Vehicle 1 (Ford pickup truck) was traveling west on State Road 80. Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 80.
From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Clewiston Man Dies In SR80 Crash Sunday
Vehicle 1 (Ford pickup truck) was traveling west on State Road 80. Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 80.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Obituaries - Shirley Jay Davis Age 57; Kevin Steul Campbell, Age 39
Shirley was born in Fort Myers, Florida to the late Weldon Glenn Joslin Sr. and Elsie (Peacock) Joslin on September 8, 1965. She grew up in Fort Myers with her three brothers, Billy, Glenn Jr. and Eric, and her older sister, Marji.
Shirley started working for Super X supermarket at the age of 15, and then over the years held secretarial based jobs for major companies to include Coca-Cola, Sony, Colliers International Commercial Real Estate and various roofing companies. Shirley last worked for many years as a roofing payroll clerk for Crown Residential Services, where she became a part of a family that loved and cherished her and will miss her deeply.
Shirley was a devoted parent and loving mom to her daughter, Steffanee. Shirley took great pride in all of her daughter's accomplishments in the United States Air Force and often volunteered with the Blue Star Mothers of America, Gulf Coast FL-12 division, helping to provide care packages to deployed military members and remembrance for fallen service members.
Shirley will be deeply missed by all of the members from her Circle of Hope group at the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, and the close friends and members of her reading group, The Local Bookies. She loved spending time with her daughter, Steffanee, her wonderful friends, and her family.
Shirley leaves fond memories with her daughter, Technical Sergeant Steffanee Davis, United States Air Force, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; her three year old puppy, Sedona; brothers, the late William “Billy” Davis Jr, Weldon Glenn Joslin Jr, Eric Joslin; and sister, Marji Williams, along with her close friends and co-workers who were like family to her.
Shirley was a beautiful and compassionate woman with a boundless heart for giving to anyone who crossed her path. Her love, humbleness, and passion were the foundation of who she was. She made such an impact on many lives and will be forever missed. This isn’t goodbye, but merely see you later.
Kevin Steul Campbell, age 39, of Clewiston, Florida passed away on April 19, 2023, in Clewiston, Florida.
Kevin was born on September 9, 1983, to the late Raymond and Bonnie Steul Campbell in West Palm Beach, Florida. He worked as a electrical lineman for many years, both for the City of Clewiston and Pike Electric. He was a fun-loving guy, who will be missed by everyone who loved and cared for him.
Kevin leaves fond memories with his fiancé; Corrine Rees of Clewiston, Florida, his siblings; Suzi (Sergio) Rubio, William (Kathy) Kershner, Scott (Cheryl) Campbell, Tamara (Ton) Stam,Cara (Jon) Roxen, Robert (Virginia) Campbell, Sean (Venessa) Campbell, Glenn (Jennifer) Campbell, along with many extended family members and friends.
Cremation rites will be accorded by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
The Cayman Turtle Schooner by Bob Kranich
Florida Keys’ Watercolor Kapers
by Bob Kranich
The Cayman Turtle Schooner, (Part 5, Excerpt 70)
This is a story, titled The Cayman Turtle Schooner. This story will tell about the forming and history of the Cayman Islands, the green sea turtle’s habits and life style, the building of a dugout canoe, and then a schooner, and lastly about the historic two-masted turtle schooner, A. M. Adams. Our two main characters Grandpa and Parker are going to build a dugout canoe.
The Cayman Turtle Schooner
Yep. But you will learn a lot, and when it’s done were going to sail the sea!”
“Wow! Grandpa. I’m ready.”
“You will notice we left the log on the rollers. It’s like a table. We can turn it using a large pole for a lever, and when it’s finished, we can roll it out to the sea to launch. Let’s get started.”
“What we go’in to do first, Grandpa?”
“Parker, first we will shave off all the bark. Now this tool is an adze. As you can see, it’s like a hoe on one end and an ax on the other. We will use this to strip off all the bark. It’s good that we have started soon. If you leave the bark on too long the sap will rise, and the bark will stick to the inner skin of the tree trunk. After that exercise we will use a straight pole for a lever and roll the log over until we find the part of the log that will be best for the bottom. We want to flatten out the part of the log that we will use for the bottom. Then we will turn the log over onto the flat bottom.
Just removing the bark and flattening out the bottom took them almost a week. Of course this team took many breaks. Grandpa and Parker walked the beach to look for turtles. They had to occasionally help Grandma with the garden. It was also essential to visit Sebastian the turtle. There they added water to his large tub and found some choice seaweed from the lagoon for him to eat.
“What do you think, Parker? You know I like all this dugout canoe work, but the most fun is setting on it and drinking Grandma’s lemonade.”
“Oh Grandpa, you’re sure crazy!”
“Yep, but I’m sure happy,” he exclaimed.
“What’s next on our canoe, Grandpa?”
“Believe it or not, we have to flatten out the top so we can begin hollowing it out. But before we hollow it out, we will bring the front and rear to points.”
