Southwest Florida Online News
From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Hendry County Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations
07/05/2026 – 07/12/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Yosniel Cueto-Linares, 43, Clewiston was arrested on July 7, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Shawn David Sanders, 37, LaBelle was arrested on July 7, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditions of Release and Misd. Contempt of Court
Mary Louise Miller, 65, LaBelle was arrested on July 7, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Charles William Sikes, 40, Alva was arrested on July 8, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Firearm by Florida Convicted Felon, Tampering with Evidence and Obstruction without Violence
Jason Jones, 44, LaBelle was arrested on July 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on 3 counts of Felony Probation Violation
Robert Billy Ramos, 44, Immokalee was arrested July 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 3rd Subsequent Violation and Resist without Violence
Tony Raul Navarro, 40, Moore Haven was arrested on July 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff P. Overbee on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Manuel M. Avila, 54, LaBelle was arrested on July 8, 2026, by Det. D. Reaves on charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle, Driving with DL Expired more than 6 mths and Attached Tag not Assigned
Patricia Beatriz Hernandez Lizama, 24, Clewiston was arrested on July 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramos on charges of Aggravated Child Abuse and Battery
Alyssa Marie Pasch, 31, Clewiston was arrested July 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. DiBernardino on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
David Waylon Simmons, 45, LaBelle was arrested on July 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Failure to Appear and Felony Violation of Condition of Releases
Jorge Luis Abreu Candales, 61, Belle Glade was arrested on July 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Yasiel Azcuy Alfonso, 43, Clewiston was arrested on July 12, 2026 by Det. K. Rosado on charges of Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, Robbery and False Imprisonment
Jorge Luis Abreu Candales, 61, Belle Glade was arrested on July 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Obituaries - Pamela Dyess Spikes, Lance M. Whidden, Ruth Warren Miners, Rheannon Villareal Robbins
Pamela was the beloved daughter of Charlotte Dyess and William Francis Dyess, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her son Robert. From her earliest days in Miami, Pamela embraced the values instilled by her parents—compassion, integrity, and a gentle spirit. These qualities formed the foundation of the life she built and shared with others.
Pamela met and married Clyde Spikes, with whom she enjoyed a long and devoted marriage. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with laughter. She was a proud and caring mother to their son, John Spikes, and daughter, Charlotte Spikes, both of whom survive her and continue her legacy of love and dignity, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Pamela exemplified strength, grace, and resilience. She touched the lives of many, nurturing family and friendships with unwavering loyalty and care. Her warmth extended not only to those she loved most dearly but also to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Family and friends are invited to honor Pamela’s memory at a visitation on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Akin Davis Funeral Home in Fort Myers, located at 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. A burial service will follow on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Alva Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Alva, FL 33920.
In mourning her loss, those who loved Pamela also celebrate her remarkable character and compassion. While she will be deeply missed, her legacy will endure forever, alive in the hearts of those she cherished most.
We are saddened to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and friend; Lance M. "Bubba" Whidden has passed away on July 12, 2026 in Lake Wales, Florida after lengthy illness.
Bubba was born on January 15, 1939 in Wauchula, Florida to the late Griffin Milton and the late Ressie Mae Terrell Whidden. Bubba worked for many years as a cowboy, which he enjoyed doing all of his life. He also worked throughout the years as a heavy equipment operator and also spent awhile as a law enforcement officer. If the family had to say what Bubba enjoyed most was being around family and friends. Bubba was the true matriarch of his family, providing for his family the best way he knew. Bubba will be sorely missed by his entire family and all of his friends that he made throughout his cowboying days.
