Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Southwest Florida Roads Website Updated

FDOT District One SWFLroads.com Website Redesign

Bartow, Fla. – Guided by the feedback from the communities they serve, FDOT District One recently launched their redesigned website, SWFLroads.com.

An online repository of information for all of District One’s major projects, the new website’s design was inspired by the public’s suggestions for SWFLroads.com to be more engaging and easier to navigate.

“We work tirelessly with our partners to better serve the communities we are in as part of our ongoing efforts to keep Florida safely moving,” said L.K. Nandam, District One Secretary. “After listening to our site’s users, we determined that our primary goal during the redesign process was to create a more valuable, user-centric and responsive resource across all platforms and devices that the public will want to go to for all things District One.”

The new value-added content and capabilities of SWFLroads.com include:Easier navigation: current and future projects are now separate and easier to search for by county, city, road or project number

Updated and engaging content: the new SWFLroads.com website features improved access to construction and traffic information

Up to date information: latest projects, public meetings/webinars and announcements are available on each project page

Enhanced newsroom: news, media releases and social media outlets are available and easily searchable on the new website

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Missionaries Zinicola Speaking At LaBelle Church July 17





Damien & Mirla Zinicola, Missionaries to Cuba will be at LaBelle Assembly of God on July 17, 2022 at both the 9:45 am and 11:00 am services. 

The First service at 9:45 am will be completely in Spanish and the second will be in English. 

Damien & Mirla Zinicola were appointed as AGWM missionaries in 1996. They spent their first 13 years in Guatemala where they focused on evangelism and church planting in remote, unreached villages. In 2009 God redirected them to work in the country of Cuba.

In Cuba, Damien & Mirla Zinicola hold evangelistic services in whatever venue is available. 

They said, "We focus our efforts on small rural settings in the interior. Utilizing church planting and pastoral experience gained during, we give seminars to prepare young ministers to plant new works or grow existing churches. We team with national pastors by supporting them with evangelistic and discipleship events while also assisting them with necessary resources to plant and establish new works. Our main focus here is on the church planter families in more remote settings. Serving the hurting and needy."

LaBelle Assembly of God is located at 139 Fraser Avenue across from the Edward A. Upthegrove Elementary School. For information call 863-675-0900. Everyone is welcome.

Trouble In Paradise Junction At Firehouse Theatre In July

LABELLE, FL. -- The Firehouse Theatre Inc is proud to present their summer special , "Trouble in Paradise Junction" written by Todd Wallinger.

Paradise Junction is a sweet little town where everyone gets along and the sun is always shining. When a TV network offers to film a reality show there, the townsfolk jump at the chance; but secrets are revealed, old feuds are rekindled, and the town’s annual pie-baking contest is turned into a massive food fight. This heartwarming comedy will make you cheer while reminding you what really matters in life.

Support young actors in our community and get your tickets to see this wonderful play. Call 863-675-3066 for tickets. Leave your name and number and someone will call you back.

The play runs three shows only. Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 , & Sunday, July 24. Friday & Saturday shows are at 7pm and sunday show is at 2pm.

The Firehouse Community Theatre, Inc. is located in beautiful downtown LaBelle at 241 North Bridge Street.

Monday, June 27, 2022

Update: Hendry County Arrests This Week

LABELLE FL. --  The HCSO reported the following felony and DUI arrests for June 20 to June 26 including 4 drug possession arrests, 2 Failure to Appear, and 4 for larceny. However, we found 17 more arrests. The Sheriff's Office says they only make the weekly report for felonies and DUI arrests, so did not report the 17 names at the bottom of this list that were also arrested during that period.

Javaungh Andy McGhie, 36 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 21, 2022 by Deputy Morgan and was charged with Loitering, Larceny and Possession of Marijuana.

Charles Sledge, 33 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 21, 2022 by Sgt Reed and was charged with Burglary, Trespassing and Larceny. 

Demetric Shanard Robbins, 38 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 21, 2022 by Deputy Rivera and was charged with Possession of Marijuana.

Brutus Ned, 42 from LeHigh Acres, was arrested on June 21, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear.

Juan Parker Neri, 18 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 22, 2022 by Det Mateu and was charged with Grand Theft of a Firearm.

Jose Luis Alvarez Chavez, 24 from Miami Gardens, was arrested on June 24, 2022 by Deputy Earl and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Sebastian Juan Miguel, 23 from Ft Myers, was arrested on June 25, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Disturbing the Peace and Possession of Cocaine.

Justin D Searcy, 38 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 25, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Kidnapping and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

Wilian Eden Escobar Castillo, 33 from Hialeah, was arrested on June 26, 2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with Larceny and Driving with License Suspended/Revoked.

Linton Omar Alonzo Mendoza, 50 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 26, 2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with Larceny and Dealing Trafficking in Stolen Property.

Additional Arrests from June 20 to June 26 And Not Reported In Sheriff's Weekly Press Release:

ALEXANDER MORALES HERNANDEZ
driving while license suspended

SHELLIE LATOYA JACKSON
grand theft, resisting officer

ALEXANDER MORALES HERNANDEZ
driving w/license suspended

RENE C PUENTE
probation violation

MARTY RANDOLPH RAULERSON
hit and run

J'ASIA MILIA RODREGUEZ
out of county warrant

RONY CESAR GOMEZ LOPEZ
disorderly conduct

GABRIEL TREVINO
aggravated battery

JUSTIN DANIEL BRIGGS
non support of children or wife

IGNACIO ALEJANDRO REYES
hit and run

RICHARD BARE
simple assault

SALOMON VELIZ
failure to appear

JESUS ARCARDIO MARIN
probation violation

EDGAR NOEL BARRIOS
probation violation

KEVIN PANIAGUA
marijuana possession

NELSON MERCADO ACEVEDO
out of county warrant

DEMETRIC SHANARD ROBBINS
possession of marijuana

Arrest Details And Criminal Charges can be searched here

Friday, June 24, 2022

Standard Land Development - Michael Newell

LABELLE, FL. --  Hendry county has seen a building boom in recent years and one main character in home building activity is Michael James Newell, Sr. of Standard Land Development LLC.

His operation in LaBelle is listed online as M J Newell Homes. That company started in March 2021. A previous company with that name was started in August 2020 and dissolved two months later.

Curiously, SunSky Homes LLC is also found online at the same address at 750  Cowboy Way. That company went out of business according to the Secretary of State's office in 2009, but bad Google reviews cite unsatisfied customers as late as two months ago. Similar bad reviews are found for M J Newell Homes.

Aerial Photo by Don Browne: Standard Land Development construction in Port LaBelle's Laurel Oak Community next to a Heartland Homes site.

Standard Land Development LLC has offices at 750 E. Cowboy Way in LaBelle and is currently building around LaBelle with a history of about 265 building projects in the last two years.

Michael Newell is partnering with TRUST LTPOF 309615-1-M of 505 W. HICKPOCHEE AVE, Suite 309, according the Florida Secretary of State records. The company began in March 2019. The company "borrows" a contractor's license from Alexandra Platonova of Delray Beach to get building permits. That contractor's license became active on June 13, 2022.

