Autism Services Launch In Naples August 4

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 29, 2026) – Family Initiative is expanding its services in Collier County through a new partnership with NAMI Collier County, increasing its presence in the Naples community. 

Family Initiative does not currently serve families in Naples, and this partnership fills a critical gap, bringing much-needed autism services and support directly to Collier County families. The partnership will be celebrated with a public launch luncheon on August 4, 2026, with programs and services beginning August 15. Representative Yvette Benarroch will participate in the launch event and offer remarks highlighting the importance of expanding access to autism services for Collier County families.

All Naples programming will be hosted at NAMI Collier's location, 5025 Castello Drive, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34103.

The Naples expansion launches with clinical services and a comprehensive slate of community-based programs, providing Collier County families access to individualized therapy along with ongoing peer and support groups.

Clinical Services

· ABA Therapy — Individualized Applied Behavior Analysis for children with autism.
· Occupational Therapy — Sensory processing, fine motor, and activities-of-daily-living (ADL) skill support, often paired with ABA therapy.

Community-Based Programs

· Playgroup — Third Saturday of each month, ages 4 and up.
· Teen Group — Tuesday evenings, ages 14-19, offered in six-week cycles.
· Young Adult Group — Tuesday evenings, ages 20-30, offered in six-week cycles.
· Free Autism Screenings — For children ages 1-3.

This partnership brings Family Initiative's services into Naples for the first time, filling a critical gap for families who have not had local access to these clinical services and community programs. Family Initiative said additional programming for the Naples community is planned through fall 2026.

The public launch event will be held on August 4, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at NAMI Collier, with remarks at noon and a light lunch provided. State Representative Yvette Benarroch will speak at the event. The event will introduce the partnership and highlight the programs launching in Naples.

For more information, contact Family Initiative at 239-910-0712 or info@fi-florida.org, or visit Fi-Florida.org.

Groups Join Hands To Study Hendry County Childcare

LABELLE, FL. -- Collaboratory, (Southwest Florida’s regional community foundation), the Hendry County Economic Development Council (EDC), Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, and the City of LaBelle have partnered to launch a community outreach initiative to better understand childcare needs across Hendry County.

The initiative builds on the City of LaBelle’s June 11 resolution authorizing an assessment of local childcare programs, needs, and barriers affecting families and providers. By gathering input from families, childcare providers, employers, and other community stakeholders, the assessment will guide future strategies to strengthen childcare access and support Hendry County’s workforce and economy. Residents, parents, employers, and childcare providers are encouraged to share their experiences through a brief community survey that will help guide future investments and solutions.

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is critical to both family well-being and a strong workforce. When childcare is unavailable, parents often reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether, impacting employers and the regional economy. By gathering community input, Collaboratory and the Hendry County EDC aim to identify specific barriers and develop actionable long-term, systems-level solutions.

This effort is part of Collaboratory’s broader partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation to strengthen early learning and workforce outcomes in the region and across Florida.

Findings from this assessment will help inform local planning in Hendry County while contributing to statewide conversations around early learning, economic mobility, and workforce development through Collaboratory’s unique data-sharing partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation.

Research from the Florida Chamber Foundation consistently demonstrates that early childhood experiences are among the strongest predictors of long-term educational and economic success. Across Florida, communities continue working to strengthen kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, and access to affordable, high-quality childcare because these factors are closely connected to workforce participation and long-term economic mobility.

The survey will explore:

Childcare availability and waitlists
Affordability challenges
Gaps in hours of operation
Workforce impacts on families and employers
Childcare provider staffing and capacity
Underserved areas and populations

Community members can participate by:

Completing the online survey: Link to the form
Emailing comments to keitha@hendryedc.com
Attending upcoming community listening sessions

Traffic Delays On LaBelle Bridge Through August 3

LaBelle, Fla. – Please be advised that, between Wednesday, July 29th and Monday, August 3rd, there will be minor traffic delays on State Road 29 at the LaBelle Bridge.

Motorists should expect periodic one-way traffic and flagging operations between 10am and 3pm and short duration closures (less than 15 minutes) during the overnight hours of 7pm – 2am while Florida Department of Transportation crews make final adjustments, install sensors, and perform load testing on the bridge.

The 17-ton load restriction on the LaBelle Bridge will remain in place for commercial vehicles. 

Commercial vehicles over 17-tons must continue to use the designated truck detour route.

Law enforcement will maintain their presence at Alva, Ft Denaud, and LaBelle bridges to prevent overweight vehicles from crossing the bridges.

Passenger vehicles should plan extra travel time and may experience brief delays.