Bubba leaves fond memories with is children; William Whidden and his wife Julia, Steve Whidden and his wife Kassandra, and Cynthia Whidden. Bubba also leaves great memories with his grandchildren; Stephen Whidden and his wife Lauren, Kasey Whidden, William Whidden and his wife Courtney, Frances Jarsen and her husband Matthew, Grace Whidden, Johnny Whidden, CJ Minor and husband Steven, Kayla Whidden, great grandchildren; Weston L. Whidden, Lance H. Whidden, Stephen K. Whidden, and Thomas Jarsen, Bubba has two sisters-in-law who also survive, Maggie Whidden and Peggy Whidden, and a host of extended family members and close family friends.
Celebration of Bubba's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Celebration Barn in Alva, Florida. Please remember Bubba with a good joke and story and come share with the celebration of life well lived. Bubba is riding his horse along with all of his cowboy friends who have preceded him in the sky. Ride long Bubba!
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We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Ruth Warren Miners, 95, of Fort Myers, Florida. She was born on March 9, 1931, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to John and Bernice Watkins Warren and passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, surrounded by family.
In 1950, Ruth married Curtis Miners, and together they shared 65 years of marriage. Curtis and Ruth built a life together in South Florida, where they owned and operated several grocery stores in Pahokee and Immokalee before retiring. She was renowned for her incredible southern cooking and legendary cakes, and one of her greatest joys was feeding the folks she loved. Ruth was a dedicated and loving wife and a selfless, devoted mother to her children. Her strength, warmth, and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Miners; her son, Alan Miners; and her great-granddaughter, Savannah Miners.
She is survived by her children, Steve Miners (Naples, FL) and Jay Miners (Fort White, FL); her grandchildren, Starr Miners, Jared Miners, Curt Miners, Jeb Miners, and Justin Miners; and six great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 5:00–6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle, FL, followed by a celebration of Ruth's life beginning at 6:00 p.m., with Rev. Cliff Gobble officiating. Ruth will be laid to rest the following day, Friday, July 17th, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Port Mayaca Cemetery, resting once again beside her loving husband and son.
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We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, mother, sister and friend, Rheannon Villarreal Robbins, age 27, passed away on July 10, 2026 in Immokalee, Florida.
Rheannon was born on September 10, 1997, in Naples, Florida to John Robbins, Sr, and Victoria Villarreal. She was a loving mother who took great care of her children and enjoyed doing fun things with them. She always had a smile on her face to share with everyone she would meet. Rheannon will be dearly missed by everyone who loves and knew her.
Rheannon leave fond memories with her children; Emma Sanchez and Lazarius Robbins, her mother Victoria Villarreal, her father; John Robbins, Sr, her sisters; Destiney Robbins, Mary Robbins, Thora Robbins, Liberty Robbins, and Grace Robbins, her brother; John Robbins, Jr, along with many extended family members and close friends.
Rheannon was preceded in death by her adorable son, Julian Sanchez.
Visitation for Rheannon will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at First Seminole Baptist Church in Immokalee, Florida. Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., July 15, 2026 at First Baptist Big Cypress on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Rheannon will be laid to rest in the Big Cypress Cemetery also on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation.
Scam Alert - "Medcare" Home Annual Wellness Visits Misleading
Medicare recipients and seniors may be receiving calls or mail from "Medcare" with an address of P.O. Box 4503 Chicago, Il. saying they are "providing at-home Annual Wellness Visits at no cost to you..." They tell seniors to call (888) 200-0000 or scan a CRcode.
"This Annual Wellness Visit will be completed from home at absolutely no cost to you," they say. The letter we received is not signed and does not give any other information about who they are.
While a wellness visit may be at no cost to Medicare Part B recipients, the letter may be highly misleading as they don't disclose this is not an actual visit to your home by a professional healthcare provider. It is a visit by phone or online to their office.
It appears "Medcare" sells telehealth products to customers, and presumably the at home wellness visit is via a computer or phone.
Their website, which is not disclosed on the letter says, "MedCare provides access to preventive telehealth, wellness, and related care-support services through digital tools, communications, and coordinated service workflows."
Also, "When covered by Medicare, telehealth services may be available at $0 out-of-pocket cost for eligible individuals, depending on coverage and provider."