But records indicate Newell has  been associated with several other companies that went out of business after several years or months in operation.

B. WELL HOMES LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY existed from April 2018 to February 2022. Members of that company were, Newell, TATIANA SANTANA-BOUDREAUX and ANDRE BOUDREAUX, 

In May 2021 Newell started up ECMD PROPERTIES, LLC with Elliot Schneider and Candace Gordon of Massachusetts. The corporation was dissolved two months later.

In December 2021, MZ LAND DEVELOPMENT LLC started up with Ivanova Stela. It was dissolved in April 2022.

In October 2020 M J Homes Realty LLC started up by Justin T. ZAWODNY, and dissolved in January 2021

Real Estate License Troubles:

Newell, Sr. has had a Real Estate Sales License since 2010 and had disciplinary action taken by the Real Estate Board in 2015 ending with Newell paying a fine, costs, and required to take educational courses.

Some recent Google reviews of M J Newell Homes this week have not been kind. One reviewer said, "BEWARE!!! They will increase the price of the home just like Heartland Homes of Florida is doing (see their google reviews for reference)."


Other companies with Newell:

Smart Developers LLC started in August 2021 with Marco A ROSALES TREJO

M J Newell Mortgage LLC started January 2021 with ACQUAVIVA VENTURES, INC.

SHADY OAKS COACH HOMES LLC began February 2022 with partner Brian Quinn.

Quinn and Newell Holdings began December 2021 with Brian K Quinn

Another company owned by Newell is EMCTR01 LLC started January 2019 and another is INTOWN COFFEE COMPANY LLC started in May 2021, and another Index Homes LLC started July 2014.

STMV, LLC, owned by Florian and Fabien STANGL-MAYER of Germany with the address same as Newell's. 


Newell is an officer of the COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF CALOOSA SHORES, INC., an upscale gated community on the Caloosahatchee River in Hendry County.

For more company information:

Betty Jean Harrell Dies At 83

Bettie Jean Harrell, age 83 of LaBelle, Florida passed away on June 21, 2022 at her home.

Celebration of Bettie's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2022 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle with Mr. Robbie Hull officiating. 

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Fort Denaud Cemetery. 

Visitation for Bettie will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022 also at Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

COVID-19 Community Levels Remain High In Florida

 

LABELLE, FL. -- Most South Florida's counties are now on the CDC's list of "high community level" COVID-19, and mask wearing indoors in public is recommended by the CDC. 

All counties in Central and Southern Florida are are "high" levels according to the CDC's latest statistics as of Thursday night, exceptions being Hendry, Glades, and Highlands counties which have "medium" levels.

States surrounding Florida and SW states are generally still at low to medium community levels with scattered high levels.

The CDC recommends for counties with "high" levels the following:

Wear a mask indoors in public
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms
Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

In contrast what the CDC calls the "Community Transmission" levels are rated "high" for 100% of Florida counties, while 82% of the U.S. is at high levels, up 1% since last week. High Transmission Level is defined as new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 7 days of 100 or more OR Percentage of positive NAATs tests during the past 7 day at 10% or more. 

See "Community Transmission" levels click The community transmission map  

Check your county and recommendations here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Editor's note: The links above are for reader convenience as the CDC website is not easy to search for information, as the pages are extremely slow loading and complicated, with many links to click to find information. 

Glades County Offices Incommunicado?

 MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades county government offices seems to be offline today. A phone call to two different offices resulted in having to leave a message. Glades county offices are allegedly open Monday through Thursdays. 

After several attempts to send emails to at least three different county offices, they all were returned with a message saying: 

Error Icon

Message blocked

Your message to marcos@myglades.com has been blocked. See technical details below for more information.


Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Obituary - Whitney Leigh Ruth Osceola, Age 29

Whitney Leigh Ruth Osceola 29, passed away June 17, 2022 in Immokalee, FL. She was born in Naples, FL to the late Carmalita Osceola.

She is survived by her son Kamuani Osceola and daughter Janiya Osceola
brother Emmitt Osceola
sisters Chauncey and Dacia Osceola

Graveside Service will be held Monday June 20, 2022 at 12 PM at Big Cypress Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM.

Arrangements are being handled by the Akin-Davis Funeral Home- Clewiston Chapel.

Monday, June 20, 2022

16 Hendry Arrests - DUI's, Battery Top List This Week

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry Sheriff's office reports the following arrest from June 13 to June 19 including operating vehicle without license, 3 drug possessions, 6 battery charges, lewd behavior, 2 assaults, sex offender charge, 3 probation violations, 6 DUI, 2 child cruelty.
 
Frederick Michael Muckensturm, 30 from Felda, was arrested on June 13, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Criminal Mischief and Firing a Deadly Missile into an Unoccupied Vehicle.

Jacob Charles Robson, 31 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 13, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with DUI and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Ruperto Velez-Crisanto, 42 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 13, 2022 by Det Geraci and was charged with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior.

Alvin Lorenzo Hargrove, 60 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 14, 2022 by Deputy Afonso and was charged with Possession of Cocaine and Battery.

Angela Faye Hobbs, 48 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 14, 2022 by Det Geraci and was charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Officer with Violence and Trespassing.

Humberto Martinez, 39 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 14, 2022 by Lt Weaver and was charged with Sex Offender Violation.

Laura Ann Warren, 51 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 16, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with DUI.

Dale Keith Thompson, 30 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 16, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Resisting LEO Without Violence, Battery on LEO, Battery and Probation Violation.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, 56 from Clewiston, was a arrested on June 16, 2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Driving While License Suspended Habitual Offender.

Luis Erique Jimenez, 59 from Fort Lauderdale, was arrested on June 16,2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with DUI, Cruelty toward Child, Assault and Possession of Marijuana.

Martin Gonzalez, 41 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 17, 2022 by Sgt Olvera and was charged with Probation Violation.

Maurice Jonah Shinhoster, 21 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 17, 2022 by Sgt. Olvera and was charged with Probation Violation.

Jorge De Santiago, 21 from Moore Haven, was arrested on June 17, 2022 by Deputy Castro and was charged with Flee/Elude LEO with Lights Siren Active and Operating a Vehicle without a Valid License.

Stephanie Lashonda Ward, 30 from Arcadia, was arrested on June 19, 2022 by Deputy George and was charged with DUI.

Colin Antonio Dudley, 66 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 19,2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Cruelty Toward Child and Battery.

Eileen Christina Diaz, 35 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 19, 2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Felony Battery, Battery and Cruelty Toward Child.

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Drone Flight Over Historic Dean Park - Fort Myers, Fl


FORT MYERS, FL. -- A short drone video tour of Fort Myers' Historical Dean Park neighborhood. A well kept area of historic homes and palm-tree lined streets near downtown Fort Myers. Visit the quiet Triangle Park in the middle of the historic district.

