LABELLE, FL. -- Florida’s top performing STEM students were recently recognized as Sunshine State Scholars and given the opportunity to attend a two-day event in Orlando, February 21 – 22, 2013. Each school district throughout Florida selected their top 11th grade student based on their academic achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
From Hendry and Glades county, were 11th grade students Sade Awe from Clewiston, and Mattie Bass from Moore Haven.
These students, along with their parents and a teacher chosen by each student, were invited to participate in the annual Sunshine State Scholars program. The Sunshine State Scholars program is sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation, in collaboration with the State University System of Florida, the Florida College System, and the Florida Department of Education.
Among those being honored this year were 17 students from the small and rural school districts participating in the FloridaLearns Stem Scholars Initiative for Gifted and Talented Students. (Photo above)
The project is focused on affording increased access to rigorous STEM courses, providing collaborative problem-solving experiences, and ensuring students are well-informed about STEM career options.
In addition to recognizing their academic success, the Sunshine State Scholars program gave these STEM students the opportunity to meet directly with highly successful professionals from STEM-related industries in Florida, and with recruiters from Florida’s finest colleges and universities.
During the event, the students heard about special programs of study and industry internship opportunities, learned about some of the latest innovations and discoveries in STEM-related research, were inspired by personal success stories from leaders in Florida’s STEM industry, and were actively recruited to become part of Florida’s future talented workforce.
About one in five U.S. adult cigarette smokers have tried an electronic cigarette, says the CDC. The device is an electronic inhaler that vaporizes a liquid solution into an aerosol mist, simulating the act of tobacco smoking. But the effects of e-cigarettes in long term health is not known.
“If large numbers of adult smokers become users of both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes — rather than using e-cigarettes to quit cigarettes completely — the net public health effect could be quite negative,” said Dr. Tim McAfee, director of the Office on Smoking and Health at CDC.
Although e-cigarettes appear to have far fewer of the toxins found in smoke compared to traditional cigarettes, the impact of e-cigarettes on long-term health must be studied, says the CDC. Research, they say, is needed to assess how e-cigarette marketing could impact initiation and use of traditional cigarettes, particularly among young people.
In 2011, about 21 percent of adults who smoke traditional cigarettes had used electronic cigarettes, up from about 10 percent in 2010, according to a study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In both 2010 and 2011, e-cigarette use was significantly higher among current smokers compared to both former and never smokers. Overall, about six percent of all adults have tried e-cigarettes, with estimates nearly doubling from 2010.
During 2010–2011, adults who have used e-cigarettes increased among both sexes, non-Hispanic Whites, those aged 45–54 years, those living in the South, and current and former smokers and current and former smokers. Awareness of e-cigarettes rose from about four in 10 adults in 2010 to six in 10 adults in 2011.
CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said, “There is still a lot we don’t know about these products, including whether they will decrease or increase use of traditional cigarettes.”
For quitting assistance, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.smokefree.gov. Also, visit www.BeTobaccoFree.gov for information on quitting and preventing children from using tobacco. For stories of people who have quit successfully, visit http://www.cdc.gov/tips.
LABELLE, FL. -- Port LaBelle Utilities has issued a precautionary boil water notice for those residents in Port LaBelle Unit 2, South of Cowboy Way, North of Helms Road, East of Forrey Drive, and West of Collingswood Parkway, due to a water main break.
The Port LaBelle Utility Department issued the following warning:
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL WATER USED FOR DRINKING OR COOKING BE BOILED. A ROLLING BOIL OF ONE MINUTE IS SUFFICIENT. AS AN ALTERNATIVE BOTTLED WATER MAY BE USED.
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE IS TO BE EFFECTIVE UNTIL 12:00 NOON, MONDAY, MARCH 4TH, UNLESS YOU HEAR OTHERWISE FROM THIS UTILITY.
This "precautionary boil water notice" will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
Update: As of Monday March 4 at 9:30 a.m. the boil water notice has been lifted.
Joyce Turner Drake, age 80, died February 26, 2013 at Hope Hospice House in Bonita Springs. She died after a 4 month battle with respiratory issues.
Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband, William "Pat" Drake, of 58 years. She is survived by her son Donnie Drake (Kathy) of West Palm; son Marvin Drake of Clewiston; daughter Patti (Gary) Muzzonigro of Bonita Springs; Tammie (Bud) Stephens of Fort Myers; grandchildren Lori Hall; Jimmy Carithers; Jessica (Mark) Tate; Katie (Scott) McNulty; Lauren Drake; Daniel Drake; Patrick Drake; Erin Drake; her great grandchildren Erica and Morgan Rudd; Kaylee and Ella McNulty; Chase and Caden Hall; and Gage Tate; her sister Virginia Davidson of Atlanta Ga., and many friends and loved ones.
Throughout her entire life, Joyce is remembered for her constant and unfailing love in Jesus Christ whom she served since childhood. Her unfaltering smile and upbeat spirit encouraged all who were around her. She will always be remembered for the happiness she brought to those she loved.
She will be laid to rest on March 1, 2013 at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, Fl.
Rosamond (Eunice) Hasley Age 81 departed this life on February 20, 2013 at her home in Alva, Florida. She was born July 27, 1931 in Alva, Florida to the late Benjamin Elias Edwards and Mary (Lucille) Ard Edwards Lewis.
Eunice was employed for 30 years at Alva Elementary School as a secretary/bookkeeper and was a lifelong member of the Alva United Methodist Church.
Proceeded in death by her beloved husband John Peter Hasley Sr. and son John Peter Hasley Jr. Survived by her two loved sons, Benjamin James Hasley (Jill) and Timothy Henry Hasley; two brothers, B. Fred Edwards and Eddie Jack Edwards (deceased); two sisters, Joyce Harrison and Sharon (Luann) Murphy; two grandsons John Peter Hasley III and Thomas Michael Hasley and many nieces and nephews that she adored.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday March 2, 2013 at the Alva United Methodist Church in Alva. Viewing will be from 10 am-12 pm, service will begin at 12 pm followed by graveside service at Alva Cemetery.
Maurene B. Bennett, age 72, of Lakeport, passed away February 23, 2013 at home in Lakeport. She was born Apr. 29, 1940 in Mobile, Alabama to the late Clarence and the late Mattie Mae (Black) Burkett.
Maurene had an interesting life she owned a motorcycle, owned and operated a nursery for many years, was a blackjack dealer and worked as an esthetician in a beauty salon with her daughter. She loved her orchids, enjoyed planting, fishing, was a great cook and loved making pies, jams and picking mulberries with her twin granddaughters. She also loved to play cards with Pop and the grandkids.
She is survived by her husband: David DeWitt Bennett, two sons: Dennis Gallo, Johnny Bennett, three daughters: Debra (Roger) McKee, Sharon (Ed) Boden, Vicky (Jerry) Dennard, one brother: William (Marie) Burkett, grandchildren, Jamie (Rob) Hawkins, BJ Hall, Destin Boden, William McKee, Dana (John) Pettrey, Danielle Dennard, Jordan Dennard, Sherri (David) Wilson, Jeremy Dennard, great-grandchildren: Mara (Jesus) Zamora, Melissa Sauvey, M-Lee Sauvey, Abigail Pettrey, Jackson Pettrey, Trent Dennard, Ryan Dennard, Jacob Wheeler, Cody Wheeler, one great great-grandchild Jesus Zamora and best friends Paul and Emma Ruth Beck. She is also survived by her dogs: Zena and Baby Doll and her cats: Pebbles, Flash and Dirty Face.
She was preceded in death by her grandson Brian McKee, two brothers Bill Burkett, Clarence Burkett, Jr. and sister-in-law Betty Burkett.
Artifacts Sold On Ebay And Trade Shows For Up To $100,000
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with the support of the Florida Department of State, completed a statewide investigation Wednesday that included more than 400 felony violations by 13 individuals from the Keys to the Panhandle. The undercover operation shut down a group of individuals who destroyed state lands to illegally uncover and sell historic Florida artifacts.
“The suspects were part of a criminal conspiracy,” said Maj. Curtis Brown, head of the FWC’s Investigations section. “Their crimes pose serious environmental, economic and cultural consequences.”
