Hendry County Holiday Trash And Waste Collection

HENDRY COUNTY HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE - SOLID WASTE &  RECYCLING

LABELLE, FL. -- There will be NO collection services of any kind - trash, recycling, bulky items or yard waste on the following six holidays and collection will be the following day:

New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

If your regular collection day falls on any of these holidays, collection will be made on the following day. 

There seems to be nowhere on the official Hendry County website that gives current information on holiday collections and how pick ups will be scheduled on holiday weeks.

Note: Hendry county offices close for nine holidays; adding Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday and Veteran's Day.

Residents with questions can contact Hendry County Special Districts at: (863)-675-5252 or Waste Connections at: (863)-675-2481. Customer Service phone lines are closed on the above holidays.

Veterans Honored November 11 At Sarasota National Cemetery

The Diocese of Venice will be hosting the 15th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

The 3 p.m. Mass is preceded by an opening ceremony at 2:45 p.m., is held with the intention of thanking and honoring all men and women who have served our country, many of whom are laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery. It is also an opportunity to honor and pray for those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. All military service personnel, both active and retired, are encouraged to wear their uniforms to the Mass.

Organized by the Diocese of Venice, the annual Mass started in 2010, just two years after the National Cemetery was dedicated. Since that time, the cemetery and Mass have grown. More than 25,000 veterans and their spouses are interred in the National Cemetery since opening. The Diocese celebrates the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery and is assisted every year by the Knights of Columbus, who work diligently to support this annual event.

The opening ceremony will include patriotic music, hymns, as well as the Presenting and Posting of the Colors. The Mass, concelebrated by priests from across the Diocese of Venice, will follow immediately.

After the Mass, the concelebrating priests, escorted by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, will proceed to the nearby graves where they will stand in silent prayer as “Taps” is played.

A military display will be nearby with flags representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Sarasota National Cemetery is located on State Road 72 (exit 205 at Clark Road), approximately four miles east of Interstate 75. Ample parking is provided, and golf cart shuttles will be available for those in need of assistance. A water station and restrooms will be in place for the ceremony, but visitors are encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early.

-Courtesy Bob Reddy, Diocese of Venice, aerial photos by Don Browne

Florida's Memorial Marker Program

The Florida Department of Transportation established the Memorial Marker Program to commemorate those who have died in vehicle-related crashes on the State Highway System. The Department also allows the placement of memorial markers within the state road right of way to increase public awareness of highway safety.
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The markers consist of a round 15" diameter aluminum sign panel with a white background and black letters mounted to a 5 ft. steel U-channel post. All markers are uniformly inscribed "Drive Safely, In Memory," followed by the deceased's name. They are manufactured at the FDOT sign fabrication facility, and the Department absorbs all costs for the construction, installation, and maintenance of the markers in order to offer them free to the public. They are allowed to remain on the right of way for one year, and the Department reserves the right to have them removed due to construction or other maintenance needs.

The markers may not necessarily be placed at the exact location where the fatality occurred due to restricted space, safety concerns, property owner complaints, or other constraints. The Department installs markers only on designated state roads and does not have the authority to place them on City or County roads. Memorial markers will not be erected where they are prohibited by the local governmental entity.

More information on applying for a memorial

Requests for memorial markers may be made by immediate family members or friends, with requests from friends requiring the approval of the deceased's immediate family.

-from the Florida Department of Transportation

What The Republican Party Knows About Americans or How Trump Won The War

Traditional Values in American Win Over Secular Values

Societies and individuals may be categorized in a number of ways, say studies by the World Values Survey. 

WVS is an international research program devoted to the scientific and academic study of social, political, economic, religious and cultural values of people in the world.

"The WVS has over the years demonstrated that people’s beliefs play a key role in economic development, the emergence and flourishing of democratic institutions, the rise of gender equality, and the extent to which societies have effective government."

How The Republicans Won The Presidency and Congress  

The WVS defines "Traditional Values"  as emphasizing the importance of religion, parent-child ties, deference to authority and traditional family values. The WVS says, "People who embrace these values also reject divorce, abortion, euthanasia and suicide. These societies have high levels of national pride and a nationalistic outlook."

