Southwest Florida Online News
From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Monday, March 18, 2024
Hendry Sheriff Arrests This Week
03/11/2024 – 03/17/2024
Felony / DUI Arrests
17-year-old male, was arrested on March 11, 2024 by Cpl. L, Drew on charges of Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Minor and Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams
Jonathan Soto, 20, LaBelle was arrested on March 11, 2024, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams and 2 counts of Felony Probation Violation
Didier Rodriguez, 42, Clewiston was arrested on March 11, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Rodriguez on charges of DUI
Isaac Morales, 18, LaBelle was arrested on March 11, 2024, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Failure to Obey LEO’s Order to Stop
Joseph Lee Bright, 22, Clewiston was arrested on March 11, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Diego Armando Gonzalez, 53, Miami was arrested on March 11, 2024, by Sgt. M. Kinney on charges of Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle and Fleeing & Eluding
Juan Acosta, 56, Clewiston was arrested on March 12, 2024, by Det. J. Goldberg on charges of Torment/Deprive/Mutilate/Kill Animals (2 counts) and (12 counts) of Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle
Yendry Gurrier Ramos, 34, Clewiston was arrested on March 12, 2024, by Det. J. Goldberg on charges of Torment/Deprive/Mutilate/Kill Animals (2 counts) and (12 counts) of Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle
15-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on March 12, 2024, by Sgt. Z. Scelfo on charges of Intimidation-Send Written Threat to Kill
Issac Martinez, 63, LaBelle was arrested on March 12, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff J, Cieslinski on charges of Felony Trespass – Posted Construction Site
Billy McIver, 39, LaBelle was arrested on March 13, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff N. Todd on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Smuggling Contraband into Jail, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Out of County Warrant
Marcelina Reyes, 41, Clewiston was arrested on March 13, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Juan Jose Flores, 43, LaBelle was arrested on March 14, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Coronilla on charges of DUI, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Yudisleidy Arostegui-Hernandez, 30, Miami was arrested on March 14, 2024, by Sgt. C. Geraci on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Charles Edward Canty, 76, Clewiston was arrested on March 14, 2024, by Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Fleeing & Eluding LEO
Faith Ann Chirila, 23, LaBelle was arrested on March 14, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Rodriguez for Felony Failure to Appear
Cesar Escalera, 27, LaBelle was arrested on March 14, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Rodriguez on charges of DUI
Cyrus Joseph Sickler, 49, LaBelle was arrested on March 15, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff O. Gonzalez, on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Concealing Evidence and Carry Concealed Weapon
Herbert Ray Unkefer, 63, LaBelle was arrested on March 15, 2024, by Deity Sheriff O. Gonzalez on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Concealing Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender
Friday, March 15, 2024
Obituaries - Rolando Rancano, Age 37; Chase Allen Pascher, Age 29
He leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, survived by his devoted wife and sons; his mother, RosalĂa Pereiro; his father, Pedro Pereiro; and his siblings Tony Rancano, Ena Pereiro, Pedro Pereiro, Noemi Pereiro, and Priscila Pereiro. Roly's memory is preceded by his revered grandparents, Rolando Garcia, Pedro Pereiro-Cruz, and Emma Garcia.
The Pereiro family invites loved ones to join in a Celebration of Life to be held at 1:00 pm on March 23, 2024, at Christ Central Labelle. The Akin Davis Funeral Home in Labelle, FL, is honored to serve the Rancano family during this time.
An individual of many interests, Roly found joy in drawing, tattooing, and sharing humor with friends and family. His legacy will endure through the memories held by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and the impact of his artistic works. Roly's memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of his loved ones.
Chase Allen Pascher, age 29 of Clewiston Florida, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024. He is survived by his mother Jodi (Robbie) Rush and his grandfather Randall (Dorothy) Tinker. Services for Chase will be held privately at a later date.
Fort Denaud Bridge Closed Morning Of March 20
Maintenance will be conducted by the Hendry County Road & Bridge Department between the hours of 9am – 12pm.
Residents or motorists with any questions or concerns can contact the Hendry County Engineering Department at 863-675-5222.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Alert For Drone Pilots - New Flight Apps
The FAA is making some changes of which new and old drone pilots need to be aware.