Drone Video - Don Browne

#DroneSafetyDay2022

 

Friday, June 17, 2022

'Drone Awareness Day' Is Saturday, June 18 - Learn To Fly


2022 Drone Day is Saturday, June 18

The Federal Aviation Administration say drones are the fastest growing segment of aviation in the United States. As of January, over 860,000 drones have been registered with the FAA, and over 260,000 Remote Pilots have been certified by the FAA. These numbers are projected to continue to grow they say.

The FAA has organized a National Drone Safety Awareness Week each year from 2019 through 2021. This year, Drone Day is Saturday, June 18 with online activities through the day beginning at 8:30 am through 7 pm.


Find out how you can get started flying drones.

Drone Day Online Events (click "virtual" on the FAA Online Events filter on the page, events are free but registration is required for all)

The safety message for the FAA Drone Safety Day 2022 is Fly RIGHT:

Register your drone at DroneZone (all drones 0.55 pounds or more MUST be registered)
Interact with others 
Gain knowledge
Have a safety plan
TRUST and Train - (ALL drone pilots are required to take a free online TRUST safety test)

Drone video by Don Browne at Dean Park Historical District, Ft. Myers

Most Of Florida Still At High Covid Community Levels

 

LABELLE, FL. -- Most Florida's counties are now on the CDC's list of "high community level" COVID-19, and mask wearing indoors in public is recommended by the CDC. 

The number of infections, deaths and hospitalizations are increasing over the last month while levels remain high over most counties in Florida.

All counties in Central and Southern Florida are are "high" levels according to the CDC's latest statistics as of Thursday night, exceptions being Hendry, Glades, Collier, Desoto and Okeechobee counties which have "medium" levels.

States surrounding Florida and SW states are generally still at low to medium community levels.

The CDC recommends for counties with "high" levels the following:

Wear a mask indoors in public
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms
Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

In contrast what the CDC calls the "Community Transmission" levels are rated "high" for all of Florida counties except three, Hamilton, Dixie, and Liberty in North Florida which are rated at "substantial" levels, while 81% of the U.S. is at high levels, up 2% since last week. High Transmission Level is defined as new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 7 days of 100 or more OR Percentage of positive NAATs tests during the past 7 day at 10% or more. 

See "Community Transmission" levels click The community transmission map  

Check your county and recommendations here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Editor's note: The links above are for reader convenience as the CDC website is not easy to search for information, as the pages are slow loading and complicated, with many links to click to find one's way. 

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Who Is Behind Heartland Homes Of Florida?

LABELLE, FL. -- Under recent fire from home buying customers, Heartland Homes of Florida finds itself defensive against recent home buyers' complaints, many having been asked to pay tens of thousands of dollars extra for new homes contracted months ago, while delays in completing homes as promised continue. 

Photo: Heartland home under construction in Port LaBelle

Some home buyers are wondering who is behind Hendry and Glades county's largest home builder.

Heartland Homes of Florida's corporate officers are Dwayne House and Kevin Berth. Dwayne House made his first fortune in Miami with trade schools while Kevin Berth started construction companies in Lee county decades ago and was a cabinet maker.

Now controlling the the area's largest home building company, House and Berth are the officers of Career Financial Corp., owning some 190 south Glades county lots in the Port LaBelle section and 584 lots in Hendry county's Port LaBelle. 

Heartland Homes builds homes on the Career Financial lots using their captive construction and cabinet companies listed below to furnish materials. Both House and Berth are officers in local CPA and Real Estate office, Barbara N. Willard, P.A.

House now in his 80s, and Berth in his 50s, have built over 400 homes in the area in the last few years. Berth is now building his own upscale house on three acres in the Port LaBelle Ranchettes.

An investigation into the corporations they control include a surprising mix shown below including:

Corporations solely owned by Kevin Berth or where he is an officer and date started:

FCR SOLUTIONS, INC. 02/12/2010 solely owned
CABINETS TOO, INC. 12/21/2021 solely owned
CAP 1 HOLDINGS LLC 09/09/2021 with CHEMBLETTE, ALEXIS
BARBARA N. WILLARD, P.A., LaBelle CPA and Real Estate office. Dwayne House is also an officer.

The following are corporations with Berth and House as officers:

PORT LABELLE MARINA, INC 
CAREER FINANCIAL CORP.
HEARTLAND HOMES OF FLORIDA, LLC  started 05/15/2018
HBFL PROPERTIES LLC started 11/18/2019
HEARTLAND HOMES SERVICES, LLC started 06/19/2020
HEARTLAND CABINETS & BEYOND, LLC started 12/30/2021

House's and/or wife solely owned corporations or with a partner include:

PORT LABELLE DOCKS, LLC started 11/01/2005 with J.C.Z. LAND LLC
GOLDEN HAWK, INC. started 12/20/2005
J.C.Z. LAND, LLC started 01/20/2004 with wife Zhang, JULIE
XIA HOLDINGS LLC, owned by ZHANG, JULIE, and Career Financial Corp as registered agent 
LONE RANGER, LLC started 11/01/2005
HKH LIMITED, LLC started 02/19/2015
FLORIDA OUTBACK LLC started 08/31/2016
FERGUSON-HOUSE FARMS, INC. - owns 11 Hendry County Land Parcels on SR 80
HOUSE, DWAYNE A "Revocable Trust" - 10 land parcels in Glades County
HENDRY COUNTY HOUSE - land parcels
APOLLO 888 INC. started 01/05/2021 shows Julie Zhang as the owner

House started his wealth journey with these Miami area corporations and a LaBelle and Miami truck driving school:

KEY POWER, INC. from 1972-1983
KEY POWER, INC. from 1989, Barbara Willard is also an officer
KEY POWER SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1972-1986
MIAMI TECHNICAL COLLEGE, INC. 1980-1983
KEY POWER DRIVING SCHOOL INC. 1988-2010

During an investigation, conducted in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the department learned that Key Power Driving School, training truck drivers, violated its agreement with the state and conducted fraudulent testing activities such as omitting vital portions of the required three-part skills test and manipulating testing data on CDL skills test score sheets. House was a signatory to the contact at the time. The school was closed down. 


More on Heartland Homes in previous stories

Obituaries - Edward Steadley, Lauree Schultz

Edward Joseph Steadley Sr, 79 of Clewiston passed away Tuesday June 14, 2022. He was born in Cleveland, OH to the late Edward Loren and Mary Ellen (O'Toole) Steadley.

He worked as a Truck Driver and was a Memebr of the Teamsters Union for 32 years.
He then worked as a Fishing Guide on Lake Ockeechobee for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife Jo-Ann (Elvena) Steadley
sons Edward Steadley Jr, Joseph Steadley, Thomas Villanueva, Manny Labasan, and Ronald Labasan
daughter Justine Ann Steadley
brothers Kenneth and William Steadley
sisters Marilyn Stancado, Jeanie Rini, and Lauren Steadley
grandchildren Chelsea Lynn Steadly, Lacie Lauren Steadly, Eric Nathaniel Jeffress, Jasminda Renae Jeffress, Jr Abiola and extended grandchildren
great grandchildren Rylee Steadley, Faith Steadley, Kaiden Jackson, Destinee Jackson, Brooklyn Jefferess, Riley Jeffress, and Harley Jeffress.