“Why points in both the front and rear, Grandpa?”
“That way we will be able to go both forward and backward easily. By just turning around in the canoe the rear will become the front.”
Another two weeks went by, and they were now ready to begin hollowing out.
“Sonny, today we’re going to mark the outline of the insides of our canoe. Parker, run and get me some of that charcoal I have in the shed.”
“Be right back, Grandpa,” he said as he ran off.
“There, we’ve marked the outline of the sides of our dugout canoe. Next you will find out just why it is called a dugout. We are going to cut a grove on the top where I marked. We’ll cut straight down on the line with the adze and chip out towards the center. Then we’ll cut a trough down the center.”
“Grandpa.”
“What Parker?”
“I noticed it is much easier to say what we’re going to do than do it!”
“Now you’re being crazy, Parker. But you’re right. First I’d like to talk about what I’m going to do. It’s called planning.”
“Now we’re going to build a fire right here on the ground, not too far away from the canoe. Get my flints and tinder. There, the fire is starting. Come along and we’ll get those three cannon balls we found a long time ago from the shed.”
“Grandpa, the ones we found on the other side of the lagoon?”
“Yep, the’re only six pounders, but they will do just fine. Now try to lay them on top of the fire. The coals will heat them red hot. Let’s get lunch, and then come back.”
“They’re ready! See Parker, red hot. Now we’re going to put them in the center notch we cut out.”
“How we go’in to pick them up, Grandpa?”
“Easy Sonny, we will each hold on to these two sticks. Then we’ll straddle the cannon balls with them. Push in and pick up. Keep just far enough apart to have the cannon balls in our grasp. Just like this. Easy Sonny. Now set the ball down in the groove, and take your stick away.”
Sizzle! Snap! The hot cannon balls sank down into the groove and proceeded to burn a circle recess.
“What’s happening, Grandpa?”
“The ball is softening the trunk wood as it burns in. Next we’ll roll the cannon balls over in the groove a 'ways. While they’re still hot and burning the new wood, I’m going to cut or dig out some of this wood. Get it? Dugout!”
“Oh Grandpa, I get it!”
“Now we’re lucky to have these iron tools. The early natives in Jamaica, Cuba, and other places had to use hot rocks, stone axes, and shells to scrape the wood out.”
“How long will it take us to dig the dugout?”
“Now you are getting poetic, Parker. We will get about an inch deeper every time we work along the groove. Since we’re not in a hurry, we’ll get down to a bottom in a week. We’ll have to do some other chores or Grandma will think we’re just playing out here on the beach.”
“Can’t we go net fishing and looking for turtles?”
“I think that comes under the topic of hunting for food. That is an acceptable pastime. First let’s see if Grandma needs any help with the garden.”
“There’s our dugout canoe, Parker. All we have to do is a couple more things. We’ll scrape and polish the insides with shells and sand rocks. Then we will seal and waterproof it with some grease I’ve made from turtle fat.”
“I’m ready, Grandpa!” Parker exclaimed.
“I’m glad for that because you are my greatest helper and worker. But tomorrow we are going on a short expedition. We will go inland around the lagoon and to the other side. We need to find three very special accessories for our canoe. We need a mast about the size of my upper arm and fifteen feet long. We need a ten-foot spar about the same size to hold the bottom of our sail. We also need an out-rigger log, not too dense but strong, and some poles to attach it.”
“What’s an outrigger, Grandpa?”
“Parker, it must be a very straight log about six inches in diameter. We will attach it parallel to our canoe about four feet from the side. It will keep us from tipping when we sail.”
“We’re going to sail! Yah!” Parker yelled.
“Easy, Sonny. Now let’s go for supper.”
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Hendry Deputies Felony Arrest Report This Week
LABELLE, FL. -- Arrest Blotter from 04/17/2023 – 04/23/2023 for Felony – DUI Arrests in Hendry County, Florida:
Leonardo Gonzalez, 57, of Miami was arrested on 04/17/2023 by Sg. D. McNeil on charges of DUI
Terry Larnard Bowers, 36, of Boynton Beach, was arrested on 04/17/2023 by Deputy Sheriff S. Rivera on charges of Flee and Eluding with Disregard of Safety to Persons or Property, Hit and Run, Obstruction without Violence and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Armando Nunez, 62, of Clewiston, was arrested on 04/18/2023 by Deputy Sheriff J. Escobedo on charged of Grand Theft
14-year-old male, Clewiston, was arrested on 04/18/2023 by Det. L. Whelpley on charges of Aggravated Battery
Le’Mari Deon Camel, 24, of South Bay, was arrested on 04/20/2023 by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans for Felony Probation Violation
Albert Thomas Monroe, 41, Clewiston, was arrested on 04/21/2023 by Deputy Sheriff O. Gonzalez for charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription
Kayla Tiarra Delgado, 27, Pembroke Pines, was arrested on 04/21/2023 by D/S L. Rodriguez for Felony Probation Violation
Mariah Deon Mosely, 23, Okeechobee, was arrested on 04/21/2023 by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on Felony Warrant for charges of Felony Failure to Appear
Evelyn Shanita Ross, 56, Clewiston, was arrested on 04/21/2023 by Deputy J. Goldberg on an Outstanding Warrant for Felony Failure to Appear and Felony Violation of Probation
Kodie Shane Richardson, 26, Lake City, was arrested on 04/22/2023 by Sgt. J. Olvera on Felony Contempt of Court charges
David Herrero, 32, Clewiston was arrested on 04/22/2023 by Deputy Sheriff D. Calvo-Driggs on an Outstanding Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription
Saturday, April 22, 2023
FPL Solar Energy Installation In Hendry Begins This Month
CLEWISTON, FL. -- FPL has announced the beginning of construction of the Caloosahatchee Solar Energy Center south of State Road 80 in mid-Hendry county this month.
