Fire Destroys Railroad Bridge In Palmdale, Florida

 

Railroad Bridge Fire Under Investigation in Palmdale

PALMDALE, FL. -- On April 5, 2026, emergency crews responded to a fire involving a railroad track bridge in Palmdale. The fire resulted in the total loss of the railroad bridge, rendering the structure unusable.

Preliminary information indicates the fire was started by a person; however, it remains undetermined at this time whether the fire was intentional or unintentional. 

The incident is currently under active investigation by the Glades County Sheriff’s Office, State Fire Marshalls Office, Florida Division of Forestry and The Department of Agriculture.

The fire caused significant disruption to rail operations in the area, and officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and timeline for repairs.

No additional details are available at this time. Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact Det. Sgt. Steven Sexton with the Glades County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 946-1600 ext. 2110, or Lieutenant Gary Johnson at (863) 946-1600 ext. 2106.

Linda Lou Sellers Dies At 83

Linda Lou (Helton) Sellers, aka "Granny", 83 years old, passed away on 4/3/2026. She was born on 7/6/42 in Hamilton, Ohio to parents Walter & Mary Louise (Stumpf) Helton.

Her family moved to Fort Myers Florida when she was a teenager. She was a beautiful woman, who loved her family. She loved cooking, sewing, & being a homemaker. She loved Jesus Christ & her family most of all. 

 After raising her children, she became a Kindergarten teacher for several years then retired.

 She was predeceased by her father, Walter Helton, mother, Mary Louise Helton, Sister, Caroline Strickland, brother-n-law, Otto Strickland. 

 She is survived by her two children, Tim (Donnetta) Plunkett & Penny (Alan) Hendry. Two living Brothers, Gary (Debbie) Helton, Greg (Carol) Helton. Four Grandchildren, Heather (Liz) Plunkett, Timothy (Candace) Plunkett, Kayla (Kyle) Laroque & Kristyn Hendry. 6 Great Grandchildren, Bailey, Dominic, Rein, Timothy, Remi & Maveryk. Several nieces, nephews & cousins. 

 And of course we can not forget her beloved dog, the Great Annie, whom I think she may have loved more than the family at times.

 Linda (Granny) loved everyone she met. She did not know an enemy. She loved her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, she loved going to church to worship. 

She was talented, she could cook like no other, sew like a professional, her laugh was so contagious, she made everyone smile. She loved to travel, explore new adventures. 

She was a Special, Amazing, Beautiful, Classy Lady. Linda, Mom, Granny - we know you are no longer in pain. We know you are having a new adventure in Heaven with Jesus & all your family & friends that were waiting for you. You will be so truly missed, but always loved & never forgotten. We Love You!!! 

 Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, at Sonshine Worship Center, 12925 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL. Family & Friends, all are welcome.

Threats Against Civilians A War Crime Says U.S. Dept. of Defense

Here’s a clear, grounded article explaining how U.S. law of war treats threats and civilian targets:
from U.S. Law of War by the Department of Defense concerning Threats, Civilian Protection, and the Limits of Force. Some observers say President Trump may be potentially committing war crimes by threats of bombing civilians back to the "stone age" and wiping out all bridges and electric facilities in Iran. Trump said, when questioned about this being a war crime, says he's not "concerned."

The United States’ approach to warfare is governed by a combination of domestic law, military doctrine, and international agreements collectively known as the law of war (also called the law of armed conflict). At its core, this framework is designed to balance military necessity with humanitarian protections especially for civilians and includes threatening civilians with harm.

Foundations of the Law of War

U.S. law of war principles derive heavily from international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions, as well as customary international law and Department of Defense directives (notably the DoD Law of War Manual).

Four core principles guide military operations:

Distinction: Combatants must distinguish between military targets and civilians.
Proportionality: Attacks must not cause excessive civilian harm relative to anticipated military advantage.
Military Necessity: Force must be used only to achieve legitimate military objectives.
Humanity: Unnecessary suffering must be avoided.

These principles apply not only to physical attacks but also to threats and psychological operations.

Civilian Targets: Strict Prohibition

Under U.S. law and the law of war, civilians and civilian objects are protected.

What counts as a civilian target?

Civilian targets include:

Homes, schools, hospitals
Non-military infrastructure (e.g., water systems, power grids—unless used for military purposes)
Non-combatants (including journalists, aid workers, and ordinary residents)
Deliberately targeting civilians is considered a war crime.

Even when attacking legitimate military targets, commanders must:

Take precautions to minimize civilian harm
Cancel or suspend attacks if civilian damage would be disproportionate

Dual-Use Targets and Gray Areas

Modern conflicts often involve dual-use infrastructure, facilities used for both civilian and military purposes.

Examples:

Bridges used for troop movement
Communication networks used by military forces
Energy grids powering military bases

These may become lawful targets only if they offer definite military advantage. However, proportionality rules still apply, meaning civilian impact must be carefully weighed.

Threats Under the Law of War

Threats are also regulated, not just physical acts.

Illegal Threats

Certain types of threats are prohibited, including:

Threats intended to terrorize civilians. The law of war explicitly forbids acts or threats of violence aimed at spreading terror among civilian populations.

For example:

Threatening to target civilians
Threatening torture or unlawful killing
Threatening indiscriminate attacks

Such threats can themselves constitute violations, even if never carried out.

Psychological Warfare and Information Operations

Not all threats are illegal. Psychological operations (PSYOP) are allowed if they comply with legal standards.

Lawful examples:

Urging enemy combatants to surrender
Warning civilians to evacuate before an attack
Broadcasting messages to weaken enemy morale

Unlawful examples:

False threats against civilians
Coercion that violates humanitarian protections
Incitement to commit war crimes

Precautions and Duty to Warn

U.S. forces are often required to provide advance warning when feasible before attacking targets that may affect civilians.