The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge of the airspace from the ground up in the United States and territories, and for that reason mandates aircraft and pilots all need some type of identification and certification, including drones and their operators.
All drone operations fall under Part 107 of the U.S. Code that allow for commercial operations, while a set of rules has been set out for recreational operations. Small "mini" drones weighing under 250 grams (about 8 ounces) do not require registration with the FAA unless used for commercial use. However, all recreational pilots must take a free online course called TRUST and carry that certificate with them.
Among the rules for all drone pilots, no flying: beyond visible line of sight of the drone (about 1000 feet depending on drone size), over 400 feet above ground, over people and moving vehicles, at dark without an attached 3 mile visible light, and no take off or landing in designated "no fly" zones.
All drones over that weight must be registered with the FAA ($5 for three years). If the pilot is flying for commercial use, they must pass a Part 107 exam ($175) and carry their FAA issued UAS Remote Pilot Certificate with them.
Beginning March 16, 2024 the FAA is enforcing and requiring all drones to have "Remote ID," a device that broadcasts the location of the drone. Newly manufactured drones have that built in, older ones have to purchase a small unit to attach to the drone. ($75 and up). The exception are drones under 250 grams (about 8 ounces) that are not registered with the FAA and are flying for recreational purposes only. The Remote ID serial number has to be registered with the FAA.
A warning to businesses and individuals using a drone pilot for any commercial benefit. The FAA says you must use only a pilot carrying an official FAA UAS Remote Pilot Certificate, as you can personally can be liable and fined for using for commercial benefit anyone without an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Many real estate offices have been fined heavily for using unlicensed drone pilots.
Drone pilots now, beginning February 1, 2024, have several new apps and/or websites available to determine where it is safe or not safe to fly, and in some cases weather information, including the following:
opensky.wing.com
portal.airspacelink.com
airaware.aloft.ai
air.aloft.ai
autopylot.io (phone apps only - with weather)
avision.io (free for recreational, fee for commercial)
uasidekick.app (paid subscription service)
Hendry County Sheriff Arrests
03/04/2024 – 03/10/2024
Felony / DUI Arrests
Ryan Michael Guerrero, 18, LaBelle was arrested on March 4, 2024, by Det. Colon on charges of Discharging a Firearm from Vehicle, Shooting into a Dwelling, Attempted Homicide and Failure to Appear
Leatrice Beth Cypress, 42, Clewiston was arrested on March 4, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Luis Guillermo Ortiz Lopez, 44, Sunrise, Florida on March 4, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant
Lemorris Jacoby Davis, 27, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Equipment and Concealing/Destruction of Evidence
Madison Mathey Rudd, Jr., 29, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of 3 counts of Felony Probation Violation, Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Possession of Drug Equipment
Kaylena Pearl Williams, 26, Clewiston was arrested on March 5, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on 4 Counts of Felony Probation Violation
Francisco Garcia Rico, 43, LaBelle was arrested on March 5, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff R. Atkinson on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Tammy Leathem Landrum, 57, LaBelle was arrested on March 5, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff S. Kirkby on charges of Trafficking in Oxycodone
Hunter A. Avery, 22, LaBelle was arrested on March 6, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Griselda Zuniga, 37, LaBelle was arrested on March 7, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff W. Guevara on an Outstanding Warrant
Damien Ato Smith, 30, North Ft. Myers, was arrested on March 7, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
Derrick Dwayne Cooper, 49, LaBelle was arrested on March 7, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff B. Barrira on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Equipment and Attached Tag Not Assigned
Gabrielle Chantel Jones, 37, Clewiston was arrested on March 8, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of Felony Failure to Appear
Juana Juan Domingo, 35, Lehigh Acres was arrested on March 9, 2024, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of DUI
Terrance James Ford, 39, Clewiston was arrested on March 9, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Coronilla on charges of Felony DUI – 3rd Offense within 10 years
Keon De’Angelo Ward, 33, Clewiston was arrested on March 9, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Cadena on charges of Theft of Firearm, Destruction of Eviden and Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams
Christopher Isiah Fortune, 33, Clewiston was arrested on March 9, 2024k, by Deputy Sheriff D. Coronilla on charges of Armed Trespassing