The solar cell installation will be comprised of 250,000 photovolatic solar panels providing 74 megawatts of power and cover 500 acres of land west of Everhigh Acres Road on the south side of SR80.
There may be extra traffic in the area during the construction phase.
It is expected to be complete by the spring of 2024 and FPL says upon completion it will not require staff for daily operations.
A similar project is in Charlotte County, powering the new town of Babcock Ranch.
FPL says the Hendry county project would create enough energy to power about 15,000 homes.
FPL claims the project would "increase the County's tax base by millions over the expected life of the project."
For information: email SolarProjects@fpl.com or construction manager Michael Alicie at Micheal.Alicie@FPL.com
Everhigh Acres Road Area - Aerial Photo by Don Browne
Obituaries - McNeill, Pfriender, Lerario, Hummel
Dave was born on July 27, 1957, in Fort Myers, Florida to the late Mac and Barbara Baum McNeill. He married Penny McDaniel. He worked in construction for many years and has been retired for 18 years.
Dave leaves fond memories with his loving wife; Penny McNeill of LaBelle, Florida, daughter; Tiffany McNeill, son; Marty Thompson, son; Robby McDaniel and their families including 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and one sister; Deb McNeill, along with many extended family members and family friends.
Celebration of Dave's life will held at The Muse Community Center on June 24, 2023. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
Scott Andrew Pfriender age 45 of LaBelle, Florida passed away on April 14, 2023, in LaBelle, Florida.
Scott was born on January 17, 1978, in Harris, New York to Michael William and Nikki Lorraine Borgia Pfriender. Scott proudly served his country in the United States Army from July 16, 1996, until December 12, 1998. Scott worked for many years in the tile and flooring industry. Scott was a loving son, brother, uncle, grandson and cousin who will be dearly missed by his entire family.
Scott leaves fond memories with his loving mother; Nikki Lorraine Baker of LaBelle, Florida, father; Michael William Pfriender of Las Vegas, Nevada, his siblings; Melissa Pfriender- Villa and husband Chano Villa of LaBelle, Florida, Kimberly Blanco and fiancée Even Vasquez of LaBelle, Florida, Jenna Perkins of New York, Michael Pfriender, Jr of Las Vegas, Nevada. His nieces and nephews; Alondra Villa and Brookelynn Villa, Davian Blanco, of LaBelle, Florida, Nicholas Blanco also of LaBelle, Florida, Johnathan Pfriender of Cape Coral, Florida, Matthew Villa of LaBelle, Florida.
Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents; John and Mae Borgia and Andrew and Genevieve Pfriender along with his uncles; Kevin and John Borgia.
Celebration of Scott's life will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle. Cremation rites will be accorded after the celebration of life service.
Joseph G. Lerario (Joe) of Fort Myers, FL past away on April 12, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 30, 1945.
James J. Hummel age 88, of LaBelle, Florida passed away on April 10, 2023 in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
James Jacob Hummel (Jim) was born on May 18, 1934 in the Netherlands. He grew up on a farm with three brothers (Jay, Bill, John) and one sister (Joan). After WWII, the family immigrated to Ontario, Canada when Jim was 14 years old.Jim met Virginia Ward in Texas at a missionary dental training school. They were married in1957 and were blessed with 60 years together until Virginia's death in 2018. Jim and Virginia spent a number of years doing mission work in Dominica, British West Indies, and Papua, New Guinea. During that time, their sons, Dale and Mark were born.
Later, the family lived in St. Charles, Michigan, and then moved to LaBelle, Florida where Jim lived for over 30 years.
James entered the presence of Jesus on April 10, 2023. He leaves behind his sons and their wives, 6 grandchildren and spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren. Jim was loved by his family and friends and his presence will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Wooddale Church missions.
Junior Rodeo In LaBelle This Weekend
Youngsters are competing in various rodeo events for the two day event. Calf roping was on the agenda Saturday afternoon with kids of all ages participating with their ponies and horses.
No admission for visitors to watch, plenty of parking, and food vendors on the site.