Examples include:

“Knock” warnings (e.g., small preliminary strikes or messages)
Leaflets or broadcasts instructing evacuation

However, warnings are not required if they would:

Compromise the mission
Increase risk to forces
Be impractical in fast-moving combat

Accountability and Enforcement

Violations of the law of war can lead to serious consequences:

Court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
Federal prosecution under the War Crimes Act
International accountability mechanisms
Commanders can be held responsible not only for their own actions but also for failing to prevent or punish violations by subordinates.

Modern Challenges

Contemporary warfare complicates these rules:

Urban combat increases civilian risk
Non-state actors may operate among civilians
Cyber warfare raises new questions about what constitutes a “civilian target”

Despite these challenges, the core legal standard remains: civilians must never be the object of attack or terror.

Bottom Line

U.S. law of war draws a firm line:

Targeting civilians or threatening them is illegal
Military force must be precise, justified, and restrained
Even threats if aimed at civilians or involving unlawful conduct can be war crimes

The legitimacy of military operations depends not only on strategic success but on adherence to these legal and moral constraints.

July 2023 Revision: The updated Department of War manual, which is considered a "living document," revised sections regarding the presumption of civilian status (Section 5.4.3.2), stating that persons or objects must be presumed protected unless information indicates they are military objectives.

See Update from Department of War and Department of Defense Law of War Manual (Updated July 2023)

Hendry County Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, DUI, Probation Violations

ARREST BLOTTER

03/31/2026 – 04/05/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

LaShawn Asheem Thompson, 45, West Palm Beach was arrested on March 30, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Sosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Battery, Petit Theft and Obstruction without Violence

LeNorris Jamel Gaines, 29, Clewiston was arrested on March 30, 2026, b Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Sergio Rios, 22, LaBelle was arrested on March 31, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Burglary of Occupied Dwelling, Resist Officer with Violence and Aggravated Stalking

Andrew Michael Muckenstram, 29, LaBelle was arrested on April 1, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Rodeiguez on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Christiano Reggy Deller, 20, Miami was arrested on April 1, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Carrying Concealed Weapon

Nicolas Loredo, 31, LaBelle was arrested on April 1, 2026, by Det. G. Willis on charges of Burglary with Assault or Battery and Interference with Custody of Minor

Tedaryl Ardell McKinnon, 52, at large, was arrested on April 1, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on 3 counts of Felony Violation of Probation

James Richard Summerall, 52, Clewiston was arrested on April 2, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Alejandro Jose Yanes, 25, Clewiston was arrested on April 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Damonte Christpher Ler Authur, 18, Clewiston was arrested on April 4, 2026, by Lt. S. Kirkby on charges of Resisting Arrest with Violence

16-year-old male, Clewiston was arrested on April 4, 2026, by Lt. S. Kirkby on charges of Aggravated Assault on LEO, Point Laser Light at Driver and Obstruction without Violence

Christian Sadarius Etenne Whitehall, 23, LaBelle was arrested on April 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of DUI

Juan Vega Cruz, 25, LaBelle was arrested on April 4, 2026, by Lt. S. Kirkby on charges of DUI, DUI - Refusal to Submit, DUI – Damage to Property or Persons, Hit & Run and Operating a Motor Vehicle without Valid DL

Maria Vargas Villa, 49, LaBelle was arrested on April 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Afonso on charges of DUI and DUI – Refusal to Submit to DUI Testing

Vanessa Leigh Chapman, 39, LaBelle was arrested on April 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Burglary Occupied Dwelling and Criminal Mischief

Giliarde Pereira Da Silva, 39, Pompano Beach was arrested on April 5, 2026, b Deputy Sheriff G. Sosa on 3 counts of Cruelty to Animals

Firing President Donald Trump - 25th Amendment Process

The Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution (Section 4) allows a president to be declared “unable” to serve if the Vice President, and a majority of the Cabinet (principal officers of executive departments) formally agree and notify Congress.

Could a president fire Cabinet members to stop this?

Yes, partially, but it’s not foolproof.

1. Presidents generally can fire Cabinet members. Under Article II powers, a president can remove most Cabinet officials at will. The president could fire suspected disloyal Cabinet members and replace them with loyalists before they act. This is the main way a president might try to prevent a 25th Amendment move.

So far, out of 15, Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi have been fired. Rumored under pressure are Tulsi Gabbard, discussed as possible removal; Howard Lutnick, reportedly under scrutiny, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

2. Timing is everything. The 25th Amendment process is very fast: Vice President and the majority of Cabinet send written declaration and the President is immediately stripped of power (VP becomes Acting President). If they act first, firing them comes too late.

3. Replacement problem. Even if the president fires Cabinet members: New appointees often require Senate confirmation and acting officials can sometimes fill roles, but it’s legally complex.

Also, the amendment refers to “principal officers of the executive departments” There is legal debate over whether acting secretaries count.

4. Congress can bypass the Cabinet. The amendment allows Congress to create another body: “such other body as Congress may by law provide.”  If that exists, firing Cabinet members wouldn’t stop the process. (Currently, Congress has not created such a body.)

5. Political reality

In practice a president trying to fire the Cabinet to avoid removal would trigger: massive political crisis and likely rapid action by remaining officials, with possible acceleration of removal efforts

6. Final step: If Congress decides, even after initial removal, the President can contest and Congress votes within 21 days. To keep the president removed requires 2/3 vote in both House and Senate. So Cabinet firing alone does not determine the outcome.

Bottom line

A president could try to prevent a 25th Amendment action by firing Cabinet members, but it only works before they act and may be limited by timing and legal ambiguity. It would likely trigger a major constitutional crisis. Ultimately, Congress has the final say.