The family will receive frinds on Monday June 20th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 438 E Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston.

Funeral Service will be at 12 PM at the Funeral Home with Father Garcia officiating. Interment will be at Ridgelawn Cemetery.

Lauree Lynn Schultz 1971 - 2022


Lauree Schultz was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother and a devoted friend. At the age of 35, she suffered a massive stroke from which she did not fully recover. As a result, the last 16 years of her life have been a constant struggle full of pain and disability, but Lauree’s resilience was like no other. She was a true fighter.

Lauree gave of herself. She worked with ill children as a pediatric oncology nurse, volunteered in Haiti as a nurse, and achieved a Master’s degree and nurse practitioner certification while working full time as a single mother.

At the time of her passing, we thank God for the gift of her life and will always cherish the great love with which she showed us. There will never be another like Lauree – she was an original. She taught us a lot of things, but one thing that stands out is the fierce love that she had for her children and grandchildren. Lauree will be missed every day, and will be forever remembered for her humor, devotion, kindness and strength.

Lauree leaves behind her loving mother; Doris Morrison and step-father; Steve, sons; Ryan Schultz and his wife Brianna, Riley Schultz, sister; Julee Davis, grandchildren; Hudson, Lilly and Beckham. Along with many extended family members and family friends.

Lauree was preceded in death by her father; Timothy Davis.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Mike Rowe's "How America Works" Spotlights U.S. Sugar Plant

Clewiston, FL – Mike Rowe’s How America Works aired on Fox Business on Monday, June 13 at 8 PM. showing how sugar cane is harvested in the Hendry county cane fields and is converted to white sugar at the Clewiston sugar mill facilities.

Five U.S. Sugar employees were featured in the 42-minute episode including Jay Baez Jr., Production Supervisor; Leonard Sampson, Mill Worker; Phillip Ford, Roll Welder; Billy Dyess, Assistant Refinery Manager of Operations; and Orlando Martinez, Team Leader. Other employee are also seen at work in the fields at at the Clewiston mill site.

Among the employees in the show, Billy Dyess began his time at U.S. Sugar with his father Fred Dyess Sr. who helped commission the refinery, while employee Leonard Sampson has been joined by his son at U.S. Sugar. 

Watch the entire show: Click Here

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Sheriff Marine Unit Offers Boat Inspections June 25

SHERIFF’S MARINE UNIT TO OFFER BOAT INSPECTIONS AND SAFETY TIPS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS

LABELLE, FL. -- On Saturday, June 25th, 2022, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will be hosting a Public Boater Safety Event from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, (weather permitting), at the LaBelle Boat Ramp.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will be available to offer free boat inspections, provide education on boat safety, and answer any questions the public may have. We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet and speak with our recreational boaters. We want to be certain to have a fun and safe summer on the water.

Monday, June 13, 2022

Patricia Sue White Dies At 69

Patricia Sue White (Pasty) 69, passed away on June 9th, 2022 in LaBelle, Florida. She was born February 22nd, 1953 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the daughter of Jean and Charles Murray. 

Patsy married her high school sweetheart and the only love of her life, Truitte Marcus White Jr. and started their life together in LaBelle, FL. They just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary 2 weeks ago. 
After raising their 2 children, Angie and T.M., they moved out into the beautiful country to enjoy the great outdoors and spoil their grandchildren. Our “Nana” loved spoiling all babies, practicing the Lord's word, ladybugs, hummingbirds, was everyone's favorite Aunt Patsy, and was loved by all!

Patsy is survived by her husband Mark, daughter Angie White Banda and her son Truitte Marcus White III (Tanya); 6 grandchildren Brenden, Briana, Madison, Karis, Bethany, Marcus; 1 great grandson Wren. Her sisters Carol Pendry (Donald), Kay Dyess, Charlann Howard (L.W.), and her brother Bill Murray (Lara).

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jimmy Curry and his wife Audrey, and brother-in-law Fred Dyess.

Services will be held on Monday June 20th 10:00 am at Community Harvest Worship Center, 55 Orange Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935. After the Celebration of Life, we will move over to the fellowship hall for food and socializing. Pastor Don Cook officiating.

Two Arrested In Montura Ranch Drug Bust

TWO MONTURA MEN ARRESTED ON NARCOTICS CHARGES

CLEWISTON, FL -- At approximately 10:00pm Sunday, Hendry County Deputies responded to a suspicious call in the area of Montura Ranch Estates.

Once on scene, deputies spoke with the victim, reporting that the victim’s adult child was receiving threatening text messages. The victim’s reported to deputies they had seen subjects in a vacant lot and in a nearby wooded area with flashlights.

Approximately two weeks ago, the victims had been involved in an altercation with 26 year old Joshua James Cottiers and 25 year old Adam Fernandez. Deputies responded to 436 Horse Club Ave., where they were able to meet with both Cottiers and Fernandez. Fernandez was approached by deputies as he stepped out of his 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Deputies could smell the fresh scent of marijuana and could openly see several bags of packages marijuana. As deputies attempted to arrest both 26-yr-old Joshua James Cottiers and 25-yr-old Adam Fernandez, Cottiers attempted to run from deputies and was later captured and placed under arrest.

Hendry County Criminal Investigators were contacted, and assisted in obtaining a Search Warrant for the vehicle. It was at this time deputies, along with the assistance of Investigators, located several bags of marijuana with a total weight of 4.1 pounds, 248 OxyContin pills, a handgun along with ammunition, electronic communication devices, a scale and packaging material for sale. Investigators also collected $3,339.00 in US Currency.

Joshua James Cottiers, 26 years of age, of Montura Ranch Estates was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Equipment, Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Obstruction Without Violence and Possession of a Firearm during a Felony. Cottiers was released on a $39,000.00 bond.

Adam Fernandez, 25 years of age, also of Montura Ranch Estates was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Equipment, Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription. Fernandez has been released from the Hendry County Jail on a $22,000.00 bond.

15 Arrests In Hendry County - Drugs Still Problem

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry Sheriff's office reports the following arrests from June 6 to June 12 including 5 battery, 1 Driver's License violation, 2 Criminal Mischief, 3 Probation Violation, 2 Resisting LEO, 3 Drug Possession, 1 Stalking, and 2 Failure To Appear.

Daniel Jimenez Ocampo, 33 from Clewiston was arrested on June 6, 2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Aggravated Battery and Battery Touch or Strike.

Domingo Sub Tuil, 49 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 6, 2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with Possession of Counterfeited Drivers License or ID Card.

A 16 year old black male from Clewiston, was arrested on June 7, 2022 by Deputy Gulliford-Green and was charged with Criminal Mischief.

Christopher Scott Conrad, 20 from Immokalee, was arrested on June 8, 2022 by Sgt Olvera and was charged with Probation Violation.

