How Social Contagion Affects Political Choices

In politics, social contagion shifts voting behavior, party loyalty, and policy support from a process of logical platform evaluation to an experience of collective emotional alignment. When political ideas and moods spread like a virus through social networks, voters heavily rely on immediate peer validation and shared outrage rather than independent fact-checking. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Social contagion fundamentally alters political choices through several key mechanisms:

1. The Amplification of "Moral Outrage"

Politicians and media algorithms frequently use moral-emotional language because it triggers rapid "moral contagion". [4]

The Mechanism: When a political leader displays intense anger or disgust, that emotion quickly spreads to their followers through affect linkage—a form of emotional contagion where a group mirrors the leader's emotional state. [2]

The Impact: Highly emotional posts are shared at drastically higher rates online, meaning voters are exposed to a constant loop of collective anger. This outrage bypasses careful policy evaluation and encourages voters to make choices based on defeating an "enemy" rather than choosing a platform based on its long-term societal merit. [4, 5, 6]

2. Drive-by Social Voting (Turnout Contagion)

Voting itself is highly socially contagious. If a person's immediate social circle or high-frequency conversation partners are enthusiastic about a candidate or a cause, the individual is statistically much more likely to adopt the same views and show up at the polls. [1, 7, 8, 9]

The Mechanism: This is driven by normative social influence, 

the deep human desire to conform to the group to maintain approval and fit in. [3]

The Impact: Rather than spending hours researching a candidate’s economic or foreign policy, an individual frequently adopts the political identity of their "pack" to feel socially safe and connected. [3, 7]

3. Escalation of Affective Polarization

Social contagion creates intense "us versus them" dynamics, known as affective polarization. [10]

The Mechanism: In highly clustered online spaces or echo chambers, a single piece of partisan disinformation or an extreme opinion can rapidly cascade through a group. [5, 11]

The Impact: Because the idea is reinforced by hundreds of peers simultaneously, it hardens into an unquestioned group truth. Anyone within the group who attempts to introduce rational nuance or counter-evidence is viewed as a threat to the tribe, effectively shutting down moderate, logical political discourse. [11, 12]

4. Bottom-Up Policy Diffusion

Social contagion among the public can force the hands of political elites. [13]

The Mechanism: As detailed in The Social Contagion Model by political scientists, public opinion on specific issues (such as smoking bans or green energy adoption) can ripple outward from one state or community to another simply because residents copy the changing norms of neighboring regions. [13, 14]

The Impact: When a policy mood catches fire among the public via social contagion, politicians are forced to adapt and pass matching legislation to avoid being voted out of office—meaning laws are sometimes passed to appease a sudden wave of public sentiment rather than a calculated, objective need. [13, 14]

Summary

When political choices are governed by social contagion, ballots become an expression of social identity and emotional solidarity rather than an objective evaluation of governance. Rational policy debates are replaced by emotional cascades, making modern electorates highly reactive to the prevailing mood of their chosen political tribe. [2, 7, 10, 13]

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[2] https://journals.sagepub.com
[3] https://open.ncl.ac.uk
[4] https://osf.io
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[6] https://huber.research.yale.edu
[7] https://journals.sagepub.com
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[9] https://journals.sagepub.com
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[11] https://www.tandfonline.com
[12] https://www.nature.com
[13] https://www.journals.uchicago.edu
[14] https://papers.ssrn.com

FHP Hiring Law Enforcement Dispachers

FORT MYERS, LEE COUNTY FLA. – WE'RE HIRING STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DISPATCHERS

The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for dedicated individuals to join our regional communications center and become the critical link between the public and our Troopers.

STREAMLINE HIRING EVENT:

WHEN:
Friday, October 9, 2026 - 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2026 - 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE:
Fort Myers Regional Communication Center
10041 Daniels Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33913

Applicants must be 18 years old or older and bring:Resume
Government-issued Photo ID

Salary:
Base $37,936.80
+$5,000 Critical Market Pay for those who live in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties ($42,936.60)

Shift Hours:
Dayshift: 5:30AM - 1:30PM
Evening: 1:30PM - 9:30PM (15% Shift Differential)
Midnight: 9:30PM - 5:30AM (10% Shift Differential)

Qualified applicants will have the opportunity to complete the Critical Skills Assessment. Those who successfully pass will move forward to an interview, and background investigators are also available on-site to begin the background investigation process.

Don't miss this opportunity to start your career with the Florida Highway Patrol. Every call matters and every second counts.

Visit website to learn more: link

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, Threat To Kill

ARREST BLOTTER

08/31/2026 – 09/06/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

15-year-old female, LaBelle was arrested on August 31, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Vasquez on charges of Battery on Public Education Employee

Calvin Miller, 40, El Paso, Texas was arrested on September 2, 2026, by Captain M. Rowan and Det. Sgt. D. McNeil on charges of Use of 2-way Communications to Facilitate a Felony, Aggravated Stalking and False Report – Use of Firearm/Violence

Jayden Lund Swindle, 22, Clewiston was arrested on September 1, 2026, by Felony Probation Violation

Miguel Angel Tarrero Vasquez, 52, Lehigh Acres on September 1, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Felony Outstanding Warrant

Manuel Gamez, 23, LaBelle was arrested on September 2, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Rosina on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Larry Jerome Davenport Idlette, 47, Ft. Myers was arrested on September 4, 2026, by Det. K. Rosado on charges of Written Threat to Kill or Do Bodily Injury

Tyler Lee Butler, 30, Clewiston was arrested on September 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Coley on charges of Felony Battery

Juan Miguel Ramos, 53, Clewiston was arrested on September 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Rodriguez on charges of Battery and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony

Jose Roberto Bonilla, 38, Clewiston was arrested on September 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on charges o Felony Probation Violation

Hannah Devoni Lee Vasquez, 22, Clewiston was arrested on September 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Jayden Lund Swindle, 22, Clewiston was arrested on September 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Darion Nesta Radcliffe, 28, Clewiston was arrested on September 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Gonzalez on charges of Fleeing & Eluding, Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell, Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams and Trafficking in Methamphetamine

Obituaries - Maria de Jesus Soto, Linda M. Johnson

Maria de Jesus Soto (neé Muniz) affectionately known as Susú, 98, of Clewiston passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 5th surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 21, 1928 in Santiago de Cuba, Oriente province, Cuba, Susú was the beloved daughter of Juan Muñiz Perez and Caridad Calas de Muñiz she grew up in the town of Bayamo surrounded by a close knit family and her little sister Maria Esperanza “Chiqui”. Her childhood was filled with her father’s piano music, school , ballet lessons and adventures with her sister and many Calas cousins on the family farm San Ramon along the Bayamo River.

In December 1948 at Estrada Palma she married the love of her life Jorge Enrique Soto. They first lived in Bayamo where their children Jorge, Maria Eugenia, Esperanza and Juan were born. The family moved to Havana where Mali and Chuchi were born.

In 1961 the family made the difficult decision to send the five oldest children to Lake Harbor, Florida to live with Susú’s parents to protect them from the tyranny of Castro’s communist regime with the hope that the rest of the family would soon be able to leave Cuba. In 1962 the entire family was reunited and the quest of attaining the American Dream began in earnest always knowing that leaving Cuba behind to live in freedom, safety, and the pursuit of a better future for the family was worth every sacrifice that had to be made to build a new life in Clewiston.

Jorge and Susú were ever so proud of becoming US citizens in 1974. They never returned to their homeland nor gave up the hope that Cuba would one day be a free and democratic country and if that didn’t happen in their lifetime their hope was that their children would one day witness a Cuba Libre!

Susú retired from the Hendry County school system and over the years she fondly remembered her co-workers and many of the students she helped at different times through her tenure. Susú will be remembered for her amazing culinary skills, the crochet blankets that she spent many hours working on as gifts but most importantly all the beautiful baby clothes she lovingly stitched and embroidered by hand for her grandchildren, great grand children and for the many that she considered as family. One of her greatest pleasures was dancing with her husband whether at home, family gatherings, or weddings once the beautiful rhythms of Cuban music started playing they began the dance steps that reflected their heritage and the remembrance of bygone days.

Susú and Jorge’s home was filled with family gatherings, favorite foods, Cuban coffee, music, Christmas Eve/Noche Buena celebrations, baseball, football, dominoes, prayer and stories of Cuba. She passed down not only Cuban traditions, but also the values of faith, perseverance, gratitude, family, and the importance of honoring the USA by assimilating into the American way of life.

Susú was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jorge, her parents Juan y Cacha, her grandsons Carson and Johnathon and her nephew Pedro Juan Gonzalez. She is survived by her children Jorge (Adriana), Maria Eugenia Perez (Julio) Esperanza Kane, Juan Soto, Mali Gardner and Maria “Chuchi” Sweeney (Rich) along with 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, her dearest sister Chiqui and her children, Gerardo Gonzalez (Lisette) Maria Castillo (Rick) and Silvia Swaford (TJ), along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins that she adored and other loved ones that she included as family.