Florida statute establishes that historic properties, including artifacts, are an important legacy to be valued and conserved for present and future generations. Artifacts on public lands are part of the public trust and should be enjoyed by all. When people take them and sell them illegally, they are stealing from the citizens of Florida.
“We are all responsible for protecting and conserving our state’s natural resources, including land, water, fish and wildlife, as well as historic items like artifacts. But FWC officers have the extra duty of ensuring everyone is doing their part,” Brown said.
Undercover FWC officers infiltrated the operation and gathered evidence to charge the subjects, stopping their illegal business and protecting both the lands and the cultural resources.
“This is not the situation of a family out hiking and finding an arrowhead or other artifact that they want to take home,” Brown said. “We did not target the casual collector. These subjects intentionally destroyed lands and rivers for their own personal gain. Some even made their entire living on these illegal sales.”
Many of the illegally obtained artifacts were offered for sale online or at trade shows. The asking prices for some of the looted pieces were as much as $100,000.
“Artifacts are a finite, nonrenewable resource. When they are taken, destroyed or stored in private collections without being documented, they, and the history they represent, are gone forever,” said Rob Bendus, State Historic Preservation Officer and director of the DOS Division of Historical Resources. “This is a significant loss to the state’s quality of life, history, economy and cultural resources.”
The methods used by these subjects were extremely damaging to the environment. They were operating on state lands, illegally dredging rivers and digging massive holes in pristine wooded areas.
“Some of the sites they looted have been completely decimated and will never be able to be studied by professional archaeologists in the future,” Bendus said. “Historians are still trying to piece together the history of Native Americans in Florida. These sites hold immeasurable amounts of information that would be extremely valuable to historians and archaeologists who are working to learn more about Florida’s earliest human inhabitants.”
The public can also help by reporting suspected violations to the FWC. To make a report, call the Wildlife Alert hotline – 888-404-FWCC – or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
The National Emergency Number Association is warning the public not to dial 112, in the wake of social media posts that people should dial the number, rather than 911, in certain circumstances, such as if they are pulled over by police and want to confirm the officers' authenticity.
"1-1-2 is the European emergency number," NENA said. "While dialing 1-1-2 in the United States may work on certain devices and on certain wireless networks, the only way to ensure that your call for emergency assistance gets through is to dial 9-1-1.
"When a caller tries to use 1-1-2 in the United States, the call may not go through. Even if it does, 1-1-2 provides no special emergency call handling - in fact, it adds a delay due to it having to be converted to '9-1-1' and then routed to the appropriate 9-1-1 call center."
LABELLE, FL. -- On January 4, 2013, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crime Unit began an investigation on a local couple accused of neglecting to provide care for their 19 horses after they received a call from someone concerned about the condition of the animals.
Michael and Heather Walsh (pictured) of Fort Denaud, who run Florida Equine Rescue, were arrested Thursday, February 7, 2013 and are in the Hendry County Jail. Many of their horses have been sent to other nonprofit caretaking organizations.
After a month long investigation and numerous verbal warnings about the health, weight, diet and follow-ups, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51 year old Michael Walsh and 41 year old Heather Walsh on 19 counts of Conservation-Animals Abandonment of Animals. Both Michael and Heather Walsh are being held on $19,000 bond.
Hendry County Narcotics Investigators Shut Down Montura Marijuana Grow House
CLEWISTON, FL. -- After receiving an anonymous tip, Hendry County Narcotics Investigators responded to the residence of 460 S. Quebrada Street, in Montura to investigate an individual who may be operating marijuana grow house.
Deputies contacted the property owner, who told investigators that she rented the home to a man later identified as 26 year old William Suarez. After receiving permission to search the home, investigators located 129 live marijuana plants with a total weight of 22.84 lbs, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia.
Suarez was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Producing Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, and Possession of Drug Equipment. He is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on $41,000 bond.
200 People Congregate At Gas Station - Arrest Made After Vehicle Pursuit LABELLE, FL. -- A man was arrested Saturday afternoon after attempting to flee Hendry County officers. Anthony Cole allegedly attempted to drive away from the Pioneer Shell store in mid-Hendry when numerous officers responded to a disturbance call where about 75 vehicles had congregated in a parking lot.
The call had sent officers working the Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBellle to the disturbance 20 miles east of LaBelle.
On February 23, 2013 Deputies with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Pioneer Shell Station on State Road 80 in reference to a large group that had gathered at this location. It was reported to the Sheriff’s Office that these groups had entirely taken over the parking lot and were causing a disturbance.
When Deputies arrived on scene it was estimated there were at least 75 vehicles in the parking lot and approximately 200 people. Hendry County K-9 handler Deputy Harrynarine exited his vehicle and removed his K9 partner, Dio, and began to assist with crowd control.
As Deputy Harrynarine and K9 Dio began walking through the crowd, Dio immediately showed an interest in a white Oldsmobile that was improperly parked and unattended. As deputies approached the vehicle a subject quickly entered the car and attempted to drive away.
Harrynarine attempted to gain the driver’s attention to no avail. As the vehicle’s driver attempted to drive away he was forced to stop by the large volume of traffic that was attempting to leave the parking lot. At this point Deputy Harrynarine was able to approach the driver’s side of the vehicle where he knocked on the window in a continued attempt to gain the driver’s attention.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 30 year old Anthony Trevoris Cole, ignored Deputy Harrynarine orders to stop his vehicle. Cole then seemed to become more intent on leaving the parking lot, operating his vehicle in an extremely reckless manner. During his attempt to leave the parking lot, the driver of the vehicle drove across the curb onto State Road 80.
Deputies who had positioned themselves to direct traffic on State Road 80 were approached by Cole. Deputy N. Reed of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, who was directing traffic, was nearly struck by Cole as he continued to travel along State Road 80 ignoring orders of Hendry County Deputies to stop. Deputies immediately began pursuing this vehicle.
Cole ignored all attempts made by the Deputies to get him to stop and at one point during the pursuit struck one of the Sheriff’s Office vehicles with his.
Cole was apprehended and taken into custody by Hendry County Deputies after the vehicle he was driving developed a flat tire. After Cole was apprehended deputies located 98 grams of marijuana on the driver and in the vehicle, along with approximately $3,000.00 in U.S. Currency.
Cole was transported to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Fleeing and Eluding Police with Disregard of Safety of Persons or Property, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, and Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell.
Cole was released on February 24, 2013 on $48,500 bond.
Exotic Pet Day In Fort Myers - Surrender Non-Native Pets Says Florida
FORT MYERS, FL. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area will hold an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers. This event enables people to surrender their nonnative pets free of charge and with no penalties.
The goal is to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them.
“Often, pet owners don’t understand the possible negative impacts that may result from releasing a nonnative species,” said Jenny Novak, who coordinates the FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. “Pet amnesty events foster responsible pet ownership while providing exotic pet owners a legal alternative to releasing nonnative animals.”
Exotic Pet Amnesty Days have had great success in other areas of the state such as Miami.
“We’d like to expand the program by encouraging other agencies and organizations to participate,” said Novak. “For example, this amnesty day would not be possible without our partnership with the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area.”
To date, more than 500 nonnative species have been observed in the wild in Florida, and more than 130 have reproducing populations. It is illegal to release any animal not native to Florida.
At each pet amnesty day, every attempt is made to place all healthy animals with qualified adopters. Pet adopters must be pre-qualified to receive surrendered animals. Anyone interested in adopting exotic pets can download the application forms at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives. Adoption applications must be received by Feb. 28 to be processed in time for this event.
Exotic Pet Amnesty Day is a free, family event. Live animals will be on display, and experts will be on hand to talk about proper care of exotic pets.
Additional information about Exotic Pet Amnesty Day and exotic animals in Florida can be found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is at 3450 Ortiz Ave Fort Myers, FL 33905.
LABELLE, FL.-- Florida author of No Milk, Please, Tatiana Barrera will be the guest in a live YouTube interview Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. talking about diet, lifestyle and healthy eats.
Henderson Charles Spence, Jr., 85, of LaBelle FL passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on January 29, 1928 to Henderson Charles and Ruth Carroll Spence.
