Monday, September 30, 2019

Dr. Lisa Korte Presents At Audubon Meeting October 14

LABELLE, FL. -- Dr. Lisa Korte will present a program about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at Dallas Townsend Agricultural Extension located at 1085 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle at 7:00 pm on Monday October 14, 2019. This free presentation will be hosted by Hendry-Glades Audubon Society volunteers.

Dr. Lisa Korte is the Director at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Lisa is a wildlife conservationist with an impressive list of experience and accomplishments. She served as Peace Corps Volunteer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and worked with the Africa Program of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). 

She earned a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology from the University of Florida and studied buffalo at Lopé National Park in Gabon. After completing her Ph.D. at Michigan State University, Dr. Korte served as a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of Central African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Luis Cruz Dies In Sunday Crash

Luis B. Cruz, 31 of Immokalee, was traveling the wrong way was westbound in the inside eastbound lane of State Road 82, west of Calumet Road in Hendry County at 7:15 am Sunday.

Bruno Borra, 52 of Lehigh Acres was eastbound in the inside eastbound lane of State Road 82, west of Calumet Road.

As a result, the right front of Cruz' vehicle struck the right front of Borra's.

Cruz' vehicle came to final rest facing northwest in the inside lane of State Road 82.

Cruz died in the crash, while Borra had serious injuries and was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. The FHP said it is unknown if alcohol was a factor in Cruz' driving and the accident is under investigation.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Area Obituaries This Week