A mass celebrating her life with be held at St Margaret’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 9th at 1pm with burial at Ridgelawn cemetery immediately following the church service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St Margaret’s Catholic Church, 318 East Osceola Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440.

-------

Linda M. Johnson, age 72, of Moore Haven, Florida passed away on September 3, 2026.

Visitation will be September 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at Moore Haven Church of God, located at 129 Palm Avenue Moore Haven, Florida where the funeral service will start at 11:00 a.m. 

Linda will be laid to rest in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, Florida.

How Social Contagion Spreads Emotional Thoughts And Ideas

Social contagion is the rapid spread of behaviors, feelings, and ideas through a group of people, driven by fast emotional reactions rather than slow, logical thinking. When people catch an emotion from others, they stop using careful reason. They act quickly based on what the crowd feels.

What Is Social Contagion?

Copying others: Humans naturally mimic the facial expressions, body language, and moods of the people around them.
Fast spread: A single reaction can jump through a large group in seconds.
Group power: The larger the group, the stronger the pull to join in.

Why It Is Emotional, Not Rational

Logical decisions take time. They require a person to stop, gather facts, and weigh the pros and cons. Social contagion bypasses this slow process.
The emotional brain: The brain's emotional center (the amygdala) reacts instantly to danger or excitement before the thinking part of the brain can catch up.
Fear and urgency: Emotions like panic, anger, or extreme excitement make people feel like they must act right now.
Safety in the pack: Deep in human history, copying the group meant survival. If everyone ran, you ran too. You did not stop to ask why.

Real-World Examples

Panic buying: When a few people rush to buy toilet paper or water, others see the fear and grab items too, even if shelves are not truly empty.
Stock market bubbles: Investors see others getting rich or panicking to sell, leading to wild market swings based on fear or hype instead of company value.
Viral trends: People share extreme or angry online posts because the strong feelings make them hit "share" before reading the facts.

In politics, social contagion shifts voting behavior, party loyalty, and policy support from a process of logical platform evaluation to an experience of collective emotional alignment. When political ideas and moods spread like a virus through social networks, voters heavily rely on immediate peer validation and shared outrage rather than independent fact-checking. 

How to Stay Rational

Pause: Take a deep breath when you feel a sudden surge of excitement or panic in a group.
Ask questions: Ask yourself if you are reacting to facts or just to the mood of the people around you.
Step back: Wait a few hours before making big choices or buying things during a trending event.

Linda M. Johnson Dies at 72

Linda M. Johnson, age 72, of Moore Haven, Florida passed away on September 3, 2026.

Visitation will be September 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at Moore Haven Church of God, located at 129 Palm Avenue Moore Haven, Florida where the funeral service will start at 11:00 a.m.

 Linda will be laid to rest in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, Florida.

LaBelle Man Critically Injured In SR80 Crash

HENDRY COUNTY – STATE ROAD 80 / TOWNSEND CANAL ROAD – CRITICAL INJURY

DATE: 09/05/26
TIME: 12:50 AM
LOCATION: State Road 80 / Townsend Canal Road – Hendry County

CASE #: FHP26ON0414929

INVESTIGATOR: Trooper B. Petty

Vehicle 1: 2016 Chevrolet Cruz

Driver 1: Male / Age 22 of Labelle – Critical Injury

Vehicle 1: 1995 Ford F250

Driver 1: Male / Age 25 of Fort Pierce– Not Injured

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 was traveling west on State Road 80.

Vehicle 2 was traveling west on State Road 80, ahead of Vehicle 1.

The front of Vehicle 1 collided with the rear of Vehicle 2.
Post collision Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway and overturned.

Driver 1 sustained critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Florida Law Now Punishing Use Of False Income Documents

Providing false proof of income or employment to take possession of a rental house is becoming illegal in Florida and will now be classified as a severe criminal offense with imprisonment and fines possible.

Rent applications provided to property owners have become rife with fake employment pay stubs submissions, and false financial histories.

The popular rental property listing service Zillow, provides renters not only a place to find available home rentals but allow renters to provide details of their rental history and upload paystubs or documents allegedly showing income. 

But dishonest renters can create and print professional income paystubs using dedicated mobile generator apps like 123PayStubs or Paystubs.App hoping to trick property owners into renting a home based on employer paystubs.

Zillow provides a second-step process to verify actual income through bank records of the renter, but dishonest applicants will refuse to use that service.

123PayStubs: Available on iOS and Android, this app provides instant PDF downloads ready for printing. “Get a professionally formatted, print-ready paystub PDF. Email it, print it, or save it for your records immediately,” says their website.

Paystubs.App: This mobile tool allows small businesses, contractors, and freelancers to create clean, calculation-tested pay stub PDFs directly from a phone. “Create professional US paystubs, paycheck stubs, and tax-form PDFs on your phone. Paystubs.App is a paystub generator and form maker for employees, freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.”

The New Florida Law

Florida passed legislation targeting rental application fraud. The vote was unanimous. Senate 34-0. House 110-0. The Florida Apartment Association and National Apartment Association backed it. 

It takes effect October 1, 2026.

House Bill 1293 establishes a specific crime known as "fraudulent entry of a residential dwelling unit". 

What Actions Are Illegal

Providing fake pay stubs or altered bank statements.
Making false written statements about employment or income.
Using stolen or synthetic identities.
Impersonating another person on the application. 

Penalties and Consequences

Criminal Charges: The offense is a third-degree felony. It carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Eviction: Landlords can issue a 7-day non-curable notice to vacate. Tenants do not get an opportunity to fix or "cure" the violation.

Zachary Williams, Sr. Guilty Of Drug Charges

LaBelle (September 2, 2026) – Zachary Leekirk Williams Sr., of Clewiston, was found guilty as charged of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence, Resisting/Obstructing Officer W/Out Violence, Possession of Controlled, Substance w/Intent (1,000 ft. School), Possession of Controlled Substance w/Intent (1,000 ft. School), Possession of Cannabis - Over 20 Grams, Unlawful Use Of A Two-Way, Communication Device and Possession of a Place with Knowledge of Trafficking, Sale or Manufacture of a Controlled Substance.

Assistant State Attorney Haylie Gutierrez, of the Special Victims Unit, and Assistant State Attorney Trevor Selph prosecuted the case.

On June 27, 2025, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the defendant’s duplex. After the SWAT team made entry, it was discovered the defendant had apparently flushed evidence. The tank lid was out of place and there were empty baggies, a spoon with cocaine residue,and a single Oxycodone pill.

During the search of the residence, a digital scale with a powdery substance was found in the kitchen, as well as a bottle of a substance used in the mixing of illegal narcotics such as cocaine, to make a larger amount of the substance, known as “cutting” the product.

A search warrant was done on the defendant’s phone and evidence in the phone, which the defendant admitted was his phone at trial, revealed numerous drug sales of various substances.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2026.

Leaders Who Avoid War, Promote Peace

The Science of Statecraft: Choosing Leaders to Promote Peace and Avoid War

In an era marked by rapid global shifts, the choice of a nation’s leader is the single most consequential variable in international stability. While public debate often centers on economic promises or domestic policy, political science and historical research offer a clear framework for another critical priority: selecting leaders psychologically and strategically equipped to promote peace, avoid war, and reject belligerence.

Decades of empirical data reveal that specific leadership traits, backgrounds, and decision-making styles consistently predict whether a country will drift toward conflict or maintain stability.

1. The Trap of the "Belligerent" Persona

Political psychology research shows that a candidate's personal disposition toward conflict heavily dictates their foreign policy. Academic studies analyzing international crises highlight two traits that make a leader dangerously prone to unnecessary war:

High Narcissism and "Face" Preservation: Research indicates that leaders with high levels of narcissism are acutely sensitive to perceived slights. In a crisis, they frequently conflate personal reputation with national honor. This makes them highly likely to escalate conflicts simply to avoid "looking weak."

The Hubris Syndrome: Coined by researchers studying political behavior, this condition develops in leaders who display an overconfidence in their own judgment and a contempt for advice. Hubristic leaders tend to view the world as an arena for self-glorification, routinely miscalculating an adversary's willingness to fight.

The Selection Takeaway: Voters should seek leaders who prioritize structural national outcomes over personal ego, and who view diplomacy not as a sign of weakness, but as a strategic asset.

2. Background and Military Experience: The Nuance of "The First Shot"

One of the most fascinating insights from quantitative political science involves the background of political elites. A landmark study published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution analyzed over a century of data to determine how a leader's background affects their likelihood of initiating militarized disputes.

The Risk of Rebel or Militant Backgrounds: Leaders who achieved power through violent rebellion or non-state militant groups are statistically much more likely to initiate interstate conflict. Their formative experiences reward high-risk, violent behavior, which they carry into state governance.

The Nuance of Military Service: Interestingly, the research shows that leaders with mainstream military service records are often less likely to initiate reckless military actions than civilian leaders with no defense experience. Veterans intimately understand the logistical horror and human cost of war, making them more cautious.

The "Chickenhawk" Effect: Civilians with zero military exposure who project an aggressive, hawkish stance are statistically among the quickest to escalate crises, as they frequently underestimate the friction and chaos of actual combat operations.

