FHP Press Release –Hendry County -Montura Avenue / South Hacienda Street
DATE: 8/8/26
TIME: 7:55 PM
LOCATION: Montura Avenue / South Hacienda Street, Hendry County
CASE #: FHP26ON0368884
INVESTIGATOR: Trooper B. Petty
VEHICLE 1: 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe (Marked Hendry County Sheriff’s Office)
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 24 / Clewiston / Minor Injury
VEHICLE 2: 2016 Chevrolet Cruz
DRIVER 2: Female / Age 61 / Clewiston / Non-Incapacitating Injury
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 (Marked Hendry County Sheriff’s Office SUV -equipped with activated emergency lights and siren) was traveling east on Montura Avenue, approaching the posted stop sign intersection of South Hacienda Street.
Vehicle 2 was traveling south on South Hacienda Street, approaching the (no posted stop sign) intersection of Montura Avenue
Vehicle 1 proceeded past the stop sign, entered the intersection and the front of Vehicle 1 collided with the side of Vehicle 2.
Post collision, Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway and overturned.
Post collision, Vehicle 2 rotated, traveled off the roadway, and collided with a concrete pillar and fence.
Driver 2 sustained non incapacitating injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The crash remains under investigation.
Sunday, August 09, 2026
Saturday, August 08, 2026
Your Amazon Driver Is Not An Amazon Employee
Amazon does not directly employ its last-mile delivery drivers. Instead, the company outsources deliveries through two primary contractor models: the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, where drivers wear Amazon uniforms and drive branded vans for local third-party businesses, and Amazon Flex, where gig workers use their own personal vehicles.
Delivery Service Partners (DSP)
Independent gig contractors sign up via Amazon Flex to pick up blocks of packages from fulfillment centers. Drivers use their own personal cars, SUVs, or trucks rather than corporate fleet vehicles.
This first-of-its-kind state-level lawsuit claims that while Amazon publicizes DSPs as independent small businesses, they are entirely captive entities dependent on Amazon for survival. [4, 5]
The Allegations: The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General charges that Amazon dictates routing software, electronic monitoring, quotas, and anti-union messaging scripts. It also highlights "no-poaching" rules that prevent DSPs from hiring drivers from other contractors, which artificially minimizes wage competition. [3, 5]
Delivery Service Partners (DSP)
Small, independent local businesses hire the drivers and manage day-to-day operations. Drivers wear Amazon-branded uniforms and drive blue Amazon-branded vans or rented vehicles provided through the program.
Legally, these drivers work for the third-party DSP owner, shielding Amazon from direct employment liabilities, though regulatory lawsuits challenge the level of control Amazon exerts over these operations.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex
Independent gig contractors sign up via Amazon Flex to pick up blocks of packages from fulfillment centers. Drivers use their own personal cars, SUVs, or trucks rather than corporate fleet vehicles.
Workers operate similarly to ride-share or food-delivery app operators, getting paid per completed route block rather than standard hourly employee wages.
