ARREST BLOTTER
02/16/2026 – 02/22/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Hannah Devoni-Lee Vazquez, 21, Clewiston was arrested on February 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Oxycodone and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Rene Luis Iturralde, 32, Clewiston was arrested on February 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramos on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 3rd or Subsequent Violation
Jose Manuel Esquivel, 42, LaBelle was arrested on February 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle
Efren Berumen, 39, Kissimmee was arrested on February 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty for three (3) counts of Trafficking in methamphetamine and 1 count of Trafficking in Fentanyl
Jamie Lee Long, 40, Clewiston was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Coley on charges of Possession of Cocaine and Violation of Court Order Release
Anthony Avalos, 22, Clewiston was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. DiBernardino on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender
Steven Winston Hartsfield, 50, North Fort Myers, was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of DUI and DUI-Refusal to Submit to Drug Test
Chase Michal Drapal, 26, Bartow was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Donavan Wallace Holcomb, 19, Fort Myers was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Reckless Driving, Felony Fleeing & Eluding and Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Driver’s License
Terrance Rashawd Owens, 28, Clewiston was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Malinda Jean Sanchez, 48, LaBelle was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Thomas Jacob Vantassel, 22, LaBelle was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheirff D. Blanco on charges of Felony Probation
Nicholas Francis, 66, Clewiston was arrested on February 18, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Darryl Dwight Eldon Sr. Dies At 77
Darryl Dwight Eldon, Sr passed away peacefully in his home February 12th, 2026.
Darryl served five years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics), and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He worked several jobs in the construction industry, operating and maintaining heavy equipment. He worked in the oil industry as an operator with Schlumberger Well Services and spent a brief period instructing students in avionics maintenance principles before retiring from the boat building industry.
Darryl was born September 10th, 1948, in Clewiston, FL. He hails from a large mixed family of three brothers and three sisters. He is preceded in death by Nola Oma Jean (Lawrence) Eldon, his wife of fifty years; his mother and father, Kirkland Bernard Eldon and Lois Swing; Brothers Philip Thomas Eldon and Gary Swing; and his nephew Robert Wilkinson.
He is survived by Sisters Juanita Swing, Joy (Swing) Everett, Lisa Swing, and Brother Teddy Swing; Son Darryl Eldon, Jr and daughter-in-law Stephanie (Conrad) Eldon; Daughters Julie Eldon and Amanda Eldon Campese; six grandchildren – Chris Eldon and spouse Dana Hannah, Kirkland Eldon and spouse Codie (Slaughter) Eldon, Sydney (Campese) Perez and spouse Matthew Perez, Dara, Dino (DJ), and Philip Campese; three great grandchildren – Dahlia Eldon, Sofia Perez, and Cassian Eldon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation and funeral services was held at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, Florida on Friday, February 20th, 2026. Visitation from 12:00 – 1:00 PM; Funeral services were at 2:00 PM with graveside services to follow at the Ortona Cemetery, Glades County, Florida.
Darryl served five years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics), and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He worked several jobs in the construction industry, operating and maintaining heavy equipment. He worked in the oil industry as an operator with Schlumberger Well Services and spent a brief period instructing students in avionics maintenance principles before retiring from the boat building industry.
Darryl was born September 10th, 1948, in Clewiston, FL. He hails from a large mixed family of three brothers and three sisters. He is preceded in death by Nola Oma Jean (Lawrence) Eldon, his wife of fifty years; his mother and father, Kirkland Bernard Eldon and Lois Swing; Brothers Philip Thomas Eldon and Gary Swing; and his nephew Robert Wilkinson.
He is survived by Sisters Juanita Swing, Joy (Swing) Everett, Lisa Swing, and Brother Teddy Swing; Son Darryl Eldon, Jr and daughter-in-law Stephanie (Conrad) Eldon; Daughters Julie Eldon and Amanda Eldon Campese; six grandchildren – Chris Eldon and spouse Dana Hannah, Kirkland Eldon and spouse Codie (Slaughter) Eldon, Sydney (Campese) Perez and spouse Matthew Perez, Dara, Dino (DJ), and Philip Campese; three great grandchildren – Dahlia Eldon, Sofia Perez, and Cassian Eldon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation and funeral services was held at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, Florida on Friday, February 20th, 2026. Visitation from 12:00 – 1:00 PM; Funeral services were at 2:00 PM with graveside services to follow at the Ortona Cemetery, Glades County, Florida.
$3 Billion In Florida Freeze Losses Claims Department of Agriculture
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ preliminary estimates of losses to Florida agriculture from the recent freezes, including more than $3 billion in total estimated losses across the state’s diverse agricultural sectors.