Photos: Youngsters awaiting their turn at at the rodeo arena in LaBelle.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Florida Offers Big Law Enforcement Bonuses At Virtual Job Fair
FSA and FPCA are sponsoring the Florida Law Enforcement Virtual Job Fair. This online event seeks to connect officers throughout the nation with available career opportunities in the Sunshine State. New prospective recruits from this job fair will be joining the hundreds who have already made the move to be a Florida hero.
Last year more than 530 officers from 48 states relocated to Florida.
In addition to providing opportunities to talk to hiring law enforcement agencies, the Florida Law Enforcement Virtual Job Fair will be highlighting the benefits available to new Florida officers, including:
$1,000 allowance toward basic recruit training costs;
Up to $1,100 of equivalency training costs for certified law enforcement officers, or members of the special operations forces who become full-time law enforcement officers, who relocate to Florida;
Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible “hometown hero” homebuyers;
Up to $25,000 for officers who adopt a child from Florida’s child welfare system;
Exemptions from basic prerequisites for veterans and applicants with an associate degree or higher to enter a law enforcement officer basic recruit training program; and
Family empowerment scholarships so children of law enforcement officers may attend a school of their choice, including private schools.
21 Felony Arrests This Week In Hendry County
Alexander Ortega Scott Street, 24, Hobe Sound, was arrested on 04/10/2023 by D/S M. Afonso on charges of Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana
Jose Luis Vargas, III, 22, LaBelle, was arrested on 04/10/2023 by D/S V. Ramos and D/S C. Earl for Felony Probation Violation
Iran Julio Alvarez Gonzalez, 54, Clewiston, was arrested on 04/10/2023 by D.S K. Barrientos on Felony Warrants for the following charges: of Owning/Operating or Aid and Abet a Chop Shop, Sale of Vehicle with Altered Numbers, Possession of a Firearm by a Florida Convicted Felon, Counterfeiting of Motor Vehicle Identification Number Plates or Decal, Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle and Theft of a Firearm
Andrea Paquita Orrego, 36, Ft Myers, was arrested on 04/11/2023 by D.S J. Escobedo on charges of Fleeing & Eluding LEO at High Speed and Reckless Driving
Ana Walda Victoria Zavala, 29, LaBelle, was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S T. Williams and D/S M. Kinney on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine
Alan Betancourt, 35, Moore Haven was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S T. Williams and D/S M. Kinney on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While License Suspended 3rd Offense
Isaiah Dante Jackson, 25, Clewiston was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S O. Gonzalez on charges of Fleeing and Eluding LEO with Lights and Sires Active AND Possession of Marijuana u/20 grams
Salvatore Phillip Katz, 38, Lehigh Acres, was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S D. Givans on charges of three (3) Felony Probation Violation
Jonathan Noe Mendoza, 29, Clewiston was arrested on 04/12/2023by D/S J. Escobedo on Three (3) Felony Probation Violation Warrants
Kenneth DeAngelo Ward, Jr., Clewiston was arrested on 04/12/2023 by Sgt. J. Olvera on Felony Failure to Appear
Danielle Marie Bird, 32, Clewiston was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S S. Rivera for Contempt of Court and Felony Probation Violation and Possession of Methamphetamine
Julio Cesar Felix, 56, Lake Worth was arrested on 04/12/2023 by D/S J. Goldberg on charges of DUI
Fernando Mendoza-Jacome, 41, Clewiston was arrested on 04/13/2023 by D/S S. George on charges of Contempt of Court
Juvenile male, 14, Moore Haven was arrested on 04/13/2023 by D/S J. Goldberg on charges of Armed Burglary, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Shooting into Dwelling, Criminal Mischief over $1,000 and Minor in Possession of a Firearm
Michael Ray Wilson, 38, Clewiston was arrested on 04/14/2023 by D/S M. Afonso on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Antonio Mario Arenivar, 31, LaBelle was arrested on 04/14/2023 by D/S C. Earl and D/S V. Ramos on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Reba Blye Perkins, 38, LaBelle was arrested on 04/14/2023 by D/S K. Rosado for Conditional Release Violation
Danny Robinson, Jr., 27, LaBelle was arrested on 04/15/2023 by D/S T. Williams and D/S M. Kinney on charges of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Hallucinogens, Carry a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm while in the Commission of a Felony and Possession of drug paraphernalia
Jaime Olguin, 26, LaBelle was arrested on 04/15/2023 by D/S J. Keith on charges of Felony Violation of Probation
Jessie Eugene Posey, 63, LaBelle was arrested on 04/15/2023 by D/S V. Ramos and D/S C. Earl for Felony Violation of Probation
Jonathan Isaiah Villa, 18, LaBelle was arrested on 04/16/2023 by D/S T. Williams and D/S M. Kinney on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Use of Display of a Firearm During a Felony, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams and Felony Violation of Probation
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Boyd Gause Dies At 86
Boyd is survived by his loving Wife Bobbie of 50 yrs, his Brother Paul, Children Jerry, Janet (Ed), Fred (Tammy), Ralph (Linda), Bruce (Shari), his 10 Grand Children and 14 Great Grandchildren.