Legal Actions Involving Amazon's Delivery Network
The most significant recent legal action involving the Amazon delivery network is a major federal antitrust lawsuit filed by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on August 4, 2026. The landmark lawsuit alleges that Amazon operates an illegal monopsony—abusing its dominant buying power in the labor market—to deliberately suppress wages and enforce punishing working conditions across its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) network. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The core legal battles shaking Amazon's logistics model focus on three main fronts:1. The New Jersey Antitrust Lawsuit (August 2026)
This first-of-its-kind state-level lawsuit claims that while Amazon publicizes DSPs as independent small businesses, they are entirely captive entities dependent on Amazon for survival. [4, 5]
The Allegations: The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General charges that Amazon dictates routing software, electronic monitoring, quotas, and anti-union messaging scripts. It also highlights "no-poaching" rules that prevent DSPs from hiring drivers from other contractors, which artificially minimizes wage competition. [3, 5]
Amazon's Defense: Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly stated the suit "is not grounded in fact," reiterating that DSPs maintain independent control over their fleet management, hiring, and business decisions. [3]
2. The NLRB "Joint Employer" Decision (June 2026)
2. The NLRB "Joint Employer" Decision (June 2026)
For years, labor unions like the Teamsters pushed the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to classify Amazon as a "joint employer" of DSP drivers, which would legally force Amazon to sit at the bargaining table. [6, 7]
The Ruling: In a massive victory for the e-commerce giant, the NLRB ruled that Amazon is not a joint employer with its delivery partners. [8]
The Ruling: In a massive victory for the e-commerce giant, the NLRB ruled that Amazon is not a joint employer with its delivery partners. [8]
The Impact: The board found that providing training, route technology, and performance parameters does not constitute direct employment. This significantly limits Amazon's immediate legal liability for local contractor labor disputes. [8, 9, 10]
3. Amazon Flex Independent Contractor Battles
3. Amazon Flex Independent Contractor Battles
Parallel to the DSP lawsuits, states continue to challenge the Amazon Flex gig-worker model. The New Jersey Department of Labor has a concurrent, active lawsuit accusing Amazon Logistics of misclassifying Flex drivers as independent contractors, demanding back-wages and full employment benefits for these gig workers. [1, 11]
[1] https://www.njoag.gov
[2] https://www.youtube.com
[3] https://www.wsj.com
[4] https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com
[5] https://www.nytimes.com
[6] https://www.staffingindustry.com
[7] https://www.facebook.com
[8] https://support.trustwave.com
[9] https://bvwd.ca.gov
[10] https://www.rssinc.com
[11] https://www.njoag.gov
[1] https://www.njoag.gov
[2] https://www.youtube.com
[3] https://www.wsj.com
[4] https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com
[5] https://www.nytimes.com
[6] https://www.staffingindustry.com
[7] https://www.facebook.com
[8] https://support.trustwave.com
[9] https://bvwd.ca.gov
[10] https://www.rssinc.com
[11] https://www.njoag.gov
Friday, August 07, 2026
John Russell Yancey Dies At 85
John Russell Yancey, known to his family and friends as Russ, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026. He was 85 years old.
Born on March 7, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida, Russ lived a life characterized by steady commitment to his family and faith.
He spent over 35 years as a bank executive and mortgage banker. During that time, he became a familiar figure in Southwest Florida, helping families navigate the complexities of homeownership with patience and a calm, dependable presence. Before establishing his career, he served in the United States Army from August 3, 1961, to September 12, 1970. He retired as a Warrant Officer 2 and served in Vietnam. The discipline and perspective he gained during his military service stayed with him, and he often enjoyed sharing stories from those years.
On February 28, 1976, he married Carol. They celebrated 50 years of marriage, a milestone they recently marked. He was a devout Catholic, finding strength and consistency in his faith.
He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.
Russ’s world revolved around his family. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, William S. Stagner; his grandchildren, Jason (Christie) Yancey, Miranda (John) Middleton, and Jay Yancey; daughter-in-law, Veronica Yancey; and his great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kopper, Rylee, Charlotte, Ella, and Ember. He was also close with Judy Seelback, his sister-in-law, as well as his brothers-in-law and their wives: Michael and Rosey Brockamp, and Dan and Deborah Brockamp. He held his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family in high regard, always valuing the time spent together.
He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.
When he wasn't working, Russ enjoyed simple pleasures. He was an avid bowler for many years and took pride in teaching the sport to local youth. He enjoyed watching football and was rarely one to turn down a game of cards.
A visitation will be held on August 12, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home, located at 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. A mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. He will be laid to rest at Alva Cemetery, on Cemetery Road in Alva, FL 33920, at 12:00 p.m.
Russ lived a full life, not marked by grand gestures but by the consistent and dependable way he showed up for those he loved. He will be deeply missed.
Born on March 7, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida, Russ lived a life characterized by steady commitment to his family and faith.
He spent over 35 years as a bank executive and mortgage banker. During that time, he became a familiar figure in Southwest Florida, helping families navigate the complexities of homeownership with patience and a calm, dependable presence. Before establishing his career, he served in the United States Army from August 3, 1961, to September 12, 1970. He retired as a Warrant Officer 2 and served in Vietnam. The discipline and perspective he gained during his military service stayed with him, and he often enjoyed sharing stories from those years.
On February 28, 1976, he married Carol. They celebrated 50 years of marriage, a milestone they recently marked. He was a devout Catholic, finding strength and consistency in his faith.