Justin J Zinn, age 80, of Clewiston, passed away September 25, 2019 in Clewiston.
He was born May 3, 1939 in Lansing, MI, to the late Justin and the late Angela (Conte) Zinn.
He worked as a Computer Programmer. He moved to this area from Washington state.
He served in the U.S. National Guard.
Survivors include :
2 sisters: Vicki Langdon and Connie Stuppig,
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
Eugene "Buddy" Hingson, age 94, of Moore Haven, passed away September 25, 2019 in Moore Haven.
Buddy was born Feb. 17, 1925 in Nocatee, FL, to the late Ernest and the late Emma Marie (Richardson) Hingson. Buddy married Betty Joann Jones on July 17, 1949 in Clewiston. He served during World War II in the Army 172nd Combat Engineers during the Battle of the Bulge, total he was in five battles. He worked for United States Sugar Corporation for 44 years retiring in April 2000. He was a member of Evangel Assembly of God for over 70 years.
Buddy leaves behind his loving wife of 70 years; Betty Joann Hingson of Moore Haven, two daughters; Barbara Hartman and her husband Rev. Ed Hartman, Wanda Sergent and her husband Steve; grandchildren; Edward Hartman and his wife Dina, Shane Hartman, Jon Hartman and his wife Mandy, Michelle Brewster and her husband Dale, Derek Sergent and Jared Sergent and his wife Lindsay, nine great granddaughters, two great grandsons, brother; Buster Hingson and sister Margaret.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Elbert Hingson, Earl Hingson, William Hingson, Solen Hingson and one sister; Hazel Nicholson.
Celebration of Buddy's life will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2019 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Chapel with Rev. Ed Hartman officiating. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston.
Lea Ann Burnside, age 52, of LaBelle, passed away September 25, 2019 in LaBelle.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle are Pending
Wayne Howard, age 79, of LaBelle, passed away September 24, 2019 in Lehigh Acres.
He was born Mar. 18, 1940 in Fort Myers, Florida to the late Seth A. Howard and the late Mary Lucy (Ballard) Howard Testone.
Survivors include his son: Shorty Howard (Robin) of LaBelle, sister: Sandra Thomas (Jimmy) of Palatka, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, sons: Darrell and Lynn and his brothers and sister.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle with W.T. Maddox, Jr. officiating.
Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
James Jeffrey McDaniel, age 59, of Lake Placid, Florida passed away suddenly September 23, 2019 in Tampa.
Jeff was born Mar. 18, 1960 in Fort Myers, Florida to the late Robert E and the late Mary Lee (Tillman) McDaniel, Sr. Jeff married Renee Yvonne Inman. Jeff enjoyed hunting, spending time with his family, loved being a rancher, and loved GOD. Jeff was a loving husband to Vonnie, a loving father to his three daughters, and a loving grandfather to his beautiful grandchildren.
Jeff leaves behind his loving wife; Vonnie of Lake Placid, daughters; Kara Yvonne Turey and husband Adam, Jenna Lee Garcia and husband Daniel, Brittany Lynn Baez and husband Preston, grandchildren; Liam Daniel Garcia, Melia Yvonne Garcia, Reed James Turey, Taylor Sara Turey, and Brynn Lee Baez, three brothers; Robert E. McDaniel, Jr and wife Toni, John McDaniel, Sr and wife Karen, and David McDaniel and wife Kathy, and many extended family members and close family friends.
Celebration of Jeff's life was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Clewiston, with Dr. Bill Derryberry officiating. Entombment was at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2019 at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery in Fort Myers.
In lieu of flowers, Jeff's family has suggested donations to either: Heartland Horses 863-452-0006 P.O. Box 6884 Avon Park, Florida 33826 or Gethsemane Ranch Church 3342 S.W. Hosanah Lane Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Contacts: Ministry Office 772-597-0380 Youth Pastor Stephen Bruner 772-260-6789.
Celebration arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
Ivan Eugene (Buddy) Lippincott went home to be with the Lord, September 23, 2019. He was born at home on Lippincott Road in Alva, on October 31, 1932 to Eva Edwards and Ivan Lippincott.
He married Gwen Gomez and together, they raised five children and opened their hearts and home to multiple others. A member of the Alva United Methodist Church, he offered his hand in help and love in the name of Christ.
He is survived by his children: Charlotte Gomez-Lippincott, Stanley (Rhonda) Lippincott, Donna Kinney, Owen (Missy) Lippincott and Daniel (Crystal) Lippincott, seventeen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Florida Methodist Children's Home at wwwfumch.org.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 10:00 am at Alva United Methodist Church, Alva, with Rev. Ralph P. Cotten officiating. Visitation was Friday from 6-8pm at Alva United Methodist Church. Interment will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 in Alva Cemetery.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
Josiah Alan Jumper, age 83, of Clewiston, passed away September 17, 2019 in Weston.
He was born Apr. 7, 1936 in Miami, FL, to the late Harry and the late Tommie (Roberts) Jumper.
Survivors include: two brothers: Harley Jumper and David Jumper, and four sisters: Delores Jumper, Lucille Jumper, Scarlett Liebowitz and Dale Grasshopper, two sons: Elgin Jumper and Blue Jay Jumper, and one daughter: Alana Glover, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son: Josiah Jumper, Jr., daughter: Janieve Robenstein, siblings: Mary Jumper, Joseph Jumper, James Jumper, Bobby Jumper and Timothy Jumper.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 20, 2019 at 10:00 am at Big Cypress First Baptist Church with Pastor Josh Leadingfox officiating. Interment was Friday, September 20, 2019 in Big Cypress Cemetery, Big Cypress Reservation. Visitation was Friday one hour prior to service at Big Cypress First Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
Pedro Quiroz Ramirez, age 42, of Lehigh Acres, passed away September 17, 2019 in Sarasota.
He was born Apr. 27, 1977 in Mexico to the late Cresencia Quiroz Ramirez.
Survivors include his Significant other: Marguerita Florencio
three sons: Pedro Quiroz Ramirez Jr, Moises Quiroz Florencio, and Isaias Antonio Quiroz two
daughters: Lilia Quiroz and Betzabet Yasmin Quiroz Cilia,
one brother: Carlos Mercado
one sister: Blanca Quiroz
He was a Truck Driver.
The family received friends on Thursday September 26, 2019 from 5 to 7 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 560 E. Hickpochee Ave. LaBelle.
Funeral services wew at 6:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle with Father David Vidal officiating.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Arrests Made In Two Murder Cases

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Friday night, September 27, 2019, at approximately 8:30pm, Hendry County Detectives along with Palm Beach County Deputies located and arrested 29 year old Jamson Richemond of Belle Glade in Palm Beach County.

