Franklin Lock Closed March 13 On Waterway

ALVA, FL. -- W.P. Franklin Lock will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026 for electrical system upgrades. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your patience.

For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:

St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Review - Probiotic Supplement For Gut Health Vs. 5 Natural Foods

The probiotic blend called Metabolic Daily under review here was sent to me by Pendulum Therapeutics LLC, containing five bacterial species that researchers study mainly for gut-microbiome, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The dose provided is 300 million AFU (Active Fluorescent Units) taken daily is relatively low compared with many commercial probiotics, which often contain 1–10 billion CFU. However, some of these species can still have biological effects because they influence butyrate production and the gut lining.

It is available at PendulumLife.com, a one-month supply for $49 for a subscription and $94 for one time purchase. The website indicates it may take 3 months to see full benefits and research does indicate it is a slow process to see changes with these probiotics. The probiotic capsules are recommended to be refrigerated although the packaging from Pendulum does not indicate that.

At the end of the review are 5 foods that may be shown to give the same effects on gut health as the prebiotics in the commercial blend.

Below is what studies suggest each organism may do.
1. Clostridium butyricum

Main role: Butyrate-producing probiotic.

Evidence-based effects: Produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that:
fuels colon cells
reduces intestinal inflammation
strengthens the gut barrier

Studies show benefits for:

antibiotic-associated diarrhea
ulcerative colitis
IBS symptoms
May help regulate immune function in the intestine.

In Japan and China, it has been used as a medical probiotic for decades.

2. Clostridium beijerinckii

Main role: Fermentation and metabolic activity.

Research suggests it can:

Produce short-chain fatty acids beneficial to gut health.
Help ferment dietary fiber.
Possibly support microbial diversity in the colon.

However, human probiotic research is limited, so benefits are still being explored.

3. Bifidobacterium infantis

One of the best-studied probiotic species.

Research shows it may:

Reduce IBS symptoms (pain, bloating, irregular bowel habits).
Lower systemic inflammation markers.
Improve gut barrier integrity.
Help digest certain carbohydrates.

Clinical trials have shown symptom improvement in irritable bowel syndrome patients.

4. Anaerobutyricum hallii

Previously called Eubacterium hallii.

Known for:

Producing butyrate (important anti-inflammatory gut metabolite).
Helping convert lactate into butyrate, stabilizing gut metabolism.

Studies associate higher levels with:
better insulin sensitivity
lower inflammation
healthier microbiome diversity.
Research suggests potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

5. Akkermansia muciniphila

One of the most exciting new microbiome discoveries.

It lives in the mucus layer of the intestine and helps regulate it.

Studies link it to:
improved metabolic health
better insulin sensitivity
reduced obesity risk
stronger intestinal barrier

Small human trials show it may help:
reduce blood sugar
improve cholesterol markers
lower inflammation

Combined effects of this blend (based on research)

Together these microbes mainly support:

1. Butyrate production

Three of the strains produce butyrate, which may:
reduce colon inflammation
improve gut barrier integrity
protect against “leaky gut”

2. Gut lining repair

Particularly from Akkermansia muciniphila and butyrate producers.

3. Immune regulation

May reduce inflammatory signals in the gut.

4. Metabolic support

Some studies show possible improvements in:

blood sugar regulation
insulin sensitivity
weight-related metabolic markers.

Limitations to know

Research suggests benefits, but: dose matters (300 million is modest). Strain specificity matters and results depend on the exact strain. Microbiome effects vary person to person.

Also, these bacteria often work best with prebiotic fiber (such as inulin or resistant starch).

Most likely real-world benefits from this blend:

mild improvement in gut health and digestion
reduced intestinal inflammation
possible support for metabolic health
improved gut barrier function

Three surprising effects researchers are seeing with Akkermansia and butyrate-producing probiotics in people over age 60, including brain and immune benefits.

Research in the last 10–15 years suggests that butyrate-producing gut bacteria and Akkermansia muciniphila may have important effects for people over age 60, beyond simple digestion. Much of the evidence is early or moderate-quality (animal studies, observational human studies, and some small clinical trials), but the findings are interesting.

Below are three areas scientists are paying particular attention to.
1. Brain health and cognitive aging

Researchers now study something called the gut–brain axis, where gut microbes influence the brain through immune, metabolic, and nerve pathways.

What studies suggest

Higher levels of butyrate-producing bacteria (like Clostridium butyricum and Anaerobutyricum hallii) are associated with:

reduced brain inflammation
better blood–brain barrier integrity
improved memory performance in animal studies

Butyrate itself can:

increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein important for neuron health
act as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, affecting gene expression linked to brain aging.

Some early studies link low butyrate bacteria with higher risk of:

Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease

Human trials are still small, but the trend is consistent.

2. Reduced “inflammaging”
As people age, the immune system often develops low-grade chronic inflammation, sometimes called “inflammaging.”

Microbes like:

Clostridium butyricum
Anaerobutyricum hallii
Akkermansia muciniphila may help by:
strengthening the intestinal barrier
reducing leaky gut
lowering inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α.

Lower gut inflammation is associated with lower risk of several age-related diseases, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Metabolic syndrome

3. Metabolic health and weight regulation

Akkermansia muciniphila is one of the most studied microbes in aging metabolism research.