He graduated from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, GA in 1946. As a young man, he worked on the Herbert Hoover Dike project as a surveyor. While stationed in Okeechobee, FL he met and married a local girl, Lois Marie Hair.
He was drafted in 1950 into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Henderson worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a draftsman, in the Rivers and Navigation Division, for the rest of his career in Savannah, GA.
As an only child, his life-long dream had been to be a part of a large family. This dream was realized when Henderson and Lois raised their five children in Savannah and Richmond Hill, Georgia. He loved being the favored "Uncle Charles" to nieces and nephews, and the adopted "Granddaddy" to many other children. A close and happy family was paramount in his life. His greatest pleasure was to hold and love his grandbabies and vacation with them at St. Augustine Beach, FL.
Henderson is survived by his wife of more than sixty two years; four children: daughter, Ruth (Bill) Harrell of Fortson GA; sons, Steven (Julie) Spence of LaBelle, FL; David (Kate) Spence of Mill Spring N.C.; Henderson John (Mabelle) Spence of Charlotte, N.C., 13 grandchildren, one great-grandson and one arriving great-grandson. Daughter, Alice Spence Bagley predeceased him in 2005.
While serving in the Army, Henderson began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. This knowledge changed his life by working hard to be a good husband, father and donating many hours in studying the Bible with other people so they too could find true happiness in their life. He served as an Elder in congregations in Savannah, Jacksonville, and LaBelle.
A memorial service will be held in LaBelle at Akin-Davis Funeral Home on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Waycross, Georgia on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
LABELLE, FL. -- All four first grade classes from Edward A. Upthegrove Elementary School recently visited LaBelle Heritage Museum on two separate mornings ending their local field trips with a luncheon at Barron Park with a special brown bag treat prepared by the school cafeteria before their return to campus and their classrooms.
Photo: one of the visiting first grade classes
Mrs. Figured and Mrs. Stevens walked their two classes of 16 students each, accompanied by parent chaperons, to the museum on Monday, February 11, and Mrs. Colbert and Mrs. Zimmerly brought their 32 first graders, also accompanied by chaperons, to the museum the following morning, Tuesday, February 12.
LaBelle Heritage Museum does have a special student membership for $1 a year that allows unlimited visits to the museum; however, students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the museum.
LHM president Joe Thomas says these sixty-four first graders were a joy, full of life, and eager to learn about the museum's exhibits. The field trips were evidently a success since the three second grade classes at UES are already scheduled for their visits to the museum.
Thomas hopes that LaBelle Elementary School and Country Oaks Elementary School can schedule field trips to the museum for their students but does realize budgetary constraints involved with transportation may prevent this.
Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 3.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.85/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 8,237 gas outlets in Florida. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.72/g.
Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 11.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 44.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 42.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 9.1 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
LABELLE, FL. -- Road construction continues along State Road 80 and State Road 29 this week. Motorists should take caution in the following areas:
State Roadways: SR 78E from SR 29 to US 27, SR 78W from US 27 to Okeechobee County Line, US 27 from Palm Beach County Line to Highlands County Line: Maintenance project: Crews are restriping the lines along the state roadways (this order is not necessarily sequential). This will be a nighttime/overnight slow moving operation from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting, and continuing for a month. Motorists should expect slow moving traffic and possible delays.
US 27 from Palm Beach County Line to Flaghole Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are working on the shoulder of the roadway, reshaping and sodding areas. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No lane closures are anticipated. Motorists should expect vehicles entering and exiting the roadway and should use caution.
SR 80 from CR 833 to east of US 27: Construction project: Work expands two-miles of SR 80 to four lanes from east of County Road 833 to west of US 27. Crews are constructing ponds, building new bridges, installing drainage, and placing base materials. Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs and barricades throughout the construction project, stay alert, and use caution in the work zone. Estimated completion is spring 2014. The contractor is C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc.
SR 80/US 27: Interchange improvements: Construction project: Crews are modifying the intersection with construction of an overpass for SR 80 traffic eastbound to US 27 northbound and for US 27 traffic northbound to SR 80 westbound. The project also realigns US 27. Crews also will widen approximately 3/4 mile of SR 80 to four lanes approaching the intersection, add a traffic signal at the overpass, and install lighting at the interchange. Work currently involves placing fill dirt, installing drainage, and constructing the new overpass and roadways. US 27 traffic is using the newly constructed lanes. The SR 80/US 27 intersection is temporarily shifted to the north. Motorists travelling east and west on SR 80 must use caution at the US 27 intersection and follow the posted speed limit of 25 MPH. Motorists are advised to be aware of construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zone and to use caution driving in this area. Project completion is estimated at end of 2013. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, Inc.
SR 80 from Birchwood Parkway to Dalton Lane: Construction project: Construction project: Work is underway to expand five miles of SR 80 to four lanes from Birchwood Parkway to Dalton Lane. Crews are clearing vegetation, constructing a drainage structure near Cedarwood Parkway and driving piles for a new bridge at the C-1 canal. Motorists are advised to be aware of construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zone and to use caution driving in this area. The speed limit from Birchwood Parkway to Cedarwood Parkway is 50 miles per hour. Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs and barricades throughout the construction project, stay alert, and use caution in the work zone. Estimated completion is summer 2014. The contractor is C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc.
SR 80, west from Hendry County Line to Cowboy Way: Maintenance permit project: Crews are installing gas lines over the next several months. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No lane closures are anticipated. Motorists should expect vehicles entering and exiting the work zone and should use caution.
SR 29, south from Collier County Line to Keri Road: Maintenance contract project: Crews are cleaning ditches along the road over the next month. No lane closures are expected, but motorists are advised to be aware of work vehicles entering and exiting the roadway and to use caution driving in this area.
Lots Of Fried And Sweet Foods, Lively Music In LaBelle This Weekend
LABELLE, FL. -- The largest Festival and Parade in Hendry and Glades county, Florida, always the last full weekend of February kicked off Saturday morning with the annual festival parade down Bridge Street in LaBelle.
This year's festival again featured a huge parade down Bridge Street to Barron Park on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, music in the park, classic car show, and carnival rides for the kids and hundreds of food vendors.
The festival is named after the pulpy interior of Florida's State Tree, the Cabbage Palm. Unfortunately, the tree is killed to get to the pound or so of edible food. Most "heart of palm" is imported from Southeast Asia and available canned at specialty stores.
The festivities continue Sunday. (Video: scenes from the 2013 Parade and Festival and Classic Car Show at Barron Park in LaBelle)
DOJ Joins Suit Against Cyclist To Recover $30 Million
The Department of Justice announced today that the government has joined a civil lawsuit alleging that Lance Armstrong, Johan Bruyneel and Tailwind Sports LLC and Tailwind Sports Corporation (Tailwind) submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in connection with its sponsorship of a professional bicycle racing team by regularly employing banned substances and methods to enhance their performance, in violation of the USPS sponsorship agreements.
From 1996 through 2004, the USPS sponsored a professional cycling team owned by Tailwind and its predecessors. Lance Armstrong was the lead rider on the team, and between 1999 and 2004, he won six consecutive Tour de France titles as a member of the USPS-sponsored team. Johan Bruyneel was the directeur sportif, or manager, of the cycling team.
The sponsorship agreements gave the USPS certain promotional rights, including the right to prominent placement of the USPS logo on the cycling team’s uniform. Each of the agreements required the team to follow the rules of cycling’s governing bodies, which prohibited the use of certain performance enhancing substances and methods. Between 2001 and 2004 alone, the Postal Service paid $31 million in sponsorship fees.
The lawsuit joined today by the government alleges that riders on the USPS-sponsored team, including Armstrong, knowingly caused the USPS agreements to be violated by regularly employing banned substances and methods to enhance their performance. The lawsuit further alleges that Bruyneel knew that team members were using performance enhancing substances and facilitated the practice.
“Lance Armstrong and his cycling team took more than $30 million from the U.S. Postal Service based on their contractual promise to play fair and abide by the rules – including the rules against doping,” said Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. “The Postal Service has now seen its sponsorship unfairly associated with what has been described as ‘the most sophisticated, professionalized, and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."
