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
Monday, October 26, 2026
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.
*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.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
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.
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.
Friday, October 23, 2026
Health Alert - Lake Okeechobee
Moore Haven, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hendry County (DOH-Hendry) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Okeechobee.
The alert is in response to a water sample taken on October 21, 2026. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Okeechobee.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
The alert is in response to a water sample taken on October 21, 2026. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Okeechobee.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Okeechobee Courthouse American Indian Exhibit Opens
Smithsonian “Americans” Exhibit Opens at Okeechobee Historic Courthouse
OKEECHOBEE CITY, FL. -- The Smithsonian has arrived in Okeechobee! The Americans Smithsonian touring exhibition opened this past weekend at the Historic Okeechobee Courthouse with members of both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida in attendance.
Americans is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This exhibit explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States.
Florida Humanities awarded five cultural organizations $10,000 in grant funding to host Americans and exhibition programming. In addition to Okeechobee, the Florida tour of Americans will travel to Fort Myers, St. Petersburg and Panama City through June 2027.
OKEECHOBEE CITY, FL. -- The Smithsonian has arrived in Okeechobee! The Americans Smithsonian touring exhibition opened this past weekend at the Historic Okeechobee Courthouse with members of both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida in attendance.
Americans is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This exhibit explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States.
Florida Humanities awarded five cultural organizations $10,000 in grant funding to host Americans and exhibition programming. In addition to Okeechobee, the Florida tour of Americans will travel to Fort Myers, St. Petersburg and Panama City through June 2027.
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