Friday afternoon, Hendry Detectives obtained two arrest warrants one on Richemond and another for 34 year old Eddie Leon Redd, Jr. on charges of Tampering or Threatening a Witness in a Murder Investigation related to the Jamal Hubert homicide that occurred earlier this year. Jamal Hubert’s body was found in a shallow canal in Palm Beach County on June 4, 2019, he was 30 years old.

After receiving the signed warrant, Detectives traveled to Belle Glade, in Palm Beach County where they met with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit. Richemond was seen entering a vehicle in the area of Ave E and 5th Street, in Belle Glade. PBSO Street Crimes Unit then conducted a traffic stop on Ave E and Richemond was taken into custody without incident.

At approximately 10:15pm, the same HCSO Detectives returned to Henry County and served 34 year old Eddie Leon Redd, Jr. with an arrest warrant for Tampering or Threatening a Witness in a Murder Investigation also related to the Hubert murder.

Richemond was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail, Belle Glade Detention Center, where he is currently being held on No Bond.

Redd is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on Palm Beach County Probation Violation. The Violation Probation charges directly stem from a Hendry County Search Warrant that was executed on his home, 757 Alabama Ave., Clewiston in which firearms, drugs were found.

Teacher Arrested For Carrying Firearm In Car At High School

LABELLE, FL. -- On Friday, September 27, 2019, at approximately 9:00am, School Officials were alerted that a teacher, Lisa Horton, that had been hired to teach English at LaBelle High School had disclosed to another during a conversation, teacher that because she had a Carry Conceal Weapon permit, she carried a gun with her to and from school. When asked if she had the firearm she told the person she was speaking with, that it was in her vehicle that was parked in the school parking lot. 

Mrs. Horton did not carry the firearm into the school itself; it was being kept in her vehicle. She did provide a valid Florida Carry Conceal license. However, Florida Statute 790.06(12)(a) clearly states: “A license issued under this section does not authorize any person to openly carry a handgun or carry a concealed weapon or firearm into…any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms; Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building.”

School administrators took immediate action notifying the School Resource Officer who was able to safely secure the firearm. LaBelle High School administrators followed all procedures implemented in accordance with Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act. At no time were any students or staff in danger.

Lisa Horton was taken into custody on charges of Possession of Weapon on School Property.

The Sheriff's office said "We recommend that before obtaining a CCW permit or even if you already have one, please take the time to attend a CCW Firearm Training class to educate yourself on new laws."

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Branty Burnside Tells Daughter He Killed His Wife


LABELLE, FL. -- At approximately 9:50pm on Wednesday night, September 25, 2019, Hendry County Deputies responded to a home at 378 Clark Street, in LaBelle. The daughter of Branty and Lea Burnside dialed 911 and reported to Hendry County Dispatchers that she had just received a call from her father, who told her he had just shot and killed her mother and told her to call the deputies.

When Hendry County Deputies arrived on scene, Mr. Burnside came out of the house with his hands up, surrendering to deputies. Mr. Burnside told deputies that he and his wife, 52 year old Lea Burnside, a Hendry county teacher, had been married for 30 years. Brantley advised during a statement with detectives, that he and his wife have been arguing consistently since May with it intensifying last night.

Branty Burnside, 61 years of age, was taken into custody and placed under arrest on charges of 2nd degree Murder for the death of his wife. Currently Mr. Burnside is being held in the Hendry County Jail with no bond.