Robert Benjamin Howard, 40 from at large, was arrested on June 9, 2022 by Sgt Hull and was charged with two counts of Battery on LEO and Resisting Officer with Violence.

Joshua James Cottiers, 26 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 9, 2022 by Sgt Krasinskas and was charged with Resisting Officer without Violence, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Sale, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Drug Equipment and Use/Display of a Firearm during a Felony.

Adam Fernandez, 25 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 9, 2022 by Sgt Krasinskas and was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Sale, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Possession of Drug Equipment.

Joseph George Barhyte, 31 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 9, 2022 by Cpl Bustamante and was charged with Probation Violation.

Eliseo Ruth, 35 from Ft Myers, was arrested on June 9, 2022 by Deputy Castro and was charged with DUI Damage to Property or Person, Driving with License Suspended Habitual Offender and Obstruct Without Violence.

Cody Bear Cooksey, 32 from Stilwell, OK, was arrested on June 10, 2022 by Sgt McNeil and was charged with Aggravated Stalking and Obstructing Justice.

Dixie Cherrial Romero, 31 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 11, 2022 by Sgt Scelfo and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Nathaniel William Gelakoska, 29 from Ft Myers, was arrested on June 11 by Deputy Forman and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Lee Edwards Odoms, 34 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 11, 2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Battery and Probation Violation.

Jabiel Cabanaa, 48 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 11, 2022 by Deputy Earl and was charged with Battery.

David Herrero, 31 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 11, by Deputy Gulliford-Green and was charged with Aggravated Battery, Criminal Mischief and Obstructing Justice.

Yordanis Garcis Abrantes, 44 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 12, 2022 by Sgt Dominguez and was charged with Marijuana Possession, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Sale and Possession of Drug Equipment.

Christopher Alexander Bermudez, 19 from Clewiston, was arrested on June12, 2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Florida Keys' Watercolor Kapers - Wreckers Tale

Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers 
by Bob Kranich

Wrecker’s Tale, (Part 1, Excerpt 52)

This is a new story, titled “Wrecker’s Tale”. Captain Dan Benson is the captain of a two-masted schooner, the Jenney Mae. His schooner is used to take his pineapples from his plantation to market and also wrecking. Wrecking means he will go out to a shipwreck and save people, ship, and cargo. It is an additional lucrative business because of the many storms and the reefs along the Keys.

Wrecker’s Tale

Captain Dan Benson came down from his Captain’s Walk or copula as some called it. This was a lookout on the top of his house. He told his wife Jennie that he just saw the signal flag from his schooner that his first mate had run up. This meant all of the provisions were loaded. He had to make a run with his crew up to Key Largo where his pineapple plantation was located.

He kissed and hugged his two teenage daughters, Anne and Clare, and then Jennie, and went outside. He took the usual walk around his house before he went down the street. He was very proud of this house, the original three-bay Classic Revival Temple house he purchased right after the Civil War. It was because he had been successful as a Bahamian seaman and wrecker that he was able to buy both his pineapple plantation in the Upper Keys, and then this house in Key West. Not bad for a man born in 1830!

He had extended the porches to the side and then put the main entrance there. A dining room and connecting parlor were added a couple of years later. The crowning jewel was the Captain's Walk on the top. This was where he could watch the harbor and the ships coming and going.

The original structure was built of heart pine and Honduran mahogany. It made use of wooden pegs, mortise-and-tendon joints,* and an internal structure of fine-squared timbers. He had made sure the addition kept up this quality of construction.

Captain Dan started his six block stroll to the Key West docks. He could have hired one of the drivers to take him in a buggy, but he wasn’t in a hurry.
He enjoyed this walk. First, he went past the new stone Methodist church which he attended when he was ashore. This church was one of the few structures built from coral stone quarried on the island. It was an outstanding sight, especially with the tall Spanish laurel tree growing right next to it.

After going past his church he turned north through the town section. There were small shops, inns, and houses of spirits, and there were dock workers and the usual US Navy sailors about. Key West has always had its complement of Navy personnel on the island. This has been since Commodore David Porter* first sailed into Key West harbor.


In April, 1823 the commodore arrived with a squadron to establish a depot, to end piracy, and stop slave ships. Because it had a natural deep water harbor, Key West had been the primary port between New Orleans and Jacksonville during the Civil War.

Dan passed through the merchants’ warehouses and then came to the wharves and piers. He liked to make a mental note of what boats were in port. What he especially liked to see was his schooner. He rounded the corner and there it was, his two-masted schooner, the Jenney Mae. She was of a good size, 80 feet from the bowsprit* to the stern. It was 18 feet wide amidships, had a shallow draft of five feet max, and was built for speed.

The schooner had windward ability (close sailing to the wind). It was deep built behind, light in the front and gaff rigged.* The raked* masts supported much canvas. The rear mast was 68 feet to the extreme top, and the front mast about eight feet shorter. There were two quarter boats,* one on each side in the rear.

This boat was built in Key West. They had used a native wood, mahogany, which was called madeira by the locals. This wood would outlast many other woods. It was strong and light. A special trait was that it would not rot, and Teredo worms* wouldn't touch it.

Dan had bought it two years earlier when it was completed and was put up for sale. He wanted to use it to carry his pineapples to market. The Jenney Mae would complement the small 40 foot single-masted sloop* he kept at his pineapple plantation at Plantation Key. His wish for it was to use it as a wrecker when the opportunity presented itself.

Consequently, he had set it up with all the necessary equipment he would need. The boat had two spare 750-pound anchors, and he had the two longboats stowed aft for moving the anchors or ship’s cargo as needed during a wrecking salvage operation. He also had hooks, blocks, tackles, lines, axes, saws, and carpenter’s tools.

His first mate, John, saw him and waved. He crossed the gangplank and up onto the deck of his ship.

“How goes it, John?”

“We’re loaded and ready to cast off, Captain,” John answered.

“Did you have any luck finding men?” Dan asked.

“Yes Sir. Only two, but they’re fine men,” John exclaimed. “You know, Capt’n it’s hard to find seamen who don’t mind farming, but since you pay good, they're ready.”

“Just one minute, Capt’n. Ok, mates, gangplank in and cast off.”

The four regular crew members and the two new men ran about getting the boat loose from its tyings.

“Captain, as you can see and feel, the wind is right to pull us out from the dock. We’ll be out in the channel in no time.”

“Right, John. Carry on.”

“Aye aye, Sir!”

It seemed this Key West port had, for most of the time, a cooperative breeze. If there wasn’t one, they would have to man the two quarter boats with a couple of hired hands to tow the ship away from the pier, and get her out into the harbor.

Dan thought, it was summer and only eight 'clock early morning. That was good, for they would get up to the Key Largo harbor, and it would still be light when they went into the channel. He would never chance it in the dark unless it was an emergency or a wreck was in progress.

