Miami Man Arrested In LaBelle

MIAMI MAN ARRESTED ON NARCOTIC CHARGES

On Saturday, July 3, 2021 at approximately 2:30pm, Hendry County K-9 Deputy, M. Afonso, observed a blue in color BMW traveling at an excessive speed as it entered the City of LaBelle. The deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hickpochee and N. Elm Street.

The driver was identified as 23 year old Jose Luis Alvarez Chavez of Miami. While speaking with Alvarez Chavez and the passenger it was discovered that the driver’s license had been suspended since December of 2019; the driver was then placed under arrest.

While speaking with the driver and passenger, a strong odor of marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted, deputies located approximately half pound of marijuana, and Xanex and D-Amphetamine sale pills. Additionally deputies located a firearm and approximately $10,200.00 in cash.

Alvarez Chavez was taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail on charges of two(2) counts of Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Possession of Marijuana with intent to Sell, Mfg or Deliver, Actual Constructive Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Driving While Licensed Suspended and/or Revoked.

Alvarez Chavez was released on July 4, 2021 on $26,000.00 bond.

Clewiston Man Arrested On Drug Charges

CLEWISTON MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES

On Saturday, July 3, 2021, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 813 E. El Paso Ave., in Clewiston.

Upon executing the search warrant deputies made contact with 36 year old Juan Carlos Rico, who was the sole occupant of the residence.

An initial interview revealed that he did have marijuana in the residence and had a Marijuana medical card, but had never had marijuana prescribed to him. Rico admitted to deputies that he was a meth addict and revealed a glass pipe that he used for meth.

The search of the residence revealed numerous related items that would be consistent with not only the use of illegal narcotics, but also equipment and documentation in the sale and trafficking of narcotics.

Rico was taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail on charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance w/o a Prescription, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Equipment.

Hendry County Offices Closed Tuesday Afternoon

LABELLE, FL. -- Please be advised that, due to the threat of inclement weather from Tropical Storm Elsa, Hendry County government offices will be closed beginning at 1pm on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

Offices are expected to resume normal business hours on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

Additional information regarding closures will be sent out if necessary.

Electric Out For Several Hours In Port LaBelle - Vehicle Crash Cause?

LABELLE, FL. -- The electric has gone out several times Monday for several hours total. It may be the result of someone hitting a light pole on Birchwood Parkway north of SR80. The pole is down and the spot where the pole was is full of water.

This location has been the site of many pole and tree vs. vehicle crashes in the last few years. We suspect the curve on Birchwood, when vehicles cross SR80 or turn from SR80. is unexpected when drivers are distracted or under the influence. 

Traveling either on SR80 or Birchwood south of 80 is a straight stretch of road for miles. Turning on to Birchwood north of 80, if traveling over the Birchwood mph speed limit, one may be surprised by the 45 degree turn suddenly appearing before the driver. There are no warning signs of the curve, only the 25 mph speed limit sign. Lots of trees and light poles are in the median just waiting for the wayward driver.

See lots of previous crash stories in this Birchwood area

Glades County Signs Local State of Emergency For Hurricane Elsa

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades County BOCC met this afternoon at 2:30pm to sign a Local State of Emergency in response to Hurricane Elsa. Earlier this morning the National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Elsa to hurricane status. At this time Glades County could receive tropical storm force winds Monday morning (7/05/2021).

Glades County Emergency Management will be monitoring the progress of the storm throughout the holiday weekend. The Emergency Operation Center is at a Level 2- Partial Activation.

All Glades County Government Offices will be closed July 5th, 2021 in observance of Independence Day.

Sandbags are available for pick up at the Emergency Operation Center (1097 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL 33471).