UPDATE: Mr. Burnside passed away October 3rd, 2019. See Obituary

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Jamson Richemond Person Of Interest In Bee Love Slater Death


CLEWISTON, FL. -- Earlier today, September 25, 2019, Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden announced that 29 year old Jamson Richemond of Belle Glade, has been identified as a “Person of Interest” in the death of 24 year old Bolman “Bee Love” Slater, on September 4, 2019.

Richemond is also a person of interest in the death of Jamal “Jampack” Hubert, a 30 year old man whose body was recovered in a canal in Palm Beach County.

Sheriff Whidden stated, “It is believed that Richemond may have had some involvement in Hubert’s death”.

Richemond, 29, 5' 7", 150 lbs. has a last known address of 501 S W.C. Owens, Clewiston on August 1. He was last arrested in Hendry county on August 1 and released on bond August 6 on numerous drug and weapons and child neglest charges.

If you have any information on either Slater or Hubert death please contact Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, 863-674-5600 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 7-800-780-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible for a $3,000.00 cash reward.

UPDATE: Richemond was arrested on multiple charges including 2nd degree murder, tampering with witness and evidence. Charges for drugs and other allegations were dropped by the state attorney. The case is ongoing in Hendry Circuit Court.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Consumer Alert - School Mattress Sales

Buyers Beware of the Mattress Fundraiser
Shop with reputable retailers; donate directly to charities instead

