Holiday Office Closures Hendry County

Hendry County Government Offices Independence Day Closure Schedule

(June 29, 2026) – LaBelle, Fla. – Most Hendry County government offices will be closed Thursday, July 2 through Monday, July 6 in observance of the Independence Day holiday with the exception of the following:

· The Hendry County Clerk’s office in LaBelle and Court system will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, July 2 and Monday, July 6. The Clerk’s office in Clewiston will be closed on Thursday, July 2.

· The Hendry County Supervisor of Elections office will be open for regular business hours on Monday, July 6.

The Hendry County Tax Collector’s office will be open until 5:30pm on Wednesday, July 1 and will reopen at 7:30am on Tuesday, July 7.

All other County offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 7.

Baker Museum Free For Card Holders July 4-5

NAPLES, FL. -- Bank of America is helping families make the most of this weekend’s free museum access with tools designed specifically for kids and parents.

Through its Family Banking offering, parents can give children their own debit card at no cost while maintaining parental oversight, making it easier for families to access experiences like Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program without needing to manage separate ticket purchases. To sign up for the SafeBalance for Family Banking card, click here.

This upcoming weekend offers families across Southwest Florida a chance to explore local museums at no cost.

As part of Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program, Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive FREE general admission to participating cultural institutions on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, the first full weekend of each month.

Participating local museums include: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108

Pedestrian Killed In 2 A.M . Hit And Run In Clewiston

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the fatal hit and run crash on US 27 and Francisco Steet, in Hendry County.

Attached is photo of the suspected hit and run older model pickup truck, white in color, with a damaged left front headlamp assembly.

The suspected hit and run vehicle is a 1999 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck bearing Florida License Tag 57G-DPV (white in color / with toolbox in back / damage to left front fog lamp assembly).

Anyone with information regarding this pickup truck or driver is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol (*FHP) or Crimestoppers. Additional updates will be provided as needed.


DATE: 6/28/26
TIME: 2:00 AM

LOCATION: US 27 / Francisco Street, Hendry County
CASE #: FHP26ON0299170
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton

VEHICLE 1: Unknown
DRIVER 1: Unknown

PEDESTRIAN 1: Male / Pending positive identification

Vehicle 1 (unknown) was traveling south on US 27 (geographically east), approaching Francisco Street.
Pedestrian 1 (pending positive identification) was attempting to cross the travel lanes of US 27.
Vehicle 1 collided with Pedestrian 1.
Pedestrian 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. Positive identification pending.
Post collision, Driver 1 fled the scene in Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is possibly a dually pickup truck with left front damage.

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run crash, is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol (*FHP) or Crimestoppers.

UPDATE: July 29 - Exhaustive investigative efforts led to locating the suspected fatal hit and run truck (1999 Ford Ranger) in Osceola County. The investigation remains ongoing.

Obituaries - Vernon Sullivan, Jerry K. Cross

Vernon Eugene “Vern” Sullivan, born July 17, 1959, in Clewiston, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in his hometown, surrounded by loving care. Vern’s gentle spirit and unwavering kindness leave a profound legacy in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

A lifelong resident of Clewiston, Vern built a life rich in love and connection. He is remembered not only for his steadfast nature but also for the quiet warmth with which he treated family, friends, and neighbors alike. Through the changing seasons of his life, he remained deeply devoted to his loved ones, always putting their happiness and well-being before his own.

Vern is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Sullivan, whose partnership with him was marked by enduring devotion and shared joy. He is also survived by his sons, Jacob Sullivan and Vernon Matthew Sullivan, whose lives were shaped and guided by his strong example and caring heart. Vern’s legacy of love lives on through his grandchildren: Scarlett, Jaxson, and Violet Sullivan, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to his later years and will carry his gentle lessons forward.

Among those who mourn his passing are his sisters, Janice Busbee, Patsy Davis, Deborah Mullis, and Patty Mitten, as well as his brother, Kevin Moore. Each shared a unique and cherished bond with Vernon, supporting one another in times of both laughter and adversity.

Vern follows in rest his mother, Mary Alice Moore, and his father, Lester Eugene Sullivan, whose values and lessons shaped Vern into the man he became. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, John Dutton and Rusty Dutton, whom he remembered fondly.

Those who knew Vern will remember his steadfast faith, his enduring compassion, and the way he brought peace to those around him. His presence was a source of strength to his family, and his integrity and kindness enriched his community immeasurably.

A Celebration of Life to honor Vernon Eugene Sullivan will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Clewiston, located at 102 East Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440. Family, friends, and all who were touched by Vern’s life are invited to gather and remember a man whose legacy is marked by love and dignity.

Vern’s journey on earth has come to a close, but the warmth of his memory and the lessons of his life remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jerry K. Cross.

Jerry was born January 26, 1939 and passed away on June 20, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Jerry's life on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Ortona Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Cross; his son, Donnie Crawford; his grandchildren, CL, Jodi, Thomas, Tyler, Blake, Bryson; nine great grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory and legacy. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Mims and son-in-law, Preston Mims.

We appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time as we gather to honor and remember a life well lived.

July 4 Weekend Free State Park Admission

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites residents and visitors to rediscover the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and renowned recreation. In the spirit of independence and our shared American heritage, Florida State Parks will waive admission fees from Friday, July 3, 2026, through Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Florida’s award-winning state parks offer unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities across a vast range of landscapes, from caverns to wetlands to springs to beaches. Visitors will find activities for everyone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, swimming, paddling and horseback riding. Cultural and historical resources include forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landmarks.

Florida’s state park system is the only four-time winner of the NRPA’s National Gold Medal Award, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting precious natural resources while maximizing public access and environmental stewardship. Florida State Parks are also essential to local economies and communities throughout the state, forming the beating heart of Florida’s ecotourism industry and cultural identity. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed over 28 million visitors and contributed an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.

Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.   

Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com.