"Secular-rational Value" societies, on the other hand, have the opposite preferences. WVS explains, "These societies place less emphasis on religion, traditional family values and authority. Divorce, abortion, euthanasia and suicide are seen as relatively acceptable."

The results of the 2024 election indicated that the majority of Americans seems to be aligned with the "Traditional Values," especially it seems in deference to authority and the importance of religion, for example. Democratic voters, on the other hand, had values more aligned with "Secular-rational" and were out voted by the Republicans.

"Survival Values" place emphasis on economic and physical security, as defined by the WVS. It is linked with a relative outlook when individuals apply their own culture or ethnicity as a frame of reference to judge other cultures, practices, behaviors, beliefs, and people.

On the opposite side of "Survival Values" is "Self-expression Values" giving high priority to environmental protection, growing tolerance of foreigners, gays and lesbians and gender equality, and is indicated in society by rising demands for participation in decision-making in economic and political life.

The Republican voters of the 2024 election indicated a preference for the "Survival Values" side of the equation, that is, in opposition to tolerance of foreigners, and opposition to gender equality for example. The Democratic voters were more aligned with "Self-expression Values" for tolerance and gender equality and environmental protection values and were out voted by those with "Survival Values" of keeping out foreigners and lower tolerance for liberal values.

The WVS has produced graphics every five years that demonstrate how countries' values seem to move from agrarian societies that are mostly with traditional values and use survival values to organize the societal governments. 

Agrarian countries have "traditional" and "survival" values. Examples are some African and Islamic states.

As countries become more industrialized, the values shift more toward the "self-expression" values, no longer needing the security of the strict "survival values" of the agricultural societies. Examples are some west and east Asian countries. The 2024 election seems to show that the agricultural and manufacturing industries were more important in support of Republican candidates. Republican voters were mainly from the interior of the U.S.

And finally, as the country moves towards a service industry and away from an industrial society, the values of self-expression and secular-rational become operative. Examples are some European and English speaking countries. In the 2024 election Democratic voters were mainly from the East and West coasts and some large urban populations where banking, legal, health, medical, and financial service sectors are most common.

In summary, it seems that by concentrating on the voters associated with agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial sectors won the day against the service industry voters. And Trump made great efforts to promise to support manufacturing in the U.S. protecting them with tariffs on foreign manufactured goods and agricultural products, and accepting large financial donations from those industry leaders. And shutting down governmental environmental, education, food safety, drug regulators, and health related department which are all service related sectors.

(Click on World Cultural Map 2023 at right for examples of countries categorized by "values")

Since 1981 WVS has operated in 120 countries, conducting worldwide surveys every five years.

Electoral Map source: Wikipedia Nov. 6, 2024

The Inglehart-Welzel World Cultural Map - World Values Survey 7 (2023). Source: http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/

More information about World Values Survey - https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp

Stanley Byron Daniels Get 8 Year Prison Sentence

LaBelle (November 6, 2024) – Stanley Byron Daniels has been adjudicated guilty and sentenced, immediately after being convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Discharging a Firearm and Shooting At/Within or Into a Dwelling/Building. 

The jury returned the guilty verdict just after 7 p.m. Tuesday night, following a one-day trial in Hendry County. The defendant was sentenced to 8 years in prison on each count, concurrent, followed by 6 years of probation.

Assistant State Attorneys Trevor Selph and Natalie Savino prosecuted the case. The sentence will also run concurrent with a prison sentence he is currently serving on a grand theft case.

On June 30, 2023, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex. Two adults and two small children had been watching TV in the living room when they heard two gunshots. One of the rounds broke a window and the bullet pierced a wall. They picked up the kids and ran to another room for safety. One woman received minor cuts from glass but luckily no one was seriously injured.

Deputies received information about the possible shooter and were able to retrieve surveillance video from a nearby convenience store which identified the defendant, Stanley Byron Daniels, as the shooter.

On the video, Daniels can be seen getting out of a maroon Dodge pickup truck, holding a gun. He then begins shooting at an unknown male who was running towards the apartment complex. There was also a spent shell casing from a gun found on the ground at the store.

Deputies located the truck, parked in a driveway of a home in Clewiston. When Daniels was being taken into custody, the firearm used in the crime, a Taurus Spectrum 380, was also recovered and taken into evidence. There were three 9-millimeter rounds in the magazine, which matched the shell casing found at the store.