The Selection Takeaway: Look for leaders with stable institutional backgrounds who respect the complexity of military force, rather than those who romanticize conflict or have a history of irregular political violence.

3. Deliberative vs. Impulsive Decision-Making Styles

The architecture of a leader's inner circle matters as much as the leader themselves. Crisis simulation research consistently identifies two contrasting styles of decision-making:

Impulsive & Insular Styles
Rely on gut instinct.
Plow through institutional guardrails.
Surround themselves with "yes-men" who filter out bad news.
The Result: Prone to disastrous miscalculations, assuming wars will be quick and easy.
Deliberative & Cognitive Styles
Value divergent viewpoints.
Actively solicit dissenting opinions.
Systematically weigh the long-term costs of escalation.

The Result: Highly effective at de-escalating crises before they turn hot.

The Selection Takeaway: Observe how a leader handles criticism and manages their team. A leader who demands absolute loyalty and punishes dissent is a systemic liability during a geopolitical crisis.

4. Embracing the "Democratic Peace" and Interdependence

Decades of political science research support the Democratic Peace Theory, which observes that stable democracies rarely, if ever, go to war with one another. Furthermore, Commercial Liberalism research demonstrates that deep economic interdependence acts as a massive deterrent to conflict.

Leaders who promote peace understand this framework. They actively invest in:

Strong international institutions and alliances.
Cross-border trade agreements that make war mutually destructive.
Transparent, rule-of-board diplomacy rather than erratic, backchannel deals.
Conversely, isolationist leaders or those who systematically attack democratic institutions at home undermine the exact guardrails that prevent international friction from igniting into war.

Summary Checklist for Voters

When evaluating potential leaders through the lens of peace and stability, the empirical evidence suggests looking for these core indicators:

Emotional Regulation: Does the candidate react impulsively to criticism, or do they remain measured under pressure?
Institutional Respect: Do they respect diplomatic norms, intelligence briefings, and international treaties?
Consultative Behavior: Do they surround themselves with deep experts, or do they rely solely on a tight circle of ideologues?
Realism Over Rhetoric: Do they talk about war as a tragic, absolute last resort, or do they use belligerent language as a tool to rally political support?

Ultimately, the research tells us that peace is rarely preserved by accident or by theatrical displays of force. It is maintained by cool-headed, collaborative leaders who understand that the truest measure of strength is the ability to deter war without ever firing a shot.

Hendry Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, Battery

ARREST BLOTTER

08/24/2026 – 08/30/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Christian Michael Huaytalla, 42, LaBelle was arrested on August 24, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of DUI and DUI – Refusal to Submit

Joshua Muhammad Mack, 39, Miami Gardens, was arrested on August 24, 2026, by Sgt. L. Hernandez on two counts of Felony Out-of-State Warrant

Meghan Mary Golemme, 28, Cape Coral was arrested on August 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud

Terry Antwan Yarborough, 40, Clewiston was arrested on August 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Violation of Conditions of Release

Erik Salinas, 35, Ft Myers, was arrested on August 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Juan Jose Lugo, 48, Clewiston was arrested on August 25, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Billie Antoinette Anderson, 68, LaBelle was arrested by Deputy Sheriff A. Gijon on charges of DUI

Miguel Gonzalez-Carrasco was arrested on August 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Reinaldo Thousand Campbell, 60, Miami was arrested on August 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on charges of Felony – Failure to Appear

Daniel Ernest Clarence Kirby, 53, Clewiston was arrested on August 26, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff P. Overbee on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Phillip Ray Hicks, 51, Clewiston was arrested on August 27, 2026, by Sgt. S. Kirkby on charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Tampering with Evidence

Sandra Shuntae Wright, 40, Clewiston was arrested on August 27, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on 3 counts of Felony Probation Violation

Hannah Devonie-Lee Vazquez, 22, Clewiston was arrested on August 28, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Jose Alejandro Velasquez-Chavez, 21, LaBelle was arrested on August 28, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollis on charges of Battery and Battery by Strangulation

Jorge Arnaldo Rivera Nieves, 23, Davenport, Fl was arrested on August 29, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Felony – Out of State Warrant

Max Andre Desinor, 52, Immokalee was arrested on August 29, 2026, by Ag. Investigator E. Atkinson on charges of Destroy/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission

Melanie Lee Costa, 29, LaBelle was arrested on August 29, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person over 65

Jesus Olegatio Ayala, 44, Belle Glade was arrested on August 30, 2026, by Cpl. L. Rodriguez on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked and Possession of Firearm by Florida Convicted Felon

Matthew Sierra, 32, New Jersey was arrested on August 30, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Gijon on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Edward Young, Jr. Dead After Traffic Stop Incident

SUSPECT IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IDENTIFIED

LABELLE, FL. -- During the evening hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026 at approximately 5:00pm, Hendry County Sheriffs Office received a call reporting a reckless driver. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of South State Road 29 and Case Road.

A short time into the stop, shots were exchanged between the driver of the vehicle and deputies.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 34 year old Edward Young, Jr., of Lehigh Acres, Florida. Young was transported for medical treatment, and later succumbed to his injuries.

At this time, the circumstances surrounding this shooting are still under investigation.

Additional media requests regarding the investigation, should be directed to FDLE.

Boil Water Precaution In Port LaBelle

(August 30, 2026) – The Port LaBelle Utility System service area is currently under a precautionary boil water notice.

The notice is necessary due to a temporary equipment issue that has been resolved.

The precautionary boil water notice will be lifted when satisfactory bacteriological sampling results are obtained. The precautionary boil water notice is anticipated to be in effect for 4 days.

A boil water notice does not mean the water is contaminated. As a precaution, it is advised to boil the water for 1 minute before consumption.

Residents with questions or concerns are asked to call 863-675-5376.

UPDATE: Precautionary Boil Water Notice Lifted for Port LaBelle Utility System Users
(September 1, 2026) – The precautionary boil water notice in effect for the Port LaBelle Utility System service area has been lifted.
Bacteriological tests run on the water returned with passing results. Residents may discontinue boiling their water.
Residents with questions or concerns are asked to call 863-675-5376.

Shots Fired - Suspect Taken To Hospital

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

LABELLE, FL. -- On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 5:25pm, Hendry County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Case Road and State Road 29 south of LaBelle, after receiving a report of a reckless driver.

A short time later, Deputies advised shots had been fired. The suspect was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained. Law Enforcement Officers were not injured.

The scene has been turned over to FDLE.

Religious Rituals Compared to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Rituals

Stanford University neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky explains the Biological Basis of Religiosity by showing that common religious rituals share clear behavioral and brain patterns with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition marked by unwanted thoughts and repetitive actions.

The Link Between Ritual and OCD

Both religious traditions and OCD use washing, counting, checking, and precise sequences. People repeat these steps to lower stress at lease temporarily and believe it will stop bad things from happening.

Society calls an repeated thoughts and behaviors a mental health issue, but honors them as holy when a group shares it.

Historical Figures and Scrupulosity

Scrupulosity: This is a form of OCD where a person feels extreme guilt about sin or breaking rules.

As outlined in essays like Belief and Biology by Robert Sapolsky, historical leaders may have used intense personal rituals to shape major religious movements citing Martin Luther as one example.

Why OCD May Be Useful In Some Environments

As the brain evolved over millennia these traits stayed in human populations because mild versions help people feel safe and connected.

Sapolsky notes that strict rules brings comfort in a group setting, but looks abnormal outside of it.

Behavioral rituals that are common to both obsessive-compulsive disorder and institutionalized religious practices:

Strict Cleansing: Ritual bathing, handwashing, and strict purification routines before entering sacred spaces and rituals when leaving sacred spaces. The same rituals are common in those with OCD.

Precise Symmetry: Arranging ceremonial objects in exact order and demanding flawless physical posture during prayer. Also, common in OCD rituals of everyday life.

Counting Sequences: Repeating phrases, prayers, or physical gestures a specific number of times. "Counting" is common in OCD.

Boundary Rules: Entering doors or leaving call for specific rituals.

Food Preparation: Inspecting food and rituals and rules to ensure purity and preventing any cross-contamination.

Fixed Scripts: Reading prayers, chants, or spells with rigid emphasis on pronouncing every word perfectly. In OCD repetition is common to make sure the task is performed "perfectly."

Robert Sapolsky differentiates a healthy religious community ritual from an isolated individual disorder based on social integration, evolutionary function, and lifestyle viability. [1, 2]

While individual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isolates a person, institutionalized religion converts those exact same psychiatric behaviors into tools for community connection. [3, 4]

1. Daily Function and Financial Viability

Outside a religious framework, severe OCD rituals completely paralyze a person's life and hinder survival.

