Anthony Phillip Minimi Dies At 96

Anthony Phillip Minimi, lovingly known as Tony, departed this world on July 1, 2026, in LaBelle, Florida, at the age of 96. Born on February 5, 1930, in Garfield, New Jersey, Anthony lived a long and meaningful life defined by devotion to family, service to country, and joy in the simplest pleasures.

Tony’s story is one of lasting commitment and enduring love. He and his beloved wife Donna shared seventy remarkable years of marriage before her passing—a union marked by care, partnership, and resilience through the changing tides of life. Side by side, they built a legacy of love that continues to echo through generations.

From early adulthood, Anthony answered the call of duty to his country, proudly serving in the United States Navy. This sense of service and dedication persisted throughout his professional life as well, showing in the over 25 years he spent working as a Telegraph Operator with Western Union before his retirement in 1981. His work ethic and reliability became the cornerstone for his family and those who depended on him.

Faith and fellowship were guiding principles for Anthony. As a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, he forged friendships, engaged in community service, and let his Catholic faith inform his actions and character. These values shaped the man he was: principled, giving, and steadfast.

Yet, some of Tony’s greatest joys came from the warmth and laughter found in his own home. With an irresistible passion for Italian cooking, Tony crafted countless memories—and pizzas—around the dinner table. The music of his accordion and the aroma of home-cooked meals created a sanctuary for all who entered. He found contentment in tending his garden, the simple pleasure of woodworking, and sipping wine with meals, always surrounded by those he cherished.

If you asked Tony’s children and grandchildren, they would speak of a man who taught them respect, the importance of family, and the necessity of spending time with loved ones. He led by example, instilling values that will endure in their hearts as both lesson and comfort.

Anthony is survived by his devoted sons, Phillip Minimi, Anthony Minimi and two loving daughters, Pamela Narehood and Nancy Wilson. His legacy continues through a large and cherished family of grandchildren: Paul, Carl, Lisa, Gina, Anthony, Paul, Danny, Michele, Melissa, Alvie, Earle, Melissa, Mailodie, and Mira-Klode. tony also has many great-grandchildren whom he cherished very much. Each grandchild carries a unique memory and lesson from their grandfather, carrying his story ever forward.

Tony was preceded in death by his dear wife Donna McBride.

Though he has left this earthly life, Anthony Phillip Minimi’s spirit lives on—in the scent of a garden, in the notes of an old Italian song, and above all in the values, traditions, and memories he imparted to those he leaves behind.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on July 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. A Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, where the community will gather to honor and remember a life so well and beautifully lived.

Tony’s journey touched many, and the story of his love, strength, and laughter will remain forever part of those privileged to have known him.

Hendry County Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, DUI

ARREST BLOTTER

06/22/2026 – 06/29/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Darrell James Herndon, 67, LaBelle was arrested on June 23, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle, Dealing in Stolen Property, Fraud – Defraud to Obtain Property of Value less than $20,000.00

Joaquin Rosello Freeman, 59, Miami was arrested on June 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Morales on charges of Outstanding Warrant for Possession of Weapon or Ammo by a Convicted Felon

Richard James Lee, 40, Moore Haven was arrested on June 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Wendis Isabel Turcios, 37, Clewiston was arrested on June 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Gonzalez on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Rolando Gonzalez, 34, Clewiston was arrested on June 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Hannam on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Victor Madrid, 51, LaBelle was arrested on June 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson for Outstanding Felony Warrant

Sara Catherine English, 42, LaBelle was arrested on June 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Leavens on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Julio Gil Santana, 55, Irving, Texas was arrested on June 26, 2026, by Sgt. S. Kirkby on charges of 4 counts of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Harmful New Legend Drug without Prescription and DUI

Daniel Cavazos, 39, Lehigh Acres was arrested on June 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Sydney Ray Gore, 60, Clewiston was arrested on June 26, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Driving While License Suspended – Habitual Offender

Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on June 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Avisain Perez Perez, 37, LaBelle was arrested on June 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Battery by Strangulation

Jose Antonio Herrera, 24, LaBelle was arrested on June 27, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Gonzalez on charges of DUI

Benjamin Jay Carpenter, 38, Moore Haven was arrested on June 27, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramos on charges of Driving While License Revoked – 3rd of Subsequent Violation, Attached Tag not Assigned, and Failure to Register Motor Vehicle

Abraham Josafat Nunez, 21, LaBelle was arrested on June 27, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Garcia on charges of DUI

Lorenzo Antonio Andrade, 53, Lake Worth was arrested on June 28, 2026, by Sgt. J. Olvera for Outstanding Warrant – Trespass – Fire Projectile Across Private Land, Outstanding Warrant – Take Kill/Possession of Deer or Turkey Closed Season and Outstanding Warrant for Trespass not Structure/Convey – Violate Posted Notice

Holiday Office Closures Hendry County

Hendry County Government Offices Independence Day Closure Schedule

(June 29, 2026) – LaBelle, Fla. – Most Hendry County government offices will be closed Thursday, July 2 through Monday, July 6 in observance of the Independence Day holiday with the exception of the following:

· The Hendry County Clerk’s office in LaBelle and Court system will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, July 2 and Monday, July 6. The Clerk’s office in Clewiston will be closed on Thursday, July 2.

· The Hendry County Supervisor of Elections office will be open for regular business hours on Monday, July 6.

The Hendry County Tax Collector’s office will be open until 5:30pm on Wednesday, July 1 and will reopen at 7:30am on Tuesday, July 7.

All other County offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 7.

Baker Museum Free For Card Holders July 4-5

NAPLES, FL. -- Bank of America is helping families make the most of this weekend’s free museum access with tools designed specifically for kids and parents.

Through its Family Banking offering, parents can give children their own debit card at no cost while maintaining parental oversight, making it easier for families to access experiences like Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program without needing to manage separate ticket purchases. To sign up for the SafeBalance for Family Banking card, click here.

This upcoming weekend offers families across Southwest Florida a chance to explore local museums at no cost.

As part of Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program, Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive FREE general admission to participating cultural institutions on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, the first full weekend of each month.

Participating local museums include: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108

Pedestrian Killed In 2 A.M . Hit And Run In Clewiston

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the fatal hit and run crash on US 27 and Francisco Steet, in Hendry County.

Attached is photo of the suspected hit and run older model pickup truck, white in color, with a damaged left front headlamp assembly.

The suspected hit and run vehicle is a 1999 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck bearing Florida License Tag 57G-DPV (white in color / with toolbox in back / damage to left front fog lamp assembly).

Anyone with information regarding this pickup truck or driver is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol (*FHP) or Crimestoppers. Additional updates will be provided as needed.


DATE: 6/28/26
TIME: 2:00 AM

LOCATION: US 27 / Francisco Street, Hendry County
CASE #: FHP26ON0299170
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton

VEHICLE 1: Unknown
DRIVER 1: Unknown

PEDESTRIAN 1: Male / Pending positive identification

Vehicle 1 (unknown) was traveling south on US 27 (geographically east), approaching Francisco Street.
Pedestrian 1 (pending positive identification) was attempting to cross the travel lanes of US 27.
Vehicle 1 collided with Pedestrian 1.
Pedestrian 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. Positive identification pending.
Post collision, Driver 1 fled the scene in Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is possibly a dually pickup truck with left front damage.

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run crash, is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol (*FHP) or Crimestoppers.

UPDATE: July 29 - Exhaustive investigative efforts led to locating the suspected fatal hit and run truck (1999 Ford Ranger) in Osceola County. The investigation remains ongoing.