Ag Center Holds Annual Open House

 

LABELLE, FL. -- The University  of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Education Center held it's annual open house for the public Wednesday at it's center north of Immokalee.

Tours of the site were available to the public and a boxed lunch was served from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

The center was established in 1958 by Dr. Paul Everett and dedicated in 1986 as a UF/IFAS station on 320 acres serving citrus grower, farmers and the public for Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. 

Dr. Everett developed plasiculture mulch, fertilization, and irrigation systems still in use today.

The site includes a new building with offices and labs, the original 1955 buildings, dormitories for 15 visiting scholars and graduate students, a FAWN weather station, and test plots for citrus, peaches, sugar cane, and vegetables.

More information at swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu

Photo: Demonstration room of agricultural studies underway presented by IFAS students.

Emanuel Mendoza Dies At 37

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Emanuel Mendoza, who left this world on October 30, 2024, at the age of 37. Emanuel was born on January 4, 1987, in Fort Myers, where he spent his formative years and built a life defined by dedication, love, and exceptional skill.

Emanuel was a devoted husband, loving father, and son. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Precilla Maciel, who stood by his side throughout life’s journey. His legacy is further carried on by his children: Emanuel Jr., Sophia, Emalynn, Elijah, and Elan Mendoza. Emanuel also leaves behind his cherished parents, Elodio and Maria Mendoza who instilled in him the values that guided his life, and as a beloved sibling to his siblings Sussy, Jenni, Marlene, Roxanna, Vanessa, Giselle, and Eduardo Mendoza.

Emanuel spent over two decades in the construction industry, where his talents shone brightly. Known for his incredible skill and dedication, he left an indelible mark on the sector. Emanuel was a craftsman whose work ethic was beyond compare, and his ambition propelled him to tackle challenges with integrity and precision, traits that earned him respect and admiration from peers and clients alike.

A passionate Miami Dolphins fan, Emanuel found joy in watching football and rallying behind his favorite team. His commitment to his family fueled his professional endeavors, tirelessly working to provide and create a safe, prosperous environment for his loved ones. Emanuel's journey also saw him finding solace and strength in his faith; he embraced a closer relationship with God, enriching his life and those around him with his ever-growing spiritual strength.

Emanuel’s family invites those who knew him to celebrate a life lived with grace and a heart full of kindness. Emanuel's legacy of love for his family and passion for his craft will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Emanuel Mendoza's legacy is one of steadfast love, a robust work ethic, and a genuine spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. As his family and friends gather to celebrate his life, they do so with deep gratitude and enduring affection for a man who was truly one of a kind.

Emanuel's funeral service will be held at Akin David Funeral Home, located at 560 E Hickpochee Ave, Labelle, FL 33935. In appreciation of the support and kindness offered by friends and family during this challenging time, the family invites all who contributed to their GoFundMe, various fundraisers, or provided personal support to a food service honoring Emanuel's memory. This gathering will take place at 1341 Pollywog Dr, Labelle, FL 33935, following the funeral service

Hendry County Arrests This Week

ARREST BLOTTER
10/28/2024 – 11/03/2024

Felony / DUI Arrests

Kariesmi Martinez Sanchez, 28, Clewiston was arrested on October 28, 2024 by Deputy Sheriff J. Tomblin on charges of DUI

Maikel Hernandez, Veloz, 40, Miami was arrested on October 28, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Jesse Sanchez, 32, Houston, Texas on October 30, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI and Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid DL

Marcos Dela Caridad Perez, 40, Clewiston was arrested on October 31, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Violation of Probation

Linda Ann Evenes, 58, LaBelle was arrested on October 1, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on 2 counts of Felony Probation Violation

Carlos Manuel Velidanes, 67, Montura Ranch Estates, was arrested on November 1, 2024, by Cpl. D. Coronilla on charges of Felony Trespass, Battery of Person 65 or Older and Battery

Enrique Morales Valentine, 40, LaBelle was arrested on November 2, 2024, by Cpl. L. drew on charges of Possession of controlled Substance without Prescription

Erik Alexander Ovando Arreola, 33, LaBelle was arrested on November 2, 2024,k by Cpl. M. Afonso on charges of Possession Controlled Substance without Prescription, Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Drivers License and Reckless Driving