He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.
Russ’s world revolved around his family. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, William S. Stagner; his grandchildren, Jason (Christie) Yancey, Miranda (John) Middleton, and Jay Yancey; daughter-in-law, Veronica Yancey; and his great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kopper, Rylee, Charlotte, Ella, and Ember. He was also close with Judy Seelback, his sister-in-law, as well as his brothers-in-law and their wives: Michael and Rosey Brockamp, and Dan and Deborah Brockamp. He held his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family in high regard, always valuing the time spent together.
He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.
When he wasn't working, Russ enjoyed simple pleasures. He was an avid bowler for many years and took pride in teaching the sport to local youth. He enjoyed watching football and was rarely one to turn down a game of cards.
A visitation will be held on August 12, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home, located at 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. A mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. He will be laid to rest at Alva Cemetery, on Cemetery Road in Alva, FL 33920, at 12:00 p.m.
Russ lived a full life, not marked by grand gestures but by the consistent and dependable way he showed up for those he loved. He will be deeply missed.
Glades Fatal Traffic Death - Driver Convicted After Two-Day Trial
Moore Haven (August 7, 2026) – Kimaini Jharon Holmes, of Ocala, was convicted of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, following a two-day trial in Glades County.
Assistant State Attorney Evan Chaput and Assistant State Attorney Natalie Savino, Circuit Court Chief, prosecuted the case.
The crime happened on September 21, 2024, just after 4 a.m. The defendant was driving a semi on U.S. 27, near Boar Hammock Ranch Road, and hit a pedestrian who was in the northbound lane. The defendant drove off without stopping.
Another driver came across the scene as the defendant was driving away and immediately called 911. While that witness was on the phone with 911 reporting the incident, the victim was run over by a second vehicle. The driver of that second vehicle immediately stopped. The victim, a 19-year-old man, died on scene.
The defendant’s semi was located in Georgia several days later. The Florida Highway Patrol conducted an extensive investigation leading to the identification and arrest of the defendant.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026.
Wednesday, August 05, 2026
Should You Make A Phone Call During A Traffic Stop?
Making a phone call during a traffic stop can be risky.
Police officers may view reaching for a phone as a threat or a sign you are hiding something or signaling someone to come to the scene. Using your phone can quickly escalate a routine stop into something more serious.
Ask for permission before reaching for your phone if your digital license or insurance is on it. Narrate your actions clearly, telling the officer exactly where the phone is located. Avoid sudden, sharp movements when handling any device in your vehicle.
You generally have the right to record police in public spaces. This right does not mean you can use your phone whenever you want. An officer can order you to stop recording or put the phone away if it interferes with safety.
Police officers make immediate judgments when you reach for or use a phone during a traffic stop. Their primary concern is safety and control of the situation and to make sure your attention is not diverted during questioning.
Officers will always make a threat assessment of your movements and speech: Reaching into pockets or bags for a phone looks identical to reaching for a hidden weapon.
Using a phone signals that you are not paying full attention to their commands, which increases tension. Typing or looking down can make an officer think you are trying to hide contraband or coordinate with someone.
An officer might order you to put the phone down immediately.
Picking up a non-emergency call can be interpreted as a lack of respect, defiance, or a refusal to cooperate.
Ask for permission before reaching for your phone if your digital license or insurance is on it. Narrate your actions clearly, telling the officer exactly where the phone is located. Avoid sudden, sharp movements when handling any device in your vehicle.
You generally have the right to record police in public spaces. This right does not mean you can use your phone whenever you want. An officer can order you to stop recording or put the phone away if it interferes with safety.
Distracting the officer can lead to charges of obstruction or failure to obey.
Best Practices During a Traffic Stop By Law Enforcemen
Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel.
Tell the officer before you reach for your phone to get insurance or documents.
Wait until the stop is completely over to make non-emergency calls.
Record video from a fixed, visible mount if you choose to record the stop.
Tell the officer before you reach for your phone to get insurance or documents.
Wait until the stop is completely over to make non-emergency calls.
Record video from a fixed, visible mount if you choose to record the stop.
Video courtesy YouTube: City of Pahokee, Palm Beach, Fl arrest April 22, 2026
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