Within an orthodox religious context, performing highly ritualized behaviors is not only accepted but can also serve as a viable career path (e.g., priests, monks, or ritual slaughterers). [5, 6]

2. Social Context vs. Isolation

The Shared Setting: If a person wakes up at 3:00 AM to perform an elaborate, solitary cleansing ritual to ward off a vague sense of dread, society labels them with a clinical disorder. [5, 7]

The Community Setting: If thousands of people perform that identical cleansing ritual together at the exact same hour in a temple, the behavior is viewed as an act of profound spiritual devotion. [6, 7]

3. Evolutionary Utility

Destructive Extremes: Sapolsky utilizes a genetic framework to explain why these traits persist. Full-blown, unchecked psychiatric conditions drastically reduce reproductive success and individual survival. [2, 8]

Adaptive Advantages: When these exact behavioral traits are expressed mildly within a community, they offer distinct evolutionary benefits. They lower overall stress, build powerful social frameworks, and give a highly comforting structure to an unpredictable world. [1, 2, 9]

YouTube Video: Full Sapolsky Lecture On Religious Rituals (1 and 1/2 hour long)

Sources:
[1] https://forum.centerforinquiry.org
[2] https://www.whoisalethia.com
[3] https://www.youtube.com
[4] https://www.reddit.com
[5] https://ffrf.org
[6] https://ffrf.org
[7] https://ffrf.org
[8] https://singjupost.com
[9] https://www.youtube.com
[10] https://www.youtube.com

Sandra Porter Dies At 78

Sandra Porter passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born in Panama City, Florida, on October 15, 1947. Sandra was a fifth-generation Floridian, with family roots reaching back to the 1830s.

Sandra was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Arthurine Wilson. She is survived by her son, Paul Porter and two grandsons, Connor and Brandon; two sisters, Susan (Gene) Hinson and Naomi (Billy) Sherman, and a brother, Butch (Glenda) Wilson, along with her surviving aunt, Patricia Chancy, Sandra also had many nieces, nephews and cousins that she dearly loved.

She spent many happy years growing up in South Bay, Florida. Sandra graduated from Belle Glade High School in 1965. After graduation, she attended Jones Business College. Later, Sandra married and started her family, making her home in Lake Worth, where she held a long career with the Palm Beach County School District. Upon retiring, she returned to the Glades and resided in Clewiston.

Sandra had many interests and talents. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, playing the piano, sewing, and crafts. She became an accomplished seamstress and used her talent to make suits and outfits for her son.

Although Sandra was a Florida girl through and through, her heart was always drawn to the mountains. It was there, surrounded by the quiet beauty, that she seemed most at peace. One of her lifelong dreams was to purchase an RV and travel throughout the Smoky and Rocky Mountains, taking in the scenery, while enjoying the areas that she loved so much.

Sandra also had a special heart for animals. Throughout her adult life, she was rarely without two or three dogs by her side. Sandra’s life became centered around her most devoted companions, her German Shepherds, which she called her “babies.” The extraordinary love and care that Sandra gave to these babies enabled them to live long lives, one stayed with her for 17 years.

Sandra will be remembered by her fierce, independent nature; she valued doing things for herself. In her later years of life, Sandra made what she considered the most important decision of all - she placed her trust and faith fully in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. In the weeks prior to her death, Sandra spoke about the love and peace that her faith had brought into her life.

While she will be deeply loved and missed, her family has much comfort in knowing that the peace she spoke of in her final weeks has now led her home to Heaven.

A celebration of life for Sandra will take place at the Evangel Assembly of God on Monday, August 31st at 1 pm.

Man Arrested In Hit And Run Bicycle Fatality

COLLIER COUNTY – STATE ROAD 29 – FATAL HIT-AND-RUN - UPDATE – ARREST

On Monday, August 17, 2026, a deceased bicyclist (19-year-old male of Lehigh Acres) was discovered on the grass shoulder of State Road 29, south of State Road 82, Collier County. State Troopers immediately responded, surveyed the scene, and collected evidence to include multiple fragments of a headlight lens etc… in the area of the collision.

After an extensive criminal investigation, the Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit determined the fatal hit-and-run traffic crash actually occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., on State Road 29, south of State Road 82, in Collier County.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, State Troopers located the hit and run 2014 Dodge Pickup Truck in a residential community in Estero, Florida. Upon further inspection, State Troopers determined the physical damage to the Dodge was consistent with the hit and run crash. State Troopers additionally determined both headlamps had been replaced post collision. The Dodge was then impounded for further forensic examination.

State Troopers subsequently arrested the hit and run driver, Pedro Lopez Fernando, age 42 of Immokalee, for Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Crash Involving Death and Tampering with Evidence.

Lopez Fernando was booked into the Collier County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Hendry Arrests - Juveniles, Probation Violations, Assaults

ARREST BLOTTER

08/17/2026 – 08/23/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Claudelle Philistin, 32, Naples was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Christopher Rene Garcia, 26, Clewiston was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier for Outstanding warrants on charges of Battery on LEO/EMT/Firefighter and Battery

Pedro Vargas, 52, Ft Myers, was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff ff R. Conant on charges of DUI

Rafael Luiz Gonzalez, 60, Lehigh Acres, was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Sgt. S. Kirkby on charges of Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill

13-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Grand Theft

12-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on August 17, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Grand Theft

Yolanda Maria Morales. 40, Clewiston was arrested on August 19, 2026, by Ag Detective AJ Maynard on charges on Felony – Cause Cruel Death Pain and Suffering

15-year-old male, LaBelle was arrested on August 19, 2026, by Detective K. Rosado on charges of Arson and Resisting Officer without Violence

Dioselides Rodriguez, 58, Clewiston was arrested on August 19, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Geranes Aulibrice, 53, Immokalee was arrested on August 19, 2026, by Ag. Detective E. Atkinson on charges of Felony – Harvest Destroy Palmetto Berry without Permission

Roderrick LaMorris Jacobs, 31, Clewiston was arrested on August 20, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on 2 counts of Felony Probation Violation, 2 counts of Misd. Failure to Appear and 2 counts of Felony – Failure to Appear

Cordvan Xavier Redden, 41, LaBelle was arrested on August 22, 2026, by Sgt. Z. Scelfo on charges of Battery by Strangulation, Introduction of Contraband into Detention Facility and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Jose Robeto Bonella, 38, Clewiston was arrested on August 23, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Felony Probation Violation and 2 counts of Contempt pf Court

Clewiston Police Ask For Tips On Ball Field Vandalism

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Clewiston Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying the individual(s) responsible for repeated criminal mischief and vandalism at Clewiston's local ball fields and public restrooms.

Recent incidents include:
• Clay being thrown and smeared on the outside of the building, damaging the paint and exterior
• Clay and sand being placed into toilets, causing plumbing problems and damage
• Excessive toilet paper being used to intentionally clog toilets and flood the restrooms
• Damage to sinks, mirrors, and other restroom fixtures
This is not harmless fun or a prank. This is intentional destruction of public property that costs taxpayers money to clean, repair, and replace.

 Anyone identified committing these acts may face criminal charges, including Criminal Mischief, and may be arrested when permitted by law.

If you witness suspicious activity or have information that could help identify the person or persons responsible, please contact the Clewiston Police Department.

A Lodge Called Folkestone by Bob Kranich

A Lodge Called Folkestone”

The Dream, The Challenge, The People
by Bob Kranich

(Excerpt 27)

“The Lodge Called Folkestone”. You may wonder why the first half of the book is about my many adventures throughout the USA. Well, this first part explains just why my interests changed from hot rodding cars to backpacking. How the idea of a lodge came about, and just how the lodge came to be in North Carolina and next to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Deep Campground to be exact.

We’re leaving the Smoky Mountains, Deep Creek Valley, and heading on a new adventure, to Rochester, New York for some contract work.

The Loss of a Good Friend

We loaded up the Ranchero and headed north. When we got to Rochester, Irene was surprised just how much different the northern cities are from the cities in Texas. They are much older, with lots of two and three-story homes just stacked together. The third story is usually the attic, with dormers protruding out from the roofs. Overall, it is kind of dark and dreary. One interesting factor is that each neighborhood has its own bowling alley, small corner food store, beer joint (which we didn’t need or frequent), and a great little sub and pizza shop.

We drove to the address I was given for the work location. It was early Sunday. Naturally, no cars were in the parking lot. I was told that I was going to work for Kodak. This location was definitely not Kodak! It was in a city neighborhood, but was a two-story commercial building. It looked kind of like a brick warehouse. The good news was it had windows on both floors.

We needed a place to stay. We drove around the corner from the parking lot and down the street. Then just a half a block away, to our surprise, thank the Good Lord, a sign on a large two-story house said, Flat for Rent. We pulled in. An Italian lady in her late thirties or early forties appeared at the door. There were three children scattered out behind, in front, and next to her.

“May I help you?” she asked.

Irene said, “We saw your sign, and we are starting a job just down the street on Monday. May we see your flat for rent? Our job will last through May.”
“We usually rent for a year, but that will do,” she replied.

She took us up to the second floor, and the children, approximately six, eight, and nine years of age were scrambling along behind. It consisted of a large kitchen, a large combination living and bedroom, and a bathroom. It wasn’t furnished but the large kitchen had all the utensils.

“What is the cost?” Irene asked.