For many years, including during the USPS sponsorships, Armstrong and others repeatedly denied that the team used performance enhancing substances or methods. Yet on Oct. 10, 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) issued a report concluding that Armstrong used banned performance enhancing substances starting in at least 1998 and continuing throughout his professional career, and that he pressured and helped his teammates to engage in similar conduct. Accordingly, USADA disqualified all of his competitive results since Aug. 1, 1998, including his seven Tour de France victories, and banned him from sport for life pursuant to the World Anti-Doping Code.
In a recently-televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong contradicted his earlier denials and admitted that he used banned substances and methods throughout his career, starting in the mid-1990s. In particular, he admitted having engaged in banned practices during each of his seven Tour de France victories, including the six he won as a USPS rider. Armstrong explained that he avoided detection by anti-doping authorities by carefully timing his use of banned drugs so that they would leave his system prior to his undergoing cycling’s required periodic drug testing.
The lawsuit joined by the United States was filed by Floyd Landis, a former rider and teammate of Armstrong on the USPS sponsored team from 2002 through 2004. The lawsuit was filed under the False Claims Act, which imposes liability on those who submit false claims for government funds, and provides for the recovery of three times the government’s damages, plus civil penalties.
Google announced the latest in the Chromebook line this week, featuring a very fast processor and large drive for plenty of storage on the computer itself, in addition to "cloud" storage like all Chromebooks.
In it's announcement Google emphasizes "Chromebooks were designed to make computing speedy, simple and secure. For many of you, they have become the perfect, additional (and yes, affordable) computer: ideal for catching up on emails, sharing documents and chatting via Hangouts."
Google has partnered with Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and HP to build the devices and the Samsung Chromebook has been #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list for laptops every day since it launched 125 days ago in the U.S., "and Chromebooks now represent more than 10 percent of notebook sales at Currys PC World, the largest electronics retailer in the U.K.," said Google.
The Pixel, was especially designed for power users who have fully embraced the cloud, says Google. Specifications: This Chromebook has the highest pixel density (239 pixels per inch) of any laptop screen on the market today. With 4.3 million pixels, the display offers sharp text, vivid colors and extra-wide viewing angles. Touch has been added for a more immersive experience.
"The body of the Pixel is made from an anodized aluminum alloy to create a smooth and durable surface; vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are seamlessly tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard. The touchpad is made from etched glass, analyzed and honed using a laser microscope to ensure precise navigation. The Pixel also has powerful, full-range speakers for crisp sound, a 720p webcam for clear video, and a total of three microphones designed to cancel out surrounding noise."
Speed: Powered by an Intel® Core™ i5 Processor and a solid state Flash memory architecture, the Pixel performs "remarkably fast" said Google.
Connectivity: The Pixel has a great WiFi range thanks to carefully positioned antennas and dual-band support. "Long-term evolution" (LTE) is engineered directly into the machine, delivering fast connectivity across Verizon's network, the largest, fastest 4G LTE network in the U.S. (LTE model optional). It also comes with 12 free GoGo® Inflight Internet passes for those times you need to connect while in the air.
Storage: Since this Chromebook is for people who live in the cloud, one terabyte of Google Drive cloud storage* is included with the Pixel. This enables you to save, access and share photos, videos, documents, and all of your stuff from all of your devices, from anywhere.
The Pixel boots up in seconds and never slows down, requires almost zero setup or maintenance, and comes with built-in virus protection and it stays up to date with automatic updates every few weeks.
The Pixel will be available for purchase starting today on Google Play in the U.S. and U.K., and soon on BestBuy.com. The WiFi version ($1,299 U.S. and £1,049 U.K.) will start shipping next week and the LTE version ($1,449) will ship in the U.S. in April.
MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The 65th annual Chalo Nitka Festival kicks off Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. with the parade, from Riverside Drive along Avenue J, followed by the opening of the festival grounds on Tenth Street at 11 a.m.
(Video: Scenes from a past Chalo Nitka Festival Parade)
Originally begun as a celebration of the newly “tarred” Main Street (now Ave. J) in Moore Haven, the first Chalo Nitka Festival was celebrated in 1949 with LaBelle, Pahokee, Belle Glade and Moore Haven High School bands and colorful floats leading a parade down Main Street.
Christened the Chalo Nitka Festival, which is Seminole for “Day of the Big Bass,” the festival became an annual event, featuring an annual fishing tournament saluting the Black Bass, beauty pageants culminating in the Chalo Nitka Queen contest, a parade and of course, the festival itself, which includes carnival rides, arts and crafts and food booths and special exhibits by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including alligator wrestling, Native American clothing contests, and arts and crafts exhibits.
The Tracy Whrils, Glades EDC director said while many think of the Chalo Nitka festival as the annual event held the first Saturday in March, the Chalo Nitka Festival is actually the culminating event in a week long series centering on the Glades Youth Livestock Show and Sale, which begins the week before.
Founded in 1969, the Glades Youth Livestock Association was formed to give the youth of Glades County an opportunity to raise and show farm animals and the community a place to host the annual show and sale and the rodeo which follows each year.
“Only in Moore Haven are you likely to see the Chalo Nitka queen cleaning her steer’s stall in the Show barn or trading her tiara for a cowboy hat to compete in the barrel races, once the show is over,” Ms. Whirls said, adding that among the other popular annual events are the “Kiss the Pig” contest during the Youth Livestock sale, in which local politicians and other celebrities bid for the right to make an opponent “Kiss the Pig,” to raise funds for the Moore Haven High School Scholarship Foundation or Project Graduation.
Chalo Nitka Frontier Days Rodeo
The Chalo Nitka Festival and Ranch Rodeo kicks off in Moore Haven Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd. Rodeo action begins nightly at 7. Featuring bull riding, barrel racing and the wild cow milkin' contest. Kids 10 and under can enter the calf scramble.
Admission is $10 dollars for adults, $5 dollars for kids 6 to 12. Five and under it's free with paid adult admission. As always, anyone wearing a 2013 t-shirt or Seminole Indian attire the day of the festival gets in free of charge.
Grown ups can unwind at the adult dance in the Doyle Conner Ag Center Friday and Saturday night, starting at 9 p.m. Must be 18 to attend. Admission is $10 per person and $5 per cooler. IDs will be checked a door. No glass containers, please.
Kid’s Day kicks off with Small Fry Fishing Contest
The annual Kid’s Day event, slated for Friday, March 1, gets underway with the annual Small Fry Fishing Contest at the Chalo Nitka Park at 8 a.m. Registration for the Small Fry Fishing contest for children ages 1-15 will begin at 8 a.m.
Cane poles and bait will be available, however, contestants may bring their own fishing gear if they prefer. Early registration is encouraged.
Following the fishing contest, children’s games sponsored by Project Graduation will begin The games include the egg race, sack race, bubble gum blowing contest, face painting, hula hoop, limbo and twist contests. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be available.
Pancakes And A Parade
The 65th annual Chalo Nitka Festival slated for Saturday, March 2 traditionally begins with the pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Junior Class, at Moore Haven Elementary from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
At ten a.m., the parade begins with line up on Riverside Drive, before winding its way up Avenue J. to end near the Chalo Nitka Grounds. Glades County elected officials, dignitaries representing the Seminole Tribe of Florida, royalty from area festivals, including the Chalo Nitka Queen and her court, will participate in a range of conveyances, ranging from convertibles to swamp buggies, horses to ATVs, golf carts to boats.
(Applications are also being accepting from church groups, civic groups, community associations and others interested in participating in the 65th annual Chalo Nitka parade, Saturday, March 2.
There will be no entry fee for the parade. Businesses, churches, civic groups, school groups and others interested in participating in the parade may stop by the EDC office at 998 US 27 S., Moore Haven to pick up or fill out a parade entry form.)
Craft and food booths open at the Chalo Nitka grounds at 11 a.m., with opening ceremonies slated for 11:30. A variety of live entertainment, from alligator wrestling to clogging, are scheduled throughout the day.