By Christine McCue

It's no secret that public schools are confronted with funding challenges, especially in low-income communities, and that programs like music and athletics are often among the ones hardest hit by budget cuts.
When a need for additional school funds surfaces, it often doesn't take long for fundraising activities to follow, making controversial mattress fundraisers organized by Custom Fundraising Solutions (CFS), an affiliate of the beleaguered Mattress Firm, difficult for some schools to resist.
Companies like CFS, which promise a portion of sales proceeds to schools or charities, are considered "commercial co-venturers" which are highly regulated in some states, including Massachusetts.
Here are the top three concerns about CFS mattress fundraisers:
1. Evidence of lack of compliance with a variety of state business and/or tax laws. Examples:
·       In Massachusetts, only one of the four CFS affiliates currently running mattress sale fundraisers can be found in the online Massachusetts Secretary of State Corporate Database at the time of this writing. At least one unlisted affiliate, CFS-Boston, is currently being scruitinized by the Massachusetts Attorney General Office.
·       Also in Massachusetts, it's virtually impossible for consumers to verify how much money school programs/charities and CFS affiliates independently earn from the fundraising events since mandatory financial filings for CFS-Boston could not be located. In contrast, it didn't take long to find online a North Carolina report in which CFS affiliates document their one-year financials.
·       Massachusetts law specifically regulates solicitations by commercial co-venturers like CFS-Boston, yet based on recent Facebook promotions and sales flyers, one cannot find all of the mandatory disclosures. And based on records received from numerous schools that held CFS-Boston sales over the past year, the name of the charitable partner publicized did not match the entity with whom CFS had actually partnered.
·       In Washington, a CFS entity received an “Assurance of Discontinuation” in 2015 to enforce the Consumer Protection Act.
·       In Wisconsin, CFS was named in a Wisconsin Patch article as one of the top 20 2017 delinquent taxpayers with more than $58,000 owed to that state.
2. Consumer issues with CFS and mattresses in general. CFS has a C-Better Business Bureau rating and a number of complaints appear on the BBB web site,as well as on various CFS-affiliated Facebook sites. Overall, most complaints are related to lack of response to problems, but also product issues, including the delivery of a yellow-stained mattress in Massachusetts. A 2018 BBB research report also indicates that the mattress industry is among the top 150 out of about 4,000 industries in total based on number of complaints making mattress fundraisers an especially risky venture for schools and other charities. (If you want advice on how to buy a mattress, many credible articles have been published, with this link taking you to one of them.)
3. Long-term consumer risk. Custom Fundraising Solutions is affiliated with the Texas-based Mattress Firm, which has had its own share of controversy. Both companies emerged from bankruptcy less than a year ago, according to court documents. Mattress Firm brought on a new CEO in May, so it's too early to tell if CFS will be negatively impacted by future business decisions like restructuring or severing ties with affiliated companies. On its website, CFS lists its affiliated fundraising sales outfits across the U.S., with the most concentrated in CA, FLA, TN, OH and TX. However, official online business registrations indicate that in those five states alone, many CFS affiliates have ceased operation after only two years or less. In contrast, active mattress fundraisers continue to be held -- seemingly by the same entities that allegedly shut down. Given all of the findings noted here, consumers who make purchases at CFS-associated mattress sales events could discover their customer service point-person has disappeared leaving them (and possibly the charitable partners) to deal with any delivery, payment or product issues that might surface.
Beyond the legal, tax and ethical concerns related to CFS mattress fundraisers, including reports of high-pressure sales pitches to students and parents, the mattress sales events represent an ineffective, short-sighted fundraising model for schools, and especially so for music education.
Across the country, music education advocacy efforts have increasingly focused on ensuring that K-12 public school music classes are treated seriously like any other academic subjects taught during the school day. Yet CFS mattress fundraisers for music programs portray a counterproductive image, complete with uninspiring yellow and black lawn signs, and music students standing on street corners in mattress costumes holding them.
And while a portion of mattress sale fundraising proceeds may be earmarked for specific purposes (such as trip scholarships), it’s not unusual for school staff to tap into funds earned to meet other department needs – including school-owned instruments and facility enhancements -- which should be covered in the school budget instead.
PTA.org article notes that integrity in fundraising is important, and that schools (and parent groups) should fully evaluate any company with which it considers partnering. The article further states that while companies want to be viewed as "good corporate citizens that support schools, it can be problematic for the school if the company is implicated in a scandal."
In the end, the best fundraising strategy for school groups is to focus on building local relationships that inspire people to donate to education and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate what they are learning (e.g., community performances and spelling bees). It's difficult to see how a “one-and-done” mattress sale affiliated with the controversial, out-of-town Custom Fundraising Solutions meets high-integrity charitable giving and educational objectives.
What's the bottom line? If you need a new mattress, skip the risky mattress fundraiser and shop elsewhere. Despite the "do it for the kids" sales pitch, no one can afford to make a 10-year investment in any product without doing some homework. Competition among mattress retailers is fierce with discount sales abundant (and mark-ups still reportedly high), so chances are strong that you can find product prices equal to or better than what CFS is touting -- especially when costs for delivery and removal of old mattresses are factored in.
And what about the students? If you care about helping to meet their educational and social emotional needs through programs like music and sports, donate directly to the applicable parent groups so that 100 percent of your generosity goes to where it is intended. In addition to money, a donation of volunteer time goes a long way too.
The author has more than 25 years of experience creating award-winning, corporate cause-marketing, volunteer, charitable giving and non-profit fundraising programs and is working on an initiative to provide pro-bono fundraising advice to music programs, especially in low-income communities. She is an associate member of the National Foundation for Music Education (NAfME), and an accredited member/past Boston Chapter president of the Public Relations Society of America.

John Pruitt Dies At 75

John Herman Pruitt, age 75, of Clewiston, passed away September 20, 2019 in Lake Placid after a lengthy illness.
He was born March 9, 1944, in Alleghany County, NC, to the late Sherman and the late Hazel Pruitt. Herman married Beulah Ann Dixon. Herman worked as a manager for Southwest Florida Water Management for many years. Herman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him dearly. Herman enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and close friends.
Herman is survived by his loving and devoted wife; Beulah Ann Pruitt, children; Penny Ward and family, Toby Pruitt and family; Timmy Pruitt and family, along with Terry Pruitt and family, and fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren and many close family friends.
Herman will be laid to rest in Landmark Cemetery in Sparta, North Carolina.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston

Murder Mystery At Firehouse Theatre October 4-5

LABELLE, FL. -- The Firehouse Community Theatre announces a Pre-Season Play: "Murder in the House of Horrors", written by Billy St. John. This play will be presented for 2 days only. October 4th & 5th at 7pm. Tickets will be sold at the door at $10 for adults and $5 for kids grade school through college. The Firehouse Community Theatre is located at 241 N. Bridge Street, LaBelle.

