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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
US 41 Closed Between Markers 27 and 42
Naples, Fla- Florida Highway Patrol State Troopers are monitoring a wildfire along US 41 (Tamiami Trail) between Mile Markers 27 and 42 in Dade County. See below for US 41 road closure information.
COLLIER COUNTY:
US 41 east of State Road 29 is in the process of being CLOSED. Traffic traveling east on US 41, will be diverted onto northbound State Road 29, and may resume traveling east on Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley).
US 41 west of State Road 29 remains OPEN.
DADE COUNTY:
US 41 west of Krome Avenue (State Road 997) is in the process of being CLOSED. Traffic traveling west on US 41, will be diverted onto northbound Krome Avenue (State Road 997) , and may resume traveling west on Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley).
ALL Interstate 75 lanes remain OPEN and visibility is currently GOOD. Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for any changing conditions. Updates will be provided as needed. Travel Safe!
LOW VISIBILITY DRIVING TIPS:
Visibility can change within seconds. Wildfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain can all lower visibility on the roads. It is important for motorist to drive as safely as possible in these conditions.
DRIVE WITH LIGHTS on low beam. High beams will only be reflected off the fog and impair visibility even more. Your lights help other drivers see your vehicle, so be sure they all work. Keep your windshield and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility.
SLOW DOWN and watch your speedometer before you enter a patch of fog.
WATCH OUT for slow-moving or stopped vehicles. Open you window a little and listen for traffic you cannot see.
REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and keep your cell phone down. Your full attention is required.
USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windshield.
USE THE RIGHT EDGE of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
BE PATIENT avoid passing and/or changing lanes.
SIGNAL TURNS well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop.
DO NOT STOP on an Interstate or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal, then carefully pull off as far as possible and turn your hazard lights on.
COLLIER COUNTY:
US 41 east of State Road 29 is in the process of being CLOSED. Traffic traveling east on US 41, will be diverted onto northbound State Road 29, and may resume traveling east on Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley).
US 41 west of State Road 29 remains OPEN.
DADE COUNTY:
US 41 west of Krome Avenue (State Road 997) is in the process of being CLOSED. Traffic traveling west on US 41, will be diverted onto northbound Krome Avenue (State Road 997) , and may resume traveling west on Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley).
ALL Interstate 75 lanes remain OPEN and visibility is currently GOOD. Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for any changing conditions. Updates will be provided as needed. Travel Safe!
LOW VISIBILITY DRIVING TIPS:
Visibility can change within seconds. Wildfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain can all lower visibility on the roads. It is important for motorist to drive as safely as possible in these conditions.
DRIVE WITH LIGHTS on low beam. High beams will only be reflected off the fog and impair visibility even more. Your lights help other drivers see your vehicle, so be sure they all work. Keep your windshield and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility.
SLOW DOWN and watch your speedometer before you enter a patch of fog.
WATCH OUT for slow-moving or stopped vehicles. Open you window a little and listen for traffic you cannot see.
REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and keep your cell phone down. Your full attention is required.
USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windshield.
USE THE RIGHT EDGE of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
BE PATIENT avoid passing and/or changing lanes.
SIGNAL TURNS well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop.
DO NOT STOP on an Interstate or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal, then carefully pull off as far as possible and turn your hazard lights on.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Motorist Alert - Fort Denaud Bridge Weight Limit
Fort Denaud Bridge Weight Limit
(April 28, 2026) – LaBelle, Fla. – With the anticipated work by the Florida Department of Transportation on the SR 29 drawbridge in LaBelle on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, motorists should be mindful of the Ft. Denaud Bridge weight limit.
The weight limit for vehicles crossing Ft. Denaud Bridge is 5 tons.
Vehicles exceeding the weight limit will not be allowed to cross the Ft. Denaud Bridge.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies present to assist in monitoring this activity.
Vehicles exceeding the 5 ton weight limit should use the SR 31 Bridge to the west in Lee County or US27 Bridge to the east in Moore Haven.
Please use caution and allow for additional time for your commute.
(April 28, 2026) – LaBelle, Fla. – With the anticipated work by the Florida Department of Transportation on the SR 29 drawbridge in LaBelle on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, motorists should be mindful of the Ft. Denaud Bridge weight limit.
The weight limit for vehicles crossing Ft. Denaud Bridge is 5 tons.
Vehicles exceeding the weight limit will not be allowed to cross the Ft. Denaud Bridge.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies present to assist in monitoring this activity.
Vehicles exceeding the 5 ton weight limit should use the SR 31 Bridge to the west in Lee County or US27 Bridge to the east in Moore Haven.
Please use caution and allow for additional time for your commute.
LaBelle Bridge Closing April 28 At 6:30pm
LABELLE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will have a temporary closure tonight on State Road (S.R.) 29 on the LaBelle drawbridge due to bridge repairs.