Luis Guillermo Ortiz Lopez, 45, Ft. Lauderdale was arrested on November 3, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Reaves on charges of DUI and Felony Violation of Probation

Deborah A. Yacteen, 62, Springfield, MA, was arrested on November 3, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI

Veteran's Services and Support In Hendry/Glades

Honoring Our Veterans: Resources, Support and Gratitude

By Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades

Each November, our nation honors and recognizes the commitment and sacrifices of our service members and their loved ones. National Veterans and Military Families Month, along with Veterans Day on November 11, pay tribute to our country’s veterans and reminds us of the importance of supporting our service men and women year-round.

Veteran service offices are available nationally, statewide and locally to assist veterans and their families. In addition to medical and financial assistance, these offices can provide support for education allowances, job training programs, and survivor benefits for spouses and dependents:

Glades County Public Safety Department
Veterans Services
1097 Healthpark Drive East
State Road 78
Moore Haven, FL 33471
P: 863.946.0566
Open Monday – Friday

Hendry County Veteran Services | Labelle
110 Broward Avenue
LaBelle, FL 33935
P: 863.675.5250
Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Hendry County Veteran Services | Clewiston
1100 South Olympia Street
Clewiston, FL 33440
P: 863.983.1491
Open Tuesday and Thursday

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is another valuable resource for veterans and their families. If you do not live near an office location, you can now schedule virtual video conference appointments to receive benefits counseling or discuss a claim. In addition to benefits assistance, the FDVA offers a range of services and initiatives, such as Veterans Florida, which helps veterans access employment, training, and education opportunities across the state.

ans and their family members who need immediate, confidential free support can dial 988 and then press 1. The Veterans Crisis Line operates 24/7 and serves all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, their families and friends. You do not have to have VA benefits or health insurance to call. Additional contact options include texting 838255 or chatting online.

In addition, local organizations offer support and events for area veterans:

Dog Tags & Coffee is a Veterans Coffee Club, free for veterans from all military branches and backgrounds. On the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m., local veterans gather for breakfast to hear from guest speakers about what is happening in the local area, how to get involved and support the community, and meet other veterans at Buckhead Ridge Community Complex, in the first building past the fire department in the tax collector’s building on Highway 78 West in Buckhead Ridge.

Veterans can apply to travel to Washington D.C. in May 2025 for a coordinated visit to veteran memorials, honoring their service and sacrifice, at no cost. This trip is organized by Honor Flight in collaboration with Southwest Florida Honor Flight, a non-profit volunteer organization. It promises to be a safe, memorable and rewarding experience. To learn more about this upcoming journey, attend the next Dog Tags & Coffee event on Nov. 2 or apply online. Applications must be submitted before the end of November.

Hosted by Mission United, a program of the United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades, and Hendry County Veteran Services, the Veterans Resource Expo will occur on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is an opportunity for veterans and their families to connect with local resources and support. Find out more about the expo, and visit the website to learn more about Mission United.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lee, Charlotte, and Hendry Counties has a veteran’s support group for mental health support. The Veterans’ Connection Support Group meets online weekly; click to learn more and register for an upcoming session.

Florida SouthWestern State College is a military-friendly school with an Office of Veteran Services dedicated to supporting student veterans and their families accessing veteran’s benefits, transitioning to college life, and other opportunities.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Florida, has a Freedom Reins Program for Veterans. Known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), this program partners veterans with horses to help them with their mental health by treating the effects of trauma and learning healthy coping strategies. This group therapy course meets weekly over ten weeks; find out more by visiting the website.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, offers a Veteran Service Dog Training Program. Military veterans are matched with rescue dogs, and together they are trained to support one another, giving rescue dogs a second chance and veterans a therapeutic, loving companion, all at no cost to the veteran. Find out more about this program and apply by clicking the link.

The LaBelle DAV Flea Market is the longest-running flea market in LaBelle for over 30 years. Owned and operated by LaBelle’s Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 144, chapter members volunteer and 100 percent of the money raised through vendor fees benefits local veterans in need. Open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the flea market is located between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Miller Avenue, near the Shell gas station on Route 80. The DAV Flea Market is always looking for new vendors and volunteers; click to find out more.