The lady named her price. I don’t remember what it was, but Irene said, “We’ll take it.”

We wrote her a check, and she gave us the keys. It was just that fast. There was a house across the street that sold used furniture in a store on the bottom floor. It was Irene that discovered this while I was at work the first day. She bought a small table, two chairs, and a bed frame from them. The next couple of days we slept on air mattresses and sleeping bags.

Monday morning I walked over to the work parking lot. I had parked there in the evening because there was no room on the street. I went in, and met my supervisor. He showed me to a drafting table, and I got all of my tools out. Contractor draftsmen usually carry a briefcase with all their tools and lunch in it. I was no exception. The supervisor gave me some work to do. Usually, they give a new guy something easy to do to check him out, and then gradually increase the work load. That is just what they did.

The supervisor told me that he couldn’t tell me just what they were building, and I should not ask questions of the other draftsmen. Of course, that is a losing battle for a company. We’re not that dumb. I found out a couple of things. One was that this facility was strictly set up as a contract satellite facility, doing work for Kodak exclusively. Occasionally, Kodak engineers would bring work and instructions over to their respective designer, or to the supervisor. There were about twenty draftsmen consisting of designers, layout, and detailers on this second floor. My task was a combination layout and designer.

Now, for the project. If you found out what everyone, or you, for that matter were doing, you could easily figure out just what we were building. We were building a machine for Kodak, similar to a Xerox copier. In fact, there were a couple of designers there that had worked for Xerox. It was very interesting work, consisting of mechanisms and mechanical design.

We settled in, and finally bought a mattress. It started getting cold. The weather for Rochester comes right off the Great Lakes. It can be bitter, and we weren't used to it. It was mid-December. After coming in from shopping one Saturday evening, I found a parking spot, and parked on the street right around the corner from our apartment. The next day when we were going out again, I started up the Ranchero. The transmission made a lot of noise, and the vehicle wouldn’t move. I tried it in all three gears, and it still didn’t move, just grind.

“I guess it is done in,” I said to Irene.

“What are we going to do?” she asked.

“The good news is, I don’t have very far to go to work,” I answered, “and we can buy our food right in the neighborhood at the corner grocery.”

Just then a big city bus rolled by. She exclaimed, “We can ride the bus wherever we need to go.”

“Then it looks like we are going to be ok,” I responded.
The weather report became grim for us southern folks. Snow was on the forecast! The report was snow, starting tomorrow evening and continuing on. The weather man knew his stuff, and late that afternoon, it started. It snowed all night. It really came down! And it snowed all the next day, and then stopped. The people in Rochester are really prepared. They don’t let a lot of snow stop them. The snow plows and snow blowers came out. Actually, they were working all the time it was snowing. The people also have snow blowers that they clear the sidewalks with.

It had snowed a lot, at least eighteen inches! We walked around to check on the Ranchero, and at first I couldn’t find it. Then I saw it, under a pile of snow that had been pushed next to it, and up and on it. It was buried. In Rochester, New York, when it snows, it stays all winter! It doesn’t just snow and then melt. The temperature was really cold, and it would stay there until spring! The Ranchero would be buried all winter!

We continued on working and doing whatever we needed or wanted to do. The bus became our mode of transportation. It was interesting. The bad part was missing a bus, or a bus not coming by when you are standing on a snowy, cold street corner. One time we stood there for two hours stomping our feet. We couldn’t go in a store to warm up because then whenever it finally came, it may just go right by.

Spring came, and when May arrived, we knew that we had to solve our transportation problem. We were due in Chicago the first part of June. The first thing we did was run an ad to sell our Ranchero. It was answered the first day. It seems a young fellow wanted to restore it, and he was very happy to purchase it from us. He towed it off. You know what everyone says, and I’m the same, “I wish I had that vehicle today.”

Next, we looked through the vehicles for sale section in the paper. Irene said, “Look at this, a 1965 Ford Econoline van. I wonder what it looks like?”

I said, kind of interested, “Let’s call, check the price, and we can go on over.”

We called, the price was right, and we told him to hold it because we had to catch a bus to come on over. Then he did a surprising thing. He said that he wasn’t too far away, and he would bring it by. He said that it ran good, and we wouldn’t be disappointed. He needed to sell it to get some extra money.

We gave him the address, and in about a half of an hour, the fellow came by. He had a friend follow him. I guess that he was sure that were going to buy it. The van ran good, and it was clean. It was a six cylinder, three-speed on the column. We gave him cash. I think it was about four hundred dollars.

We were now the proud owners of a 1965 Ford Econoline van. Ford made a very good strong six cylinder for those vans. It was very economical and got good mileage. It seemed to run forever before I had to fill it back up.

From the Author:

This is a new book. It is about the Lodge I built in the Smoky Mountains, near Bryson City, and Deep Creek campground, North Carolina. Having been from Florida, I know that a lot of Floridians love to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park. Therefore hopefully you will enjoy my story of the building of “A Lodge Called Folkestone”.

Three Boats Burning In LaBelle

LABELLE, FL. -- Three Boats Actively Burning; Fire Suppression Underway

LaBelle Fire Department is currently on scene of an active fire involving three boats  reportedly on the north side of the river in the vicinity of the bridge.

Fire suppression efforts are currently in progress, with LaBelle Fire Department, Clewiston Fire Department, and Bayshore Fire Department working together to bring the fire under control.

The incident remains active at this time. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

UPDATE: The scene was cleared late Sunday and the State Fire Marshal was investigating.

Dr. Ramon Leonard Carroll Jr. Dies At 87

Dr. Ramon Leonard Carroll Jr. passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born in Greeneville, S.C., on Dec. 27, 1942, Dr. Carroll was known for his servant’s heart. He was an encourager and a giver whose impact was far reaching.

A 1960 graduate of Lenoir City High School in Tennessee, Leonard attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, finishing his undergraduate degree in two years. He went on to earn his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis, after which he completed his internship and residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Following medical school, Dr. Carroll served in the Army and the Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

After his military service, Leonard set up a general surgery practice in Chattanooga and earned his board certification. He soon felt called to rural, small-town medicine, a calling he passionately fulfilled for more than 33 years.

He moved to rural Jamestown, Tennessee, in 1989, where he served patients at his private practice and at Jamestown Regional Medical Center. In 2007, he moved to Clewiston, Florida, where he continued to practice medicine and quickly immersed himself in the community.

Dr. Carroll was a member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and Clewiston, eventually becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. In Clewiston, he served on the Hendry Regional Medical Center Foundation Board for many years. He was also a lifetime member of the Friends of the Clewiston Library.

Upon retirement from the full-time practice of medicine, Leonard never slowed down. He got his real estate license and was affiliated with Sugar Realty. After obtaining his broker’s license, he started Carroll Integrity Realty. In addition to his real estate business, Carroll continued to live out his calling and love for medicine by serving as the medical director for VITAS Home Hospice in Clewiston.

Dr. Carroll was a member of New Harvest Church, where he was as an elder and served on the board of directors for Harvest Academy Christian School.

In his free time, Leonard’s favorite hobby was reading, and you seldom saw him without a book in his hand. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he also enjoyed collecting stamps, books, and baseball cards.

Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Ramon Leonard Carroll Sr., his mother, Evelyn Morse Carroll, and his son Peter Benjamin Carroll.

Dr. Carroll is survived by Cindy, his wife of 41 years, and children Christi Ware of Nashville, Tennessee; Leonard Carroll III and Robert (Dara) Carroll of Cleveland, Tennessee; Lincoln (Kristine) Carroll of Frisco, Texas; and Emily (Jason) Gerwig of Springfield, Illinois. His legacy lives on through grandchildren Ashley Gunn, Jessica (Eric) Dustin, Ryanne Ware, Caitlin Forsythe, Chase Carroll, Chelsea Carroll, Lincoln Carroll, and Meredith Gerwig, and great-grandchildren Jason Gunn, Ryland Dustin, Emerson Dustin, Colson Forsythe, and Oaklynn Forsythe. He will also be remembered fondly by his loving extended family, including sister-in-law Betsy (Keith) Laakko of Elmhurst, Illinois, niece Annelise Laakko, and nephew Will Laakko.

We’ll always remember Leonard’s unique way of looking at the world:

“If you can’t see it until you see it, you will never see it.”

Leonard truly lived out that vision and spent his life pursuing a calling to serve others.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Harvest Church in Clewiston on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Harvest Academy Christian School in the name of Dr. R. Leonard Carroll.

Mary Ellen Belk Dies At 92

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk age 92, passed away on August 19, 2026, in her home following a lengthy illness.

Mary Ellen "Brat" Belk was born in Golddust, Tennessee on February 8, 1934, to the late John and the late Flossie Elizabeth Mooney Mahoney. She married George Maury "Sonny" Belk, Jr on July 4, 1952, in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee they were married for 48 years before he preceded her in death on November 5, 2000. 

Mary Ellen was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family whenever she could. Brat enjoyed shopping, being in the sun, gardening, traveling and spending precious hours with her adorable family and grandchildren. Brat's favorite saying "fully rely on sod - F.R.O.G.". Brat was a Godly woman who had a great sense of humor and who loved life to the fullest. If you knew Brat, then you knew what unconditional love felt like.

