No Criminal Charges In Clewiston Crash

CLEWISTON, FL — The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is issuing a formal update regarding the single-vehicle commercial property collision that occurred at the First Bank location near Berner Road and US Highway 27 on July 15, 2026.

Following the initial on-scene investigation, CPD officers determined that a male driver was exiting an adjacent oil change facility when he inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to strike the exterior wall of First Bank. While no pedestrians or additional vehicles were involved in the collision, the female passenger suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen at the time of impact and sustained critical injuries after striking the windshield. 

CPD has received the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Report detailing the outcome of their investigation, which determined that her death was a result of the collision.

The Clewiston Police Department has reviewed the Medical Examiner's report and all evidence. At this time, the investigation is closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.

The Chief of Police and the members of the Clewiston Police Department extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family and loved ones during this difficult period. 

In light of this tragic outcome, CPD strongly reinforces the critical necessity of vehicle occupant safety. Even during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot navigation, or short trips, proper seatbelt restraint remains the single most effective measure to prevent traumatic injury and loss of life. 

Food Safety Report - Log Cabin Bar-B-Que Restaurant

LABELLE, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection at LaBelle's Log Cabin Bar-B-Que LLC found six violations at the 115 seat restaurant. The inspection was August 12. Michael Reale is the owner of the company.

Inspector's Notes

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling stained with grease/smoke. **Repeat Violation**
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license current but not displayed.
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in the cook area cracked.
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the walk in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, operator removed for cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken**
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available for quaternary or chlorine sanitizer.

Violations in the  following areas:

1 + Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
1 * Dishwashing facilities; chemical test kit(s); gauges
1 * Current license properly displayed
1 Food-contact and nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
2 Floors, walls, ceilings and attached equipment properly constructed and clean; rooms and equipment properly vented

Source: https://data.tallahassee.com/restaurant-inspections/hendry/log-cabin-bar-b-que/sea3600511/7418160/

Alberto Escobar Bemudes Dies At 88

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Papi, known to most as "Chino."

Alberto Escobar Bemudes was born in Cuba on August 8, 1938, to the late Antonio and Maria Pena. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, after being blessed with 88 years of life.

A true survivor, Alberto immigrated to the United States in 1972, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and a genuine love of living.

Alberto was a lover of life. He had a special kindness for children and an unfiltered sense of humor-usually sprinkled with a little sarcasm for everyone else. He brought so much light and laughter into our family, and his presence will never be forgotten.

As the longtime owner of Chino's Nursery, Alberto spent many years growing and sharing the trees, plants, and flowers that are still rooted throughout our community today. They are a living reminder of the life he built and the beauty he leaves behind.

He is survived by his children, Mildrey McConvery (Michael), Alberto Hernandez, and Anthony Escobar (Renee); his grandchildren, Alison, Jennah, Kyton, and Keily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

We will always remember his laughter, his humor, his kindness, and the many things he nurtured throughout his life. His memory will continue to grow in the hearts and lives of all who loved him.

Driver Dead In Crash On SR82 In Collier County

Collier County - State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road- FATAL

DATE: 8/17/26
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road – Collier County

CASE #: FHP26ON383793
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton

VEHICLE 1: 2020 Nissan
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 75 of Lehigh Acres / Fatal

VEHICLE 2: 2013 Dump Truck
DRIVER 2: Male / Age 60 of Lehigh Acres / No Injury

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 was attempting to turn left from Corkscrew Road onto westbound State Road 82.
Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 82.

Vehicle 1 made the left turn Infront of the approaching Vehicle 2.
The front of Vehicle 2 collided with the side of Vehicle 1.

Driver 1 sustained serious injuries, was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.

The crash remains under investigation.

Rowland Walker Dies At 97

Rowland was born August 9, 1928, in Berrien County, Georgia, to Rowland Andrew Walker, Sr. and Jane Melissa Robinson Walker. He gained his wings and joined Jesus on August 7, 2026, just two days shy of his 98th birthday. Rowland was one of 13 children and now joins all of his brothers and sisters in heaven.

Rowland joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served our country proudly. Later in life, he worked at Kilgore Seed in Fort Myers and Immokalee, Florida Favorite Fertilizer, eventually becoming a farmer for Six L’s Farms in Corkscrew and Muse, where he farmed for many, many years.

Saying that Rowland loved farming is an understatement! He was also known as the “Pepper King” while farming. We can all still picture Rowland driving through the farm in his Grand Wagoneer while enjoying his cigar. That was an everyday sight that we will always love remembering. At the age of 97, he still had his yearly garden and could be seen sitting in his golf cart, hoeing the weeds or inspecting the neighbors’ chickens.

Besides farming, Rowland loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very dear to him and brought him immense joy. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He enjoyed sitting on his back porch with family and friends and talking on the phone while overseeing the neighborhood. Not much slipped by him.

Rowland was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and his daughter, Becky Decker.

Rowland leaves his cherished children: Andy Walker (Denise), Cindy Delessio (John), Jason Walker (Callie), and Harry Walker.

His grandchildren: Tim Aloneftis (Kristy), Melanie Rader, Clint Walker (Natalie), John Walker, and Haley Walker.

His great-grandchildren: Eric, Elizabeth, Aiden, Jake, Emma, and Lauren.

Rowland’s service will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda, with Brother Hollis Albritton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice or Future Farmers of America (FFA) at LaBelle High School.