The LaBelle Military Ball, hosted by the American Legion Hall Post 130, is Saturday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature a catered dinner, live entertainment and door prizes. Learn more and reserve your tickets.

Wreaths Across America is a national organization that remembers and honors the memory of veterans by placing wreaths on the final resting place of those who served, ensuring our veterans are never forgotten. Known as National Wreaths Across America Day, on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, more than two million volunteers and supporters will come together across our nation and abroad to lay wreaths on veteran’s graves, memorials, and landmarks. You can participate by sponsoring a wreath, assisting with wreath placement, or attending a local ceremony near you.

Low Water Between Ortona And Franklin Lock November 6

Notice to Navigation

Attention Boaters! There will be a spillway gate inspection at Ortona Lock and Dam from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 6, 2024. Boaters should expect low water west of Ortona today and tomorrow, between the Ortona Lock and the W.P. Franklin Lock and make any necessary docking adjustments.

For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:

St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148

Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424

Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533

Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846

W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908

Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Flood Insurance Requirements

Flood Insurance Facts From FEMA

• Flood insurance from the NFIP is available to anyone in any community which participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance may not be as expensive as you think, and it may be purchased through your regular insurance agent. You don’t have to live in a high-risk area to experience flooding. Last year over 30% of flood claims were filed in low-risk areas.

• Doesn’t my homeowner’s insurance policy cover flooding? No. Flood damage is not typically covered by homeowners, renters, or mobile home insurance policies.

• If my home is flooded, won’t federal disaster assistance pay for my damages? Not necessarily. Disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is made available only when there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Most flood events do not result in a declaration. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) must be repaid – on top of your existing mortgage. Federal disaster assistance programs are designed to help get you back on your feet – not to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition.

• Claims paid by flood insurance don’t have to be paid back and may restore your property to its pre-disaster condition.

• Can I get flood insurance if I'm renting a property? Yes, if you live in a community that participates in the NFIP, you can purchase flood insurance to cover the contents of your home or business. Discuss your options with your insurance agent.

• Why does my mortgage lender require me to buy flood insurance? Under federal law, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory for all federal or federally related financial assistance for the acquisition and/or construction of buildings in high-risk flood areas. If the property is not in a high-risk area, federal law does not require flood insurance. However, a lender may require it. Note that if, during the life of the loan, the maps are revised and the property is now in the high-risk area, your lender will notify you that you must purchase flood insurance.

• After my home was damaged in a flood, I received federal disaster assistance. Do I need to purchase flood insurance now? Yes. If you live in a high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and have received disaster assistance in the form of a federal grant or loan, you must purchase and maintain flood insurance for as long as you live there. If you are a homeowner and you sell the building, you are required to inform the new owner of the necessity to purchase and maintain flood insurance and if you have experienced previous flooding. Failure to maintain flood insurance—for both renters and homeowners—could result in the denial of future federal disaster assistance.

• Who do I contact if I want to purchase a flood insurance policy? The NFIP has an arrangement with private

insurance companies to sell and service flood insurance policies. For a list of companies that sell and service NFIP flood insurance policies, visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider

• Flood insurance can be purchased through an insurance agent or an insurer participating in the NFIP. If your insurance agent does not sell flood insurance, you can contact the NFIP Help Center at 800-427-4661 for assistance.

• Can I rush out and buy Flood Insurance when a storm is approaching? No. Don’t delay! Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase until your policy goes into effect.

Harry Chapin Food Distribution In Hendry/Glades

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE


Feeding With Hope
1200 W C Owen Ave,

Clewiston, FL 33440

Every other Wednesday:
November 6 & 20
December 4 & 18
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Lady Queen of Heaven

785 Forrey Dr,
Labelle, FL 33935

Every other Wednesday:
November 13 & 27
December 11
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Moore Haven
301 10th ST,
Moore Haven, FL 33471

Fourth Wednesday of every month:
November 27
December 25 (CANCELLED due to
Christmas Day observance)
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Seminole Casino Annual Fireworks January 4th In Immokalee

IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will light up the sky with “Celebration in the Sky,” Saturday, Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. The fireworks display will be choreographed to lights and a custom soundtrack. Violinist Timothee Lovelock, who is nationally recognized for his one-of-a-kind violin and DJ shows, will perform before the fireworks show.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive early. Parking at Seminole Casino Hotel will be limited, with clearly identified overflow parking nearby. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Guests should bring their own chairs to the viewing area for the show. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase at the event.