The usual method they used, if they weren't taking on a lot of supplies, was, they would anchor in the harbor and go back and forth in the quarter boats.
“There, we’re underway sir. Yonder, there is one of the new men, Roberts. He is a new Englander and Benjamin, the dark Bahamian there, is a salvage diver. We’re in luck. He’s got experience diving on at least three wrecks and grows fruit back home. Looks like a double helping, Sir.”

“Good work, John,” Captain Dan commented. “Let’s tak’er out into the Southwest channel, then east up the Hawk Channel along the Keys.”

It was a long trip of sailing, about 75 nautical miles east-northeast and then northeast another 15 miles to Key Largo. John loved this trip. It took about ten hours. Key Largo was the largest and longest of the Keys. Their course took them as much as five miles out from the chain of Keys and as little as a half of a mile.

The water was turquoise. Farther out was the deep blue of the straits of Florida. You could see large flocks of ibis and gulls with the occasional line of fishing pelicans skimming the tops of the waves. Porpoise abounded in these waters and raced playfully alongside the Jenney Mae as she traveled up the Keys. It was a beautiful day, and the first mate “heaved the log.”*

“It looks good, Sir. We’re traveling along at ten knots,” John exclaimed.

“It’s looking shipshape, John. At this rate we’ll be there on time. Since we have six shipmates now, in two hours, let two men be relieved for an hour, then two more, and the last two after the noon meal. We should be there around five this evening with plenty of sun to guide us in through the channel.”

“Aye aye, Sir.”

From the Author:

My second full-length book , Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers is composed of 336 pages. There are 12 stories running from 6 pages to as many as 72 pages. It is fully illustrated with 88 watercolors and sketches. The watercolors I made roaming around Key West after I finished my 750 mile hike from Georgia to Key West. (See book or Don Browne’s SouthWest Florida Online News records, A Walk Across Florida.) As you read these stories you will experience Key West, the Keys, and the Caribbean. These stories span the time of the early 1800’s to 1969. bkranich.wixsite.com/bobkranich

Robert Broughton Dies At 84

Robert J. "Bob” Broughton, age 84, passed away June 8, 2022 in Clewiston, FL.

Robert was born July 27, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late James and the late Eleanor (Able) Crilly. He married the love of his life, Cecile A. “Lucy” Brown on August 24, 1957 and had six children. 

Bob was a journeyman sheet metal worker running jobs for over 30 years in extreme weather. When he got the chance to retire in the late 80’s, he and his wife headed for the sunshine state. There he could be found in t shirts and shorts, pursuing his love of fishing on Lake Okeechobee. And when he could, he enrolled his wife and sons in competitions producing a few good wins over the years. 

He discovered the art of basket weaving with his daughter. This led to 30 years of exhibiting at the Fine Art and Craft Shows throughout Florida and winning awards for his fine craftsmanship.

Bob loved nature, gardening, good food and always a good story. He would toy with an idea, until he figured out a solution. He loved to laugh with the children. He was one to be counted on. And he always told you flat out how it was. Bob was a good man, a good husband, a good friend and a good father.

Survivors include two sons: Steven (Kimberly) and Lawrence, and two daughters: Katherine and Susan; 6 Grandchildren: Kenneth, Brianna, Andrew, Jacquelyn, Ashley and Emily; 3 Great Grandchildren: Bristol, James and Nash.

Graveside service celebrating his life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 am–12pm at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home–Clewiston. 

Bob will be laid to rest next to his loving wife; Lucy and his eldest son Ken.

Friday, June 10, 2022

Danika Fornear In Court For Theft Of Laptop

OKEECHOBEE, FL -- Danika Joy Fornear, 43, was arrested in LaBelle on a warrant from Okeechobee, Fl on April 21. The charge was 3rd degree grand theft. 

She was transferred from the Hendry County jail to Okeechobee and released on $5,000 bond.

She is accused of larceny in the taking of a laptop computer valued at $750 owned by the Okeechobee News sometime between November 23, 2021 and March 21, 2022. The warrant for her arrest was made on March 27.

Fornear was a writer for the Caloosa Belle newspaper. Danika Fornear, (Dem.) ran for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 79 in 2020. 

She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020. She was cited by the Elections Division for filing a late financial report during the election cycle.

Fornear was arrested on E. Yeomans Ave in LaBelle when Sheriff's Deputy Kiara Rosado responded to a minor accident, and found Fornear had an active warrant out for her arrest.

On May 19 Assistant State Attorney Rubi Prieto Dial filed an information charging Fornear for the alleged crime.

She is to appear June 29 at 1:30 for a docket call in Okeechobee. She is represented by Jeff Gorman of Stuart, Fl.

Photo courtesy Ballotpedia.org

Port LaBelle Inn Chicken Farm

 

LABELLE, FL. -- One of the latest ventures by the Saint Matthews House and the Port LaBelle Inn is a one acre chicken farm, with several new structures housing dozens of chickens and a rooster. 

SWH Properties of SW Florida owns about 21 acres of pasture and ponds along Oxbow Dr. in Glades County west of Birchwood Parkway. Cows and one donkey are in the pasture and an acre is reserved for the chickens and chicken coops and a barn.

The Port LaBelle Inn sits in Hendry county where St. Matthews House has drug and alcohol rehab housing on the third floor and rents rooms to the public on the second.

Aerial Photo by Don Browne

Florida Counties - High Covid Levels, Mask Wearing Recommended

LABELLE, FL. -- Most Florida's counties are now on the CDC's list of "high community level" COVID-19, and mask wearing indoors in public is recommended now by the CDC. The number of infections, deaths and hospitalizations are increasing over the last month.

All counties in Central and Southern Florida are are "high" levels according to the CDC's latest statistics as of Thursday night, exceptions being Hendry, Glades, Manatee, and Hardee counties which have "medium" levels up from "low" levels last week.

States surrounding Florida and SW states are generally still at low community levels with some increases to "medium" levels.

The CDC recommends counties with "high" levels the following:

Wear a mask indoors in public
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms
Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

"Community Transmission" is rated "high" for all of Florida counties and 79% of the U.S., up 10% since last week and is defined as new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 7 days of 100 or more OR Percentage of positive NAATs tests during the past 7 day 10% or more. 

See above Community Transmission graphic or click The community transmission map  

Check your county and recommendations here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Editor's note: The CDC website is almost not useable to search for information as the pages we found are slow loading and complicated with way too many links to click to find one's way. 

Thursday, June 09, 2022

Pavlos Tsoulvatizis - Vegetable Horticulturist Candidate

LABELLE, FL. -- Dr. Pavlos Tsoulvatzis, one of the candidates for the vegetable horticulturist at the Southwest Florida REC will be interviewed at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center on June 14th. and present a seminar live and on Zoom.

