Samuel Willie Mitchell knew the value of a hard day's work and the simple joy of a life well-lived. Born in Cragford, Alabama, on June 8, 1938, Samuel carried the lessons of his upbringing throughout his life. He often spoke to his family about the old days, reflecting on the challenges of his youth with the perspective of a man who had truly seen it all.
He was a person who did not tolerate excuses. His philosophy was simple and uncompromising, a phrase he repeated often to encourage those around him: "I don't want to hear the word can't, because can't never could do nothing."
For twenty-six years, Samuel applied that grit to his work at Mitchell's Septic Service. He was a self-employed businessman, a provider who took pride in his trade until he retired in 2009. When he wasn't working, you could usually find him outdoors. He loved the quiet focus of fishing and hunting, or the communal joy of camping at River Ranch. Above all, he cherished time spent with his friends and family.
His greatest legacy is his seventy-year marriage to his wife, Johnnie Clarice Bell. They built a life together in Clewiston, Florida, rooted in generosity and deep faith. As a devoted Baptist, Samuel found strength in his belief in the resurrection, and he was known to everyone who knew him as a truly generous soul.
He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories forward: his children, Paul Mitchell of Clewiston, Ronnie Mitchell of Clewiston, and Tammie Mitchell Green of Clewiston; his sister, Diane Byars; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is gone, but the lessons he taught about hard work, faith, and the refusal to let "can't" stop progress will remain with those who loved him.
Friday, September 11, 2026
LaBelle Dog Park Closed For Maintenance
Hendry LaBelle Dog Park Closed for Maintenance
(September 11, 2026) – Please be advised that the Hendry LaBelle Dog Park is currently closed while crews perform maintenance.
Additional notice will be provided when the park is reopened to the public.
Residents with questions regarding the park are asked to call Hendry-LaBelle Recreation at 863-675-5347.
(September 11, 2026) – Please be advised that the Hendry LaBelle Dog Park is currently closed while crews perform maintenance.
Additional notice will be provided when the park is reopened to the public.
Residents with questions regarding the park are asked to call Hendry-LaBelle Recreation at 863-675-5347.
FCC Threatens Kimmel - Talarico Hits Hard On Opponent
Jimmy Kimmel Forced to Move James Talarico Interview to YouTube Following FCC Threats
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing war between late-night television and federal regulators, Jimmy Kimmel bypassed traditional broadcast airwaves on Thursday night, moving his high-profile interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico exclusively to YouTube.
During the interview Talarico pointed out apparent corruption by his political opponent.
The unprecedented decision, announced during Wednesday's monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, comes amid what Kimmel described as direct regulatory pressure and censorship threats from President Donald Trump’s administration and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Kimmel pulled the interview from ABC's televised lineup to shield local broadcast affiliates, particularly those in the politically volatile state of Texas, from potential federal retaliation.
Kimmel pulled the interview from ABC's televised lineup to shield local broadcast affiliates, particularly those in the politically volatile state of Texas, from potential federal retaliation.
Kimmel highlighted a shift in policy, noting that while he has interviewed political figures from all parties for over two decades, the current administration's FCC has issued threats over traditional editorial decisions.
By moving the segment to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube Channel, the show avoided FCC jurisdiction, which does not cover internet streaming.
This friction stems from FCC enforcement under Chairman Brendan Carr regarding strict "equal time" political regulations, creating a chilling effect that previously affected The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as well. The conflict has led to local station boycotts and a lawsuit by Disney against the FCC. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle rejected Kimmel's assertions as a false narrative.
During the digital broadcast, Talarico, running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, argued that the broadcast restriction attempts to suppress his campaign against a corrupt political system. Talarico criticized the blockade as dangerous political censorship and used the platform to focus on economic issues like the cost of living.
This friction stems from FCC enforcement under Chairman Brendan Carr regarding strict "equal time" political regulations, creating a chilling effect that previously affected The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as well. The conflict has led to local station boycotts and a lawsuit by Disney against the FCC. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle rejected Kimmel's assertions as a false narrative.
