Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the final rule regarding stocking standards for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring a broader variety of nutritious food is available to SNAP participants at authorized retailers across the country.
The Food and Nutrition Service has taken action on nearly 3,200 retailers regarding current stocking standards, either for failing to meet them upon application or failing to maintain them once authorized. The latter results in disqualification from accepting SNAP benefits.
“To turn the tide on our nation’s health crisis, we need to ensure our nutrition assistance programs emphasize real food first, and that’s exactly what these updates to SNAP retailer requirements will do,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “
Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits must now carry seven varieties of items across four categories of staple foods: protein, grains, dairy, and fruits and vegetables. This change more than doubles the requirement of available foods, emphasizes more whole foods, increases the perishable food requirements, and eliminates loopholes that for too long have allowed retailers to count certain snack foods toward their staple food requirements.
These changes will not only ensure families in need have more nutritious options wherever they shop but demand more accountability from retailers who not only have stocked the bare minimum, but have seen the most program violations, including benefit trafficking and other fraudulent behavior.
These updates go into effect Fall 2026, and the Department plans to issue additional guidance to retailers in the coming weeks.
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Friday, May 01, 2026
Obituaries - Christopher Lee Pearson, Berkely B. Bunzey
Christopher Lee Pearson, beloved son, longtime partner, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Berkely B. Bunzey, age 75, of LaBelle, Florida passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026. Obituary is pending.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
Christopher is survived by his devoted longtime partner, Richard Garcia; his loving mother, Melisa Jaynes; his brothers, Dustin Pearson and James Jaynes; and his sister, Lisa Dodson.
He also leaves behind extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory always.
Christopher’s life was marked by the deep connections he formed and the care he showed to those around him. Whether through laughter, support, or simply being present, he made a difference in the lives of many.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.
Opposition to Oil Campaign for Legal Immunity ACT of 2026
Dear editor at Southwest Florida Online,
Every time a climate disaster hits we see the same story. Families lose homes, roads are washed out, and taxpayers foot the bill, all while oil and gas companies rake in profits. Fossil fuel corporations knew about the climate crisis for decades and continue to mislead the public. They're getting richer off our tax dollars. Now, oil and gas lobbyists are urging Congress to give them total legal immunity.
Republican lawmakers have introduced federal legislation, Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, that would shield oil and gas from any laws or lawsuits that aim to hold them accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
I've seen it firsthand. Across the country, communities like mine are struggling to rebuild after floods, wildfires, and extreme heat, all disasters made worse by fossil fuel pollution. Here in Southwest Florida our agricultural industry is struggling under unusual cycles of drought, flood and heat.
It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of taxpayers shouldering the cost, the companies that profited from creating this mess would help fund the rebuilding of roads, homes, schools, and critical infrastructure. We must demand Congress protect our right to hold powerful corporations accountable and say NO to immunity for Big Oil and Gas.
That’s why I'm calling on Congress to oppose the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, Big Oil and Gas's campaign for legal immunity. If you make a mess, you should clean it up.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Roff
marshmaid@gmail.com, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy PMB 300, Clewiston, FL, US, 33440
Every time a climate disaster hits we see the same story. Families lose homes, roads are washed out, and taxpayers foot the bill, all while oil and gas companies rake in profits. Fossil fuel corporations knew about the climate crisis for decades and continue to mislead the public. They're getting richer off our tax dollars. Now, oil and gas lobbyists are urging Congress to give them total legal immunity.
Republican lawmakers have introduced federal legislation, Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, that would shield oil and gas from any laws or lawsuits that aim to hold them accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
I've seen it firsthand. Across the country, communities like mine are struggling to rebuild after floods, wildfires, and extreme heat, all disasters made worse by fossil fuel pollution. Here in Southwest Florida our agricultural industry is struggling under unusual cycles of drought, flood and heat.
It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of taxpayers shouldering the cost, the companies that profited from creating this mess would help fund the rebuilding of roads, homes, schools, and critical infrastructure. We must demand Congress protect our right to hold powerful corporations accountable and say NO to immunity for Big Oil and Gas.
That’s why I'm calling on Congress to oppose the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, Big Oil and Gas's campaign for legal immunity. If you make a mess, you should clean it up.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Roff
marshmaid@gmail.com, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy PMB 300, Clewiston, FL, US, 33440
100 mph Chase Through Clewiston - 2 Men Arrested
TRAFFIC PURSUITS RESULTS IN ARRESTS
CLEWISTON, FL. -- During the nighttime hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while on routine patrol, K9 Deputy Larry Rodriguez along with K9 Ranger attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 9th Street and Florida Avenue in the Clewiston community of Harlem.
The driver failed to stop and continued through the Harlem Community fleeing law enforcement with speeds increasing and with no regard to public safety. Deputy Rodriguez witnessed the subject fail to stop at a number of stop signs and continue to evade law enforcement.
As the vehicle turned south on US 27, the driver continued at speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour through the City of Clewiston. Deputy Rodriguez continued to pursue the subject south on US 27 at speeds in excess of over 100 mph and at one point turning off the lights of his vehicle in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle until it came to a stop in the City of South Bay.