This is an audience interaction murder/mystery/comedy!

Just to give you a sneak peak: Welcome to the museum’s lecture on ’Monsters, Murderers and Madmen.’ The audience will listen attentively to Professor Dirk Carlton, a renowned Egyptologist, tell of his discovery of the Pharaoh Menkaura’s tomb. 

Suddenly, while watching a slide of the ruler’s sarcophagus, the projector goes off...the lights flicker and.... (Come see the play to see what happens next!!)...the audience will be drawn into this mystery, both as witnesses and suspects and will be caught up in this "virtual’ thriller"

Monday, September 23, 2019

Phillip Stansly Grad Student Residence At IFAS



IMMOKALEE, FL. -- Monday was the ground breaking of the Phillip A. Stansly Graduate Student Residence at the University of Florida's SW Florida Research and Education Center in Collier County.

Dr. Stansly died after 31 years with the University and the research center located north of Immokalee in State Road 29.  His family members were present today for the groundbreaking. A luncheon followed the ceremony.

The new residence will have eight bedrooms, four baths, and a common kitchen and living area for students and visiting professors at the sprawling ag research center.

Today guest speakers were Dr. Kelly Morgan, the center's director; Dr. Jack Payne, Senior VP for Agriculture and Natural Resources at UF/IFAS, Dr. Elaine Turner, Dean College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Timothy Ayankojo, Ph,D student; William McDaniel, Collier County Commissioner; and Chuck Obern, 2019 Florida Farmer of the Year and owner of C&B Farms, Clewiston.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Investigation Continues In Death Of Bee Love Slater

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Shortly after 10:00am Friday, September 20, 2019, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, along with the HCSO Special Response Team, Road Patrol units and the State Fire Marshal Offices conducted a search warrant at 501 S. W.C. Owens in Clewiston Florida.

“ We are currently conducting a search warrant at this home regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Bolman Slater, who called herself Bee Love Slater, who was found deceased inside the burned vehicle”, said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden.

 “This continues to be an ongoing criminal investigation. We are following up on every lead, every bit of information we get,” continued Whidden. “This homicide has been one of the most gruesome homicides I’ve seen.”

Bolman Bee Love Slater, VI was found dead in her vehicle on September 4, 2019. The vehicle was found fully engulfed in flames.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Free Mental Health Counseling Continues

LABELLE, FL -- Catholic Charities under a grant from the Red Cross is offering mental health counseling services for adults, children and families who lived in Florida during Hurricane Irma.

SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

Counselors can help resolve a wide variety of issues such as stress, anger, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, depression, low self-esteem and grief.

Services are available in English and Spanish.

LOCATION: Dr. Victoria Avellaneda, Psy.D., 825 E. Cowboy Way, Suite 108 (863) 695-2339, (305) 439-6014

Mental Health Services are available throughout the 10-county region of Southwest Florida. Please contact the Catholic Charities office nearest you to learn about all our service locations.

Nell Hooks Dies At 93

Nell L. Hooks, age 93, of Clewiston, passed away September 14, 2019 in Clewiston.
She was born Sep. 10, 1926 in Madison, FL, to the late James Daniel and the late Mary Louise (Brown) Latham. She was a member of Saint Martin's Episcopal Church in Clewiston for many years.
Survivors include daughter; JoNell Biuso and her husband Dr. Joseph Biuso of Ocala, Florida, son; Ronald Hooks of Canton, Georgia, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, brothers; Hunter Latham and Homer Latham.
Nell is preceded in death by her husband; Audie Hooks, son Donald Hooks.
Celebration of Nell's life was held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Saint Martin's Episcopal Church, Clewiston. Visitation was one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to either Hope Hospice or St. Martin's Episcopal Church.
Celebration arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Fort Denaud Road Closings For September