Some of his favorites were being involved with the Church, Golf, and Bowling. He especially loved Fish Fry’s, watching his Westerns and Family gatherings.
Boyd always loved spending time with his Wife, Family and Friends.
He was a loving Husband, Father, Brother and Friend who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
FWC Wild Quest Game Starts April 28
FWC hosts annual Florida WildQuest event, April 28-May 7
Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for Florida WildQuest 2023. Florida residents and visitors are encouraged to grab their phones and go on a wild adventure to complete scavenger hunt missions and discover some of Florida’s best spots to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
Follow these steps to adventure:
WildQuest players of all ages will have opportunities to learn about and explore Florida’s extensive WMA system during the event. Registered players can also qualify for a chance to win wilderness-inspired prizes by earning at least 2,000 points on one of the scavenger hunts (don’t worry, it’s easy!).
Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands. The WMA system includes more than 6 million acres managed primarily for wildlife conservation and nature-based public use.
Friday, April 14, 2023
Richard Charles VanDuzer Dies At 85
County Comprehensive Plan Meetings This Month
This update is to address changing conditions, projected population growth and the need for modernized and flexible future land use categories to guide growth and development.
Upcoming Planning Workshop Meetings: *REVISED DATE
April 13th 6pm – Felda Community Center – 1100 CR 830, Felda
April 20th 6pm – County Emergency Operations Center – 4425 SR 80, LaBelle
April 27th 6pm – LaBelle High School – 4050 E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle
May 4th 6pm – Pioneer Community Center – 910 Panama Ave., Clewiston
*May 16th 6pm – Harlem Civic & Cultural Center – 2000 7th St., Clewiston
Para mas informacion: Marlen Lorences, Planning and Zoning Coordinator at 863-675-5240 / marlen.lorences@hendryfla.net
For questions, contact: Ryan Alexander, Associate County Planner at 863-675-5241 / ryan.alexander@hendryfla.net
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Driver Dead After Entering A Canal
Vehicle 1 was traveling south on County Road 835, approaching Rogers Road.
Driver 1, 47 year old male from Port St. Lucie, lost control Vehicle 1 while negotiating a curve and entered a water-filled canal.
Driver 1 was pronounced on scene.
The exact time of the crash remains under investigation.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Obituaries - Brooks Jeanette Wiggins, age 89: Audrey Whidden, age 88
Audrey Whidden, born December 13, 1934, passed away April 3, 2023. She was 88 years old.
She was the only daughter of Herbert Cleo and Patricia (Barfield) Taylor. One of the pioneer families of Citrus Center, the Taylors moved to Moore Haven where they worked, and the children attended school.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers; Herbert O'Neil Taylor and Glenn Norman Taylor, her husband Calvin Whidden, his sons; James David Whidden and John Allen Whidden, son-in-law; Darrell Henderson and grandson Devin Whidden.
She is survived by her children; Page McCutcheon (Michael), Holly Whiddon, Gail Henderson and Bret Whidden (Dena). Her 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
She enjoyed trips to Fort Myers Beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling with her friends. One of her favorite trips was to the Alamo. Her very favorite times were spent with her family, surrounded by her grandchildren.
Services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. Graveside at the Ortona Cemetery. Family and friends will gather at the Camp Aherns on Wayman Road for lunch immediately following.
Funeral arrangements are by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
Florida Keys' Watercolor Kapers by Bob Kranich
by Bob Kranich
The Cayman Turtle Schooner, (Part 4, Excerpt 69)
This is a story, titled The Cayman Turtle Schooner. This story will tell about the forming and history of the Cayman Islands, the green sea turtle’s habits and life style, the building of a dugout canoe, and then a schooner, and lastly about the historic two-masted turtle schooner, A. M. Adams. Our two main characters Grandpa and Parker are about to discover a pirate cave.
The Cayman Turtle Schooner
There as a sudden...Crack! The tree started to move above the large ‘V’. Grandpa jumped, ax in hand, turned and ran.
Snap! The tree started to fall. Then suddenly at forty-five degrees it paused momentarily.
A center of the tree’s cut that didn’t want to break held briefly and a huge ball of roots, rocks, and rotten logs jumped upward with the base of the tree.
Finally the tree landed with a crashing of trunk and limbs, and came to a sudden stop. All was quiet.
“Well, I never saw that happen before. They usually just fall over with a bang. Look at that ball of earth and roots.”
“Grandpa, look up against the side of the trail. Right by the tree roots. Is that a cave?”
“I think you’re right, Sonny.”
They climbed down under the tree roots and into the depression in the earth.
“It looks like a limestone cave opening. Let’s dig it out.”
They crawled down into the depression next to the exposed opening. They kneeled and began scooping the loose earth out with their hands. When they got done, the opening was just big enough for a man to crawl through. They peered in.
“Parker, run get me the rucksack. I’ve got some candles and flints in it.”