“Celebration in the Sky” is the largest land-based fireworks show in Southwest Florida. The show is produced by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. A traditional outdoor Zambelli Fireworks production is a complete sensory experience unlike anything else! Zambelli’s productions are some of the largest in the world, and their displays include a variety of shells and high-intensity multi-shot devices that awe and inspire.

About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s gaming and entertainment destination. Located at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida. 

Clenton Preston Walker Dies At 94

Clenton Preston Walker (94) of LaBelle, Florida passed away on Sunday morning, October 27, 2024 at 11:00am. 

Clenton was the 12th of 13 children of Roland Andrew Walker, Sr. and Melissa Jane (Robinson) Walker born on March 20, 1930 in Berrien County Georgia. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Ferol Dabbs Walker and survived by his daughters, Ferol Louise (Walker) Judah of Wauchula, Fl and Marcia Lei (Walker) Law and spouse Dale Law of Kingsland, Georgia. 

As well as his only living sibling Roland Andrew Walker, Jr. of LaBelle, Florida with (5) Grandchildren Nicole Louise (Morgan) Ritz and Spouse Robert Ritz, Jayne Odell (Judah) Muse and Spouse Ronnie Muse, Matthew Scott Morgan and Spouse April Morgan, Clenton Preston (Petey) Judah and Ashleigh Marie (Bushaw) Hoxit and Spouse James Hoxit. (6) Great Grandchildren: Daimien David Duval, Ryleigh Lynne Fuller, Danual Derek Duval, Keith Austin Fuller, John Titus Hoxit and Arabella Diane Ritz, who respected and loved him dearly.

Clenton was a Veteran in the U.S. Armed Forces serving in WWII and the Korean War of which he wore his Veterans cap proudly. He truly appreciated the Flight of Honor he was able to attend several years ago.

Viewing will be on Friday, November 8, 2024, 10am at Mt. Zion Primative Baptist Church in Felda, Florida. Services at 11am same location officiated by Elder Hollis Albritton. 

 There will be a graveside service with Military Honors at Payne's Creek Cemetery at 3:00pm on West County Line Road in Bowling Green, Florida also Officiated by Elder Hollis Albritton.

Local Firefighers And Paramedics Negotiate With Hendry County November 5

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

SWFL PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS & PARAMEDICS, IAFF LOCAL 1826 and HENDRY COUNTY EMS NEGOTIATIONS


Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics, IAFF Local 1826 and Hendry County EMS will hold a meeting on November 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Administration Office, 640 S. Main St. Conf Room 1, LaBelle, Florida. The meeting is open to the public.

Your Personalized Voting Information From League of Women Voters

 With only a few day before the 2024 Election, the League of Women Voters' Education Fund has provided a personalized webpage for anyone's voting location by state and city, providing information of all the Presidential Candidates. (Other than the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris there are actually six others.)

The candidates were afforded the opportunity to answer questions on leading issues, and shown s the amount of money contributed and spent and debts owed by the candidate's campaigns. Interestingly, some candidates have refused to provide answers to questions asked.

To the your personalized candidate information click here:

https://www.vote411.org/plan-your-vote

Florida's Six Constitutional Amendments Explained

With only a few days until election day 2024, the Florida League of Women Voters has prepared their analysis and explanations of all six constitutional amendment which sometimes are not easy to understand, or to know what the results of passage might be.

Amendment 1
Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

Amendment 2 

Right to Fish & Hunt

Amendment 3
Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

Amendment 4
Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Amendment 5
Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions

Amendment 6
Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

To see the full text of each proposed Amendment, how it came to be on the ballot, and analysis of what effect it will on acceptance see https://lwvfl.org/vote2024/

Port LaBelle Marina Warns Trespassers Big Time

 

LaBelle, Fl. -- The owners of the Port LaBelle Marina have been posting no trespassing signs and installing gates recently at a six acre parcel on their property at the end of Oxbow Drive in Port LaBelle, to the west side of the docks. 

