those who shaped his journey early on and who shared life’s joys and challenges with him: his parents Melvin and Jeanette Arthur, his beloved wife Virginia Arthur, and his cherished grandchildren Danielle and Tiffany Arthur.

A special thanks to Vitas Hospice for their wonderful care and support. To his nurse and special friend, Lataurian, fondly called "Tee", who was able to not only take care of him, but show him who was the boss! Such a wonderful friend and great team!

Paul Daniel Arthur Sr.’s life will be remembered for the depth of his character, his unwavering work ethic, and his loving dedication to family. He leaves behind a profound example of resilience, craftsmanship, and devotion that will inspire all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit and accomplishments will endure in the hearts of those who loved him.

Scam Alert - Naples Hot Air Balloon Festival May 23

NAPLES, FL. -- Local authorities, including the Collier County Sheriff's Office, have explicitly warned the public that previous listings for a "Naples Balloon Festival" (such as ones falsely advertised at the Collier County Fairgrounds) are hoaxes and online scams. 

The so-called event has been announced on media including local radio stations, saying the event is Saturday May 22 at the Collier County Fairgrounds.

Always verify event listings on the Collier County Fair & Exposition before purchasing tickets.

Share The Shore With Turtles And Shorebirds This Weekend

Share the shore with sea turtles and shorebirds

Heading to the beach this Memorial Day weekend? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds beachgoers that nesting season is underway for Florida’s imperiled sea turtles, shorebirds and seabirds on beaches and along the state’s coasts. Visitors can successfully help protect nesting wildlife by giving animals plenty of space, removing beach furniture and trash before leaving for the day, keeping beaches clean and dark at night and never disturbing nests or nesting birds and sea turtles.

Florida’s sandy beaches provide important spring and summer nesting habitat for several species of federally threatened and endangered sea turtles, including loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles, with occasional nesting by federally endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. While it can be exciting to spot a sea turtle nesting on the beach, give them plenty of space (50 feet or more) to avoid causing turtles to leave the beach before they complete the nesting process. All species of sea turtles and their nests are protected and should not be disturbed. It is illegal to harm, harass or take nesting sea turtles, their eggs and hatchlings.

Our coastlines are also important nesting, resting and foraging habitat for imperiled beach-nesting birds, including black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. To help with their nesting success, keep at least 300 feet from nesting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds. By giving nesting waterbirds plenty of space, you can help avoid causing them to flush from their nesting sites, which would leave vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to the elements and predators.

Additional tips for beachgoers to help with nesting success when visiting the shore: Clear the way at the end of the day: Properly dispose of all trash, fill in man-made holes in the sand, and remove all beach toys and furniture from the beach before sunset. Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting. Trash and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests, as well as entangle shorebirds, turtles and other wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that can prey on sea turtle hatchlings, as well as shorebird eggs and chicks.

Do the flock walk: Steer clear of birds on the beach to avoid causing them to fly off, potentially leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks unprotected. Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their tiny eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on.

Keep out of posted areas: Be on the lookout for posted nesting sites and signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands – these areas are closed to public access to protect wading birds and shorebirds while they nest and raise their chicks. Help protect sea turtle nests by staying out of marked nests and keeping pets leashed and away from any posted areas.
Lights out: Lights on or near the beach can misdirect turtles and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. If on beachfront property, turn off outside lights whenever possible and close curtains after dark to ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed or disoriented as they come ashore and hatchlings will not become disoriented when they emerge from their nests. Make sure any exterior lighting adjacent to nesting beaches is long wavelength, mounted low and shielded. Avoid using flashlights or cell phone lights and taking flash photos after dark on the beach.

Leave fireworks to the professionals: Keep personal fireworks off the beach and at home; attend an official event instead. The loud sounds and bright lights of personal fireworks on beaches and adjacent waterways can have significant negative impacts on nesting birds and their chicks, as well as nesting sea turtles.

Keep pets away from wildlife: Pet owners can help by keeping dogs at home or on a short leash and far away from wildlife when at pet-friendly beaches. Even well-behaved dogs can be seen as predators by shorebirds, causing them to flush and leave their eggs and chicks.

Official Report On Aircraft Losses In Iran War - Congressional Research Service

U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: 

Updated May 13, 2026

Overview

On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, initiated military operations against Iran under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF). The conflict has involved air, maritime, and missile combat engagements across the Middle East. The pace of combat activity declined amid a cease fire in April. 

Within weeks, some strikes resumed, and conditions remain fluid. The Department of Defense (DOD, which is “using a secondary Department of War designation,” under Executive Order 14347 dated September 5, 2025) has not published a comprehensive assessment of combat losses in OEF. During a May 12, 2026, hearing, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III testified that the department’s cost estimate for military operations in Iran has increased to $29 billion. “A lot of that increase comes from having a refined estimate on repair or replacement costs for equipment,” he said. 

Listed here are 42 fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, including uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), reportedly lost or damaged in OEF, according to news reports and statements by DOD and U.S. Central Command(CENTCOM). The number of aircraft damaged or destroyed may remain subject to revision due to multiple factors, which may include classification, ongoing combat activity, and attribution.

