Glades County School Closed Monday - Flooding

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Monday, November 2, 2026 – All Schools Closed

After consultation with Glades County Emergency Management and the Glades County Sheriff's Office,  the decision was made to close all Glades County schools on Monday, November 2, 2026, due to the significant rainfall that has already occurred throughout our county and the resulting flooding in many of the rural, low-lying areas. 

The Superintendent of Schools made the following announcement:

"As a rural school district, we recognize the unique challenges that excessive rainfall and flooding create for our families.... Many roadways have already been closed by the Department of Transportation due to unsafe conditions, and additional rainfall is expected, which could further worsen flooding and road accessibility throughout the evening and overnight hours. 

"Our school buses, student drivers, employees, and families must be able to travel safely to and from school. Equally important, we do not want our children standing along flooded roadsides or waiting at bus stops in potentially hazardous conditions. With additional rainfall anticipated, we must also consider the possibility that conditions could deteriorate even further before morning. 

"To make up the instructional day, all Glades County schools will be open on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day. 

"Veterans Day will not simply be another day of school. It will be a day of honor, gratitude, remembrance, and education. 

"Please continue to exercise caution when traveling, avoid flooded roadways, monitor local emergency management updates, and take care of one another. Remember, conditions can change quickly, and no destination is worth risking your safety. In Glades County, we take care of our own. Our students, our staff, our families, and our community will always come first."

LaBelle Group Developing RV Park

 LABELLE, FL. -- A local company is planning a 39 acre RV and manufactured home park between SR29 and CR78 just north of the Caloosahatchee River.

KPH Communities LLC with managing partners of Daniel Peregrin, Gordon Henke, and Tyler Kitson are in charge of the project. 

Kitson is associated with numerous high end real estate projects including Babcock Ranch and Talis Park. Henke is associated with management and ownership of scores of SW Florida real estate projects, while Peregrin owns numerous LaBelle properties including LaBelle Brewing, Rocket Cooling, and Rocktide LLC, among many other local operations and companies.

The Hendry County Planning Advisory group had previously voted to deny the proposal, but the Hendry County Commissioners have voted to amend the county Comprehensive Plan to allow for the high density project which plans for including 200 lots for homes and RVs.

KPH has an office at 180 N. Main St., in LaBelle.

Hendry Sheriff Arrests

ARREST BLOTTER

10/19/2026 – 10/25/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Tommy Earnest Griffin, 48, Okeechobee was arrested on October 19, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Rosa on charges of DUI

15-year-old female, LaBelle was arrested on October 19, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Vasquez on charges of Battery on LEO, Battery on Public Education Employee and Resist Officer with Violence

Julian Garcia, 25, LaBelle was arrested on October 19, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff C. Davis on charges of Battery, Robbery by Sudden Snatching without Weapon and Grand Theft

Norman Andy Bowers, 59, Okeechobee was arrested on October 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez, Jr., on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked 3rd or Subsequent Violation and Felony Probation Violation

David Waylon Simmons, 45, LaBelle was arrested on October 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Ronald Sheridan Berry, 46, Clewiston was arrested on October 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Carranza on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Alex Jose Nunez, 34, LaBelle was arrested on October 22, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Rodriguez on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Mau-Juan Deyshun-Raynar Carney, 27, Clewiston was arrested on October 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Felony Probation Violation

David Waylon Simmons, 45, LaBelle was arrested on October 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Felony Violation of Conditional Release

Joaquin Armando Fana, 63, Moore Haven was arrested on October 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Upeslacis on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Jennifer Granados, 25, LaBelle was arrested on October 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams

Jimmy J. Contreras Velez, 27, Kearny, NH was arrested on October 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Coley on charges of Flee Eluding LEO at High Speed and Operating a Motor Vehicle100+ MPH Threaten Person/Property

Carlos Alberto Cortez, 65, Clewiston was arrested on October 24, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Equipment

Big Cypress Seminole Tribal Arts Celebration November 6-7

BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, Fla. (October 26, 2026) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’ Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum proudly announces the return of the American Indigenous Arts Celebration (AIAC) on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, 2026, on the museum’s festival grounds on the Big Cypress Reservation. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and admission and parking are complimentary. This vibrant two-day festival promises a dynamic showcase of Native arts, culture, and heritage.

*Note this is the last opportunity to visit the Museum exhibit space before it undergoes an extensive 18-month redesign project.

The celebration begins with a Grand Entry Powwow led by Seminole Medicine Man Bobby Henry, along with Tribal dignitaries, Native drummers, dancers, and hoop dance performers. Visitors will be immersed in cultural traditions while enjoying a schedule packed with entertainment for the whole family including Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom critter show, alligator wrestling with Billy Walker, and a hoop dance competition.

Fashion lovers will experience two unforgettable runway moments during the celebration. On Friday, guests will enjoy a special showcase presented by students of the Seminole Tribe’s Ahfachkee School. On Saturday, Seminole designer Lenora Roberts will be joined by internationally recognized Indigenous designer Rebekah Jarvey, an Emmy‑nominated fashion designer, fashion show director, model, emcee, cultural advocate, and artisan. Jarvey represents Chippewa Cree and Blackfeet heritage as an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Additional highlights include a live painting demonstration by Seminole artist Elgin Jumper, a live Powwow & Hoop Dance Competition with world-renowned Hoop Dancer Tony Duncan, the Iron Horse Dancers, and Native Pride Productions. Guests can enjoy free VIP photo opportunities, plus meet and greet with the newly crowned Miss Florida Seminole and Junior Miss Seminole 2026.

Throughout the event, visitors can shop from authentic Native craft vendors and artists, enjoy traditional food vendors, and take advantage of free admission to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Seminole history and culture.

Obituary - Angel CuaCua Vasquez

Angel CuaCua Vazquez age 18, of LaBelle, Florida passed away on October 12, 2026 in LaBelle, Florida.

Visitation for Angel was from 6-8 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Holy Martyrs Catholic Mission located at 1722 Crescent Avenue also in LaBelle. 

Angel was laid to rest at Fort Denaud Cemetery immediately after the Mass of Christian burial.