During the digital broadcast, Talarico, running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, argued that the broadcast restriction attempts to suppress his campaign against a corrupt political system. Talarico criticized the blockade as dangerous political censorship and used the platform to focus on economic issues like the cost of living.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Delia Herrera Martinez Dies At 68
Delia Herrera Martinez was a woman of singular purpose and profound heart. Born on February 28, 1958, she walked through this life leaving the imprint of her care upon everything she touched.
Her legacy is written in the meticulous details she poured into her home and her family. Delia was a woman of strength, holding a will as steady as her devotion. She loved deeply and without reservation, and she carried a steadfast belief in God that guided her path. For forty-nine years, she walked alongside her husband, Gumaro Martinez Sr., building a life in Clewiston that was centered entirely on the people she held most dear.
She leaves behind a family that carries the echoes of her love. She is survived by her husband, Gumaro Martinez Sr., and her sons, Greg Martinez and Gumaro Martinez Jr., along with her daughters-in-law, Melisa Martinez and Marisela Martinez. She found her greatest joy in her seven grandchildren, Greg, Izac, Third, Goel, Gelisa, Gisela, and Israel.
Her memory remains cherished by her brother, Domingo Herrera, and her sisters, Olga Garcia, Melida Lopez, Corina Rodriguez, and Angelita Gomez. She has now been reunited with her sister, Juana Hernandez, who preceded her in death.
May she rest in the peace of the Lord, knowing her life was a testament to love and faithful service.
Her legacy is written in the meticulous details she poured into her home and her family. Delia was a woman of strength, holding a will as steady as her devotion. She loved deeply and without reservation, and she carried a steadfast belief in God that guided her path. For forty-nine years, she walked alongside her husband, Gumaro Martinez Sr., building a life in Clewiston that was centered entirely on the people she held most dear.
She leaves behind a family that carries the echoes of her love. She is survived by her husband, Gumaro Martinez Sr., and her sons, Greg Martinez and Gumaro Martinez Jr., along with her daughters-in-law, Melisa Martinez and Marisela Martinez. She found her greatest joy in her seven grandchildren, Greg, Izac, Third, Goel, Gelisa, Gisela, and Israel.
Her memory remains cherished by her brother, Domingo Herrera, and her sisters, Olga Garcia, Melida Lopez, Corina Rodriguez, and Angelita Gomez. She has now been reunited with her sister, Juana Hernandez, who preceded her in death.
May she rest in the peace of the Lord, knowing her life was a testament to love and faithful service.
A Lodge Called Folkestone by Bob Kranich
The Dream, The Challenge, The People
by Bob Kranich
(Excerpt 27)
Now we’re off to England, Wales, and Scotland with my good army buddy, Ed Clement.
England, Wales, and Scotland
When June arrived, we drove across country from Rochester to Chicago. We left our vehicle at Ed’s dad’s car lot, and had his brother drop us four off at the Chicago O'Hara airport. It was a non-stop flight to Frankfort, Germany. We arrived at the airport and unloaded. We were sent to an elevator, and when the elevator door opened, they threw our luggage out. No fancy carousels like today. After going through customs, we went and exchanged American dollars for German money.
Regarding our luggage, we were traveling very light. We each had sleeping bags which had shoulder straps attached to the stuff sacks. These were wore on our shoulders like backpacks. There were four small pannier saddle bags, one for each of us which had handles. In addition, we also had brought two small backpack tents.
We found a bus, and got on it heading towards the main downtown of Frankfurt. Ed wanted to find a motorcycle shop so he could initiate his plan to buy some motorbikes. He wanted to travel on the Rhine River bike path. If we could find motorbikes with small enough engines, we would be allowed to ride both without required driver’s licenses, and on the bike path.
While we were driving on the bus, Ed said that we needed to get directions to a motorcycle shop. None of us could speak German, and Irene who was fluent in Spanish, found a man who could speak Spanish and German. This man found a German person who knew where we would find a motorcycle shop. The German man told Irene in Spanish who translated to us in English. What an international event!