Grand Marshal Larry Luckey
Larry Luckey, retired Glades County Property Appraiser has been named Festival and Parade Grand Marshal for 2013.
According to Glades County Economic Development Council executive director and Chalo Nitka Committee member Tracy Whirls, the Chalo Nitka Festival Committee voted to honor Mr. Luckey in recognition of his many years of community service in Glades County.
“Mr. Luckey may be best known for his 28-year tenure as Glades County’s property appraiser, but we wanted to recognize him for his years of tireless service to Glades County civic organizations,” Ms. Whirls said, noting that Mr. Luckey has been a fixture in serving as the master of ceremonies for the Ortona Cane Grinding Festival, which he helped originate, the Sour Orange Festival in Lakeport and the Chalo Nitka Festival itself.
Mr. Luckey is a fifth generation resident of Glades County, and, as such the unofficial historian for Glades County. His passion for history inspired him to work closely with Robert Carr, the executive director of the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, in Davie, on development of the Ortona
Indian Mound Park, which now bears his name. A founding member of the Ortona Volunteer Fire Department, Mr. Luckey spearheaded the launch of the annual Ortona Cane Grinding Festival to raise funds for the VFD, and for many years manned the huge iron kettle and vintage cane grinding machine with which the authentic cane syrup is made each year.
CLEWISTON, FL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will host two public meetings to discuss the initial phases of a Dam Safety Modification Study (DSMS) that is underway on Herbert Hoover Dike on Lake Okeechobee.
The Corps is conducting the DSMS to determine the final phase of rehabilitation projects for the dike, a 143-mile earthen structure that encircles Lake Okeechobee in south Florida. The Corps has been engaged in projects since 2007 to address concerns with the dike’s integrity.
"The results of the Dam Safety Modification Study will be used to define the finish line for this major project," said Tim Willadsen, Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project Manager. "We will continue to reduce risk by replacing water control structures around the lake through 2018; this study will be the guiding document for projects we execute in the future."
The meetings will be held in two locations in south Florida: Feb. 26—John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Ave., Clewiston, FL. Feb. 28—Okeechobee County Health Dept 1728 NW 9th Ave., Okeechobee, FL.
Both meetings will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. After the presentation, all interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment. These meetings will also serve as scoping meetings as required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).
Prior projects at the dike include installation of a partially penetrating cutoff wall between Port Mayaca and Belle Glade, filling in a quarry near Belle Glade, and replacin g water control structures near Port Mayaca and Moore Haven.
For more information on the Herbert Hoover Dike project, visit the Jacksonville District website at
CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Hendry Glades Community Health Fair will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston.
Each year the Hendry Glades Community Health Fair has had over 500 area residents taking advantage of the many services offered. Services such as Anemia Screening, Tobacco Cessation, Vision testing, Mammogram Vouchers, Blood Pressure, Bone Density, Cholesterol Screening, Diabetes Screening, HIV Screening and Education, Safety Helmets and much more.
Many local agencies will have tables under the tent to do some testing, answer questions, and hand out valuable educational materials.
In addition to the services and vendors, members of the Lions Club will be cooking and free food will be available to residents who take advantage of the services offered and a Bounce House for the children as well as a snow cone and popcorn machine. Local radio station WAFC will broadcast live from the event.
Sponsors of this event are Ace Homecare, Everglades Area Health Education Centers, Florida Community Health Centers, Hendry Regional Medical Center, Hendry Glades Health Department, Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network, and Nova Southeastern University of the Health Sciences. Organizers and volunteers give their time every year to make each year more successful than the year before.
100,000 Floridians Received Approximately $8.3 Billion in Relief In Mortgage Settlement
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Floridians have received more than $8.3 billion in relief under the national mortgage settlement, as reported by the five largest mortgage servicing banks that are parties to the settlement. According to the Settlement Monitor’s report released today, more than 100,000 Floridians have received more than $7.7 billion in relief, with an additional $600 million in loan modifications underway. The report that Joseph A. Smith, Jr., Monitor of the National Mortgage Settlement, released today outlines the consumer relief activities the five have reportedly conducted since March 1, 2012.
“According to this report, more than 100,000 Floridians have benefitted from $8.3 billion in relief—more than 18 percent of the total relief provided nationally,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We will continue to closely monitor the banks’ compliance to ensure that Floridians receive the full benefits of the relief afforded under the settlement.”
The banks disclosed that, nationally, they have extended more than $45 billion in gross relief to more than 550,000 borrowers. These figures include active first lien trial modifications as well as completed relief. This relief is in addition to and separate from the payments to foreclosed borrowers, which are expected to be mailed to eligible claimants in mid 2013.
While this report covered homeowner relief provided under the settlement, future reports will include crediting for consumer relief activities of some or all of the banks and will include information about the banks’ compliance with the servicing standards, or reforms. The compliance reports are expected later this year.
Homeowners can obtain more information about the National Mortgage Settlement by visiting the Attorney General’s Office website at MyFloridaLegal.com or the National Mortgage Settlement website at NationalMortgageSettlement.com.
Further information about Joseph Smith and the Office of Mortgage Settlement Oversight is available atwww.mortgageoversight.com.
Fast Food Consumption Shown To Contribute To Weight Gain
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2007–2010, shows adults consumed, on average, 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food. While, the consumption of calories from fast food significantly decreased with age, non-Hispanic black adults consumed a higher percentage of calories from fast food compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adults.
During 2007–2010, the highest percentage of calories from fast food was consumed among adults who were aged 20–39 or non-Hispanic black or obese. Among young non-Hispanic black adults, more than one-fifth of their calories were consumed from fast food.
As lifestyles become more hectic, fast-food consumption has become a growing part of the American diet. Fast food is food usually sold at eating establishments for quick availability or takeout. More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and frequent fast-food consumption has been shown to contribute to weight gain
No difference was observed by income status in the percentage of calories consumed from fast food among all adults. Among young adults, however, as income increased, the percentage of calories from fast food decreased.
The percentage of total daily calories from fast food increased as weight status increased.
During 2007–2010, adults consumed an average 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food, a decrease from 12.8% for 2003–2006. The percentage of calories consumed from fast food did not differ significantly between men (11.8%) and women (10.9%). The percentage of calories consumed from fast food decreased with age, with adults aged 60 and over (6.0%) consuming the lowest percentage of their daily calories from fast foods. This decrease with age was found among both men and women.
An earlier report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the percentage of adults eating fast food increased from the early 1990s to the mid-1990s. Moreover, previous studies have reported that more frequent fast-food consumption is associated with higher energy and fat intake and lower intake of healthful nutrients.
This report indicates that for 2007–2010, on average, adults consumed just over one-tenth of their percentage of calories from fast food, which represents a decrease from 2003–2006 when approximately 13% of calories were consumed from fast food.
First Lady To Discuss Healthy Living With Kelly Ripa
On March 4 First Lady Michelle Obama joins her first-ever "Fireside" Hangout live interactive internet broadcast to discuss Let’s Move!, her initiative to ensure that all our children grow up healthy and reach their full potential.
The First Lady will be joined by Kelly Ripa, Emmy award-winning co-host of popular daytime talk show "LIVE with Kelly and Michael," and families from around the country.
Three years ago, the First Lady launched the Let's Move! initiative to unite the country around our kids' health and create real support for families to live healthier lives. Since then communities across the United States have worked together to share, collaborate on and create ways to improve the health of our nation's children.
This year, the First Lady is using Google+ to celebrate the anniversary of Let's Move! and to connect with communities on Google+ who are passionate about healthy eating, fitness and parenting.
For a chance to join the Google+ Hangout with First Lady Michelle Obama, share your thoughts and questions on raising healthier families and communities on the Let's Move YouTube channel.
Imo Jean Waybright, age 56, of Clewiston, passed away February 16, 2013 in Clewiston. She was born June 9, 1956 in Cedartown, GA, to the late Dewey and the late Julia (Timms) Hindman.