Brat leaves fond memories with her loving children; Ruth Ann (Lewell), Stephaine (Danny), Margo, Tina (Clay), her adorable eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren along with a host of other family members.

Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston.

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, Assaults

ARREST BLOTTER

08/10/2026 – 08/16/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Stephanie Marquez, 35, Clewiston was arrested on August 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony

Juan Jesus Bedolla, 20, Winter Garden, was arrested on August 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Smuggling Contraband into Detention Facility and Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant

Melissa Kay Bryant, 41, Moore Haven was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoke – 3rd of Subsequent Violation and Resist Officer without Violence

Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditional Release

Jean Riffin, 56, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Felony Destruction/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission

Sarah Michelle Garner, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Smiley Hendry, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

John Thomas Lange, 45, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession Drug Paraphernalia

Kai Javier Peak, 23, Immokalee was arrested on August 15, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Johnnie Joe Harper, 73, Clewiston was arrested on August 15, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Mfg/Del Controlled Substance

Ronal Gonzalez Maceo, 35 was arrested on August 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling

No Criminal Charges In Clewiston Crash

CLEWISTON, FL — The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is issuing a formal update regarding the single-vehicle commercial property collision that occurred at the First Bank location near Berner Road and US Highway 27 on July 15, 2026.

Following the initial on-scene investigation, CPD officers determined that a male driver was exiting an adjacent oil change facility when he inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to strike the exterior wall of First Bank. While no pedestrians or additional vehicles were involved in the collision, the female passenger suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen at the time of impact and sustained critical injuries after striking the windshield. 

CPD has received the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Report detailing the outcome of their investigation, which determined that her death was a result of the collision.

The Clewiston Police Department has reviewed the Medical Examiner's report and all evidence. At this time, the investigation is closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.

The Chief of Police and the members of the Clewiston Police Department extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family and loved ones during this difficult period. 

In light of this tragic outcome, CPD strongly reinforces the critical necessity of vehicle occupant safety. Even during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot navigation, or short trips, proper seatbelt restraint remains the single most effective measure to prevent traumatic injury and loss of life. 

Food Safety Report - Log Cabin Bar-B-Que Restaurant

LABELLE, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection at LaBelle's Log Cabin Bar-B-Que LLC found six violations at the 115 seat restaurant. The inspection was August 12. Michael Reale is the owner of the company.

Inspector's Notes

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling stained with grease/smoke. **Repeat Violation**
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license current but not displayed.
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in the cook area cracked.
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the walk in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, operator removed for cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken**
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available for quaternary or chlorine sanitizer.

Violations in the  following areas:

1 + Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
1 * Dishwashing facilities; chemical test kit(s); gauges
1 * Current license properly displayed
1 Food-contact and nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
2 Floors, walls, ceilings and attached equipment properly constructed and clean; rooms and equipment properly vented

Source: https://data.tallahassee.com/restaurant-inspections/hendry/log-cabin-bar-b-que/sea3600511/7418160/

Alberto Escobar Bemudes Dies At 88

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Papi, known to most as "Chino."

Alberto Escobar Bemudes was born in Cuba on August 8, 1938, to the late Antonio and Maria Pena. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, after being blessed with 88 years of life.

A true survivor, Alberto immigrated to the United States in 1972, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and a genuine love of living.

Alberto was a lover of life. He had a special kindness for children and an unfiltered sense of humor-usually sprinkled with a little sarcasm for everyone else. He brought so much light and laughter into our family, and his presence will never be forgotten.

As the longtime owner of Chino's Nursery, Alberto spent many years growing and sharing the trees, plants, and flowers that are still rooted throughout our community today. They are a living reminder of the life he built and the beauty he leaves behind.

He is survived by his children, Mildrey McConvery (Michael), Alberto Hernandez, and Anthony Escobar (Renee); his grandchildren, Alison, Jennah, Kyton, and Keily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

We will always remember his laughter, his humor, his kindness, and the many things he nurtured throughout his life. His memory will continue to grow in the hearts and lives of all who loved him.

Driver Dead In Crash On SR82 In Collier County

Collier County - State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road- FATAL

DATE: 8/17/26
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road – Collier County

CASE #: FHP26ON383793
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton

VEHICLE 1: 2020 Nissan
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 75 of Lehigh Acres / Fatal

VEHICLE 2: 2013 Dump Truck
DRIVER 2: Male / Age 60 of Lehigh Acres / No Injury

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 was attempting to turn left from Corkscrew Road onto westbound State Road 82.
Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 82.

Vehicle 1 made the left turn Infront of the approaching Vehicle 2.
The front of Vehicle 2 collided with the side of Vehicle 1.

Driver 1 sustained serious injuries, was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.

The crash remains under investigation.

Rowland Walker Dies At 97

Rowland was born August 9, 1928, in Berrien County, Georgia, to Rowland Andrew Walker, Sr. and Jane Melissa Robinson Walker. He gained his wings and joined Jesus on August 7, 2026, just two days shy of his 98th birthday. Rowland was one of 13 children and now joins all of his brothers and sisters in heaven.

Rowland joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served our country proudly. Later in life, he worked at Kilgore Seed in Fort Myers and Immokalee, Florida Favorite Fertilizer, eventually becoming a farmer for Six L’s Farms in Corkscrew and Muse, where he farmed for many, many years.

Saying that Rowland loved farming is an understatement! He was also known as the “Pepper King” while farming. We can all still picture Rowland driving through the farm in his Grand Wagoneer while enjoying his cigar. That was an everyday sight that we will always love remembering. At the age of 97, he still had his yearly garden and could be seen sitting in his golf cart, hoeing the weeds or inspecting the neighbors’ chickens.

Besides farming, Rowland loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very dear to him and brought him immense joy. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He enjoyed sitting on his back porch with family and friends and talking on the phone while overseeing the neighborhood. Not much slipped by him.

Rowland was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and his daughter, Becky Decker.

Rowland leaves his cherished children: Andy Walker (Denise), Cindy Delessio (John), Jason Walker (Callie), and Harry Walker.

His grandchildren: Tim Aloneftis (Kristy), Melanie Rader, Clint Walker (Natalie), John Walker, and Haley Walker.

His great-grandchildren: Eric, Elizabeth, Aiden, Jake, Emma, and Lauren.

Rowland’s service will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda, with Brother Hollis Albritton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice or Future Farmers of America (FFA) at LaBelle High School.

Clewiston Country Club Found With Repeat Food Safety Violations

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection by the State found numerous violations at the Clewiston Country Club. The 120 seat restaurant was found to have many repeat violations,  an administrative complaint was requested, and a follow-up inspection is required.

Officers of the non-profit corporation Clewiston Country Club, LLC are Karl Larson and Francis Spry.

From the report:

Inspector's Notes

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
High Priority - Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. One item on bar did not have a cover. Operator provided cover. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation: Observed in walk in cooler Chicken salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Coleslaw made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding). Operator removed from buffet and walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler Chicken salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Coleslaw made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad made 7/23 (40F - Cold Holding). Operator removed from buffet and walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Acetone stored on shelf with clean tea pitchers. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**

Violations of the following safety rules:

1 + Approved source
1 + Original container: properly labeled, date marking, consumer advisory
1 + Food protection, cross-contamination
1 + Chemicals / toxic substances
1 In use food dispensing utensils properly stored

Hendry Sheriff Arrests - Drugs, Probation Violations, DUI

ARREST BLOTTER

08/03/2026 – 08/09/2026

Felony/DUI Arrest

Edgar Eduardo Sanchez, 33, LaBelle was arrested on August 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez oh charges of Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm, Resist Officer without Violence, Prevent Communication with Law Enforcement and 2 counts of Misd. Failure to Appear

Rollin Lee Lafollette, 39, Moore Haven was arrested on August 3, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Juan M. Castro-Hernandez, 28, LaBelle was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Christopher Diaz, 23, Clewiston was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Det. Calvo for 6 counts of Lewd & Lascivious – vic 12-16 years of age, 4 counts of Lewd & Lascivious Suspect 18+ Molest vic 14-16 years of age and 1 count Lewd & Lascivious by Person 18 years of age or older

TJ Phillips, 20, Clewiston was arrested on August 4, 2026, by Det. Calvo on charges of 2 counts of Lewd & Lascivious – vic 12-16 years of age, 2 counts of Lewd & Lascivious Suspect 18+ Molest vic 14-16 years of age and 1 count Lewd & Lascivious by Person 18 years of age or older

Ricardo Santos Garcia, 50, LaBelle was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff B. DiBernardo on charges of DUI and DUI-Refusal to Submit

Antwaun Michael Fussell, 46, LaBelle was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Det. Sgt. D. McNeil on charges of Felony Battery on DCF Employee

Peterson Hypolite, 33, Crestview was arrested on August 5, 2026, by Ag. Det. E. Atkinson on charges of Felony – Destroy/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission

Ethan Lake Taylor, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Daismel Nunez Ramirez, 42, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans for Outstanding Warrants – Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill and Battery

Olga Lidia Noy, 61, Clewiston was arrested on August 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Felony Violation of Probation

Barbaro Yonlismel Correa Montano, 35, Tampa was arrested on August 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff C. Amoruso on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Linda Ann Evenes, 60, LaBelle was arrested on August 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Rodrigo Villa Hernandez, 38, LaBelle was arrested on August 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff S. Farraj on charges of DUI and DUI-Refusal to Submit

Hendry County Emergency 911 Texting

Hendry County has launched Text-to-9-1-1, providing another way to reach emergency services for individuals who are unable to make a voice call during an emergency, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

If you need emergency assistance but are unable to speak or cannot safely make a voice call, you can send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone. To use Text-to-9-1-1, enter 911 in the “To” field and include the location and nature of the emergency in your message.

