Rowland Walker Dies At 97

Rowland was born August 9, 1928, in Berrien County, Georgia, to Rowland Andrew Walker, Sr. and Jane Melissa Robinson Walker. He gained his wings and joined Jesus on August 7, 2026, just two days shy of his 98th birthday. Rowland was one of 13 children and now joins all of his brothers and sisters in heaven.

Rowland joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served our country proudly. Later in life, he worked at Kilgore Seed in Fort Myers and Immokalee, Florida Favorite Fertilizer, eventually becoming a farmer for Six L’s Farms in Corkscrew and Muse, where he farmed for many, many years.

Saying that Rowland loved farming is an understatement! He was also known as the “Pepper King” while farming. We can all still picture Rowland driving through the farm in his Grand Wagoneer while enjoying his cigar. That was an everyday sight that we will always love remembering. At the age of 97, he still had his yearly garden and could be seen sitting in his golf cart, hoeing the weeds or inspecting the neighbors’ chickens.

Besides farming, Rowland loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very dear to him and brought him immense joy. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He enjoyed sitting on his back porch with family and friends and talking on the phone while overseeing the neighborhood. Not much slipped by him.

Rowland was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and his daughter, Becky Decker.

Rowland leaves his cherished children: Andy Walker (Denise), Cindy Delessio (John), Jason Walker (Callie), and Harry Walker.

His grandchildren: Tim Aloneftis (Kristy), Melanie Rader, Clint Walker (Natalie), John Walker, and Haley Walker.

His great-grandchildren: Eric, Elizabeth, Aiden, Jake, Emma, and Lauren.

Rowland’s service will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda, with Brother Hollis Albritton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice or Future Farmers of America (FFA) at LaBelle High School.

Clewiston Country Club Found With Repeat Food Safety Violations

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection by the State found numerous violations at the Clewiston Country Club. The 120 seat restaurant was found to have many repeat violations,  an administrative complaint was requested, and a follow-up inspection is required.

Officers of the non-profit corporation Clewiston Country Club, LLC are Karl Larson and Francis Spry.

From the report:

Inspector's Notes

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
High Priority - Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. One item on bar did not have a cover. Operator provided cover. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation: Observed in walk in cooler Chicken salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Coleslaw made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding). Operator removed from buffet and walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler Chicken salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Coleslaw made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding). Operator removed from buffet and walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Acetone stored on shelf with clean tea pitchers. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**

Violations of the following safety rules:

1 + Approved source
1 + Original container: properly labeled, date marking, consumer advisory
1 + Food protection, cross-contamination
1 + Chemicals / toxic substances
1 In use food dispensing utensils properly stored

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, DUI

ARREST BLOTTER

08/03/2026 – 08/09/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Edgar Eduardo Sanchez, 33, LaBelle was arrested on August 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez oh charges of Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Resist Officer without Violence, Prevent Communication with Law Enforcement and 2 counts of Misd. Failure to Appear

Rollin Lee Lafollette, 39, Moore Haven was arrested on August 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Juan M. Castro-Hernandez, 28, LaBelle was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Christopher Diaz, 23, Clewiston was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Det. Calvo for 6 counts of Lewd & Lascivious – vic 12-16 years of age, 4 counts of Lewd & Lascivious Suspect 18+ Molest vic 14-16 years of age and 1 count Lewd & Lascivious by Person 18 years of age or older

TJ Phillips, 20, Clewiston was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Det. Calvo on charges of 2 counts of Lewd & Lascivious – vic 12-16 years of age, 2 counts of Lewd & Lascivious Suspect 18+ Molest vic 14-16 years of age and 1 count Lewd & Lascivious by Person 18 years of age or older

Ricardo Santos Garcia, 50, LaBelle was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. DiBernardo on charges of DUI and DUI-Refusal to Submit

Antwaun Michael Fussell, 46, LaBelle was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Det. Sgt. D. McNeil on charges of Felony Battery on DCF Employee

Peterson Hypolite, 33, Crestview was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Ag. Det. E. Atkinson on charges of Felony – Destroy/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission

Ethan Lake Taylor, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Daismel Nunez Ramirez, 42, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans for Outstanding Warrants – Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill and Battery

Olga Lidia Noy, 61, Clewiston was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Felony Violation of Probation

Barbaro Yonlismel Correa Montano, 35, Tampa was arrested on August 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff C. Amoruso on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Linda Ann Evenes, 60, LaBelle was arrested on August 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Rodrigo Villa Hernandez, 38, LaBelle was arrested on August 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of DUI and DUI-Refusal to Submit

Hendry County Emergency 911 Texting

Hendry County has launched Text-to-9-1-1, providing another way to reach emergency services for individuals who are unable to make a voice call during an emergency, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

If you need emergency assistance but are unable to speak or cannot safely make a voice call, you can send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone. To use Text-to-9-1-1, enter 911 in the “To” field and include the location and nature of the emergency in your message.

Traditional 9-1-1 voice calls are still preferred whenever possible, as they remain the fastest and most effective way for dispatchers to gather critical information and respond to an emergency.

Fort Denaud Bridge Closed To Boats Until 5 pm Monday

LaBelle, Fla. – The Fort Denaud Bridge is closed to boat traffic until further notice while FPL makes repairs to the power line serving the bridge tender house. It is expected that the repairs will be completed by 5:00 pm today.

The Fort Denaud Bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic. However, motorists should be watchful of County employees while crossing the bridge. Hendry County Road & Bridge will be performing maintenance to the Fort Denaud Bridge while the bridge is closed to boat traffic.

The boat traffic closure is necessary in order for crews to conduct emergency repairs.
Additional notice will be provided regarding when the bridge will re-open to boat traffic.