She is survived by two sons: Raymond Harrell, Jr., Jason Lee Harrell, brother: Ray Robert Hindman, sister: Marie Johnson, grandchildren: Andrea, Brittney, Haley, Jason, Dakota, Zachery, Maggie, many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 12:00 pm at Clewiston Gospel Ministries, Clewiston with Rev. Jim Yates officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 hour prior to service at Clewiston Gospel Ministries
"Not A White Flag Of Surrender," Say Rick Scott After Flip-Flop On Previous Decision
TALLAHASSEE FL. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that he would support a limited, three-year expansion of the state’s Medicaid program under the president’s healthcare law while the federal government is paying 100 percent of the cost in order to protect both the uninsured in Florida and state taxpayers.
Governor Scott said, “While the federal government is committed to paying 100 percent of the cost of new people in Medicaid, I cannot, in good conscience, deny the uninsured access to care. We will support a three-year expansion of our Medicaid program under the new healthcare law, as long as the federal government meets their commitment to pay 100 percent of the cost during this time. This legislation would sunset after three years and need to be reauthorized.
“There are no perfect options. Our options are either having Floridians pay to fund this program in other states while denying healthcare to our citizens or using federal funding to help some of the poorest in our state with the Medicaid program as we explore other healthcare reforms.
“Expanding access to Medicaid services for three years is a compassionate, common sense step forward. It is not the end of our work to improve healthcare. And, it is not a white flag of surrender to government-run healthcare. I am committed to working every day to improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in Florida, while also protecting taxpayers and keeping our economy growing to create more jobs – which ultimately fuels the dreams of every Florida family.”
MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Moore Haven will host the 53rd annual Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament Saturday, February 23rd at Alvin Ward Park.
Purported to be the oldest fishing tournament in Florida, according to Florida Sportsman magazine, the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament harkens back to the days before the “catch and release” rules were established, when strings of bass an armlength’s across were displayed during the Chalo Nitka Festival itself and live bait was not a dirty word among professional anglers.
Entry fee is $25 per person. There is no age limit, anyone can fish, but each person on the boat must pay the entry fee.
All of the money received for this event is used for event prize payback, polygraph testing and a portion of all entry fees will be donated to help fund projects for the youth of Glades County.
Entry forms for the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament are available at the EDC Office, (the old Chamber building) 998 US HWY 27, Moore Haven. For more information, contact the EDC at (863) 946-0300.
Kenneth J. Dale, age 71, of Clewiston, passed away February 13, 2013 in Clewiston. He was born Aug. 4, 1941 in Yonkers, NY, to the late Jimmy and the late Bertha (Deubert) Dale.
Ken has played Santa Claus for many years. He has volunteered with many different organizations. He also drove the van for the DVA transporting people back and forth to the VA Hospital. He enjoyed the conversation and interaction with the people. Most recently he volunteered with the Hendry County Sheriff's Department. He was so proud of the community and enjoyed giving back to the community. He will be dearly missed by his family.
He is survived by two daughters: Karen McEnany, Kim Dale, grandchildren: Jason Dale, Phillip McEnany, Nicole McEnany Thompson, Rachel Dale Monteiro, Harry Poole; great grandchildren: Josiah Stephens, Zion Monteiro and Aaron Thompson.
Visitation will be Friday, February 22, 2013 from 06:00-08:00pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL. Interment will be in South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth.
Russell George Wiggins, age 91, of LaBelle, passed away February 18, 2013 in Lehigh Acres.
He was born Dec. 19, 1921 in Tampa to the late Thomas Osborne Wiggins and the late Violet Jenny (Dalby) Wiggins. Russell served in the Navy during WWII. He was a longtime resident of Big Pine Key.
Survivors include his daughter: Judith (Carl) Swink of LaBelle, step son: Lloyd W. (Betty) Ayers Jr. of Sunrise, ten grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis In The Keys, 1600 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 with The Rev. Chris Todd officiating. Inurnment will take place at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida
Sara Frances (McCoy) DeMuzzio, 72, entered into eternal rest in Ft. Myers, Florida on February 15, 2013.
Ms. Frances was born on March 16th, 1940 in Johnson County. She had lived in Ft. Lauderdale for many years, and retired to Muse, Florida 25 years ago with her husband, Charles Richard DeMuzzio, "the love of her life for 55 beautiful years".
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie W. & Ruby Lee McCoy; her siblings, C.W. McCoy Jr., Eunice M. Spivey, Jerry McCoy, and Charlene M. Johnson; all of Wrightsville, Ga.
Survivors include her daughters: Vicki Greene, of North Ft. Myers; Kim Thomas, of Muse; and Sherrie Franklin, of LaBelle, Florida. Her grandchildren: Samantha Thomas, Charlie & Jacob Greene, of Muse, FL. Her sister, Nellie M. Lyles, and a brother, Franklin McCoy, both of Wrightsville, Ga.
"May her soul now rest in peace, and her memory and spirit live on through us, for our lives will never be the same!"
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Brantley-Powell Funeral Home in Wrightsville, GA
Services will be held Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 at the Wrightsville First Assembly of God; starting at 2 p.m. Pastor Donnie Daniel will officiate. Interment will be at Union Grove Holiness Church.
Vera Marie Durand, age 101, of LaBelle, passed away February 14, 2013 in Estero. She was born Feb. 28, 1911 in Chetek, WI, to the late Fred and the late Eunice (Horton) Bowers. Vera taught in Public Schools for 35 years in Wisconsin. She was a resident of LaBelle since 1985 and was a member of Community Harvest Worship Center in LaBelle.
Survivors include her son: Vern Durand of Ocala, one daughter: BerDella (Victor Frohlich) Durand of Estero, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 Years, Ray Durand. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Fort Myers, Florida - The Gulf Coast Symphony, Southwest Florida's premier community orchestra, will present its popular "Symphony at Sunset," a free outdoor concert on Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at Four Freedoms Park in Cape Coral.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring the whole family, lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. Come early and relax on the beach in the park, then listen to popular favorites from Broadway and Hollywood musicals as the sun sets over Bimini Basin.
"The Community Redevelopment Agency is happy to sponsor this wonderful family event in South Cape," said Helen Ramey, Economic Development Manager for the CRA. In its sixth year at Four Freedoms Park, the concert is among the must-see events in the Cape Coral community.
Maestro Andrew Kurtz, the Gulf Coast Symphony's music director, added, "This concert is a wonderful collaboration between the Gulf Coast Symphony and the city and residents of Cape Coral. There is nothing better than enjoying the Florida sunshine and sunset as the symphony plays popular music the entire family can enjoy."
Four Freedoms Park is located at 4818 Tarpon Court in Cape Coral's CRA District. Parking is available at nearby businesses-visit www.gulfcoastsymphony.org for specifics. No tickets or advanced reservations are required; no alcohol, please.
Drug Sniffing K-9 "Aldo" Victorious At U.S. Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE, FL. -- The United State Supreme Court today ruled in favor of the State of Florida in Florida v. Clayton Harris, deciding that police dog Aldo’s sniff constituted probable cause for Liberty County K-9 Officer William Wheetley to search Clayton’s Harris’s vehicle for illegal drugs.
The Court’s decision is important to law enforcement officers throughout the nation because it clarifies the legal standards governing their reliance on drug detection dogs, a common law enforcement practice.
The Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Florida Supreme Court’s judgment and declared, “Because training records established Aldo’s reliability in detecting drugs and Harris failed to undermine that showing, we agree with the trial court that Wheetley had probable cause to search Harris’s truck.”
“This victory is paramount to preserving our law enforcement officers’ ability to use police dog alerts to locate illegal drugs and arrest those who possess them," stated Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. "The Supreme Court correctly held that a police dog’s reliability is determined through a common-sense evaluation of the relevant circumstances, rather than through a rigid set of judge-created requirements."
'Through With Chew' Week Observed LABELLE, FL. -- To help raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, Hendry Students Working Against Tobacco, Hendry Tobacco Free Partnership and the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida will observe Through With Chew Week from Feb.17-23.
In observance of Through with Chew Week, school SWAT programs will provide educational sessions to their peers with daily tidbits on the Dangers of Tobacco use, focusing on candy flavored and smokeless tobacco. The Tobacco Prevention Specialist, along with two members of SWAT, will be live on WAFC for Great American Spit Out on Thursday, February 21 at 8:00 am.
