Scam Alert - Fake Jury Duty Calls

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has received several calls reporting calls from individuals claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office or the US Marshalls Office, claiming they failed to appear for Jury Duty. IT’S A SCAM.

The scammers often spoof official phone numbers and use high-pressure tactics, threatening arrest or legal action if you don't pay immediately. The caller may appear to be very legitimate -- with caller ID showing a sheriff’s office phone number and an official-sounding voice on the phone; recently victims are reporting the calls show no caller ID. The caller tells the potential victim to stay on the phone and to not hang up.

The scammer demands immediate payment (usually via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto) to avoid fake arrest warrants or fines for offenses like failing to appear for jury duty.

Please know that a law enforcement agency will NEVER call to demand money or threaten arrest over missed jury duty. Just know that bail/bond is not negotiable, and the government does not ask for Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, or any other form of digital payment apps.

Here’s how to handle unsolicited callers or suspicious messages:

- Hang Up or Stop Replying Immediately: Do not engage, argue, or attempt to verify details with the person on the line.

- Never Send Payment: Law Enforcement will NEVER demand payment over the phone, via text, or demand untraceable payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

- Protect Personal Information: NEVER share your Social Security number, banking details, or credit card information with an unsolicited caller or texter.

- Verify Directly: If you are unsure about your jury summons status, call the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at 863-674-5600.

- Report It: Report any fraudulent calls or scams to local law enforcement.

- Please share this post to help keep our community informed and protected.

Fire Department Practice Drill At Park

 

LABELLE, FL. -- Seen Monday, the LaBelle Fire Department doing training at the Sports Park on Forrey Drive. 

Wrecked cars were scattered at the park as they did practice drills. 

The Forrey Sports Park was recently opened with baseball, football fields, and restrooms. The park was under construction for almost a decade.

Photo Credit: Mary Tyner

Misleading Real Estate Buyer? Sierra Buys

 LABELLE, FL. -- TV ads have been popping up on local Southwest Florida stations advertising SierraBuys.com, stating they will buy your home with no added costs or commissions. This seems to be a rather typical real estate buying company that gives low ball offers to sometimes desperate home owners.

Looking at their webpage though, give no indications of the real name of the company or it's location. These are telltale signs to beware of, with some possible misleading business practices.

Most commonly these companies offer to buy at a very low price and then attempt to quickly sell the contract to a third party at a higher price.

A check with the Florida Secretary of State office shows the actual name of the company is Sierra Solitude LLC registered for business in Florida on July 24, 2026. 

The company's address is 1135 TERMINAL WAY UNIT 209, RENO, NV 89502 with a mailing address of 5150 MAE ANN AVE STE 405 #5338, RENO, NV 89523. The company's owner is JOEL W. JANSON, 5150 MAE ANNE AVE STE 405, RENO, NV 89523.

The address is a FedEx mailing drop center and an office shared with other companies.

Their TV ad shows a BBB "A" rating, but nothing shows up for the company under their Florida business name. But, a Nevada company, Sierra Homebuyers does have a BBB page with the same owner, Joel Janson of Reno. 

On Reddit, opinions are mixed regarding Sierra Buys: some reviewers reported a fast and straightforward transaction, while others noted receiving lowball offers or persistent follow-up communication.

Advice: Unless you need to sell quickly and don't care if you get a way below market value, this could be an option, and be prepared for a not as easy as advertised deal. Otherwise, contact a local real estate agent and list and sell at a normal price.

Veterans Day Free Admission To State Parks

This Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Florida State Parks will offer free admission to all visitors. This year, while America celebrates 250 years as an independent nation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites Floridians and visitors to reflect on the path of freedom and remember the dedicated service of the men, women and their families who guided us to 250 years of liberty.

Many state parks have historical ties to military service, having once served as strategic outposts and training grounds. These sites now stand as places for remembrance and education, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the settings and key figures of the stories that shaped our history. 

Notable examples include:Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, in Alachua County, where a frontier trading post facilitated commerce between Native Americans and British settlers.

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, in Wakulla County, where control of the fort shifted during periods of British rule.

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Amelia Island State Park and Fort Clinch State Park, in Nassau County, which were connected to small military conflicts and border tensions with the neighboring colony of Georgia.

Avalon State Park, in St. Lucie County, the site of a World War II training camp used to develop the frogmen who would later become the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, in Monroe County, which played an important role in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.  

In addition to free admission on Veterans Day, Florida State Parks show their appreciation for those who serve by offering year-round benefits to honor the commitment and sacrifice of service members and their families, including: A 25% discount on annual entrance passes for active-duty and honorably discharged veterans.

Free lifetime military entrance passes for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as for surviving spouses and parents of those who died in combat.

Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including those for overnight accommodations, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.

Cessna 172 Lands On Highway In Fort Myers, Florida

 

FORT MYERS, FL. --  A 1963 Cessna 172D Skyhawk aircraft crashed near Bayshore Road and I-75 Saturday afternoon about 1:50 pm. Two pilots were aboard the aircraft when they experienced a mechanical issue and attempted an emergency landing.

During the landing, the aircraft crashed into the rear of a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Bayshore Road. No injuries have been reported at the scene.

The four seater plane took off from Sebring Airport at 12:55 pm and followed US27 to SR70 going above Arcadia, and then south along SR31 to North Fort Myers where it landed on SR78.

The registered owner of aircraft N2905U is Edward B. Kear of Bonita Springs, Florida.

Photo credit: Lee County Sheriff/Facebook