Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Hendry County Sheriff Arrests

ARREST BLOTTER

09/07/2026 – 09/13/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

James Carlos Melton, 36, LaBelle was arrested on September 8, 2026, by Det. D. Reaves on charges of Attempted Homicide, Tampering with Evidence, Hindering Communications with Emergency Service and Kidnapping

David Tarrouse Ross, 50, Clewiston was arrested on September 8, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Failure to Register Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 3rd of Subsequent Offense

Erick Salinas, 35, Ft. Myers was arrested on September 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Brandford Ethan Bell, 34, Miami Gardens on September 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Coley on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender and Out of County Warrant

Adrian Roldan, 29, LaBelle was arrested on September 9, 2026, by Det/ G. Willis on charges of Vehicle Burglary

Travis Samuel Allen, 30, Okeechobee was arrested on September 9, 2026, by Det. A. Nelson on charges of Tampering with a Witness

Adam Fernandez, 30, Clewiston was arrested on September 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Ramos on two counts of Felony Probation Violation

Jarvaris Jennard Brice, 33, Clewiston was arrested on September 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. DiBernardino on charges of Possession of controlled Substance without Prescription

Dwayne Eddie Church, 51, Wisconsin on September 11, 226, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Leona Ann Youmans, 58, LaBelle was arrested on September 11, 2026, by Det. T. Lewis on charges of Threat Written/Electronic Threats to do Bodily Harm

Savannah Blue Studley, 31, LaBelle was arrested on September 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Use of Tracking Device without Consent

Patrick Ethan Johnson, 62, LaBelle was arrested on September 13, 2026, by Sgt. S. Kirkby on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 3rd or Subsequent Violation and Fleeing and Eluding

LaBelle Dog Park Re-opened

Hendry LaBelle Dog Park Reopened

(September 15, 2026) – Please be advised that the Hendry LaBelle Dog Park on Pratt Blvd off off Cowboy way, has reopened to the public following necessary maintenance work.

Residents with questions regarding the park are asked to call Hendry-LaBelle Recreation at 863-675-5347.

Monday, September 14, 2026

Tax Holiday For Hunting, Fishing, Campers

Florida’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is back for a second year, providing tax relief on firearms, ammunition and a wide range of hunting, fishing and camping supplies through December 31. 

The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday began September 1 and runs through December 31, 2026. During the holiday, Florida will suspend the collection of sales tax on eligible firearms, ammunition and hunting, fishing and camping equipment.

Eligible purchases include:Ammunition;
Firearms, including pistols, rifles and shotguns;
Firearm accessories, including holsters, grips, sights, stocks and cleaning kits;
Bows, crossbows and related accessories;
Fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle; and
Eligible camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves and lanterns.

Obituaries - Luis Sanabria, Sandra Delares McClenithan

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, on May 3, 1942, Luis Sanabria carried the warmth and vitality of his roots throughout his life. He found his rhythm here in the States, working with steady hands and a faithful heart as a sugar mill foreman for 25 years. He retired in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment.

Papa was a man who appreciated the finer things, finding joy in cultivating a beautiful home and life. He possessed a generous spirit, often expressing his love by showering his dear wife, Francisca, with gifts, and welcoming friends and family to the table. Whether he was frying chicharrones, grilling hog ribs, or brewing the morning coffee, he knew that the simplest moments are often the most meaningful. He loved life, finding camaraderie in a game of dominos or the excitement of a day at the race track, but his true treasure was always the people around him.

He shared 38 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Francisca "Maria" Rodriguez Sanabria. Their journey together was a testament to enduring love, marked by shared memories like the time they cruised the Caribbean with his coworkers, a story that remains a favorite for his family.

Above all else, those who knew him best describe him simply as a good man. He walked his path with dignity, maintaining an immaculate appearance and a life he could be proud of. While he now rests from his earthly labors, the memory of his devotion to his wife, his care for his home, and his kindness toward his friends remains a comfort to all who mourn him.

Luis is survived by his wife, Francisca; his sons, Luis and Samuel; his stepsons, Johnny, Carmelo, Raul, and Jamie; his stepdaughter, Maria; his brother, Adrián Ramos Sanabria; and his sister, Natividad Ramos Sanabria. He now joins his mother, Providencia, in eternal rest.

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Sandra Delares McClenithan
, known to her friends and family as Sandy, has been called home to rest in the presence of the Lord. Born on March 6, 1946, in Clewiston, she lived a life marked by strength, deep devotion, and an unshakeable love for those around her.

To know Sandy was to know a woman of profound determination. She possessed a quiet, steady resolve that defined her character. When Sandy set her heart on something, she simply found a way to make it happen, a trait that served her well throughout her life, including her ten years of dedicated service with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. She did not merely move through the world; she navigated it with purpose and a heart focused on the people she loved.

Above all else, Sandy was a mother in the truest sense of the word. She was the cornerstone of her family, a woman who cared for her relatives and friends with a consistency that anchored them all. Her greatest joy was not found in accolades or material things, but in the simple, sacred act of being present. She often shared that her most cherished memories were the moments she spent by her grandchildren’s side, welcoming them into this world. Being there for them meant everything to her, and that love remains a lasting gift to her children and grandchildren alike.

She shared over twenty years of life and marriage with her late husband, Pete McClenithan, building a foundation of partnership and shared history.

Sandy leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly and strive to honor the example she set. She is survived by her sister, Janice Bamburg; her brother-in-law, Calvin Billings; her daughters, Angela Otero and Tracy Billings; her son-in-law, Ricky Otero; and her precious grandchildren, Jamie Otero, Kayla Otero, Carol McClenithan, Justin McClenithan, and Cordell Billings. She is also remembered with great affection by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, alongside the memory of her beloved grandson, Ricardo James (R.J.) Otero, who has gone on before her.

While we feel the weight of her absence, we find peace and hope in the promise of faith. Sandy has finished her journey and now rests in the gentle, eternal care of her Savior, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue to guide her family for years to come.

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Seen At Port LaBelle Inn - R44 Helicopter Lands

 

LABELLE, FL. -- Residents around the Port LaBelle Inn may have wondered what the low flying helicopter was doing flying just 100 feet or lower along the pastures on Oxbow Drive.

That was a Robinson R44 4-seater helicopter operated by Fred Kobie III. The 2018 model copter was flying low around the Port LaBelle area Saturday afternoon, and landed in a pasture that was being mowed by elder family member Fred Kobie. 

The Kobies own Kobie Kooling, Inc, and Kobie is leasing the Port LaBelle pasture land for his cattle. 

Fred III lives in Glades county off Kirby-Thompson Rd and hangers the helicopter at Southpoint Air Strip, next to his acreage and home.

The helicopter is presumably owned by Fred III but registered in Germany to Qualitair LLC, a German trust that protects assets of aircraft owners through FAA registrations.

Photo Credit: Mary Tyner