Grandpa eased in with his lit candle leading the way. Inside you could sit up. It was about as wide as a man stretched
out and twice as deep. Inside strange shadows shown about in the flickering light against the limestone walls.
“Grandpa, what’s that over there, and what’s that smell?”
They could barely see the grinning mouth of a Cayman crocodile's skull.
“Oh, Sonny, that is what your crocodile is going to look like very soon. As far as the smell, this smell is just stale and damp limestone air. Now look past the crocodile skull. Look over there!”
There were rusted blades and handles of three cutlasses and the rusted metal part of a flint-lock pistol. The flint was still in it.
“Looks like the rest of your cutlasses, Parker.”
Parker scrambled over, wax dripping from his candle, with grandpa right behind.
“Ouch! My knee,” Parker cried out.
“Be careful, Sonny.”
“Look, Grandpa, what I bumped my knee on.”
It was a small chest about six by nine inches sticking up out of the floor of the cave.
“What have we here, Sonny? It looks like a pirate chest. It’s buried in the floor of the cave. It couldn’t be more than six inches high. I’m going to get the ax, and we’ll dig it out. You stay right here.”
Grandpa crawled back in with his ax. He chopped into the hard packed floor right next to the small chest. Since it was small, it dug out fairly easy. They went back out into the sunlight. The chest was made of mahogany wood with rusted metal corners and a lock piece in the cover on a long side.
“We’ve done enough, Parker, you can bring the cutlasses.”
They rolled a couple of rocks over against the entrance. Then they threw some dirt and brush on it.
“We’ll come back tomorrow and cut the length of trunk for our canoe. Then we’ll size up and cut limbs for our turtle crawl. Any left over timber we’ll get ready to move to the house...don’t want to waste anything. Now let’s get this chest to the shed, and open it.”
Bam! Bam! Grandpa swung his hammer hitting the lock. The lock’s side bent in, and the lid sprang open spilling out tarnished gold coins on the bench. Grandpa took one in his palm and rubbed it with an old cloth.
“Best I can see there are some Spanish markings. It’s hard to make out, and the coin is not very round. These may be from the shipments from Mexico in 1600. This chest is full! Must be close to a hundred of them!”
“Parker, we’re not going to tell anyone. We’re going to hide this. Once we start turtling and exploring with our dugout canoe, occasionally we will find one or two coins on a beach somewhere. That way we can sell them in Channel Bay, and no one will think they came from around here.”
“Ok, Grandpa.”
“Remember, no one! Otherwise the authorities may want to confiscate the treasure.”
“Not even grandma? What does confiscate mean?”
“Hold on Sonny, not so fast! Let me tell grandma, and confiscate means, take it away with the power of the law! Some day the gold coins will help you.”
“Parker, what do you think about this tree trunk? It’s straight and the perfect diameter. We’ve just got it cut to length. You did a great job today. Thank you for helping me cut it. You also did a great job finding it. Tomorrow we’ll cut the rest of the tree up and then make a skid to carry the limbs for the turtle crawl.”
“That was a lot of work, Grandpa!”
“Yep, Sonny, and now we’re ready for John and his mule.”
“Grandpa, what about the crocodile?”
“Ok, Sonny, you're right. It’s been a week and we’ve got a date with a croc’s hide.”
“What we go'in to do, Grandpa?”
“First we’re going to take this salted hide out of this saltwater tub. Then let’s carry it down to the water and rinse all of the salt out of it. Next we’re going to rub the flesh side with this oil I have. Hold it up there. We’re going to nail it to the sunny side of our shed with these small sharpened hardwood sticks we’ve made. Can’t use metal. It’ll rust and mark the hide. Pull on it. I want to stretch it out as we tack it. Now we’ll rub oil on this scale side.”
“What do we do next, Grandpa?” Parker questioned.
“Parker, we just wait a month or two and pray the wind, sun, and the oil tan it.”
“Well, John, what can we do to help you and your mule Dynamite get this mahogany log and limbs to our beach front?”
“That’s a mighty nice log you’uns got there. He can sure pull it, but let’s help him some. Dig down under the front of it and put a straight round log under it. We’ll debark it first. Then as we pull the big’un we’ll keep putting more logs under it, and we’ll easily pull it to your place. Once we get started it will roll right along. Dynamite can just coast.”
They moved slowly down the trail. Parker brought the roller logs up to the front of the big moving, mahogany trunk. He handed them to Grandpa. Then Grandpa laid them in front of the big log. Meanwhile up front John and Dynamite plodded slowly along.
“That is a mighty fine skid you made with those smaller logs, Grandpa. Sonny, your Gramps is mighty handy. Won’t take us long to get it pulled to your house,” John said admiringly.
“Well, John, what do I owe you?” Grandpa asked.
“Nary a thing,” John replied. “But I could us a few of those bigger skid logs. In fact, I could use a skid back home.”