Crews will begin work tonight after 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to place a bridge component. The operation will require the temporary full closure of the bridge while crews access the underside of the structure.
Motorists are encouraged to add additional travel time, follow posted signage, and use caution while traveling through the area.
FDOT appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as this repair work is performed.
For real-time traffic updates, visit the SWFL Roads website at https://www.swflroads.com.
Crews will begin work tonight after 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to place a bridge component. The operation will require the temporary full closure of the bridge while crews access the underside of the structure.
Motorists are encouraged to add additional travel time, follow posted signage, and use caution while traveling through the area.
FDOT appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as this repair work is performed.
For real-time traffic updates, visit the SWFL Roads website at https://www.swflroads.com.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Hendry County Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violation, Weapons Charge
ARREST BLOTTER
04/20/2026 – 04/26/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Suyin Escobar Giron, 40, Clewiston was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Possession of Fentanyl
Evelyn Shenita Ross, 59, Clewiston was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance within a Detention Facility
11-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramirez-Reyna on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance
Nery Denilson Mejia, 28, Greenacres was arrested on April 21, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Hannam on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender
Robert Christoper Saucier, 38, LaBelle was arrested on April 21, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Possession of Cocaine
Kimberly Ann Raqueina, 42, LaBelle was arrested on April 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Gabriela Ledezma, 33, LaBelle was arrested on Apil 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on Outstanding Warrants for charges of Vehicle Homicide, Reckless Driving resulting in Property/Personal Damage, DUI – Damage to Property or Person and DUI – Cause Death to Human
Jayden Lund Swindle, 22, Clewiston on April 22, 2206, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Retail Theft
Laura Ann Warren, 55, LaBelle was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Sgt. J. Newbern on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Parphernalia
Denirick Pope, 20, Clewiston was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Contempt of Court
Edwin Yamiel Cruz, 43, Cape Coral was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff N. Garza on charges of Possession of Cocaine
Grace Cadence Robbins, 21, Immokalee was arrested on April 24, 2026, by K9 Deputy Sheriff L. Rodriguez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 2nd Subsequent Offense
Johnkevius Rivers, 19, Clewiston was arrested on April 24, 2026, by Det. J. Goldberg on charges of Possession of Short-Barreled Shotgun or Machine Gun
Curtis Roger Binns, 40, Alva was arrested on April 24, 2026, by Deputy G. Hull on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Brandon Thomas Barker Stevens, 25, Clewiston was arrested on April 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Probation Violation
Omar Dijon Shaka Royes, 23, Belle Glade was arrested on April 26, 2026, by Det. D. Reaves on charges of Possession of Short Barreled Shotgun or Machine Gun
Israel Villa, 29, LaBelle was arrested on April 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of DUI, DUI – Refusal to Submit to Alcohol Test and Child Neglect without Great Bodily Harm
04/20/2026 – 04/26/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Suyin Escobar Giron, 40, Clewiston was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Possession of Fentanyl
Evelyn Shenita Ross, 59, Clewiston was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance within a Detention Facility
11-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on April 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramirez-Reyna on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance
Nery Denilson Mejia, 28, Greenacres was arrested on April 21, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Hannam on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender
Robert Christoper Saucier, 38, LaBelle was arrested on April 21, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Possession of Cocaine
Kimberly Ann Raqueina, 42, LaBelle was arrested on April 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Gabriela Ledezma, 33, LaBelle was arrested on Apil 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on Outstanding Warrants for charges of Vehicle Homicide, Reckless Driving resulting in Property/Personal Damage, DUI – Damage to Property or Person and DUI – Cause Death to Human
Jayden Lund Swindle, 22, Clewiston on April 22, 2206, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Retail Theft
Laura Ann Warren, 55, LaBelle was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Sgt. J. Newbern on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Parphernalia
Denirick Pope, 20, Clewiston was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Contempt of Court
Edwin Yamiel Cruz, 43, Cape Coral was arrested on April 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff N. Garza on charges of Possession of Cocaine
Grace Cadence Robbins, 21, Immokalee was arrested on April 24, 2026, by K9 Deputy Sheriff L. Rodriguez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 2nd Subsequent Offense
Johnkevius Rivers, 19, Clewiston was arrested on April 24, 2026, by Det. J. Goldberg on charges of Possession of Short-Barreled Shotgun or Machine Gun
Curtis Roger Binns, 40, Alva was arrested on April 24, 2026, by Deputy G. Hull on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Brandon Thomas Barker Stevens, 25, Clewiston was arrested on April 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Probation Violation
Omar Dijon Shaka Royes, 23, Belle Glade was arrested on April 26, 2026, by Det. D. Reaves on charges of Possession of Short Barreled Shotgun or Machine Gun
Israel Villa, 29, LaBelle was arrested on April 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of DUI, DUI – Refusal to Submit to Alcohol Test and Child Neglect without Great Bodily Harm
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