Traditional 9-1-1 voice calls are still preferred whenever possible, as they remain the fastest and most effective way for dispatchers to gather critical information and respond to an emergency.

Fort Denaud Bridge Closed To Boats Until 5 pm Monday

LaBelle, Fla. – The Fort Denaud Bridge is closed to boat traffic until further notice while FPL makes repairs to the power line serving the bridge tender house. It is expected that the repairs will be completed by 5:00 pm today.

The Fort Denaud Bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic. However, motorists should be watchful of County employees while crossing the bridge. Hendry County Road & Bridge will be performing maintenance to the Fort Denaud Bridge while the bridge is closed to boat traffic.

The boat traffic closure is necessary in order for crews to conduct emergency repairs.
Additional notice will be provided regarding when the bridge will re-open to boat traffic.

Sheriff Vehicle Involved In Hendry County Crash

FHP Press Release –Hendry County -Montura Avenue / South Hacienda Street

DATE: 8/8/26
TIME: 7:55 PM
LOCATION: Montura Avenue / South Hacienda Street, Hendry County

CASE #: FHP26ON0368884

INVESTIGATOR: Trooper B. Petty

VEHICLE 1: 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe (Marked Hendry County Sheriff’s Office)
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 24 / Clewiston / Minor Injury
VEHICLE 2: 2016 Chevrolet Cruz
DRIVER 2: Female / Age 61 / Clewiston / Non-Incapacitating Injury

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 (Marked Hendry County Sheriff’s Office SUV -equipped with activated emergency lights and siren) was traveling east on Montura Avenue, approaching the posted stop sign intersection of South Hacienda Street.

Vehicle 2 was traveling south on South Hacienda Street, approaching the (no posted stop sign) intersection of Montura Avenue

Vehicle 1 proceeded past the stop sign, entered the intersection and the front of Vehicle 1 collided with the side of Vehicle 2.

Post collision, Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway and overturned.

Post collision, Vehicle 2 rotated, traveled off the roadway, and collided with a concrete pillar and fence.

Driver 2 sustained non incapacitating injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Your Amazon Driver Is Not An Amazon Employee

Amazon does not directly employ its last-mile delivery drivers. Instead, the company outsources deliveries through two primary contractor models: the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, where drivers wear Amazon uniforms and drive branded vans for local third-party businesses, and Amazon Flex, where gig workers use their own personal vehicles.

Delivery Service Partners (DSP)

Small, independent local businesses hire the drivers and manage day-to-day operations. Drivers wear Amazon-branded uniforms and drive blue Amazon-branded vans or rented vehicles provided through the program.

Legally, these drivers work for the third-party DSP owner, shielding Amazon from direct employment liabilities, though regulatory lawsuits challenge the level of control Amazon exerts over these operations.

Amazon Flex

Independent gig contractors sign up via Amazon Flex to pick up blocks of packages from fulfillment centers. Drivers use their own personal cars, SUVs, or trucks rather than corporate fleet vehicles.

Workers operate similarly to ride-share or food-delivery app operators, getting paid per completed route block rather than standard hourly employee wages. 

Legal Actions Involving Amazon's Delivery Network

The most significant recent legal action involving the Amazon delivery network is a major federal antitrust lawsuit filed by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on August 4, 2026. The landmark lawsuit alleges that Amazon operates an illegal monopsony—abusing its dominant buying power in the labor market—to deliberately suppress wages and enforce punishing working conditions across its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) network. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The core legal battles shaking Amazon's logistics model focus on three main fronts:

1. The New Jersey Antitrust Lawsuit (August 2026)

This first-of-its-kind state-level lawsuit claims that while Amazon publicizes DSPs as independent small businesses, they are entirely captive entities dependent on Amazon for survival. [4, 5]

The Allegations: The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General charges that Amazon dictates routing software, electronic monitoring, quotas, and anti-union messaging scripts. It also highlights "no-poaching" rules that prevent DSPs from hiring drivers from other contractors, which artificially minimizes wage competition. [3, 5]

Amazon's Defense: Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly stated the suit "is not grounded in fact," reiterating that DSPs maintain independent control over their fleet management, hiring, and business decisions. [3]

2. The NLRB "Joint Employer" Decision (June 2026)

For years, labor unions like the Teamsters pushed the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to classify Amazon as a "joint employer" of DSP drivers, which would legally force Amazon to sit at the bargaining table. [6, 7]

The Ruling: In a massive victory for the e-commerce giant, the NLRB ruled that Amazon is not a joint employer with its delivery partners. [8]

The Impact: The board found that providing training, route technology, and performance parameters does not constitute direct employment. This significantly limits Amazon's immediate legal liability for local contractor labor disputes. [8, 9, 10]

3. Amazon Flex Independent Contractor Battles

Parallel to the DSP lawsuits, states continue to challenge the Amazon Flex gig-worker model. The New Jersey Department of Labor has a concurrent, active lawsuit accusing Amazon Logistics of misclassifying Flex drivers as independent contractors, demanding back-wages and full employment benefits for these gig workers. [1, 11]

[1] https://www.njoag.gov
[2] https://www.youtube.com
[3] https://www.wsj.com
[4] https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com
[5] https://www.nytimes.com
[6] https://www.staffingindustry.com
[7] https://www.facebook.com
[8] https://support.trustwave.com
[9] https://bvwd.ca.gov
[10] https://www.rssinc.com
[11] https://www.njoag.gov

John Russell Yancey Dies At 85

John Russell Yancey, known to his family and friends as Russ, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026. He was 85 years old.

Born on March 7, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida, Russ lived a life characterized by steady commitment to his family and faith.

He spent over 35 years as a bank executive and mortgage banker. During that time, he became a familiar figure in Southwest Florida, helping families navigate the complexities of homeownership with patience and a calm, dependable presence. Before establishing his career, he served in the United States Army from August 3, 1961, to September 12, 1970. He retired as a Warrant Officer 2 and served in Vietnam. The discipline and perspective he gained during his military service stayed with him, and he often enjoyed sharing stories from those years.

On February 28, 1976, he married Carol. They celebrated 50 years of marriage, a milestone they recently marked. He was a devout Catholic, finding strength and consistency in his faith.

He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.

Russ’s world revolved around his family. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, William S. Stagner; his grandchildren, Jason (Christie) Yancey, Miranda (John) Middleton, and Jay Yancey; daughter-in-law, Veronica Yancey; and his great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kopper, Rylee, Charlotte, Ella, and Ember. He was also close with Judy Seelback, his sister-in-law, as well as his brothers-in-law and their wives: Michael and Rosey Brockamp, and Dan and Deborah Brockamp. He held his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family in high regard, always valuing the time spent together.

He bore the loss of his sons, John R. Yancey, Jr., and Patrick H. Yancey, with a quiet dignity.

When he wasn't working, Russ enjoyed simple pleasures. He was an avid bowler for many years and took pride in teaching the sport to local youth. He enjoyed watching football and was rarely one to turn down a game of cards.

A visitation will be held on August 12, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home, located at 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. A mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. He will be laid to rest at Alva Cemetery, on Cemetery Road in Alva, FL 33920, at 12:00 p.m.

Russ lived a full life, not marked by grand gestures but by the consistent and dependable way he showed up for those he loved. He will be deeply missed.

Glades Fatal Traffic Death - Driver Convicted After Two-Day Trial

Moore Haven (August 7, 2026) – Kimaini Jharon Holmes, of Ocala, was convicted of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, following a two-day trial in Glades County.

Assistant State Attorney Evan Chaput and Assistant State Attorney Natalie Savino, Circuit Court Chief, prosecuted the case.

The crime happened on September 21, 2024, just after 4 a.m. The defendant was driving a semi on U.S. 27, near Boar Hammock Ranch Road, and hit a pedestrian who was in the northbound lane. The defendant drove off without stopping.

Another driver came across the scene as the defendant was driving away and immediately called 911. While that witness was on the phone with 911 reporting the incident, the victim was run over by a second vehicle. The driver of that second vehicle immediately stopped. The victim, a 19-year-old man, died on scene.

The defendant’s semi was located in Georgia several days later. The Florida Highway Patrol conducted an extensive investigation leading to the identification and arrest of the defendant.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026.