“John, let’s move these smaller limbs off the skid. You help too, Parker. Parker and I need these to make a turtle crawl for his pet turtle. Then, John, you can have the whole skid. You can pull it to your place right after you sit a spell, and eat some lunch with us.”
“I can’t turn that down,” John replied.
“Parker, run get some water for Dynamite. Use that bucket hanging up in the shed.”
“Ok, Grandpa.” He ran over towards the shed.
“Let’s go inside. Grandma is getting something ready for us to snack on.”
“How do, John? Is the Missus well? Have a seat. I will bring out some food,” Grandma said.
“Thank’ee ma’m. She sure is do’n fine,” John answered.
“Hi, Grandma!” Parker rushed in. “What’s for lunch?”
“Don’t you fret, young’un. Run along, and wash up. You look a mess. What have these men had you ado 'in?”
“I’ve been working, Grandma.”
“You look like you’ve been mess’en!”
“Now Grandma, go easy on the boy. He’s been working hard! We’ve got all of that timber in with John and Dynamite's help.”
“I’ll bet Dynamite did it all,” she exclaimed jokingly.
“We couldn’t have done it without Dynamite’s help,” Grandpa put in.
Grandma came out with a steaming plate of fried fish. She then served baked yams.
“You men finish that and I have a dessert of sugared bananas. Now eat up!”
“Parker, it’s a new day. We’ve got a sail’n dugout canoe to build,” Grandpa stated.
Sunday, April 09, 2023
Tampa Man Dies In Hendry County Crash
CLEWISTON, FL. -- Vehicle 1, driven by a 55 year old Tampa man, was traveling east on US 27 around 5 am Sunday morning, on the outside lane, approaching Sky Valley Lane, west of Clewiston.
Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway left, entered a water filled canal and overturned.
Driver 1 was pronounced deceased on scene.
The exact time of crash remains under investigation.
Passenger Dies In Hendry County Crash
Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway left, overturned onto the grass shoulder and collided with a tree. Passenger 3, a 20 year old male from LaBelle was ejected from Vehicle 1 and pronounced deceased on scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.
The other two occupants also from LaBelle (Passenger 1 and 2) were transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center with minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation to determine which occupant was driving at the time of crash.
Friday, April 07, 2023
Hendry Comprehensive Plan Update Meetings Next Five Weeks
This update is to address changing conditions, projected population growth and the need for modernized and flexible future land use categories to guide growth and development.
Upcoming Planning Workshop Meetings:
April 13th 6pm – Felda Community Center – 1100 CR 830, Felda
April 20th 6pm – County Emergency Operations Center – 4425 SR 80, LaBelle
April 27th 6pm – LaBelle High School – 4050 E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle
May 4th 6pm – Pioneer Community Center – 910 Panama Ave., Clewiston
May 11th 6pm – Harlem Civic & Cultural Center – 2000 7th St., Clewiston
Para mas informacion: Marlen Lorences, Planning and Zoning Coordinator at 863-675-5240 / marlen.lorences@hendryfla.net
For questions, contact: Ryan Alexander, Associate County Planner at 863-675-5241 / ryan.alexander@hendryfla.net
Meeting dates will also be advertised on the Hendry County website, posted flyers and through email distribution lists.
Wednesday, April 05, 2023
Maria Bernabe Valle Dies At 60
Maria was born on June 11, 1962 in Mexico to the late Manuel and Reynalda Baltazar Rodriguez. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister who will be dearly missed by everyone who loved and cared for her. She had lived in LaBelle for over 20 years.
Maria leaves fond memories with her children; Jesus, Rangel, Tomas, Glorias, Susana, and Vanessa, along with her siblings, Lucindo, Victor, Alejandro, Inocente, Teofila, Sabas, Modesta, Patricia and her loving grandchildrenl Natalia, Eduwardo, Isaac, Isabela, Alejandro, Mareli.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Herinda.
Celebration of Maria's life will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle, where visitation will be held one hour before the celebration. Burial will take place in Fort Denaud Cemetery.
Man Dead In Glades County Truck Crash
Driver 1, 55 year old male from Cape Coral lost control of Vehicle 1.
Vehicle 1 overturned onto the northbound lane of State Road 29, causing the trailer portion to become detached.
Vehicle 1 and trailer came to rest on the east side grass shoulder.
Driver 1 was pronounced deceased on scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
Brandon Benavidez Get 5 Years In Prison
The crime was discovered on September 2, 2022. The victim contacted the Glades County Sheriff’s Office after realizing someone broke into their home while they were asleep. A rear window of the home was broken, and several things were missing, including a change purse containing about $30 in change, a gallon of milk out of the refrigerator, and a half a box of chocolate chip cookies.
The victim then noticed their car keys were missing and their car, though in the original parking spot, now had half the gas it had when they had last driven it. The car keys could not be located.
The next day, the victim contacted deputies again to report that his car was now missing. A short time later the victim got a call from the defendant admitting he stole the car and had crashed it in another county.
The defendant was known to the victim but did not have permission to enter the home, take the car or any belongings.