LABELLE, FL. -- Please be advised that Hendry County Road & Bridge Contractor, Lynch Paving & Construction Co., Inc., along with its subcontractor CWR, will begin final paving operations on Fort Denaud Road from Fort Denaud Bridge Way to Huggetts Road beginning on Thursday, September 19.
The roadway will be CLOSED daily from Fort Denaud Bridge Way to Huggetts Road between the hours of 7am to 5pm on the following dates:
·         Thursday, September 19
·         Friday September 20
·         Monday September 23
·         Tuesday, September 24
Local traffic ONLY will be permitted. 
For the safety of the motorist, residents, and workers within the project limits, the roadway will be closed during work hours. 
Motorists are asked to PLEASE TRAVEL WITH CAUTION through this area.  The closures are necessary to improve the conditions of the roadway.
Please seek an alternate route and allow extra time to reach your destination during this closure. 
Residents with questions are asked to please call Hendry County Engineering Department at (863) 675-5222.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

$1.25 Million Rodeo Drive Paving Project



LABELLE, FL. -- The LaBelle Airport has received $1,246,547 in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to reconstruct and pave Rodeo Drive from State Road 29 to LaBelle Airport.  The current dirt road passes by the LaBelle, Animal Control office and ends at private airplane hangars on the airport.
The project will also include new drainage infrastructure, construction of a 8-inch potable water main, and a new gated entrance to serve future aviation development on the west side of LaBelle Airport.  
The design firm was AECOM and the contractor is Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (OAK).  AECOM will also be providing the required Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services for the project. 
The project commenced on August 4, 2019 and the contract time frame for construction is 150 days.  The anticipated completion date for this project is January 1, 2020. The project is funded 100% by FDOT.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Obituaries - Cavazos, Mattice, Gilbeck

Maria Ruth Cavazos, age 77, of LaBelle, passed away September 13, 2019 in Lehigh Acres.
She was born Jan. 25, 1942 in Alice, TX, to the late Pedro M and Francisca (Villareal) Garcia.
Survivors include her husband: Armando T Cavazos
four sons: Armando Cavazos Jr, Juan Jose Cavazos, Ruben Cavazos and Rene Cavazos
two daughters: Rosa Linda Rivera and Thelma Reynoso,
a brother: Adonis Garcia
four sisters: Lydia Garza, Gloria Nunez, Teresa Martinez and Lamar Silva
28 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren
She was predeceased by a son David Cavazos
Visitation will be held on Friday September 20, 2019 from 10 to 11 AM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 560 E. Hickpochee Ave. LaBelle.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 at 11:00 am with Mitchell Wills officiating.
Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle.
Helen Doris Mattice, 95, passed away on September 13, 2019 in Lehigh Acres, Florida. 
Miss Doris, as she was known to generations of LaBelle's children was born in Green Lake, Wisconsin on October 11, 1923 to Jens Peder and Dagne Helen Johnson, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Henry Mattice, her parents, brothers Nels Freeman Johnson, Harley Sylvester Johnson, and Harlow Peder Johnson and son-in-law Michael Joseph Winn. 
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Winn, Karen Mattice and Kathy Mattice of LaBelle, two grandchildren, Charles Winn and (Amanda) of Danville, Vermont and Matthew Winn (Dianna) of Knox, Indiana, as well as six great grandchildren, Michael, Shannon, MacKenzie, Connor, Peyton, and Kennedy Winn. Her sister, Dagne Ruth Brandt of West Allis, Wisconsin, sister-in-law, Shirley Rodgers of Berlin, Wisconsin, brother-in-law, Robert Mattice (Wanita) of Redgranite, Wisconsin and legions of nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Miss Doris' life will be held 11 am, Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Carlson Memorial Methodist Church with Rev. David Mullins officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services also at the church Burial will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
Megan Virginia Kelly Gibeck, age 24, of LaBelle, passed away September 9, 2019 in LaBelle.
She was born Jan. 5, 1995 in St. Petersburg, Florida to John and Dawn (Womer) Gibeck. Megan was a student at Florida Southwestern College, and worked as a waitress. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Megan is survived by her loving parents John and Dawn of LaBelle, brothers; Nick Womer, Paul Womer and Devon Gibeck and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Megan's Life will be Friday, September 27, 2019 at 6:00 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle. Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. until the celebration of life at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, Florida.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Anthony Schmidt Dies At 76

