Gary "Wren" Herring Dies At 63

In Loving Memory of Gary “Wren” Herring June 29, 1962 – July 1, 2025

Wren Herring rode his heavenly Harley-Davidson into the sunset on July 1, 2025, leaving behind a trail of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his three children.

Wren was mischievous, sarcastic, and endlessly generous. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back for a friend - and he had quite a few. Throughout his life and career, Wren worked in many places, making fast friends wherever he landed. He was always up for a laugh, a good time, and a chance to ride his motorcycle. He loved hard, and his family was his world.

He is survived by his loving family: His mother, Ona Lee Herring; His sister, Belinda Griffin (John); His children, Christopher Herring (Deborah), Gary Herring (Brittany), and Brandi DeSanti; His brother from another mother, John “Trip” Whidden, III (Brenda); His beloved grandchildren: Kamyrin, Alaina, and Case.

A traditional funeral was not Wren’s style, so instead, we will be having a BBQ to celebrate his life July 12, 2025 at the Elk’s Lodge Pasture located at 1100 S. Francisco St., Clewiston, FL 33440 from 2pm to 8pm

Port LaBelle Inn Closed - Large Residential Treatment Center Proposed?

PORT LABELLE, FL. -- The Port LaBelle Inn, owned by SMH Properties (Saint Mathews House) in Naples has closed the facility, saying it's going to be remodeled this summer. It was announced that "The Port LaBelle Inn is currently closed for renovations and not accepting new reservations." The desk clerk said they are going to take it down to "bare walls" for a complete remodel this summer. This appears to be not quite true.

The facility has been used as a combination motel and drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for a number of years. All the drug and alcohol treatment clients have now been moved out of the 3rd floor, and the 2nd floor rooms are no longer being offered as motel rooms to the public. 

According to the Hendry County building department, a rezoning was applied for on September 20, 2024 for a "PUD to allow for residential care facility." Additionally a Hendry County Comprehensive Plan Amendment was applied for to change the facility to a large "multi-use development."

Glades County's Community Development Director Susan BuChans confirmed an application was made in Glades as well, but has failed to respond to a request for more information.

Past records indicate on October 21, 2013 previous owners made an application for a special exception for institutional use, and denied on February 7, 2014.

Before that a Comprehensive Plan Amendment was applied for on March 29, 2007 and later withdrawn on October 10, 2008. 

UPDATE July 15, 2025: Both Hendry County and Glades County have received applications for Comp Plan Amendments, but neither county's officials have responded to a request for further information about what is being requested by SMH Properties

Photo credit: Don Browne

Why Do Canadians Celebrate The 1st Of July?

 

Canada Day is a national holiday in Canada, celebrated on July 1st, marking the anniversary of the British North America Act of 1867. 

This act led to the formation of the country of Canada from four British colonies. Formerly known as Dominion Day, the holiday was renamed Canada Day in 1982 when Canada gained full independence from Great Britain. 

Canadians celebrate with parades, fireworks, concerts, and other festivities.

Video Courtesy: YouTube.com/Brittlestar and Stewart Reynolds

Hendry Sheriff Arrests This Week

ARREST BLOTTER


06/23/2025 – 06/29/2025

Felony / DUI Arrest

Dillon Thomas Harrington, 26, Moore Haven, was arrested on June 23, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff R. Flores, Jr., on charges of Felony Violation of Probation

Min Su Sorn, 56, LaBelle was arrested on June 24, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff G. Sosa on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Joel Adam Hendry, 35, Moore Haven was arrested on June 24, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff C. Davis on charges of Intimidation – Written Threat to Commit Bodily Injury, Intimidation – Threat with Death/Serious Bodily Injury LEO, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Aggravated Stalking and Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill

Amanda Starr Gutierrez, 49, LaBelle was arrested on June 25, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff M. Frazier on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Equipment

Raymond Luis Avil, 59, Clewiston as arrested on June 25, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff H. Carranza on charges of Felony Failure to Appear

Johnnie Johnson, 49, Citra, Fl was arrested on June 25, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff M. Huapilla on charges of Felony Criminal Mischief

Max Alan Dye, 37, LaBelle was arrested on June 26, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff A. Bell on charges of Flee & Eluding LEO, Reckless Driver, Failure to Register Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked

Maurico Perez, 47, Clewiston was arrested on June 27, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff K. Melgoza on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender

Zachary Leekirk Williams, 42, Clewiston was arrested on June 27, 2025, by Det. D. McNeil on the following charges: 2 counts of Possession of Ammunition by Florida Convicted Felon, 2 counts of Destruction/Concealment of Evidence, Obstruction of Search Warrant, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Sale of Marijuana, 2 counts of Possession of Controlled Substance without a Prescription, 2 counts of Sale of Controlled Substance within 1000’ of Designated Area, 2 counts of Saled Of Methamphetamine within 1000’ of Place of Worship, Use of 2-way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Sale/Deliver of Schedule I or II Narcotic

Christa Lynn Carmona, 49, Alva was born June 27, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo for Out of County Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Max Alan Dye, 37, LaBelle was arrested on June 27, 2025, by Cpl. D. Reaves on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Burglary Tools with Intent to Use

William Scott Tiet Jen, 62, Lehigh Acres was arrested on June 27, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff B. Dibernardino on charges of DUI

Martin LaShawn Williams, 40, Lehigh Acres was arrested on June 28, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff A. McCarty on charges of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Deliver Controlled Substance within 1000’ of Park, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell and Deliver/Distribute Drugs within a Park

16-year-old male, Moore Haven, was arrested on June 28, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Minor, No Valid DL and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Jakob Jovanni Melendez, 23, Clewiston as arrested on June 28, 2025, by Deputy Sheriff O. Gonzalez on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription

Hendry County Office Closures Mixed For Holiday

Hendry County Government Office Closures for Independence Day Holiday

(July 1, 2025) – LaBelle, Fla. – Most Hendry County government offices will be closed Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday with the exception of the following:

· The Hendry County Clerk of Court’s office will be open Thursday, July 3 and will be closed on Friday, July 4.

All offices will resume regular hours on Monday, July 7.

There will be no waste or recycling pick-up on Friday, July 4. Residents whose regular waste pick up day occurs on Friday will be picked up on Saturday, July 5.

The LaBelle and Clewiston Transfer Stations will be closed on Friday, July 4.