Consumer Alert - Diamond Equity Investments

 LABELLE, FL. -- Diamond Equity Investments with a mailing address of 3030 N. Rocky Point Dr. W, Suite 150 is mailing out fancy brochures and letters offering to buy real estate under a "Neighborhood Beautification" scheme. Diamond Equity says they "fund the purchase and renovations of houses throughout Florida" to "Make Your Neighborhood Even Better!!"

The brochure asks for referrals of addresses and names and an exterior photo of homes so Diamond Equity can contact the owners to make an offer.

But, in reality Diamond is just one of hundreds of non-local companies offering to buy real estate at bargain basement prices, well under the market value. They usually do not end up with the property but flip it or the sales contract to others at a markup.

Typical of such companies, they operate out of a "virtual office" address. Just a mail drop, in this case a virtual office center that advertises itself saying, "Give Your Business the Professional Image it Deserves. Use a virtual business address to receive your mail and packages, register your company, and utilize for marketing purposes."

A search of the Florida Secretary of State records found no company registered with that name or the name of the "Founder and CEO" Dan Breslin." It appears they may be operating in other states, and failed to register to do business in Florida, which would lead to some issues if customers have complaints and no legal Florida address to go to take to court. The BBB indicates offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia area, and Chicago.

Their literature indicates a BBB rating of A+ which is true. But a look at the reviews and complaints may give a better indication of what to beware of. BBB Reviews

Customers have said, "Worst experience ever" and "Predatory Thieves."

ADVICE: Don't be fooled by fancy looking mailings and offers that seem to good to be true. Watch out for non-local companies that will promise quick sales, market prices with no commissions.

Charles Calvin Croyl Dies At 89

Charles Calvin "Chuck" Croyl(e), Sr., age 89, passed away on March 28, 2026 at HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Charles was born on March 11, 1937, in Bedford, Pennsylvania to the late Frank, Sr and Ann Day Croyl. 

He was married to his loving wife, Shirley Imler, for over 60 years before she preceded him in death on May 16, 2022. 

 Chuck drove a stunt car for "The Joie Chitwood Thrill Show", as he loved to race cars and competed in demolition derbies, playing his guitar, driving and working on semi trucks and fishing on the weekends. 

He was a the cable yard manager for many years for Mastec. He was life-time member of the Improved Order of Redman Organization. He loved his family and worked all his life for them. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He will be forever missed by his family and all who was blessed to know him.

Chuck leaves fond memories with his loving children; Charles Croyl, Jr of Everett, PA, Rhonda Lippincott (Stanley) of LaBelle, FL, Jayme (Brandon) Leitzel of LaBelle, FL. "Super Pap" as he was known by his thirty-four grandchildren and four great grandchildren also will dearly miss him, along with his brothers, Robert, Ralph and James.

Chuck was also preceded in death by his three brothers, John, Jacob and Frank, three sisters, Anne, Ruch and Dorothy.

Celebration of Chuck's life will be held April 19, 2026 at the home of his daughter, Rhonda Lippincott located at 1493 Pollywog Drive in LaBelle from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cremation rites for Chuck was entrusted with Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle Chapel.

Nan Nell Clark Crosby Dies At 81

Nan Nell Clark Crosby, 81, passed away Monday March 30, 2026. Nan, daughter of James Ward and Mildred “Mickey” Clark, was born and raised in Clewiston Florida. 

Nan graduated from Clewiston High School in 1962 and went on to get an Associate’s Degree in business from Palm Beach Community College. 

Nan was married to Ronald Eugene Crosby for 37 years prior to his death in 2006. She traveled the world with her soldier husband, but returned back to Clewiston when he retired. Nan enjoyed spending time on the beach and reading her books. 

Nan was proceeded in death by her three brothers, Gary Clark, Mark Clark and Jay Clark and her step son Jerry Crosby. Nan is survived by her Daughter Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Griffin, Son Ronald Eugene Crosby II, and stepson Jeffrey Crosby, her grandchildren, Nancy Peeno (Cliff), Sera Aul (Corey), Jake Griffin, Wyatt Crosby and Heath Crosby, as well as great grandchildren, Cayson Holman, Hadlee Griffin, Kenley Roberts, Dennis Griffin and Mackynzie Peeno. She is also remembered lovingly by her cousins, nieces and nephews.

Nan was the anchor of her family and will be sorely missed. She is at peace and reunited with her family who preceded her in death that she has missed dearly.

Services will be held Saturday April 4, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Moore Haven.

Veteran Hendry Jail Officer Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges

HENDRY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ARRESTED ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES

LABELLE, FL. -- During the evening hours of March 31, 2026, 50-year-old Susan Kelly, Hendry County Correctional Officer, was arrested on Dometic Violence charges.

Deputies responded to the home of Kelly after receiving a 911 call from the victim. According to reports, Kelly and became involved in a verbal confrontation with the victim when it escalated to physical altercation.

Upon the arrival of deputies and after speaking with the victim it was found that Kelly was armed with a firearm which she had placed in the small of her back. She then armed herself with a screwdriver and reportedly attempted to stab the victim. It was at this time injuries were sustained to the victim’s hand.

Deputies on scene obtained custody of the firearm. Kelly was then taken into custody and charged with Battery, (Domestic Violence), Aggravated Battery (Domestic Violence) and Possession or Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Correctional Deputy Susan Kelly has been placed on Administrative Leave at this time. Kelly was released on $22,500.00 bond.

Kelly has been employed with the Hendry Sheriff’s Office for 17 years; she has been assigned as a Hendry Correctional Deputy for 8 ½ years.

Confusion Alert: New Rules For SNAP Foods Allowable In Florida

Beginning April 20, 2026, soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts will no longer be available for purchase with SNAP benefits in Florida.