The driver of the 2016 Hyundai, later identified as 24-year-old Natarius Janard Harvey of Pahokee, Florida, was seen exiting the moving vehicle leading deputies on a foot pursuit. K9 Ranger was able to track Harvey to a fenced area where he was taken into custody by law enforcement.
At the same time deputies were able to apprehend a second subject identified as 23-year-old Chamorian D. Thicklin of Clewiston, who also fled from the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit with deputies, Thicklin was apprehended.
Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail for booking.
Chamorian Deneydrian Thicklin, 23, was charged with Resisting Arrest and Felony Probation Violation.
Natarius Janard Harvey, 24, was charged with Flee Eluding Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest and Driving While License Suspended.
Both men are being held with No Bond.
CLEWISTON, FL. -- During the nighttime hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while on routine patrol, K9 Deputy Larry Rodriguez along with K9 Ranger attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 9th Street and Florida Avenue in the Clewiston community of Harlem.
The driver failed to stop and continued through the Harlem Community fleeing law enforcement with speeds increasing and with no regard to public safety. Deputy Rodriguez witnessed the subject fail to stop at a number of stop signs and continue to evade law enforcement.
As the vehicle turned south on US 27, the driver continued at speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour through the City of Clewiston. Deputy Rodriguez continued to pursue the subject south on US 27 at speeds in excess of over 100 mph and at one point turning off the lights of his vehicle in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle until it came to a stop in the City of South Bay.
The driver of the 2016 Hyundai, later identified as 24-year-old Natarius Janard Harvey of Pahokee, Florida, was seen exiting the moving vehicle leading deputies on a foot pursuit. K9 Ranger was able to track Harvey to a fenced area where he was taken into custody by law enforcement.
At the same time deputies were able to apprehend a second subject identified as 23-year-old Chamorian D. Thicklin of Clewiston, who also fled from the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit with deputies, Thicklin was apprehended.
Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail for booking.
Chamorian Deneydrian Thicklin, 23, was charged with Resisting Arrest and Felony Probation Violation.
Natarius Janard Harvey, 24, was charged with Flee Eluding Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest and Driving While License Suspended.
Both men are being held with No Bond.
Flora Gonzalez, Jose Perez, Maykel Calderon Arrested - Home Invasion Plot
THREE ARRESTED FOR HOME INVASON ROBBERY
CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Monday night, April 27, 2026, Hendry County Deputies responded to a home on East State Road 80 after receiving a call reporting a robbery.
Upon their arrival, Deputies met with the 52-year-old victim. He reported he had been sitting outside when approached by two unknown male subjects wearing hooded sweatshirts and face coverings. It was reported the victim was forcefully pushed to the ground and beaten several times in the face with a handgun, while suspects demanded money. The suspects then tied and bound the victim’s hands and feet with what was described as zip ties.
The victim’s wife was inside the residence and witnessed the incident taking place. She witnessed the incident take place then ran outside to help her husband. Deputies on scene were told It was at this time a second subject approached her, placing a knife to her side. The wife was then taken back into the residence where she surrendered $18,000.00 in cash to the suspects.
Detectives continued to follow up on leads the found a number of inconsistencies in the wife’s story. Through questioning it was found that the victim’s wife, 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez had known one of the suspects and did help orchestrate the attack of on husband. Gonzalez told Detectives that the plan had gone wrong, so she offered the suspect money to stop.
On April 29, 2026, Hendry County Detectives arrested 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez on charges of Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment. Gonzalez is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail.
Also arrested was Jose Enrique Calafet Perez, 48 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment and Maykel Calafet Calderon, 42 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary, False Imprisonment and Grand Theft.
All three subjects are being held with No Bond.
CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Monday night, April 27, 2026, Hendry County Deputies responded to a home on East State Road 80 after receiving a call reporting a robbery.
Upon their arrival, Deputies met with the 52-year-old victim. He reported he had been sitting outside when approached by two unknown male subjects wearing hooded sweatshirts and face coverings. It was reported the victim was forcefully pushed to the ground and beaten several times in the face with a handgun, while suspects demanded money. The suspects then tied and bound the victim’s hands and feet with what was described as zip ties.
The victim’s wife was inside the residence and witnessed the incident taking place. She witnessed the incident take place then ran outside to help her husband. Deputies on scene were told It was at this time a second subject approached her, placing a knife to her side. The wife was then taken back into the residence where she surrendered $18,000.00 in cash to the suspects.
Detectives continued to follow up on leads the found a number of inconsistencies in the wife’s story. Through questioning it was found that the victim’s wife, 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez had known one of the suspects and did help orchestrate the attack of on husband. Gonzalez told Detectives that the plan had gone wrong, so she offered the suspect money to stop.
On April 29, 2026, Hendry County Detectives arrested 64-year-old Flora Norys Gonzalez on charges of Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment. Gonzalez is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail.
Also arrested was Jose Enrique Calafet Perez, 48 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary and False Imprisonment and Maykel Calafet Calderon, 42 years of age, charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary, False Imprisonment and Grand Theft.
All three subjects are being held with No Bond.
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