Friday, April 25, 2025

Dark Sky Week - Eliminating Light Pollution

International Dark Sky Week

This week brings special attention to the importance of maintaining Dark Sky areas amid increasing light pollution (elevated nighttime light levels caused by humans, street lighting). 

Light pollution is a growing concern as it:

Disrupts wildlife
Impacts human health
Wastes money and energy
Contributes to climate change
Blocks our view of the universe

You can help protect Dark Sky spaces by switching to Dark Sky certified outdoor lighting fixtures (that beam light downward) and observing local light ordinances during special wildlife seasons (bird migrations, sea turtle nesting, etc)

 To learn more about ways to take action, visit darksky.org

-Courtesy C.R.E.W. Trust

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Robert Roberts Dies At 66

Robert Richard Roberts, age 66 of Felda, Florida passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025.

Born on February 20, 1959, Robert was the beloved son of Richard H. Roberts and Jacquelyn J. Roberts, both of whom preceded him in death. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Neva Ann Roberts; his son, Jordan Dius Roberts; and his cherished grandson, Talen Dius Roberts.

Robert had a deep appreciation for the outdoors that began in his youth, growing up in the woods. He found joy in fishing, hunting, and simply being surrounded by nature. Some of his most treasured moments were with his grandson Talen, riding through the woods, casting lines into quiet waters, traveling together, and sharing laughter and playful moments that only a grandparent and grandchild can know. He also valued the times he shared with his son Jordan, whether working side by side on the ranch or enjoying breakfast outings and travel adventures.

Robert pursued his education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia after graduating from Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Visitation will be at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle on April 26, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00am. Graveside service at Baptist Cemetery in Immokalee.

James The Young Brown Pelican by Bob Kranich

James The Young Brown Pelican
 by Bob Kranich

(Excerpt 8)

This is a new story. We are first introduced to James the young Brown pelican, and a young fellow who is sketching him on the docks of Key West. James is now going to do some soaring and go up the Keys. He meets a strange White pelican named Smilin’ Sam who says that James can do great things if he tries and uses faith. Sam talks to James about life and Sam has now left to fly to Cuba. A big and dangerous storm is in process in the Keys and James has to go to a rescue.

--

James was deeply concerned as he flew around the ship. What can I do to help these people? Then he remembered….one time he had seen a ship in Key West being pulled by another one. The helper ship was painted orange, red and white. They rescued people! He also remembered that they were on the northwest side of Key West.

He took off with all his might, pumping his wings, climbing, gliding, being pushed about by the gale. He was trying his best. It was difficult. What can I do he said to himself? Then he remembered what both Grandpa and Smilin’ Sam had said. “If you need the Power from above, all you have to do is ask.”

“Please God, I’ve got the faith. I trust You to help me!” James yelled out.

Soon he was over the northwest part of the island. He dropped down and swooped around the red striped boat’s dock. It wasn’t there! Where was it? Then he saw it, off-shore, riding out the storm, away from the docks.

James flew out the short distance and circled frantically around the boat. Getting even closer, he could see a couple of men on deck. Jacob pondered….now how do I get these two men to follow me?

He swooped in just about touching them.
“Hey, what was that?” the Coast Guard man said.

“I believe it was a pelican!” the other man yelled.

James rushed back just touching the first man and headed in the direction of the sailing ship. Then James did a summersault in mid air and flew back.

“ I think this pelican is trying to tell us something,” the first man hollered.

“How do you know?” the second one asked.

“Did you ever hear of the Outer Banks story of the Black Pelican? He would warn the Life Saving Station crew whenever a boat was in trouble during a storm.”

“Is he black?”

“ No, but we better tell the captain.”

They both ran and climbed up to the bridge, holding on for dear life.

“All right guys, we do have an alert on a vessel in trouble but no location yet. It won’t hurt to get started by following the pelican. Where is he?”

“Right there sir, shooting across our bow,” they both said in unison.

“Let’s cast off men!......Full speed!” he hollered to the engine room.

“Try to follow that pelican,” the captain commanded the man at the wheel.

“I hope I don’t get in trouble for this,” he muttered under his breath.

James saw the Coast Guard ship following him. He headed out past the Navy Yard, towards the Atlantic and the distressed ship. Normally he could fly much faster than a boat but in this storm it was all he could do to just stay ahead.

He was higher and could see the troubled ship now completely on its side. It hadn’t sunk yet. Thank goodness, it was made of wood! He could see people hanging on.

