Obituary - Christopher Lee Pearson

Christopher Lee Pearson, beloved son, longtime partner, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. 

He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him. 

Christopher is survived by his devoted longtime partner, Richard Garcia; his loving mother, Melisa Jaynes; his brothers, Dustin Pearson and James Jaynes; and his sister, Lisa Dodson. 

He also leaves behind extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory always. 

Christopher’s life was marked by the deep connections he formed and the care he showed to those around him. Whether through laughter, support, or simply being present, he made a difference in the lives of many. 

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

Opposition to Oil Campaign for Legal Immunity ACT of 2026

Dear editor at Southwest Florida Online,

Every time a climate disaster hits we see the same story. Families lose homes, roads are washed out, and taxpayers foot the bill, all while oil and gas companies rake in profits. Fossil fuel corporations knew about the climate crisis for decades and continue to mislead the public. They're getting richer off our tax dollars. Now, oil and gas lobbyists are urging Congress to give them total legal immunity.

Republican lawmakers have introduced federal legislation, Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, that would shield oil and gas from any laws or lawsuits that aim to hold them accountable for their role in the climate crisis.

I've seen it firsthand. Across the country, communities like mine are struggling to rebuild after floods, wildfires, and extreme heat, all disasters made worse by fossil fuel pollution. Here in Southwest Florida our agricultural industry is struggling under unusual cycles of drought, flood and heat.

It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of taxpayers shouldering the cost, the companies that profited from creating this mess would help fund the rebuilding of roads, homes, schools, and critical infrastructure. We must demand Congress protect our right to hold powerful corporations accountable and say NO to immunity for Big Oil and Gas.

That’s why I'm calling on Congress to oppose the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, Big Oil and Gas's campaign for legal immunity. If you make a mess, you should clean it up.

Sincerely,
Rhonda Roff
marshmaid@gmail.com, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy PMB 300, Clewiston, FL, US, 33440

100 mph Chase Through Clewiston - 2 Men Arrested

TRAFFIC PURSUITS RESULTS IN ARRESTS

CLEWISTON, FL. -- During the nighttime hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while on routine patrol, K9 Deputy Larry Rodriguez along with K9 Ranger attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 9th Street and Florida Avenue in the Clewiston community of Harlem.

The driver failed to stop and continued through the Harlem Community fleeing law enforcement with speeds increasing and with no regard to public safety. Deputy Rodriguez witnessed the subject fail to stop at a number of stop signs and continue to evade law enforcement.

As the vehicle turned south on US 27, the driver continued at speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour through the City of Clewiston. Deputy Rodriguez continued to pursue the subject south on US 27 at speeds in excess of over 100 mph and at one point turning off the lights of his vehicle in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle until it came to a stop in the City of South Bay.

The driver of the 2016 Hyundai, later identified as 24-year-old Natarius Janard Harvey of Pahokee, Florida, was seen exiting the moving vehicle leading deputies on a foot pursuit. K9 Ranger was able to track Harvey to a fenced area where he was taken into custody by law enforcement.

At the same time deputies were able to apprehend a second subject identified as 23-year-old Chamorian D. Thicklin of Clewiston, who also fled from the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit with deputies, Thicklin was apprehended.

Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail for booking.

Chamorian Deneydrian Thicklin, 23, was charged with Resisting Arrest and Felony Probation Violation.

Natarius Janard Harvey, 24, was charged with Flee Eluding Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest and Driving While License Suspended.

Both men are being held with No Bond.

Flora Gonzalez, Jose Perez, Maykel Calderon Arrested - Home Invasion Plot

THREE ARRESTED FOR HOME INVASON ROBBERY

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Monday night, April 27, 2026, Hendry County Deputies responded to a home on East State Road 80 after receiving a call reporting a robbery.

Upon their arrival, Deputies met with the 52-year-old victim. He reported he had been sitting outside when approached by two unknown male subjects wearing hooded sweatshirts and face coverings. It was reported the victim was forcefully pushed to the ground and beaten several times in the face with a handgun, while suspects demanded money. The suspects then tied and bound the victim’s hands and feet with what was described as zip ties.

The victim’s wife was inside the residence and witnessed the incident taking place. She witnessed the incident take place then ran outside to help her husband. Deputies on scene were told It was at this time a second subject approached her, placing a knife to her side. The wife was then taken back into the residence where she surrendered $18,000.00 in cash to the suspects.