The culmination for Through With Chew Week will be on February 23rd, with SWAT and HTFP participating in the Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle. SWAT and HTFP will have a float in the annual parade which will provide a visual on the dangers of candy flavoured tobacco with a focus on smokeless tobacco.
During the parade youths will hand out palm cards with information on tobacco use and upcoming tobacco cessation classes.
Former Doctor Takes Lead At LaBelle And Fort Myers Churches LABELLE, FL. -- Reverend Dr. David Jackson has replaced Reverend Alan Kelmereit at the joint ministry of Good Shepherd LaBelle and All Souls in North Fort Myers. Father Alan reached the mandatory retirement age for Episcopal Priests and will be retiring from many years of service in LaBelle and Fort Myers.
Rev. Jackson will be officially ordained an Episcopal priest on Sunday March 17th 2013 at 4 PM at All Souls in North Fort Myers. It will be a joint worship service with both All Souls and Good Shepherd parishes participating. Bishop Dabney Smith with officiate.
David Jackson was born in Leicester, England and graduated from the Wyggeston School for Boys in 1964 and then attended the Medical School of the University of Glasgow, Scotland, graduating in 1970.
At medical school Rev. Jackson says, "I met Yvette and we were married in 1968. We have 3 sons, David, Gavin and Craig, now 2 daughters in law, Stacy and Yvonne and 2 grandchildren, Yuna and Yuhan."
The family came to the US in 1981 and have lived in NY, CT, VA, NJ,PA and finally FL since 2003. After a few years in academic medicine he joined the pharmaceutical industry and worked there as a director of clinical research programs until 2010.
He then attended deacon training in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and was ordained to the diaconate in June 2009. Seminary education in a hybrid distance program at Nashotah House , WI, was completed in Dec. 2012 and ordination to the priesthood will be March 17.
On Jan 1, 2013 he was appointed as Bishop’s Vicar responsible for All Souls Episcopal Church in N. Fort Myers and Church of the Good Shepherd, La Belle.
Father Jackson says, "Yvette and I live in Cape Coral where we occasionally find time to paddle a kayak, cruise now and again, visit a restaurant or spend time with friends. We visit our dispersed children and grandchildren when we can."
Mary Bartoshuk has been named the 2013 Swamp Cabbage Festival Grand Marshal. Born in Miami Florida, a true Florida Cracker, she is eldest of 3 children and has 2 daughters and many grandchildren. She loves ice cream, sweet tea, watching moves, dancing and visiting "cold" places if she doesn't have to fly.
In her younger life, she worked in the Health Department and with the Lee Memorial Pediatric Unit. She has become LaBelle’s most significant volunteer and has been awarded:
The 2009 James Stephen Award through the Area Agency on Ageing. The 2007 LaBelle Citizen of the Year Award. The 2006 Cornelius Kees Huijer Caloosa Humane Society 1st Volunteer Award The 2003 National American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year Award, presented in person at the national convention in St. Louis, MO
Her specialty for many years has been as a volunteer in LaBelle – for seniors, children and non-profit organizations….
• Baking – Baking & Baking for American Legion, VFW, shut-ins, parties at Oakbrook & Kings house, Hope Connections, Blood Drive, Library Fundraisers, Every occasion in LaBelle that can use a yummy baked treat • Knitting Baby Blankets for Healthy Babies used for the New Daddy Program • Knits ‘Boas’ to give as prizes and gifts for seniors • Relay for Life – chairing many of the different committees throughout the years. • SHINE Volunteer (after extensive training) • Volunteers each month with the Salvation Army/United Way distribution of Harry Chapin food at Barron Park. • Developed program and personally delivers Harry Chapin food each month to Seniors unable to come to the distribution day at Barron Park. • Blood Drive Data Sheets and phone reminders. • Hope Hospice-Respite and Honor Guard • Fridays she calls Bingo at Hope Connections – also brings prizes and serves desserts she bakes • Weekly takes home bound seniors shopping • She is dance partner for seniors at Hope Connections, Oakbrook & KingsHouse • Organizes all the Hurricane Presentation Parties at Hope Connections • Docent for the LaBelle Heritage Museum • Volunteer at the Firehouse Player Theatre. • Book Buddy – giving books and exchanging letters with children • Coordinates the American Cancer Society’s LaBelle Look Good/Feel Good program • Updates the Chamber of Commerce sign weekly • Voting Poll Worker – 10 years – she’s now a Poll Clerk • She is a VIP - Volunteer Patrol Safety, driving the Volunteer Patrol car & riding ‘shotgun’ during night at a DUI check-point • Caloosa Humane Society volunteer • Graduate of the CERT program (Community Emergency Response Team)
LaBelle’s Number One Volunteer and Famous Clown!! Costumes for every occasion accumulated over the years! Being Mrs. Claus for Christmas in the Park – you should see her work with the kids. Breakfast with Santa and all Christmas occasions that need a Mrs. Claus. Dresses in Costume for the elementary schools Reading Programs and reads at the RCMA schools too. Easter Bunny for Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt – and any other functions needing an Easter Bunny.
She still takes time for family and was caregiver, first for her Mom, and more recently for her Dad.
Single handedly raised money for the Pet oxygen masks for the LaBelle ambulancesa. Raised money with car wash for the United Way Homeless Breakfast Program. Collects and credits Coke Points (over 200,000 points) and Box Tops for the LES School Supply Program (school has been able to add computers and other needed equipment & supplies with these points.)
She is on: The United Way Fund Raiser Committee An Advisory Board Member for Senior Choices And on The Board of Disadvantage Transportation She is an active member of The American Legion Auxiliary, The VFW Auxiliary, The LaBelle Woman’s Club and the Heritage Museum.
Mary is always ready to help anywhere – From the Very Young to the Very Old, many who have ‘fallen through the cracks’ and have no one! – She ‘Just Likes to Pay Back.”
Parades, Festivals, And Great Food Hits Streets This Week
LABELLE, FL. -- It's that time of year when the city of LaBelle puts on one of Southwest Florida's largest and most entertaining events. Visitors to Hendry and Glades county make the trek each year on the last full week of February to take part in the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival and more.
Here's what you and your family can see and do this week and through the end of February:
Tuesday, February 19 from 5 pm to 8 pm, the fourth annual "LaBelle Night On The Town" on Ft. Thompson Avenue, between Bridge and Main Streets. Sponsored by the Hendry County EDC and the Greater LaBelle Chamber of Commerce.
"18th Annual Old Timer's Dinner" Thursday, February 21 at the LaBelle Civic Center, sponsored by the LaBelle Heritage Museum. Tickets $20.00
Swamp Cabbage Festival - LaBelle, Parade 10 a.m. February 23 and activities in Barron Park through the 26th.
The cabbage palm, the state tree of Florida, is cut down for making decorations from the palm fronds for parade floats and booths, and the heart of the palms is cut out to make "swamp cabbage."
The Festival Parade travels south down Bridge Street (State Road 29) to Barron Park on the Caloosahatchee River at 10 a.m. Saturday. Festivities at the park include music, dancers, and vendors packing the park, while thousands mill the streets of LaBelle and quaint shops.
(Video: Scenes from 2012 Swamp Cabbage Festival At Barron Park and Parade down Bridge Street.)
Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 15.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.79/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 8,237 gas outlets in Florida. This compares with the national average that has increased 11.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.68/g.
Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 13.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 38.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 42.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 16.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
"The steady climb of retail gas prices is likely to continue following double-digit increases in wholesale prices with fuel production tightening in the majority of the country's refineries," said Analyst Gregg Laskoski. "Los Angeles has climbed to $4.28 per gallon with a 55-cent average price increase in the past month, and that rate was surpassed in Chicago ($4.09 average price) and Detroit ($3.86 per gallon average), where motorists saw 63- and 64-cent respective increases over the same period. New York crossed the $4 threshhold too."
Self-Inflicted Gunshot Ends Singer's Life
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA -- County music singer Malinda Gayle "Mindy" McCready reportedly died by suicide Sunday at age 37 at her home in Arkansas.