These preliminary estimates highlight the losses to Florida’s diverse agricultural sectors, including vegetables and melons, citrus, sugarcane, fruits, horticulture, and aquaculture. The figures will be updated as additional information becomes available.
These preliminary estimates highlight the losses to Florida’s diverse agricultural sectors, including vegetables and melons, citrus, sugarcane, fruits, horticulture, and aquaculture. The figures will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Estimated losses include:
Total estimated losses to Florida agriculture: Over $3.1 billion
Tomatoes: $164,273,849
Strawberries: $306,965,897
Watermelons $65,437,343
Sweet Corn: $255,363,251
Sugarcane: $1,152,122,146
Bell Peppers: $108,380,389
Potatoes: $79,065,000
Cabbage: $21,800,280
Squash: $24,522,275
Blueberries: $78,512,400
Greenhouse and Nursery: $240,000,000
Citrus: $674,660,336
These estimates draw on data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Florida Census of Agriculture, USDA Market News, UF-IFAS Preliminary Freeze Event Assessment, early survey and early communication between FDACS, industry leaders, and individual producers who are currently engaged in large-scale recovery efforts.
A copy of FDACS’ preliminary estimates can be found here.
Strawberries: $306,965,897
Watermelons $65,437,343
Sweet Corn: $255,363,251
Sugarcane: $1,152,122,146
Bell Peppers: $108,380,389
Potatoes: $79,065,000
Cabbage: $21,800,280
Squash: $24,522,275
Blueberries: $78,512,400
Greenhouse and Nursery: $240,000,000
Citrus: $674,660,336
These estimates draw on data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Florida Census of Agriculture, USDA Market News, UF-IFAS Preliminary Freeze Event Assessment, early survey and early communication between FDACS, industry leaders, and individual producers who are currently engaged in large-scale recovery efforts.
A copy of FDACS’ preliminary estimates can be found here.
LaBelle Educational Garden Completed In Barron Park
More than 20 volunteers spent the morning completing the new LaBelle Educational Garden by installing educational signs, hammock posts and a fountain. Located in Barron Park behind the Arts of the Inland Gallery.
More than 20 volunteers spent the morning completing the new LaBelle Educational Garden by installing educational signs, hammock posts and a fountain. The Mayor and Vice Mayor of LaBelle dedicated the fountain. The volunteers also landscaped the area and planted a new pollinator garden area creating a welcoming outdoor learning space for students and the community.
The LaBelle Educational garden is a living classroom, which provides the community with free food such as yuca, star fruit avocado, maranga, edible flowers, knowledge about planting foods in their homes and the educational component that comes with it.
Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
The LaBelle Educational garden is a living classroom, which provides the community with free food such as yuca, star fruit avocado, maranga, edible flowers, knowledge about planting foods in their homes and the educational component that comes with it.
Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival Schedule Of Events - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
LABELLE, FL. -- The 60th Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle, FL, runs from February 21–22, 2026, with the theme "Denim and Diamonds." Key events include a parade on Saturday at 10 AM, live music, arts and crafts at Barron Park, and a car show. The festival typically runs from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.
Key 2026 Schedule Highlights (Saturday, Feb 21 & Sunday, Feb 22)
Key 2026 Schedule Highlights (Saturday, Feb 21 & Sunday, Feb 22)
Location: Primarily at Barron Park, 1559 De Soto Ave, LaBelle, FL 33935.
Saturday Parade: Begins at 10 AM on Bridge Street.
Live Music & Entertainment: Runs throughout the weekend in Barron Park.
Sunday Services: Church in the Park begins at 8:30 AM.
Saturday Parade: Begins at 10 AM on Bridge Street.
Live Music & Entertainment: Runs throughout the weekend in Barron Park.
Sunday Services: Church in the Park begins at 8:30 AM.
Additional Events: 5K Run/Walk ("Swamp Stomp") and Lawnmower Races.
Rodeo: Typically held on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 PM.
Air Show & Fly-In: Takes place at LaBelle Airport on both days.
Important Information
Rodeo: Typically held on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 PM.
Air Show & Fly-In: Takes place at LaBelle Airport on both days.
Important Information
Road Closures: Barron Park, DeSoto Avenue, Lee Street, and Park Avenue close on Friday at 2 p.m..
Parking/Traffic: The LaBelle drawbridge closes to traffic on Saturday at 9:45 a.m..
Vendor Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday
Parking/Traffic: The LaBelle drawbridge closes to traffic on Saturday at 9:45 a.m..
Vendor Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday
UPDATE: Swamp Cabbage Video
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