The defendant was later arrested in Glades County. He was sentenced today as a Habitual Felony Offender and Prison Releasee Reoffender.
Assistant State Attorney William Dorman III, Felony Chief for Hendry and Glades, prosecuted the case.
Tuesday, April 04, 2023
Area On Aging Meets In Clewiston April 7 At Hope Connections
AAASWFL is hosting a Town Hall Meeting in Hendry County. PLEASE NOTE that the venue has changed.
Clewiston
Friday, April 7, 2023 (10:00am – 11:00am)
Hope Connections (Located beside the John Boy Auditorium)
1200 S. WC Owens
Clewiston, FL 33440
For more information or to register your attendance, please call Sarah Gualco at 239-652-6926
More Jobs For Building Contractors In Hendry County
LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry county's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) provides funding yearly for owner occupied housing rehabilitation, and seeks licensed building contractors to remodel up to a dozen homes this year.
The maximum amount available for remodeling each home to building code standards is $50,000.
Rehabilitation may include electrical, structural, doors, windows, etc to alleviate code violations, health and safety issues, and any disability access issues in the home.
Qualified contractors will bid for each home remodel at a future date after performing a walk through of each home. Bids will be reviewed and recommendations made based on the lowest responsible bid. The construction period is from 60 to 120 days.
To obtain more information about getting on the contractor list, contact Guardian Community Resource Management Inc. at 888-482-7393 or Hendry County Housing Director Sabrina Gadson at 863-675-5297
(File Photo by Don Browne)
Monday, April 03, 2023
Felony Arrest Report This Week From Hendry Sheriff
Ethan Lane Taylor, 32, LaBelle, was arrested on 03/27/2023 by Sgt. G. Hull on charges of Vehicle Theft
Robert Allen Hoopes, 37, Clewiston, was arrested on 03/27/2023 by Cpl. L. Drews on charges of Aggravated Battery on person 65 Years of Age or Older and Resisting Officer without Violence
Heather Michelle Brown, 39, LaBelle, was arrested on 03/27/2023 by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Minerva Piz Nall, 56, Clewiston, was arrested on 03/28/2023 by D/S L. Rodriguez on charges of Felony Battery, 2nd or Subsequent Offense
Scott Daniel Levins, 33, Clewiston was arrested on 03/29/2023 by D/S O. Gonzalez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription
Roxanne Indelicato, 44, Boynton Beach, was arrested on 03/29/2023 by D/S S. Rivera on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Najeh Khalid Turner, 22, Belle Glade, was arrested on 03/29/2023 by Sgt. G. Hull for Felony Probation Violation
Eileen Christina Diaz, 36, at Large, was arrested on 03/29/223 by D/S J. Castro on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Shellie Latoya Jackson, 32, South Bay, was arrested on 03/29/2023 by D/S J. Castro on charges of Felony Probation Violatio
Francisca Elyse Crespo, 44, Moore Haven, was arrested on 03/30/2023 by D/S J. Goldberg on charges of Driving While License Suspended – Habitual Offender
Tedaryl Ardell McKinnon, 49, Clewiston was arrested on 03/31/2023 by Sgt. G. Hull on charges of Sale of Cocaine w/in 1000’ feet of a Place of Worship or Business and Use of Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony
Frank Anthony Melchor, 32, Clewiston was arrested on 03/31/2023 by D/S H. Carranza on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Billy Smith Jr., 57, LaBelle, was arrested on 03/31/2023 by D/S T. Williams for 3 Felony Outstanding Warrants for Sale of Cocaine within a Specified Area and Use of Two way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony
George Anthony Brown, 56, LaBelle, was arrested on 03/31/2023 by D/S T. Williams on 2 counts of Sale of Cocaine, 1 count of Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony and 1 count of Alter or Destroy Evidence
Lotharrio H. Perkins, 51, Clewiston, was arrested on 03/31/2023 by D/S O. Gonzalez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge
Ismael Mendez Lopez, 27, Immokalee, was arrested on 04/01/2023 by D/S J. Escobedo for Felony Failure to Appear
Sulema Carmona Dies At 83
Betty is survived by her loving husband Ernesto, Sr. of 63 years. After marrying on October 11, 1959, in Rosenburg, TX, Betty and Ernesto, Sr. settled in Florida to begin a new chapter. She is survived by her three children, Margaret Puletti (Mike), Ernesto Carmona, Jr., and Belinda Carmona (Elias, Sr.), her nine grandchildren, Kristina Kisela (Koby), Morgan Puletti, Jennifer Betancourt (Robert), Elias Carmona, Jr. (Katelyn), Angela Carmona, Salvador Carmona, Andrea Carmona, Frank Puletti, and Tacoma Carmona. She has six great grandchildren, with one on her way.
Betty was a loving woman, whose greatest treasure was the family she built. She cherished making breakfast for her family every Sunday morning and baking treats for her grandchildren.
The hobbies she enjoyed most were attending her Red Hat Breakfast Club and going thrift shopping. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.