The new signs warn that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner expense, and warn that there is no hunting, fishing, or hiking and motorized vehicles are "strictly forbidden."

Photos: New signage at Port LaBelle Marina and local condo resident walks dog, presumably not allowed anymore on the six acres at the marina.

A gate has been put up at the end of Oxbow Dr. to prevent people from driving on the property, but some have been driving through the condo parking lot next door to get to the river for fishing or hiking, a hundred yards away.

Florida Paying For Swimming Instructors To Reduce Child Drownings

The Hendry/Glades Health Department is seeking qualified swimming instructors in the local community to help implement the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, authorized by section 514.073, Florida Statutes.

This program is intended to reduce child drownings by removing cost as a barrier to families with an income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Lieutenant Governor Nuñez and partners explained the program in a September 23, 2024 press conference.

If you, or someone you know, would like to register as a vendor to provide these lessons, please visit WaterSmartFL to apply. Reimbursement is set at a flat $200 ($25 for each session in an 8-lesson series), paid by the Florida Department of Health. The Department will review each registration and post every approved vendor’s business name and contact information to WaterSmartFL for families seeking to obtain lessons to consult.

Requirements include the following:Copies of relevant certifications for each instructor:Certification by the American Red Cross, YMCA, or other nationally recognized aquatic training program approved by the Department
Current certification in swimming instruction
Current certification in administering first aid
Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Attestation of Level 1 background screening within the past five years. That attestation form is included at WaterSmartFL and must accompany the application for all instructors.

In order to bill for payment, swim instructors (or the entity reimbursing them) must be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) with an up-to-date W9 on file.

If an instructor is providing adaptive swim lessons, the Department will consult with the Dan Marino Foundation, Inc. to ensure certification is up to date.

Note that instructors do not have to use a public pool to provide lessons. They can establish agreements with private owners, or even offer lessons out of their own home pools, so long as instructors meet all certification, screening, and business requirements.

Please reach out to Vanessa Fischel or Luci Cisnero at 863-674-4041 if you have any questions.

Anne Lang Gets Three Life Sentences In Death Of Three Family Members

LaBelle (November 1, 2024) – The woman who hit and killed a father and his two teenage daughters, while driving drunk, will spend the rest of her life in prison.

Anne Lang was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to three life sentences after being convicted of three counts of Vehicular Homicide. She was also sentenced to 14 years in prison and one year of probation on each of three counts of DUI Manslaughter. Her driver’s license was also permanently revoked.

Lang was found guilty as charged in August following a trial in Hendry County, where the crash occurred.

Assistant State Attorney Mara Marzano of the State Attorney’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit and Assistant State Attorney Trevor Selph prosecuted the case.

The crime happened in January 2021 on State Road 80. The defendant was speeding, clocked on radar by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), traveling at 105 miles per hour. She hit the family’s car as they were backing out of a driveway, killing the three victims. The girls were 14 and 13 years old.

The defendant’s blood alcohol level was 0.22 which is nearly three times the legal limit. FHP handled the crash investigation.

Indigenous Arts Celebration At Big Cypress Wraps Up Saturday

 BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, Fla. (November 1, 2024) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will stage its annual American Indigenous Arts Celebration (AIAC), November 1-2, on the museum’s festival grounds.

The event, which will help celebrate Native American Heritage Month, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. For the first time ever, all guests will receive complimentary admission to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and the AIAC. Parking is also free.

The AIAC is one of the top festivals in the Southeast and will feature an exciting array of Seminole and Indigenous art, music, food, dance and more.

Event highlights will include Billy Walker alligator wrestling, new museum exhibits, a Seminole fashion show, the Ahfachkee School Fashion Show, native arts and crafts vendors, Tribal food vendors, native art displays, Pharoah’s Wildlife Kingdom Wildlife Show, Osceola’s Legacy performance; a Miss Florida Seminole Princess Meet and Greet; and live music by Rez Jams (with Seminole musical artists Cypress Billie and Gabriella Diaz).

Additionally, the event’s robust entertainment lineup will include world and Native American champion hoop dancers, the Amayel Mexican Cultural Academy’s Aztec Dancers, White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers, and Native American actor Dallas Goldtooth.

For more information, please visit https://www.ahtahthiki.com/AIAC/