He will be available to meet with stakeholders from 9:00 – 9:30 am, in SWFREC, Conference Room A and via Zoom (https://ufl.zoom.us/j/92348244306)

From 10:00 – 11:00 am Dr. Tsoulvatzis will present a seminar on “Sustainable management of vegetable production towards advanced nutritional and commercial value in the face of climate change” in the SWFREC Auditorium or via Zoom https://ufl.zoom.us/j/91592336531

"We hope that you can attend as your participation is valuable to us and your feedback will be important in assisting us in choosing the right candidate for this important position," said Edward 'Gilly' A. Evans, Ph.D., Professor, Food and Resource Economics, Director, Tropical Research and Education Center, Interim Director, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

Wednesday, June 08, 2022

Margarita Velasquez Hernandez Dies At 58

Margarita Velasquez Hernandez, age 58 of LaBelle, Florida passed away on June 5, 2022 in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

Margarita was born on January 15, 1964 in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico to Juan and Ramona Reyna Velasco. She married Mr. Francisco Hernandez on June 26, 1986 in Mexico. 

She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Margarita enjoyed traveling with her family and seeing different parts of the country, she loved dancing, working to provide for her family, and she enjoyed eating different types of food. Margarita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who was loved by her entire family and will be dearly missed by them all.

Margarita leaves behind her loving husband; Francisco Hernandez of LaBelle, children; Bernice Pine, Carlos Hernandez, Agustin Hernandez, and Michael Hernandez, nine grandchildren, five brothers, and four sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on June 10, 2022 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with Father Jiobani Batista. Burial will be in Fort Denaud Cemtery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday,

Mass of Christian Burial is being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Websites Listing Social Security Numbers Closed Down

Websites That Listed More Than 20 Million Social Security Numbers For Sale, Seized And Dismantled In International Operation

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, along with Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon for the IRS - Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge David Walker for the FBI - Tampa Division, today announced the seizure of the SSNDOB Marketplace, a series of websites that operated for years and were used to sell personal information, including the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers belonging to individuals in the United States. The SSNDOB Marketplace has listed the personal information for approximately 24 million individuals in the United States, generating more than $19 million USD in sales revenue.

The SSNDOB administrators created advertisements on darkweb criminal forums for the Marketplace’s services, provided customer support functions, and regularly monitored the activities of the sites, including monitoring when purchasers deposited money into their accounts. The administrators also employed various techniques to protect their anonymity and to thwart detection of their activities, including using online monikers that were distinct from their true identities, strategically maintaining servers in various countries, and requiring buyers to use digital payment methods, such as bitcoin.

The international operation to dismantle and seize this infrastructure is the result of close cooperation with law enforcement authorities in Cyprus and Latvia. On June 7, 2022, seizure orders were executed against the domain names of the SSNDOB Marketplace (ssndob.ws, ssndob.vip, ssndob.club, and blackjob.biz), effectively ceasing the website’s operation.

Monday, June 06, 2022

Battery Charges Top Arrest List In Hendry County

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry Sheriff's office announced the following arrests from May 30 to June 5 including 6 Battery, 5 Probation Violation, 4 DUI, 4 Failure to Appear, 3 Drug Possession 2 Fleeing LEO, 1 Contempt, 1 Kidnapping. 1 Driver's Licence Violation

Anthony Arjona, 41 from Cape Coral, was arrested on May 30, 2022 by Cpl Bustamante and was charged with DUI.

Blake Chance, 20 from LaBelle, was arrested on May 30,2022 by Deputy Afonso and was charged with DUI and Flee Elude LEO with Lights and Sirens Activated.

Sandra Shuntae Wright, 36 from Clewiston, was arrested on May 31, 2022 by Deputy George and was charged with Battery.

A 17 year old white male from LaBelle was arrested on May 31, 2022 by Sgt Hull and was charged with Probation Violation.

Victor Jesus Menendez, 40 from Clewiston, was arrested on May 31, 2022 by Deputy Rivera and was charged with Battery.

Jason Jaime, 39 from Moore Haven, was arrested on May 31, 2022 by Deputy Barrientos and was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Equipment and Failure to Appear.

Diego Samuel Florentino, 35 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 1, 2022 by Deputy George and was charged with Aggravated Battery and Child Neglect.

Derrick Benard Jackson, 25 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 1, 2022 by Cpl Movalli-Vary and was charged with Driving with License Suspended Habitual Offender.

Thomas Bert Wilson, 21 from Ft Myers, was arrested on June 1 by Det Nelson and was charged with Battery

Jayram Ruiz Roche, 47 from Opa Locka, was arrested on June 1, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Keithen Trumainus Dennard, 25 from South Bay, was arrested on June 1, 2022 by Deputy Coronilla and was charged with Probation Violation.

Erik Castillo, 25 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 1, 2022 by Cpl Drew and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Sergio Gomez, 27 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 2, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with Two Counts of Probation Violation.

Lori Melany Brown, 50 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 2, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with Probation Violation and Two Counts of Contempt of Court.

Jason Diaz, 20 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 2, 2022 by Det Mateu and was charged with Firing Weapon from a Vehicle, Aggravated Battery and Firing a Weapon in Public or on Residential Property.

Stuart Kermit Whiddon III, 29 from LaBelle was arrested on June 3, 2022 by Deputy Foreman and was charged with DUI and Probation Violation.

Samantha Michelle Blevins, 34 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 3, 2022 by Sgt Hernandez and was charged with Kidnap-False Imprisonment.

Sarah Michelle Garner, 31 from LaBelle, was arrested on June 3, 2022 by Cpl Lopez and was charged with Failure to Appear.

Irwin Ricardo Perez, 46 from Lake Wales, was arrested on June 4, 2022 by Deputy Ramirez-Reyna and was charged with DUI.

Francisco Garcia Rico, 41 from at large, was arrested on June 4, 2022 by Deputy Castro and was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Property Damage - Criminal Mischief.

Nathan Joshua Billie, 32 from Clewiston, was arrested on June 5, 2022 by Deputy Bustamante and was charged with Flee/Elude LEO and Operating a Vehicle while Driver’s License Revoked for Habitual Traffic Offender.

Saturday, June 04, 2022

Heartland Homes Facing Angry Customers

 

LABELLE, FL. -- Heartland Homes of Florida is finding more and more unhappy home buyers as construction delays become common, and the home builder tells customers they have to pay more than the originally agreed contract price. 

The local home builder is getting more and more 1-star reviews on Google reviews in the last few weeks. 107 customers have left reviews of the builder, the more recent ones, less and less flattering to Hendry county's largest home builder.

Heartland Homes management responded to one customer Google review in May saying, "Yes, we are returning the deposit of anyone who cancels their purchase due to the price increase. We are trying to be as fair as possible and certainly understand that this isn’t the customer’s fault." 

Luis Perdomo, wrote on his Google review that his son contracted to buy a home, but the price was later increased by $40,000. He said his son was able to get his deposit back, but allegedly Heartland has customers sign an agreement if they get their deposit back, they can't sue Heartland. 

Perdomo said buyers should read "Section 8" in the sales contract carefully, as it allegedly allows Heartland Home to increase prices at anytime if Heartland's costs increase.

Another dissatisfied home buyer and Google reviewer said he would post documents online regarding his contract. Heartland responded, "While we understand your frustration, threats won’t resolve the issue."