Neighbors called the Cleburne County, Arkansas Sheriff's office reporting gunshots. McCready was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was found on her front porch, the same place where her former boyfriend and father of her youngest son had killed himself one month prior.
McCready's two children remain in foster care and were not home at the time of her death
Country music star McCready was born and grew up in Fort Myers, Florida. She sang in a Southwest Florida Pentacostal Church choir, graduated from high school at 16, and went to Nashville at age 18.
She was quickly signed for a music contract and her first album sold two million in 1996. In 1997 her second album sold 825,000 copies. She recorded a total of five studio albums, her last in March 2010.
McCready had many encounters with law enforcement including a July 2004 arrest in Ft. Myers where she was charged with battery and resisting arrest for an apparent scuffle with her mother. The following week, she was taken into custody at the Nashville International Airport for violating probation.
In September 2004, McCready was sentenced to a year in jail for violating probation. In addition to the jail time, she was ordered to serve two more years of probation and perform 200 additional hours of community service.
In July 2007, McCready was arrested in Ft. Myers, Florida, charged with battery and resisting arrest for an apparent scuffle with her mother. The following week, she was taken into custody at the Nashville International Airport for violating probation.
In September, McCready was sentenced to a year in jail for violating probation. In addition to the jail time, she was ordered to serve two more years of probation and perform 200 additional hours of community service. She was released from jail in December.
On December 17, 2008, paramedics were called to McCready's Nashville home after an apparent suicide attempt; they transported her to a hospital after finding wounds on her wrists. On May 25, 2010, McCready was hospitalized in Cape Coral, Florida, for a possible drug overdose; she may have had a reaction to Darvocet her mother had given her. She was released later that day and returned home.
In June 2009, McCready signed on to appear on the reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.The series aired and depicted her struggle with substance addiction. Two others from that season's show also have died.
A pornographic videotape of McCready and an ex-boyfriend referred to as "Peter" went on sale by in 2010.
On April 9, 2012, McCready gave birth to her second child, a son named Zayne. The child's father, record producer David Wilson, was found dead at McCready's Cleburn County, Arkansas home, on the same front porch where McCready would be found, on January 13, 2013, of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Noted Community Leaders Speaking At Next Meeting - 'Highwaymen' Art On Display
LABELLE, FL. -- Carolyn Dozier-Ford, daughter of legendary local African American entrepreneur Daisy Dozier, and Martha Singleton, widow of revered LaBelle City Commissioner James Singleton, will be featured at the March 7 program meeting of LaBelle Heritage Museum at City Hall, 481 West Hickpochee Avenue, starting at 7 o'clock.
They will recount their own memories of life in LaBelle's Ford Park and Sunset Park community as well as recollecting stories told by old timers of life as it once was in LaBelle's African American community.
The meeting like all LaBelle Heritage Museum programs is open to everyone interested in both recollecting our past and well as learning more about LaBelle's heritage. Everyone is asked to be seated by 7 o'clock to permit the program to start on time.
Refreshments will follow the presentation and audience interaction. The evening will close with a short business meeting featuring highlights of the 18th Annual Old Timers Dinner.
LaBelle Heritage Museum will also have a retrospective of paintings by the Florida Highwaymen, itinerant self-taught African American landscape artists, who sold their paintings throughout South Florida for some 20 years starting in the 1970s. (Photo above)
These paintings, on loan from local collectors, will be featured at the museum throughout March. Al Black, a frequent visitor to LaBelle where he sold his paintings to local businesses and individuals, will be the featured artist; however, the museum welcomes loans of works by the remaining 25 members of the Florida Highwaymen "school of art".
LABELLE, FL. -- Road construction continues next week throughout Hendry county, Florida. Locations where motorists may be inconvenienced include:
State Roadways: SR 78E from SR 29 to US 27, SR 78W from US 27 to Okeechobee County Line, US 27 from Palm Beach County Line to Highlands County Line: Maintenance project: Crews are restriping the lines along the state roadways (this order is not necessarily sequential). This will be a nighttime/overnight slow moving operation from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting, and continuing for a month. Motorists should expect slow moving traffic and possible delays.
US 27 from Palm Beach County Line to Flaghole Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are working on the shoulder of the roadway, reshaping and sodding areas. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No lane closures are anticipated. Motorists should expect vehicles entering and exiting the roadway and should use caution.
SR 80: From CR 833 to east of US 27: Construction project: Work expands two-miles of SR 80 to four lanes from east of County Road 833 to west of US 27. Crews are constructing ponds, building new bridges, installing drainage, and placing base materials. Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs and barricades throughout the construction project, stay alert, and use caution in the work zone. Estimated completion is spring 2014. The contractor is C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc.
SR 80/US 27: Interchange improvements: Construction project: Crews are modifying the intersection with construction of an overpass for SR 80 traffic eastbound to US 27 northbound and for US 27 traffic northbound to SR 80 westbound. The project also realigns US 27. Crews also will widen approximately 3/4 mile of SR 80 to four lanes approaching the intersection, add a traffic signal at the overpass, and install lighting at the interchange. Work currently involves placing fill dirt, installing drainage, and constructing the new overpass and roadways. US 27 traffic is using the newly constructed lanes. The SR 80/US 27 intersection is temporarily shifted to the north. Motorists travelling east and west on SR 80 must use caution at the US 27 intersection and follow the posted speed limit of 25 MPH. Motorists are advised to be aware of construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zone and to use caution driving in this area. Project completion is estimated at end of 2013. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, Inc.
SR 80 from Birchwood Parkway to Dalton Lane: Construction project: Construction project: Work is underway to expand five miles of SR 80 to four lanes from Birchwood Parkway to Dalton Lane. Crews are clearing vegetation, constructing a drainage structure near Cedarwood Parkway and driving piles for a new bridge at the C-1 canal. Cowboy Way will be closed on the south side of SR 80 from 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 19 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, February 20 and from 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 20 until 5 a.m., Thursday, February 21, while crews install drainage pipes across the roadway. Motorists may use Cedarwood Parkway to access SR 80. Motorists are advised to be aware of construction vehicles entering and leaving the work zone and to use caution driving in this area. The speed limit from Birchwood Parkway to Cedarwood Parkway is 50 miles per hour. Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs and barricades throughout the construction project, stay alert, and use caution in the work zone. Estimated completion is summer 2014. The contractor is C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. SR 80, west from Hendry County Line to Cowboy Way: Maintenance permit project: Crews are installing gas lines over the next several months. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No lane closures are anticipated. Motorists should expect vehicles entering and exiting the work zone and should use caution.
SR 29, south from Collier County Line to Keri Road: Maintenance contract project: Crews are cleaning ditches along the road over the next month. No lane closures are expected, but motorists are advised to be aware of work vehicles entering and exiting the roadway and to use caution driving in this area.
CLEWISTON, FL. --Heather Cotton, 24 of Clewiston is in serious condition after a crash Thursday at 8:35 p.m. on County Road 835.
Carlos Guzman, 49 of Belle Glade was traveling east on County Road 835 in a 2004 Freightliner as Cotton in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling east on County Road 835, directly behind the truck. She attempted to overtake and pass Guzman bur for unknown reasons the driver she swerved to the right back into the eastbound lane. The right front portion of her vehicle struck the left rear portion of Guzman's.
Cotton was transported to Lee Memorial by Medflight as a trauma alert. She is charged with careless driving. Guzman was not injured.
Cold Weather Opens Homeless Shelters LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County Emergency Management announces that a cold front late Saturday is expected to bring very cold temperatures to Hendry County over the weekend. When temperatures are 40 degrees or under, or wind chill factor is 35 degrees or under, for a period of three or more hours, COLD WEATHER SHELTERS are activated and staffed by American Red Cross Volunteers.
The Shelters will be open for overnight stays only from 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb.16th until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17th and 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17th until 8:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18th.
The Beardsley Room at John Boy Auditorium, 1300 South W. C. Owen Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440, LaBelle United Way House, 133 N. Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935.
The Shelters are open to individuals and families needing shelter from the cold. No bedding or food is provided. Please bring your own food, personal items, cot, sleeping bag, or blankets. A blanket will be provided by the Salvation Army for those in need. Please, no pets.