The Hendry County Sheriffs office is looking for 17-year old Maria Ramos, possibly abducted this morning in LaBelle at Calhoun Street and Bryan Avenue.

Assistance Wanted In Possible Abduction

LABELLE, FL. -- At approximately 7:05 am this morning deputies with the
Hendry County Sheriff Office received a report of a possible abduction at
Calhoun Street and Bryan Avenue.

Witnesses reported that 17-year-old Maria Ramos was walking toward the bus
stop when they saw her ex-boyfriend,19-year-old Victor Resendiz, pull up
next to her in a 1995 Honda Civic Delsol, black in color, with star rims.
Witnesses stated that he pulled up next to her and attempted to speak with
her, however, she continued walking toward the bus stop, he then got out of
his vehicle and grabbed her, forcing her into the car. Witnesses reported
that Ramos was shouting and appeared to be placed in the vehicle by force.
The vehicle was last seen headed westbound on SR 80.

It has been discovered that Resendiz also uses the name of Victor Guerro
and Victor Figueroa, date of birth, 11-06-1985, 11-06-1984 and 07-08-1978.
Suspect
Resendiz is a 19-year-old Hispanic male approximately 5'6" with
mustache.Last seen wearing yellow shirt and black pants and brown Lugz shoes

Victim Ramos is a 17 year old Hispanic female approximately 5' - 5'1" -
Requires prescription lens known to wear both glasses and contacts lens.
Last seen wearing Black shirt with the silver or gray letters JNCO, long
gray or white pants. Ears pierced once

Suspect vehicle
1995 Black Honda Civic Delsol - possible convertible - Chrome Star rims
White letters on back window - Tuner Passion - tag number J45CVH
This vehicle has currently been reported stolen as of 11:46 am
October 11, 2004

It is reported that suspect, Resendiz has just returned from Virginia and
has relatives that live there and may be returning or Tampa where Resendiz
may be employed. Resendiz has multiple arrests for DUI and giving false
name to law enforcement. Resendiz has a Florida Drivers License Number
R253-860-84-406-0, which is currently suspended

Anyone with any information please contact the Hendry County Sheriffs
Office at (863) 674-4060 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

Hendry Schools Could Receive $1M From Gambling

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County could receive an additional $1 million in
supplemental education funding as a result of Amendment 4, according to an
official estimate by the Florida School Boards Association. Amendment 4, a
statewide initiative on the Nov. 2nd ballot, would authorize
Miami-Dade and Broward counties to hold separate elections on whether to
allow slot machines at seven existing parimutuel facilities in South
Florida. If slot machines are subsequently approved by local voters, the
revenue generated from this taxed, regulated and licensed gaming could
provide at least $438 million in its first year to public education spending
statewide.

The Florida School Boards Association estimates Hendry County could receive
$1,251,545 in the first year alone. The FSBA used the FEFP (Florida's
Education Finance Plan) to estimate the
lowest amount each school district would receive if voters in Miami-Dade and
Broward Counties approve Amendment 4.

"Amendment 4 can make a significant difference for our kids," said Wayne
Blanton, Executive Director of the Florida School Boards Association. "The
money each county could receive would go a long way to improve the quality
of education for all Florida's students."

"Good schools cost money and passing Amendment 4 is a great first step
towards generating the funds our schools desperately need," said Jim Horne,
Florida's former Education Commissioner. "This money can help give children
in Hendry County the tools they need to compete in the global market. The
new revenues from Amendment 4 could provide students with their own laptop
computers, enhance teacher salaries, or fund new science labs."

The projected distribution for each of Florida's 67 counties and a full text
of the Florida School Boards study are available for viewing at the YES for
Local Control Campaign's website at www.yesforlocalcontrol.com.

Alico Shareholders Offered High Price

LABELLE, FL. -- Two Massachusetts real estate firms have bid over $50 a
share to buy out LaBelle's large agribusiness company, Alico. This would
represent about a 100% gain in stock value from only a year ago. Alico's
largest shareholder now is Atlantic Blue, controlled by three of the
sisters of Ben Hill Griffin III, the late chairman and CEO of the company.
The sisters gained control of the company from their brother after a legal
battle several years ago. Alico owns citrus and ranch land throughout the
area, and sells to developers as the Southwest Florida area expands into
housing development and commercial shopping areas. Alico has been a large
force in developing rural areas into commercial development. In Hendry
county, they have been keen on sponsoring laws to favor tax breaks for
business and development of educational facilities and the development of
the county airports.

Grapefruit Grower Expecting Higher Prices

LABELLE, FL. -- With crop damages running high throughout the state after
high winds blew fruit off trees, Hendry county grapefruit grove owners may
reap a windfall this season if prices rise. Central Florida growers have
lost about 80% of their crops due to Hurricanes Francis and Charley.
Grapefruit has been a money loser for several years statewide due to over
production and lower demand from consumers. Florida growers expected a
2004-05 crop of about 38 million boxes which was low enough to put supply
and demand back in synch. But the expected crop should be only about 13
million this season. The last time a grapefruit crop was that low was in
1937. Hendry county has about 5770 acres of grapefruit, and suffered
substantially no crop losses due to the hurricanes last month.