James flew up and around...and around. He was then illuminated by the Coast Guard’s spotlight.

“Look there!” the Coast Guard man on the light exclaimed.

I’ll be an amazed man!” The captain said as he shook his head in disbelief, “There is a boat in distress.”

“They will never believe this back at headquarters. All right men, let’s save some souls!”

James swooped back across the Coast Guard Cutter one more time. Life saving rings were being thrown out to the people clinging onto the boat. It appeared that the Coast Guard had things well under control. As he looked back, he saw the captain wave to him.

Flying up and away he noticed that the storm was subsiding and the sun was starting to shine through the dark clouds. As he headed towards the salt pond and Grandpa, he thought, I know now that both Grandpa and Smilin’ were right….

With faith and God’s guidance you can do anything!

All you have to do is ask and trust.

From The Author: 

“James the Young Brown Pelican” is a fictional story of a young Brown pelican. He is dissatisfied with the pelican’s normal way of life, just looking for fish and eating. He wants to so something else with his life. He is excited about flying high and a speedy dive. This is a Christian book about faith and you will learn more about the life of pelicans. Since the Brown pelican is found along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, you will also learn about the pelican’s life in the Florida Keys and Key West itself.

The book is illustrated by watercolors, sketches, and photos, to include many photos by the great nature photographer, Ron Reznick.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Florida Attorney General Suing Snapchat

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced legal action against Snap, Inc., the operator of the popular Snapchat social media company. Attorney General Uthmeier is filing suit over the company knowingly and willingly breaking Florida statute, enshrined in last year’s HB3, and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Attorney General James Uthmeier claims “Snap is deceiving Florida parents about the dangers children face on the app, from behavioral addictive features to allowing sexual predators and drug dealers access, and we cannot allow this deception to continue.”

Passed by the legislature last year and signed into law by Gov. DeSantis, HB 3 identifies five addictive design features that some social media platforms use to promote behavioral addiction and compulsive use. Snapchat utilizes four of the five such features, including infinite scrolling, push notifications, personal interactive metrics that indicate the number of times other users have clicked a button to reveal their reaction to content or have shared or reposed content (such as SnapStreaks), and auto-play videos.

The law also prohibits covered social media platforms that deploy those features from contracting with and providing accounts to people who the apps know are 13 years of age or younger. HB 3 requires that platforms obtain parental consent before contracting with and providing accounts to people who are 14 or 15 years old.

Snap, Inc. has acknowledged in other litigation that it is subject to HB 3, yet is openly defying Florida law. The Attorney General says Snap continues to market Snapchat in Florida as safe for users as young as 13, even though it knows that Snapchat can be easily used to access pornography and buy drugs, among many other dangers. Attorney General Uthmeier’s lawsuit states that rather than obeying Florida law, Snap is actively deceiving parents about the risks associated with using the platform.

The lawsuit states other dangers faced by minors that Snap, Inc. fails to address in violation of Florida law—including exposing minors to harmful content that includes profanity; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use; sexual content and nudity; and mature or suggestive themes and also notes the ease with which online predators or drug dealers can contact minors.

Harlem Community Amphitheater Under Construction In Tree Park

Clewiston, FL - Recently, U.S. Sugar and Harlem community leaders gathered to announce the start of construction on a community amphitheater. Located in the Janet B. Taylor Community Tree Park in Harlem, the amphitheater will soon become the centerpiece for community gatherings for local residents, church organizations, and other civic groups. The construction of the amphitheater has been made possible through support from U.S. Sugar.

Constructing the amphitheater in partnership with U.S. Sugar is David's Carpentry & Concrete, a local, family-owned contracting and construction company. The park was dedicated in October 2022 in honor of longtime Florida leader and former Hendry County Commissioner Janet B. Taylor. U.S. Sugar donated the land in perpetuity, and it will remain in this location for generations to enjoy.

“What started as a vision for our community is now becoming a wonderful reality thanks to U.S. Sugar,” said Janet Taylor. “Soon, our community will have a place to celebrate during holidays and gather on weekends while listening to music.”

The amphitheater in Harlem is the company’s latest community project, and follows support for the new community garden in Harlem, modernization of the C.S. Mott community pool in Clewiston, and renovation of the Charles E. Wetherald Youth Center in Clewiston. Completion of the amphitheater is projected for this summer.