Detectives continued to follow up on leads the found a number of inconsistencies in the wife’s story. Through questioning it was found that the victim’s wife, 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez had known one of the suspects and did help orchestrate the attack of on husband. Gonzalez told Detectives that the plan had gone wrong, so she offered the suspect money to stop.

On April 29, 2026, Hendry County Detectives arrested 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez on charges of Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment. Gonzalez is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail.

Also arrested was Jose Enrique Calafet Perez, 48 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment and Maykel Calafet Calderon, 42 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary, False Imprisonment and Grand Theft.

All three subjects are being held with No Bond.

Obituaries - Cristobal Marroquin, Jessica Wingold

Cristobal Marroquin, a devoted family man and a dedicated member of his community, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Born on May 28, 1961, in Okeechobee, Florida, Cristobal spent much of his life as a watermelon harvester, a humble profession through which he nurtured his family and remained deeply connected to the land he loved.

Cristobal was a cherished member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life. He found joy and strength in his spiritual community and in the moments he shared with loved ones. Above all, Cristobal treasured the time spent with his family, whose love and companionship were the essence of his heart.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sonia Marroquin, who stood by his side through all of life's seasons. His sons—Christopher, David, Anthony, and Adrian Marroquin—and his daughters, Cristian Marroquin and Magdli Delgado, carry forward his legacy of warmth and resilience. Cristobal also found great joy in the laughter of his two grandchildren, whose lives he touched with his gentle spirit.

Family connections were central to Cristobal’s life. He is survived by his brother Raymond Marroquin and his sisters Mary Perez and Juanita Marroquin Puente, each of whom shared in the bonds of enduring love and support. Though his earthly journey ended, the memories of his kindness and steadfast devotion remain vivid in the hearts of all who knew him.

Cristobal was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Antonio and Margaret Marroquin, and his brothers Antonio Marroquin Jr. and Frank Marroquin. Their memories live on and are honored by those who continue to cherish their family’s rich heritage.

The community and family will gather to remember Cristobal during a visitation on April 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, Florida. A Mass celebrating his life will be held on May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, followed by his burial at Fort Denaud Cemetery Road in Fort Denaud, beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Cristobal Marroquin’s life was a testament to the power of dedication—to family, faith, and hard work. His legacy endures in the love he gave so freely and the quiet strength he exemplified each day. Though he has departed, the imprint of his life continues to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Jessica ("Jessie") Wingold, 62, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, April 13, 2026. Jessica was born in Nicaragua, and in 1979, emigrated with family to the United States, settling in Miami, where she lived most of her life. Later, she relocated to Clewiston with her mother, the late Magdalena Isabel Moradel, where she devoted herself to caring for her mother, until her mother passed away. Finally, Jessica moved to the LaBelle area, staying with and caring for her dear friend Wayne.

She was at Wayne's place when she passed --- a place she described as "a little slice of Heaven; a place where she said she was "Happy and at Peace".

Jessica had a Generous Spirit --- her greatest Joy in life was giving and caring for those she loved. She loved to cook, and got great satisfaction from preparing and serving food for Family and Friends, (and so did we!). She was, by Nature, a Guardian and Protector, and was always being adopted by stray cats --- they seemed to sense her Goodness; she loved to laugh, and had a way of drawing those around her into the laughter; she loved music, and her "herbal tea", and spending time with her "significant other", her Best Friend and Companion for 18 years, Ian Spaziani.

Jessica could also be FEISTY! All of 5 foot 2", and she could " let you have it!", if she felt the need, (usually in defending herself or someone she loved.). It's just who she was.

Jessica was "One of a Kind", and had the Courage and Determination to be her Authentic Self ---(and damn anybody who didn't like it!) Her sense of self-possession did not depend on the approval or opinions of others. Never a " fake" or a "phony", she was The Real Thing.

Her family and friends will dearly miss her Love and Kindness, and her zest for Life...

Jessica is predeceased by her beloved mother, Magdalena ("Mama") Moradel; by her beautiful grandmother Bertilda Moradel; by her aunts Thelma Casanova, Teresa Santiago; by her uncle Mario Moradel; and her cousins.

Jessica is survived by her long-time partner, Ian Spaziani; her dear sister, Natalia Clifford; and numerous Aunts, Cousins, and extended Family.