A Google search for their phone number shows Medcare, a "medical clinic" with an address at 425 W Colonial Dr #303, Orlando, FL. The Orlando company posts, ""MedCare is a self-pay telehealth practice serving Florida residents. We offer GLP-1 weight loss programs (semaglutide & tirzepatide), same-day urgent care visits, and general health visits — all online."A search on the Florida Secretary of State records indicate GENERATIONAL HEALING SANCTUARY LLC is at that Orlando address and the name Mike Ceas. It is not clear how or if that company is associated with "Medcare."
We could find no active corporate registration for "Medcare" on the Secretary of State records other than a fictious name filing for "Medcare" owned by MEDCARE CONSULTING, 4048 EVANS AVE, FORTMYERS, FL 33901
Advice and what to look out for:
How Medicare Scams Work
The Pitch: Scammers call, text, or email claiming you need a mandatory "annual wellness visit" to maintain your Medicare benefits or qualify for "newly approved" benefits.
The Goal: They may ask you to confirm your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking details to process the visit.
The Reality: Medicare does not make cold calls to require or schedule wellness checks. Legitimate wellness visits are only scheduled directly with your primary care physician.
Immediate Action Steps
If you suspect you have been targeted by any scam, take the following steps:
"Medcare" websites: https://medcare.org/privacy-policy/ and https://medcare.org/about-us/ and https://medcare.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-medicare-annual-wellness-visits/
Emergency Readiness Event For Seniors Aug. 29
The summit takes place on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. The event is hosted by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with AmeriCorps, 9/11 Day, Collier County, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
This grant-funded event offers practical emergency preparedness education, community resources, and opportunities to learn directly from public safety experts. Keynote speaker Lewis Merletti, former Director of the U.S. Secret Service, will share leadership insights drawn from his distinguished career managing critical security operations.
Breakfast, lunch, and a complimentary Emergency Readiness Resource Kit are included. Attendees can choose from ten different classes to fill their three expert-led breakout sessions.
“This summit empowers our community through education while honoring those who serve and protect Collier County,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Preparedness saves lives, and every resident can benefit from knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency.”
Event At-A-Glance:What: 3rd Annual Day of Service Emergency Readiness Summit
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Who: Collier County residents age 55 and older
Cost: Free (grant funded)
Parking: Complimentary valet parking (self-parking is not available)
Registration Information:
Residents must register in advance online at colliercountyers.eventbrite.com.
Yasire Azcuy Alfonso Arrested On Multiple Felony Charges
CLEWISTON, FL. -- The man that has been running from Law Enforcement since Friday afternoon, was taken into custody Monday evening, July 13, 2026, at approximately 7:45pm after law enforcement conducted a traffic stop.
The man identified as, 34-year-old, Yasire Azcuy Alfonso, has been on the run since Friday afternoon after the victim contacted Hendry County Sheriff’s Office reporting being battered by Azcuy Alfonso.
The victim reported that Azcuy Alfonso had repeatedly beaten the victim in the face and threatened to kill them with a knife while brandishing a firearm. He also threatened the minor children living in the residence, leading the victim to believe he would kill them as well.
Azcuy Alfonso continued his acts of abuse throughout the day on Friday and holding the victim against their will. During the afternoon hours of Friday, the victim was finally able to convenience Azcuy Alfonso to allow them to leave the residence. As the victim was leaving the residence, they saw Azcuy Alfonso following them on a four-wheeler. The suspect continued to follow the victim until he saw the victim make contact with a passing law enforcement vehicle.
During the past weekend Deputies continued to search for the suspect until taking him into custody Monday evening, at approximately 7:45pm.
Azcuy Alfonso is being held in the Hendry County Jail on charges of Robbery Sudden Snatching with Firearm/Weapon, Kidnap-False Imprisonment, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Battery with Intent to Commit a Felony. Azcuy Alfonso is being with with no bond.