Should You Make A Phone Call During A Traffic Stop?

Making a phone call during a traffic stop can be risky. 

Police officers may view reaching for a phone as a threat or a sign you are hiding something or signaling someone to come to the scene. Using your phone can quickly escalate a routine stop into something more serious.

Police officers make immediate judgments when you reach for or use a phone during a traffic stop. Their primary concern is safety and control of the situation and to make sure your attention is not diverted during questioning.

Officers will always make a threat assessment of your movements and speech: Reaching into pockets or bags for a phone looks identical to reaching for a hidden weapon. 

Using a phone signals that you are not paying full attention to their commands, which increases tension. Typing or looking down can make an officer think you are trying to hide contraband or coordinate with someone. 

An officer might order you to put the phone down immediately. 

Picking up a non-emergency call can be interpreted as a lack of respect, defiance, or a refusal to cooperate.

Ask for permission before reaching for your phone if your digital license or insurance is on it. Narrate your actions clearly, telling the officer exactly where the phone is located. Avoid sudden, sharp movements when handling any device in your vehicle.

You generally have the right to record police in public spaces. This right does not mean you can use your phone whenever you want. An officer can order you to stop recording or put the phone away if it interferes with safety.

Distracting the officer can lead to charges of obstruction or failure to obey.

Best Practices During a Traffic Stop By Law Enforcemen

Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel.
Tell the officer before you reach for your phone to get insurance or documents.
Wait until the stop is completely over to make non-emergency calls.
Record video from a fixed, visible mount if you choose to record the stop.

Video courtesy YouTube: City of Pahokee, Palm Beach, Fl arrest April 22, 2026

Obituaries - Elliot Curtis, Judith Peeples, Ramiro Ortiz

It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ramiro “Estrellita” Ortiz, Sr., who departed this life on July 30, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida. Ramiro was born on December 3, 1982, in La Heroica Ciudad De Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico, and throughout his forty-three years, he was a man known for his devotion to family, peaceful spirit, and unwavering faith.

Ramiro’s devotion to those around him touched many—his kindness, patient wisdom, and generous spirit left a lasting impression.

Ramiro’s journey began in the vibrant lands of Oaxaca, where he was instilled with the values of love, humility, and fortitude by his parents, Reyna Maria Sanchez De Ortiz and Rufino Ortiz Hernandez, who survive him. He carried these values with him as he built a life filled with meaning and surrounded himself with loved ones.

A dedicated family man, Ramiro found his greatest joy in the embrace of his beloved wife, Edith Adriana Ortiz. Their enduring partnership was the cornerstone of a close-knit family that flourished through the years. Together, they raised children who were the pride of his heart: daughters Yuriko Ramirez (and her husband, Mitchel Herbert), Sara Ramirez (and her husband, Jusue Orduna), Marisabel Ortiz (and her husband, Nelly Hernandez), and sons Ramiro Ortiz (and his wife, Eva Marquez) and Fernando Eleazar Ortiz. His bond with each of them was a testament to his caring and steadfast nature.

Ramiro’s legacy continues to shine brightly through his precious grandchildren, Aurora Amari Herbert, Adriana Ariel Ortiz, and Luna Sue Ortiz. Their lives are enriched by the countless memories and gentle guidance lovingly given by their grandfather.

He carried these values with him as he built a life filled with meaning and surrounded himself with loved ones.

He is also survived by his cherished siblings, Angela Patricia Ortiz, Francisco Ortiz, Sr., Carlos Ortiz, and Ana Ortiz. The connections shared among these siblings were rooted in deep affection and mutual respect, forming an unbreakable family foundation.

Ramiro’s devotion to those around him touched many—his kindness, patient wisdom, and generous spirit left a lasting impression and created bonds that extended beyond his immediate family. He was affectionately called “Estrellita,” a name reflecting the light he brought into the lives of all who knew him.

Those who had the privilege of being a part of Ramiro’s life speak of his peaceful demeanor, unwavering faith, and dedication to family. There was a quiet strength in him that inspired those he encountered—a strength evident in every aspect of his life. As God called him home, Ramiro departed this world surrounded by love, as he had lived.

The family wishes to honor and celebrate Ramiro Ortiz, Sr.’s life with the following services: A Mass will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, located at 350 South Bridge Street, LaBelle, Florida. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on the same day from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle, 560 E Hickpochee Ave, LaBelle, FL. Burial will follow on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Denaud Cemetery, 710 Fort Denaud Cemetery Road, LaBelle, FL, where Ramiro will be laid to rest.

The imprint Ramiro “Estrellita” Ortiz, Sr. leaves behind is profound. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity. As we say goodbye, we remember and honor his gentle soul, keeping his memory alive in our hearts forever.

----

Some people leave footprints behind. Others leave a legacy. Judith Lee Peeples left both.

At the age of 81, she went home to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The one she faithfully loved, served and told others about throughout her life. While our hearts are broken, Heaven is celebrating the arrival of a faithful servant.

If you knew her, you knew where she stood. Her faith was not something she only talked about on Sundays, it was how she lived everyday. She had a sensible way of reading people who were struggling, doubting or searching. Whether through a conversation a prayer, or simply the love she showed, she led many people to Christ and back to Christ.

She was a devoted wife of the love of her life Joey Peeples, even after his passing, her love for him never faded, She spoke of him often, missed him everyday and looked forward to the day they would be together again. That reunion has finally came. She is also reunited with her beloved son, Justin, whose loss she carried in her heart for years. We can only imagine the joy on that heavenly embrace.

To her children, she was simply Mom, and there was none quite like her. She taught her children about Jesus at an early age, that family came first and that faith would carry through anything that life brought your way. She was also a true Mama Bear; she loved to brag about her children and grandchildren. If you stood still long enough, you would hear all about them. She was their biggest fan.

Her greatest accomplishment were never measurable by money or possessions, but by the lives she touched, the faith she shared, and the family she loved with everything she had.

She leaves behind her children; Linda Peeples Martin (Dane), Joseph Henry Peeples, IV (Brandy), her grandchildren; Jenna Danielle Stpehens, Haley Stephens Allen (Josh), Taylor Dane Martin, Payton Marsh, Hank Peeples (Haley), Justin Peeples, Colton Marsh, and Emily Grace Peeples, along with her great-grandchildren; Gracie Joe Spencer, Braydon Palladino, Chandler Allen, Elizabeth Peeples, her two brothers; Ron Weisser (Debra) and Terry Weisser and countless nieces and nephews also survive Judith.

Mom, thank you for loving us when we did not deserve it, praying for us when we didn’t know we needed it, believing in us when we doubted ourselves and pointing us t Jesus.

Until we meet again, we will carry your faith, your strength and your love.

--

Elliott Elmo Curtis, affectionately known to many as George, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on July 16, 1934, Elliott lived a remarkable life filled with compassion, resilience, and a steadfast devotion to those he loved.

Elliott was a pillar of strength and kindness.

Throughout his long and fruitful life, Elliott was a pillar of strength and kindness. He shared a devoted partnership with his beloved wife, Elsie Curtis, for 73 years. Together, they built a life rooted in love and mutual respect, offering an enduring example of commitment and care.

Together, they built a life rooted in love and mutual respect, offering an enduring example of commitment and care.

Elliott was a lifelong beekeeper, carrying on a proud family tradition as a third-generation apiarist. He tended to his hives with the same patience and care he showed his family, finding a deep connection to the land and the seasons through his work.

His spirit was most at home in the great outdoors. He found a unique peace in the quiet patience of fishing and the steady focus of hunting, passions that allowed him to appreciate the simple beauty of nature. His love for adventure never faded with age; to celebrate his 80th birthday, he traveled to the rugged landscapes of Alaska, a trip that reflected his lifelong zest for exploration and his enduring strength.

In his younger years, Elliott was a standout on the diamond, remembered by many as a gifted and natural baseball player. His love for sports continued throughout his life, and he remained a passionate fan of basketball, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his favorite teams or discuss the latest game with friends and family.

Elliott leaves behind a cherished legacy through his son, David Curtis, and daughters-in-law, Carole Curtis and Lois Curtis. He took immense pride in watching his family grow and celebrated the joys of his granddaughters, Emily Curtis and Jessica Byers. Greg Byers, along with many nieces and nephews whom he cherished, shares in the family's grief and remembrance of Elliott's steadfast presence.

Elliott's life was also marked by loss. He was predeceased by his dear son, Micky Curtis, and his brother, Harold Curtis, whose memories he carried with him every day.

A man of true character and integrity, Elliott formed bonds that will last beyond his years. His gentle wisdom, quiet humor, and generous spirit touched every life he encountered. He will be remembered for his unwavering support, his thoughtful guidance, and the genuine warmth he extended to everyone he met.

He tended to his hives with the same patience and care he showed his family.

As his family and friends mourn his passing, they also honor a life lived with profound dignity and grace. The memories Elliott created, from the ball field and the beehives to the Alaskan wilderness, will be treasured for generations. Elliott Elmo Curtis will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love and respect by all whose lives he enriched.