Dr. Ramon Leonard Carroll Jr. passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born in Greeneville, S.C., on Dec. 27, 1942, Dr. Carroll was known for his servant’s heart. He was an encourager and a giver whose impact was far reaching.
A 1960 graduate of Lenoir City High School in Tennessee, Leonard attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, finishing his undergraduate degree in two years. He went on to earn his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis, after which he completed his internship and residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Following medical school, Dr. Carroll served in the Army and the Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
After his military service, Leonard set up a general surgery practice in Chattanooga and earned his board certification. He soon felt called to rural, small-town medicine, a calling he passionately fulfilled for more than 33 years.
He moved to rural Jamestown, Tennessee, in 1989, where he served patients at his private practice and at Jamestown Regional Medical Center. In 2007, he moved to Clewiston, Florida, where he continued to practice medicine and quickly immersed himself in the community.
Dr. Carroll was a member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and Clewiston, eventually becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. In Clewiston, he served on the Hendry Regional Medical Center Foundation Board for many years. He was also a lifetime member of the Friends of the Clewiston Library.
Upon retirement from the full-time practice of medicine, Leonard never slowed down. He got his real estate license and was affiliated with Sugar Realty. After obtaining his broker’s license, he started Carroll Integrity Realty. In addition to his real estate business, Carroll continued to live out his calling and love for medicine by serving as the medical director for VITAS Home Hospice in Clewiston.
Dr. Carroll was a member of New Harvest Church, where he was as an elder and served on the board of directors for Harvest Academy Christian School.
In his free time, Leonard’s favorite hobby was reading, and you seldom saw him without a book in his hand. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he also enjoyed collecting stamps, books, and baseball cards.
Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Ramon Leonard Carroll Sr., his mother, Evelyn Morse Carroll, and his son Peter Benjamin Carroll.
Dr. Carroll is survived by Cindy, his wife of 41 years, and children Christi Ware of Nashville, Tennessee; Leonard Carroll III and Robert (Dara) Carroll of Cleveland, Tennessee; Lincoln (Kristine) Carroll of Frisco, Texas; and Emily (Jason) Gerwig of Springfield, Illinois. His legacy lives on through grandchildren Ashley Gunn, Jessica (Eric) Dustin, Ryanne Ware, Caitlin Forsythe, Chase Carroll, Chelsea Carroll, Lincoln Carroll, and Meredith Gerwig, and great-grandchildren Jason Gunn, Ryland Dustin, Emerson Dustin, Colson Forsythe, and Oaklynn Forsythe. He will also be remembered fondly by his loving extended family, including sister-in-law Betsy (Keith) Laakko of Elmhurst, Illinois, niece Annelise Laakko, and nephew Will Laakko.
We’ll always remember Leonard’s unique way of looking at the world:
“If you can’t see it until you see it, you will never see it.”
Leonard truly lived out that vision and spent his life pursuing a calling to serve others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at New Harvest Church in Clewiston on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Harvest Academy Christian School in the name of Dr. R. Leonard Carroll.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Mary Ellen Belk Dies At 92
We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk age 92, passed away on August 19, 2026, in her home following a lengthy illness.
Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk was born in Golddust, Tennessee on February 8, 1934, to the late John and the late Flossie Elizabeth Mooney Mahoney. She married George Maury "Sonny" Belk, Jr on July 4, 1952, in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee they were married for 48 years before he preceded her in death on November 5, 2000.
Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk was born in Golddust, Tennessee on February 8, 1934, to the late John and the late Flossie Elizabeth Mooney Mahoney. She married George Maury "Sonny" Belk, Jr on July 4, 1952, in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee they were married for 48 years before he preceded her in death on November 5, 2000.
Mary Ellen was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family whenever she could. Brat enjoyed shopping, being in the sun, gardening, traveling and spending precious hours with her adorable family and grandchildren. Brat's favorite saying "fully rely on sod - F.R.O.G.". Brat was a Godly woman who had a great sense of humor and who loved life to the fullest. If you knew Brat, then you knew what unconditional love felt like.
Brat leaves fond memories with her loving children; Ruth Ann (Lewell), Stephaine (Danny), Margo, Tina (Clay), her adorable eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren along with a host of other family members.
Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston.
Brat leaves fond memories with her loving children; Ruth Ann (Lewell), Stephaine (Danny), Margo, Tina (Clay), her adorable eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren along with a host of other family members.
Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, Assaults
ARREST BLOTTER
08/10/2026 – 08/16/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Stephanie Marquez, 35, Clewiston was arrested on August 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
Juan Jesus Bedolla, 20, Winter Garden, was arrested on August 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Smuggling Contraband into Detention Facility and Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant
Melissa Kay Bryant, 41, Moore Haven was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoke – 3rd of Subsequent Violation and Resist Officer without Violence
Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditional Release
Jean Riffin, 56, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Felony Destruction/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission
Sarah Michelle Garner, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Smiley Hendry, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
John Thomas Lange, 45, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession Drug Paraphernalia
Kai Javier Peak, 23, Immokalee was arrested on August 15, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Johnnie Joe Harper, 73, Clewiston was arrested on August 15, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Mfg/Del Controlled Substance
Ronal Gonzalez Maceo, 35 was arrested on August 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling
08/10/2026 – 08/16/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Stephanie Marquez, 35, Clewiston was arrested on August 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
Juan Jesus Bedolla, 20, Winter Garden, was arrested on August 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Smuggling Contraband into Detention Facility and Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant
Melissa Kay Bryant, 41, Moore Haven was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoke – 3rd of Subsequent Violation and Resist Officer without Violence
Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditional Release
Jean Riffin, 56, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Felony Destruction/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission
Sarah Michelle Garner, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Smiley Hendry, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
John Thomas Lange, 45, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession Drug Paraphernalia
Kai Javier Peak, 23, Immokalee was arrested on August 15, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Johnnie Joe Harper, 73, Clewiston was arrested on August 15, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Mfg/Del Controlled Substance
Ronal Gonzalez Maceo, 35 was arrested on August 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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