The bike path along the Rhine River was great, and what beautiful scenery with castles along the sides, and even on islands in the center of the river. Those on the islands were castles built by river barons in ancient history. They charged a fee for boats going both ways on the river. If you didn’t pay, you didn’t pass.
We stayed at “pensions”, which is another name for bed and breakfasts, every evening. We had to be careful on the roads because of the slower speed of the motorbikes. In France, we came upon the remains of Second World War military bunkers along the side of the road. We finally made it to Calais. We bought our tickets, and loaded both us and our motorbikes on the ferry.
The Channel crossing was memorable. It was so impressive when we viewed looming up ahead, the white chalk Cliffs of Dover. Back on the road, we were in dangerous company. The road was a main artery, and next to the big trucks and the speeding cars, we were incremental nothings.
When we got to London, Irene and I decided that we wanted to tour the entire United Kingdom, and it would take a car. We found a car lot, and for $300 dollars American money, a Scottish salesman sold us a Morris Mini. We then left our motorbikes with Ed’s wife’s parents. That evening we took a bus to the car lot and picked up our vehicle.
We got the car in the evening because in England you drive on the left side of the road, and we wanted to practice without much traffic around. Talk about a shock. Every time you make a turn, you must end up on the left side. One side note is that when you are a pedestrian, you must be very careful to look both ways before crossing, or just stepping out. You might look the wrong way first. We got our practice in, and the next day headed out on our tour of England, Wales, and Scotland.
We had about 6 weeks, and we were to meet Ed and his wife at her brother’s house in Edinburgh, Scotland.
We started stopping at every castle. I found it so interesting. I am of the age of Prince Valiant in the newspaper comics. However, there are so many castles in England that we finally had to just pass them by, do other things, and get on with our travels and adventures. You might say, we were castled out!
In England, we stayed at bed and breakfast locations. Occasionally, we visited state or government parks, and put up the small backpack tent I had brought. Since we had thought Ed’s wife was going to be our tour guide, we had not done any prior research on places to visit. But now we were on our own, and had to rely on brochures and any map we might find as we traveled about. That is how we stumbled upon “Hadrian’s Wall.”
Just before we got into Wales, which is across the border from England, we came upon the Wall. It seems that the Romans could not subdue the wild Scottish clansmen, so they built a wall at a narrow place between the North Sea and the Irish Sea. Hadrian’s Wall was begun in 122 AD, built under the guidance of three Roman legions. It took about six years to complete the basic wall. The wall was composed of a stone base and wall filled with earth. The wall measured from eight to ten feet wide, and from eleven to twenty feet high. There were observation turrets and forts scattered along the wall. Many of the forts had cavalry that could move quickly to other locations as needed. Today, many places are reconstructed and preserved. There is a hiking path for tourists.
We then went into Wales. One day we were traveling on a road that had a great view down into some grazing fields. We stopped to look. Below us, we saw three horsemen. They were giving commands by whistling to black and white Welsh sheepdogs, who in turn were herding a large flock of sheep. It was fascinating to watch.
From the Author:
“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.
Aerial Mosquito Flights Start September 11 In Wheeler Estates
LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County will be conducting aerial adult mosquito control operations over the Wheeler Estates community Friday, September 11th, 2026, weather permitting, through Tuesday, September 15th, 2026.
These operations will continue throughout the remainder of the year as mosquito levels warrant. The insecticide to treat for adult mosquitoes is approved for application by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida.
This operation will be conducted by Clarke.
These operations will continue throughout the remainder of the year as mosquito levels warrant. The insecticide to treat for adult mosquitoes is approved for application by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida.
This operation will be conducted by Clarke.
Wednesday, September 09, 2026
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:
Summary
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]
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
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
[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
Tuesday, September 08, 2026
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
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
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 06, 2026
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.
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.
Saturday, September 05, 2026
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.
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.
Friday, September 04, 2026
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.
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.
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.
Criminal Charges: The offense is a third-degree felony. It carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 02, 2026
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.
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.
Monday, August 31, 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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
(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.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
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.
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.
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