Reports of OEF Aircraft Losses and Damage 

Four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft

• On March 2, 2026, CENTCOM reported that three F-15Es were shot down and destroyed by friendly fire over Kuwait; all six aircrew ejected safely and were recovered.

• On April 5, 2026, CENTCOM reported that one F-15E was shot down and destroyed during combat operations over Iran; both aircrew were safely recovered during separate search-and-rescue operations.

One F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft 

• A March 19, 2026, news article reported that Iranian ground fire damaged one F-35A during combat operations over Iran. One A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft

• In an April 6, 2026, news conference, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine stated that on April 3, enemy fire struck one A-10 that subsequently crashed and was destroyed during search-and-rescue operations; the pilot ejected and was recovered safely. Seven KC-135 Strato tanker aerial refueling aircraft

• On March 12, 2026, CENTCOM reported that two KC-135s were involved in an incident over friendly airspace; one aircraft crashed in Iraq, resulting in the deaths of all six aircrew. The second KC-135 made an emergency landing at an undisclosed location in the region where U.S. forces are hosted.

• A March 14, 2026, news article reported that five KC-135s were damaged while on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during an Iranian missile and drone attack. One E-3 Sentry airborne early warning-and-control system aircraft (AWACS)

• A March 28, 2026, news article reported that one E-3 was struck and damaged while on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during an Iranian missile and drone attack. A May 7, 2026, news article reported that the E-3 had been parked on an unprotected taxiway. Two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft

• An April 5, 2026, news article reported that two MC-130Js supporting search-and-rescue operations for a downed F-15E were intentionally destroyed on the ground in Iran after becoming unable to depart; all aircrew were safely evacuated. One HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopter

• On April 6, 2026, General Caine said in a press conference that on April 5, one HH-60Wsustained damage from small-arms fire supporting search-and-rescue operations for a downed F-15E in Iran. Twenty-four MQ-9 Reaper medium-altitude long-endurance uncrewed aircraft

• An April 9, 2026, news article reported that the U.S. military had lost 24 MQ-9 Reapers since the start of U.S. military operations against Iran. One MQ-4C Triton high-altitude long-endurance uncrewed aircraft

• An April 14, 2026, news article citing a U.S. Navy document reported that one MQ-4Ccrashed in a mishap. 

 

Potential Issues for Congress  

These reported incidents may raise several considerations for congressional oversight:

• Information available to Congress. It is unclear whether DOD has provided Congress an accounting of the aircraft lost in OEF. Congress may assess whether or not it has sufficient information and time to evaluate the potential effects of aircraft losses in U.S.

• military operations and potential DOD plans or programs to develop or procure replacements.

• Budgetary impacts. Aircraft losses could generate unplanned costs for their replacement, repair, or sustainment. Congress may consider whether or not to approve, reject, or modify potential reprogramming actions or supplemental appropriations or to make adjustments to planned procurement and readiness accounts.

• Force sufficiency. It is unclear how the extent of aircraft losses may affect DOD’s ability to meet current operational requirements, maintain global force posture, and respond to unforeseen contingencies. Congress may assess whether losses in certain high-demand platforms that are aging and limited in number, such as the E-3 Sentry, create capability gaps or increase risk in other theaters.

• Industrial base capacity. Congress may assess whether current production lines and supply chains are capable of replacing lost aircraft within time frames needed to meet DOD operational requirements. Congress may seek information about the extent to which competing demands—including foreign military sales or production constraints—may affect DOD’s ability to regenerate capacity.

• Operational risk. Reported losses may provide insights into the survivability of U.S. aircraft in contested environments. Congress may assess whether reported losses reflect changes in the threat environment or in adversary capabilities. Congress may also assess whether any changes to the threat might signal the need to adjust U.S. operational concepts, tactics, techniques, procedures, or basing posture.

Author Information

Jennifer DiMascio Analyst in U.S. Defense Policy

Daniel M. Gettinger Analyst in U.S. Defense Policy

Joshua Korzilius U.S. Air Force Fellow 

Cheryl Ann Harrison Dies At 66

Cheryl Ann Harrison, 66, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on May 16, 2026.

Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Barbara Platt, and her brothers, Arthur Platt, Robert Platt, Dennis Platt, and Paul Platt.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 16 years, Dwayne Harrison. She is also survived by her daughter, Melissa Garcia (Angel), and grandson, Victor. In addition, she is survived by her son, Alan Daum, granddaughter, Alissa, and grandson, Brian. Mrs. Harrison is also survived by her brothers and sisters, John Platt (Tammy), Michael Platt, Lavena Perkinson (Tim), Patty Platt (Brad), and Reese Platt (Lisa), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Cheryl was a cherished member of Bethel Holiness Church in LaBelle, Florida.

Visitation and the funeral service will be held at Bethel Holiness Church, 1153 Cornelia Drive, LaBelle, FL 33935, on May 27, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Venus Cemetery.