The new rules will seemingly confuse consumers and make some wonder why certain foods like breakfast bars, pastries, and fresh bakery items are allowed, although very high in sugar, fat, and salt, while sodas, candies, trail mix, and packaged sweets are not.

Florida made this change to better align SNAP with its intended purpose: providing low-income households access to a more nutritious diet to help alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition. By excluding soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts, the state is taking a proactive step to ensure SNAP benefits are used for more nourishing foods.

Florida officials say they are committed to promoting the health and well-being of families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Florida has received federal approval to implement Florida’s SNAP changes to promote healthy food.

They say starting on April 20, 2026, SNAP benefits will no longer be used to buy certain foods that offer little to no nutritional value. SNAP benefits can continue to be used to purchase the same healthy, nutrient-rich foods they always have, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, and other staples that support a balanced diet and overall well-being.

Not Allowed - Sweetened Carbonated Drinks

"Soda" refers to beverages made with carbonated water that are sweetened with added sugars or artificial sweeteners. 

Allowed - Non Sweetened Drinks with exceptions

SNAP benefits can still be used to purchase sports drinks like Gatorade® and Powerade®, plain or naturally flavored sparkling waters such as LaCroix®, Waterloo®, Polar®, and Bubly®, or drinks that contain more than 50% juice or have less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving.

Coffee, tea, and sports drinks like Gatorade® or Powerade® are not considered energy drinks and can still be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Not Allowed

"Candy" includes products made from sugar or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, caramel, gummies, and hard candies or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Trail mix containing candy, as defined above, is considered candy and is not an allowable purchase.

Allowed - High Carbohydrate Sweetened Packaged Pastry (Surprise for those with sweet tooth)

Granola bars, breakfast toaster strudels, breakfast biscuits like BelVita, and breakfast toaster pastries like Pop-Tarts® can still be purchased with SNAP benefits, even when they contain sweeteners or chocolate.

Not Allowed - Caffeine Energy Drinks, Prepared Sweet Foods (We are guessing packaged cake, cookies and donuts)

"Energy drinks" are drinks that contain 65 milligrams or more of caffeine per 8 ounces and are marketed to boost energy or alertness. Examples include Monster™, Red Bull™, Celsius™, 5-Hour Energy®, C4 Energy®. This also includes store brand varieties of energy drinks.

"Ultra-processed prepared desserts" means a processed, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, pre-packaged sweet food intended for immediate consumption without any further preparation.

Allowed - Fresh Baked Goods - Breads, Donuts?

Freshly prepared baked goods can still be purchased with SNAP benefits.

For more information visit https://healthysnap.myflfamilies.com/recipient/index.html

Florida WildQuest April 25 - Wildlife Scavenger Hunt

Florida WildQuest returns April 25: Join a statewide scavenger hunt on Florida’s WMAs

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites Florida residents and visitors of all ages to join Florida WildQuest, a statewide scavenger hunt experience on Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas April 25-May 3. Learn more and find a nearby WMA at FloridaWildQuest.com.

Using the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app, participants will complete fun missions, such as photo, video and prompt-based challenges, while exploring Florida’s public conservation lands and discovering some of the state’s best places to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

In addition to your fully-charged cell phone and a sense of adventure, we recommend bringing sun protection, bug spray, a recreation or trail guide, snacks and plenty of water with you. WildQuest is free to play, but some WMAs require a daily-use permit fee so check site details in advance. Cell service can be unreliable on portions of some WMAs. Participants can take photos and videos with their phone camera and upload them to the GooseChase app later.

How to play:

Download the GooseChase app and create an account.
Enter the WildQuest game code EBN6F2 to register and receive updates.
From April 25-May 3, visit Florida WMAs and complete missions!

How to win:

Participants are eligible for a prize drawing by completing 10 missions during the event and completing a short survey (the final mission in WildQuest).
Winners will be selected at random on May 12 at 10 a.m. EDT.
All missions must be submitted by midnight on May 3.

No purchase is necessary. Prizes have been purchased by the FWC and are awarded in accordance with Section 849.0935, Florida Statutes.

Earth Day At Big Cypress Seminole Reservations

BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, Fla. – The annual “Earth Day the Native Way” celebration will feature two free, family-friendly events on Tuesday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seminole Okalee Indian Village in Hollywood, Fla., and Thursday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation in Clewiston, Fla.

“Earth Day the Native Way” offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous culture firsthand while learning about sustainable practices and the deep connection between Native communities and the environment.

These free, family-friendly events honor nature and Indigenous heritage through immersive cultural performances, traditional crafts, and local vendors.

Attendees will enjoy gardening workshops with Tree Amigos Growers, beekeeping with Alonso Apiaries, and Erika Tommie’s dreamcatcher workshops. Guests can also savor Seminole frybread while experiencing unique artist soundscapes and non-profit educational activities.

On April 14 at the Seminole Okalee Indian Village, attendees can witness the Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization’s vibrant Aztec dancing and history workshops.

Both locations will feature Polynesian Proud hula dancing, Pharoah’s Wildlife Kingdom, Go Native Now, Tony Duncan Productions, and legendary ambassador Billy Walker, who will lead the unifying Friendship Dance and a Swamp Cabbage demonstration.

On April 16, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will also offer free admission for self-guided tours, allowing guests to further explore the richness of Seminole culture and environmental stewardship.

Teachers and school groups are encouraged to attend and can RSVP in advance by contacting Education Coordinator Abena Robinson at abenarobinson@semtribe.com.

For more information, please visit https://www.ahtahthiki.com/earthday/ or call (863) 902-1113.