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, DUI, Arson, Probation Violations

ARREST BLOTTER

07/20/2026 – 07/27/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Patrick D. Allen, 53, Clewiston was arrested on July 20, 2026, by Deput Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Felony Velation of Conditions of Release

Nicolas Lopez Vasquez, 64, Immokalee was arrested on July 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Ramirez Garcia on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Contempt of Court

Eric Anthony Matus, 46, LaBelle was arrested on July 20, 2026, by Sgt. R. Krasinskas on charges of Sex Assault

Frederick John Prather, 53, LaBelle was arrested on July 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Henry Wayne Hart, 62, LaBelle was arrested on July 21, 2026, by Sgt. J. Olvera on charges of Felony Violation of Probation

Charles Russell Sikes, 55, Alva was arrested on July 21, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Felony Out of State Fugitive (2 counts), 2 counts Resisting Officer without Violence

Juan Victor Ayala Lopez, 41, Clewiston was arrested on July 21, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 2nd or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Weapon by Florida Convicted Felony and Possession of Marijuana

Ian Johnathan Jobson, 26, Pompano Beach was arrested on July 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff F. Mazzello on charges of Felony Aggravated Battery on Person 65 years of age or older and Criminal Mischief

Alexis Mora Reyes, 40, Miami was arrested on July 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff P. Overbee on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Ivan Veliz Gomez, 51, Miami Lakes was arrested on July 23, 2026, by Det. K. Negron on charges of 1st Degree Arson

Calos Alvarez, 30, Clewiston was arrested on July 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Rosas on charges of Stalking, Aggravated Assault on LEO and Burglary Occupied Dwelling

Jose B. Alvarez, 58, Clewiston was arrested on July 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Rosas on charges of Burglary Occupied Dwelling, Stalking and Battery

Broderick DeShawn McKenie, 32, Clewiston was arrested on July 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Leavens on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Jose Fernando Arrieta, 35, LaBelle was arrested on July 23, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Resisting Officer with Violence, Battery on LEO and Contempt of Court

Carlos Alvarez, 30, Clewiston was arrested on July 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Rosas on charges of Stalking, Burglary Occupied Dwelling and Simple Assault

Dainer Ramos Toledo, 42, Clewiston was arrested on July 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI, DUI – Refusal to Submit to DUI Test and Reckless Driver

Jose B. Alvarez, 58, Clewiston was arrested on July 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Rosas on charges of Stalking, Burglary Occupied Dwelling and Battery on LEO

15-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on July 24, 2026, by Sgt. S. Kirkby on charges of Carry Concealed Firearm without Permit, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams

Jorge Santa Maria, 40, LaBelle was arrested on July 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Heidi Lorraine Weems, 54, LaBelle was arrested on July 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI and DUI – Refusal to Submit

Inflation - An Economic Cancer

Inflation: An Economic Cancer

Inflation is often described as an invisible tax, but another powerful metaphor is that it resembles a cancer within an economy. Like cancer, inflation can begin almost unnoticed. At first, the effects may seem manageable—a few higher prices here, a more expensive grocery bill there. Yet if the underlying causes are not addressed, inflation can spread through the economy, becoming increasingly difficult to control.

Easily seen in our current economy are high food prices (especially meats), car and truck prices (and accompanying monthly payment), credit card interest, gas and diesel prices, high housing prices and interest rates. and apartment rental prices. Tariffs on imported products are also raising prices on goods from and in most all countries, as well historic government and military spending.

When prices rise faster than wages, families lose purchasing power. Savings accumulated over years buy less, retirees on fixed incomes struggle to keep up, and businesses face higher costs for labor, materials, and transportation. As companies pass those costs on to consumers, prices continue to climb, creating a cycle that feeds on itself.

Persistent inflation also creates uncertainty. Businesses hesitate to invest because they cannot accurately predict future costs. Consumers postpone major purchases or rush to buy before prices increase further, which can place even more pressure on demand. Financial markets become more volatile as investors adjust to changing expectations about interest rates and economic growth.

Governments and central banks often respond by raising interest rates to slow spending and reduce inflationary pressures. While these measures can help restore price stability, they also make borrowing more expensive for households and businesses. Mortgages, car loans, and business financing become costlier, sometimes slowing economic growth and increasing unemployment in the short term.

History shows that inflation is most damaging when it becomes deeply embedded in expectations. If workers expect prices to keep rising, they seek higher wages. Businesses, anticipating higher labor costs, raise prices further. Breaking this cycle can require painful economic adjustments.

The comparison between inflation and cancer is not perfect. Cancer is a disease affecting living organisms, while inflation is an economic phenomenon influenced by many factors, including supply disruptions, demand, monetary policy, government spending, and global events. Moreover, modest inflation is generally considered a normal feature of a healthy economy, and many central banks aim for a low, stable inflation rate rather than zero inflation.

The danger lies in allowing inflation to become persistent and uncontrolled. Just as early detection and treatment improve medical outcomes, timely and effective economic policies can prevent inflation from undermining prosperity. Stable prices help families plan for the future, encourage business investment, protect savings, and support sustainable economic growth.

An economy thrives when people have confidence that the money they earn today will hold its value tomorrow. Protecting that confidence is one of the foundations of long-term economic health.