One YouTube creator, who contracted to buy a Heartland "Welsh" 3 bedroom/2 bath model without a garage for $153,000 in March 2021, said he guesses Heartland seems to be increasing prices on buyers who contracted to buy homes after March 2021. His family moved into the Glades county home, Heartland's smallest model, at the end of May after a 14 month wait. The home was originally promised to be finished in November 2021.

It may be possible that Heartland looks at each buyer's financial situation and won't raise prices on older contracts, but may raise other buyer's prices if it looks like the buyer can afford it, and the mortgage lender will still lend at a higher price.

Nadia Olive left a comment on YouTube saying she spoke to co-owner Kevin Berth at Heartland: "Kevin also said that everyone's price increases are an individual basis with several factors involved . All of this being said if I cancel the contract and resigned tomorrow on the same house it would cost me about $15,000 more." Heartland is giving buyers two weeks to decide if they will agree to higher prices or get a refund of deposits, if agreeing not to sue Heartland.

Heartland has been responding to an increasing number of one-star Google reviews in the last month saying, "Heartland Homes has experienced significant delays in government agencies, material deliveries, contracted services, and finding new members to add to our team. Often, we find these areas to be inconsistent with deliveries, approvals, or providing the services needed on our scheduled dates." 

Heartland seven home models are named after breeds of horses, and it may be a wild ride for home buyers and Heartland Homes in months ahead.

Click: Heartland Homes of Florida - Google reviews, questions, and information 

Click: Previous Heartland Homes of Florida story (May 2022)

Aerial Photo: A Heartland Home under construction in Port LaBelle

Friday, June 03, 2022

Florida Farmers Get Money For Increased Business Costs

$2 million issued to 882 producers in Florida.



The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced nearly $2 million will be issued to 882 producers through the 2021 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program beginning on May 19, 2022. 

The RTCP helps eligible farmers and ranchers outside the contiguous U.S., including those in Florida, offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity over long distances. 

882 producers in Florida will receive more than $900,000 to help mitigate the increased costs of doing business.

Thursday, June 02, 2022

Check Your Area For COVID Cautions - Mask Recommendation

Check the CDC's latest community COVID-19 levels and recommendations for mask wearing indoors. Updated each Thursday by 8 p.m. by the CDC.

Map page from CDC showing all counties in the U.S. and levels from low to high: Click Here

23 Counties Now On CDC List For Mask Wearing Indoors

 

LABELLE, FL. -- 23 of Florida's counties are now on the CDC's list of high community level COVID locations, and mask wearing indoors in public is recommended now by the CDC. The number is up from 10 counties at the beginning of the week.

Now on that list are Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, St. Lucie, Flagler, Orange, Volusia, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Manatee, Hillsborough, Alachua, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties.

All states surrounding Florida are still at low levels.

The CDC recommends for those counties the following:

Wear a mask indoors in public
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms
Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

Community Transmission is rated "high" for almost all of Florida counties and most of the U.S. population centers defined as new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 7 days of 100 or more OR Percentage of positive NAATs tests during the past 7 day 10% or more. See above Community Transmission graphic or click The community transmission map  

Check your county and recommendations here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Editor's note: The CDC website is almost not useable to search for information as the pages we found are slow loading and complicated with way too many link to click to find one's way.

Wednesday, June 01, 2022

Five U.S. Sugar Employees Featured On June 13 TV Show

Clewiston, FL – Mike Rowe’s How America Works pays tribute to some of the nation’s most vital industries while providing viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how these industries work and contribute to America’s infrastructure. The episode will air on Fox Business on Monday, June 13 at 8 PM.

To help show viewers how sugarcane is grown, harvested, and processed before the sweet stuff ends up on your table, U.S. Sugar welcomed Rowe’s film crew to spend a day in the life of our employees.

Five U.S. Sugar employees will be featured in the episode. These include Jay Baez Jr., Production Supervisor; Leonard Sampson, Mill Worker; Phillip Ford, Roll Welder; Billy Dyess, Assistant Refinery Manager of Operations; and Orlando Martinez, Team Leader. 

Dyess began his time at U.S. Sugar with his father, Fred Dyess Sr. who helped commission the refinery, while Sampson has been joined by his son during his time at U.S. Sugar. 

The episode on Florida sugarcane farmers will showcase some of the many challenges employees face on a daily basis as they help to sustainably grow, harvest, transport, mill, refine and ship cane sugar from Clewiston, Florida to customers around the country. The episode will additionally feature U.S. Sugar’s co-generation plant, which is powered by bagasse, or sugarcane fiber, and generates enough surplus electricity annually to power up to 25,000 homes in South Florida.

Audrey Curry Dies At 73

Audrey J Curry 73, of LaBelle passed away May 29, 2022.

Audrey was happily married to Jimmy for 53 years. She enjoyed being a stay at home mom, rodeoing with her two sons starting with High School rodeo to PRCA. She also enjoyed vacationing in the Florida Keys fishing and sitting on the beach. 

She would never pass up a chance to stop at the casino and to hit a few thrift shops on her way home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren that she loved and adored, most recently got to meet her great grandchild.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 4, 2022 at Community Harvest Worship Center 55 Orange Ave. LaBelle at 10m AM with Pastor LW Howard officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by the Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle Chapel.

No Fishing License Required For June Weekends

Fish license-free in Florida two weekends in June

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites residents and visitors to go fishing in Florida during two license-free weekends: June 4-5 for saltwater and June 11-12 for freshwater.

License-free fishing days provide a fun opportunity for new anglers to try fishing for the first time or experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to a new hobby. The fishing license requirements are waived for all recreational anglers during these dates but all other rules including seasons, bag and size limits still apply.

The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational activity requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.), whether fishing from shore or a boat.  A snook or spiny lobster permit also are not required on these days, however, always make sure to check recreational regulations. Plan your trip with information about places to fish.

Looking for a freshwater fishing spot? Some of Florida’s freshwater lakes have special largemouth bass swimming in them, worth big prizes! Join our TrophyCatch program’s 10th season and learn more about the 10-Tag Celebration on TrophyCatch.com.

For more information on fishing in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing. Fish all year by getting your Florida fishing license at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Glades County's Three New Weather Stations



MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Three new WeatherSTEM stations were installed throughout Glades County last week. They are located at the Emergency Operation Center, Alvin Ward Park and Buckhead Ridge Fire Department. 

These stations provide real time weather data including temperature, wind speed, wind gust as well as forecasted information. A live lightning map of the U.S. is also on the website. This data including the live streaming cameras are available to the public at glades.weatherstem.com.

An app is available from the website for smart phones

Marisa Shivers, Glades County Emergency Management Director said, "We are very excited for these units to be live to the public."  They will also be used during hurricane season to give the EOC real time situational awareness.

A fourth Glades weather station is also at the Moore Haven Middle-High School.

Update: As on October 2023 there are an additional three stations at: Harney Pond in Lakeport, Muse EMS station on SR29, and Palmdale Community Center.

Photo: Alvin Ward Park station