Anthony Peter Schmidt, age 76, of Moore Haven, passed away September 11, 2019 in Moore Haven.
He was born Jan. 25, 1943 in Port Huron, MI, to the late Anthony P and Loraine (Armstrong) Schmidt.
Survivors include his wife: Chareyl Diane (Reid) Schmidt
one son: Anthony P Schmidt
2 Grandchildren
He was an Owner of a Boating Company and held related Patents.
Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Texas.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Goodwill and Community Resource Center Opens



LABELLE, FL. -- In cooperation with local community organizations including United Way and The Royal Companies, Goodwill Retail and Donation Center reopened this morning with officials, employees, and customers celebrating the remodeling of the store and the opening of the new Community Resource Center at 91. S. Lee Street.

Lisa Sands, manager of the LaBelle United Way played a big part in the new Community Resource Center which is now providing free digital training, Veterans Services, Employment Services, and family strengthening resources for the local community.

The Royal Companies manage the shopping center and provided the extra floor space for the new Resource Center.

Saturday, music and food will be on hand along with discounts on donated goods and seasonal items.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Obituaries - Martin, Pallares, Sassaman

Richard Weyman Martin, age 61, of Palmdale, passed away September 10, 2019 in Palmdale.
He was born Dec. 7, 1957 in Sebring, FL, to the late Richard Rudolf and to Joyce (Gibbs) Martin.
Survivors include:
mother Joyce (Gibbs) Gillett
one sister: Diann Roof
He was a Heavy Equipment Operator.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
Dulce Ofelia Pallares, age 64, of Clewiston, passed away September 8, 2019 in Clewiston.
She was born Apr. 28, 1955 in Cuba, to Amelia Hasti Rojas .
Survivors include one son: Michael Moreno
one daughter: Nadine Moreno
mother Amelia Hasti Rojas
A brother: Reynaldo Montereale
4 grandchildren, & 1 great grandchild
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
Troy Dean Sassaman, age 55, of LaBelle, passed away September 6, 2019 in Tampa.
He was born Mar. 26, 1964 in Elkhart, IN, to Gerald and Tokalee (Roberto) Sassaman.
Survivors include three sons: Kevin Sassaman, Shea Sassaman and Zachary Sassaman
parents Gerald and Tokalee (Roberto) Sassaman
one brother: Tony Sassaman
5 Grandchildren
He was the owner of a Decorative Concrete Company
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Sunday, September 08, 2019

Francesca Antoine Killed In Crash

Larry Gerome Wills, 32 of Clewiston was eastbound negotiating a curve on State Road 80 west of County Road 833 at 1:48 p.m. Saturday as Francesca M. Antoine 26, of Bradenton was westbound negotiating the curve on State Road 80 east of Willa.

Wills attempted to pass slower moving traffic in a no passing zone. Both vehicles swerved toward the north shoulder to avoid a collision. The front of Will's vehicle struck the left side of Antoine's which rotated counterclockwise and came to to an uncontrolled stop in the westbound lane of SR-80 faced north. Antoine's vehicle continued north over an embankment and came to an uncontrolled stop off the roadway faced north.

Antoine was killed and Wills had serious injuries. Charges are pending said the FHP.