Studies in humans show higher levels are associated with:

lower body fat
improved insulin sensitivity
lower blood glucose
healthier cholesterol profiles

A small human clinical trial found that pasteurized Akkermansia supplementation improved:

insulin resistance
cholesterol markers
inflammatory markers.

Researchers think it works by:

maintaining the gut mucus layer
improving metabolic signaling hormones.
What scientists consistently see with aging

Across many microbiome studies:

As people age, they tend to lose:

butyrate-producing bacteria
Akkermansia muciniphila

That loss correlates with:

more inflammation
poorer metabolic health
weaker gut barrier.

So probiotics or diet changes that support these bacteria may help counter some aging-related microbiome shifts.

Realistic expectations from supplements like this blend:

Possible benefits:

better gut barrier integrity
modest anti-inflammatory effects
improved metabolic markers
possible indirect brain benefits

But effects are usually gradual and subtle and diet and fiber intake often matter more than probiotics alone. Five foods that dramatically increase Akkermansia and butyrate bacteria in the gut according to human microbiome studies (some increase them within weeks usually about 2 to 10):

Pomegranate, cooled potatoes or rice, cranberries, onions and garlic, and green tea

Mark Lerone Welker Dies At 67

Mark Lerone Welker, 67, of LaBelle, Florida, passed away on March 3, 2026, in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Mark was born in Troy, Ohio, and throughout his life he was known as a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. He spent many years working as a truck driver, a job that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication.

Mark found joy in the simple things in life. He loved fishing, enjoyed his ice cream, and took pride in working in his yard for as long as he was able. Even when he could no longer do the things he once did, he still had the desire to be outside and working. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. And while he could sometimes be a stubborn old fart, it was part of the personality that those who loved him knew well and will always remember with a smile.

Mark is survived by his children: David Drabant; Micheal Drabant (Catherine Drabant); Misty Tapia (Ricky Tapia); Melissa Welker (James Watkins, also known as “Frog”); Dianna Welker (James Lopez); and Chelsea Welker (Katrena Adams). He is also survived by his siblings: Steve Welker; Glenna Anderson (Andy Anderson); Sharon Bryant; and Missy Welker, as well as 13 grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his spouse of 38 years, Mary Shoup; his mother, Freda Bodiker; his father, Guy Welker (Phyllis); and his stepfather, Ralph Bodiker.

Mark did not wish for a formal service. At a later date, his family will hold a celebration of life to honor and remember him.

Hendry County Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Bomb Threat, Probation Violations

ARREST BLOTTER

03/02/2026 – 03/08/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Vernon John Wadsworth, Jr., 43, Vero Beach was arrested on March 2, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Felony – Failure to Appear

Raynard Quartez Humphries, 40, Clewiston was arrested on March 2, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Don Michael Anthony Foligno, 41, Ft. Myers was arrested on March 3, 2026, by Det. K. Rosado on charges of Making a False Bomb Threat, Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony

15-year-old male, Clewiston was arrested on March 3, 2026, by Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Flee & Elude LEO with Lights & Siren

Jerome Demtris Nicholls, 46, Clewiston on March 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Hannam on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Jose Hector Arroyo, 54, LaBelle was arrested on March 4, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Jeremy David Steiman, 25, Lake Worth was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff C. Link on charges of DUI and DUI – Damage to Property or Person

Leron Jurell Davis, 44, Moore Haven was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff C. Davis on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Bryan Diaz, 18, Clewiston was arrested on Deputy Sheriff C. Rossback, on charges of Possession of Electronic Weapon

Jerome Demtris Nicholls, 46, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Raynard Quartez, Humphries, 40, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Mark Wayne Richards, Jr., 32, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Hannam on charges of Violation of Conditional Release

Adam Fernandez, 29, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Mau-Juan Dey’Shun Raynar Carney. 26, Belle Glade was arrested on March 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Felony Probation Violation, Possession of Ecstasy and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked

Silver Lee Rush, 62, Clewiston was arrested on March 6, 2026, by K9 Deputy J. Newbern on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine

Joyce Thomas, 47, Lehigh Acres was arrested on March 6, 2026, by K9 Deputy J. Newbern on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Jeronimo B. Aguirre Bueno, 62, Leigh Acres was arrested on March 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI

Derrick Bernard Jackson, Jr., 29, Clewiston was arrested on March 7, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Chalo Nitka Festival Today In Moore Haven

 

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The 2026 Chalo Nitka Festival in Moore Haven, FL, kicked off this morning  March 7th featuring a 10 AM parade, followed by alligator wrestling, live music, crafts, and a 7 PM ranch rodeo. Events run all day to 9 PM, with additional activities including a 7:30 AM pancake breakfast and a 11:30 AM Navy SEAL demo.

Chalo Nitka Festival Key Schedule for Saturday, March 7, 2026

7:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Pancake Breakfast (Elementary School Cafeteria)
10:00 AM: Chalo Nitka Festival Parade (U.S. 27)
11:00 AM: Festival Grounds Open (Crafts, Food, Music, Alligator Wrestling)
11:30 AM: Navy SEAL Museum Demo Team (1992 Williams Rd)
7:00 PM: Chalo Nitka Ranch Rodeo (Bronson Arena)
8:00 PM: Teen Dance
9:00 PM: Adult Dance (Doyle Conner Building)

Chalo Nitka Festival Admission Information: Rodeo: Adults $15, Youth (6-12) $5, Kids (5 and under) Free

Location: 198 6th St., Moore Haven, FL 33471