Lawanda Gay Tull Dies At 79

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lawanda "Wanda" Gay Tull, who left this world on December 2, 2025, at the age of 79, in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Born on March 17, 1946, in Manor, Georgia to the late Glover Lee and Marguerite Ferrell Mills, Wanda was a cherished daughter, a devoted mother, and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Wanda is survived by her son, Kenny Fullard; her daughter, Roxanne Lawson; grandchildren Daysha Clennon, Noah Lawson, Ajay Lawson, and Ky Lawson; great-grandchildren London Fussell, Mulan Leatherwood, Klover Leatherwood, and Izzy Lawson; her brother, Charles Mills; along with a host of extended family and close friends who will miss her dearly. 

Wanda dedicated her professional life to the culinary arts as a Cafeteria Baker for the Hendry County School Board, where she was known not only for her delicious creations but also for her warm smile and nurturing spirit. 

Her kindness, loyalty, and generosity touched everyone she encountered. Above all, Wanda cherished her time spent with children, especially her own, celebrating each moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring that they knew love and warmth in abundance. 

We honor Wanda’s legacy, celebrating a life filled with love and dedication to family. A private ceremony will be held to remember her glorious life and contributions to those she loved. In these moments of mourning, we express our deepest condolences to all who knew Wanda. She leaves a lasting impression on our hearts, one filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. May she rest in peace.

Bridge Closed In LaBelle Thursday - Delays In Opening Times

Unscheduled Bridge Closure On State Road (S.R.) 29 LaBelle Drawbridge

LABELLE, Fla. – The LaBelle drawbridge on State Road (S.R. 29) Bridge Street will be closed for repair beginning tonight at 7:00 p.m., and continuing through 10:30 a.m., December 11, 2025.

During this period, crews will be performing repairs to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the bridge. The recommended detour during the bridge closure directs motorists on State Road 80 to use U.S. 27 and State Road 78. Drivers already traveling south on U.S. 27 may continue to State Road 80. Although the detour is lengthy—approximately 53 miles—it is necessary.

FDOT appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as this repair work is performed.

UPDATE:  The LaBelle drawbridge on State Road (S.R.) 29 at Bridge Street will remain closed until later this afternoon, Thursday, December 11, 2025, as crews work to complete ongoing maintenance activities. FDOT maintenance contractor crews have been performing work to ensure the proper operation of the bridge. Overnight delays extended the duration of these activities, and the bridge must remain closed until crews can finish. According to on-site crews, the work remains on target for completion, and the bridge is expected to reopen at approximately 1 p.m. The reopening time is subject to change based on field conditions.

UPDATE: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) remains committed to the safety of the traveling public and the integrity of our infrastructure. On Wednesday, December 10, construction crews performed maintenance work on the LaBelle Drawbridge. During that maintenance, an area of concern was found on a plate. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety, all traffic was stopped to perform a full inspection. That inspection confirmed that the area of concern was limited to that single plate.

On-site crews are now estimating that the bridge will be opened by 4:00 p.m.

Public safety is our top priority. We also recognize the importance of timely communication and will continue to provide any necessary updates so that drivers can make informed travel decisions.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work diligently to enhance the safety and resilience of the LaBelle Drawbridge.

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For real-time traffic updates, visit https://fl511.com/.

Hendry Tourist Council Meeting December 11

HENDRY COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Tourist Development Council will hold a meeting on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm, in LaBelle at the Hendry County Administrative Building. The meeting
 is open to the public.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.  Please note that matters may be discussed at the meeting which are not on the prepared agenda for the meeting.

If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Tourist Development Council at (863) 612-4781; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or e-mail breana.marceau@hendryfla.net

Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.



Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un esta reunion, por

favor pongase en contacto con Audelia Bustamante al (863) 675-5352.

Obituary - Amaya Lynn Pequeno

We are sadden to announce that our little baby girl Amaya Lynn Pequeno, went home to be with Jesus on December 2, 2025. Amaya Lynn was born on November 17, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida.

Amaya is survived by her loving parents; Natilyn Pequeno and Jordan Luster, maternal grandparents; David and Christy Pequeno, aunts, Alexandra Pequeno, Miranda Pequeno and her companion Jack, Gabriela Pequeno all of LaBelle, great grandmother, Lisa Blakey, great grandmother, Teresa Pequeno, Cousins, Amari, Alani, Arabella and Josiah.

Lille Amaya Lynn was greeted in Heaven by her great grandpa, Donald E. Blakey, Jr, Great-Great Grandmother, Christine White, Great Grandpa; David A. Pequeno, and Great-Great Grandmother, Antonia A. Pequeno.

The Holidays - Gambling Related Gifts For Minors

The holidays are here again, and for problem gamblers, this season can bring added stress—especially when money is already tight for food, family, and gifts. With the rising cost of everything from groceries to gas, it’s even more challenging to make ends meet. Each December, we join the Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with gifting lottery tickets and other gambling-related gifts to minors.

This year, our tagline is Gifting Lottery Tickets is Gambling with Their Future. This initiative is part of the National Safe Toys and Gift Awareness Month and aims to educate about the dangers of gifting lottery tickets to youth. The Gift Responsibly Campaign was founded in the early 2000s by the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. In Florida, the minimum legal gambling age—including for lottery tickets and scratch-offs—is 18, and it’s 21 for slot machines, casino games, and sports betting. So, when choosing an inexpensive and easy gift for someone under 18, remember there are plenty of other great options available.

Today’s youth face growing risks when it comes to gambling, influenced by peer pressure, social media, and the increasing visibility of sports betting. Many of these advertisements are aimed at younger audiences, and research shows that those who begin gambling early are much more likely to develop serious gambling problems later in life.
Join the Movement

By embracing responsible gifting, you’re helping ensure that every child’s holiday is filled with joy, not risk. Share this message with friends and family, and help spread awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #GiftResponsibly.

Visit the Gift Responsibly Campaign Landing Page to download our free Gift Responsibly Campaign social media graphic and Responsible Gifting Guide, which includes the facts about underage gambling and safe, meaningful alternatives for holiday giving.

The Risk Goes Beyond Youth

During the holidays, many of us attend parties with friends or coworkers that include Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchanges. While lottery scratch-offs might seem like a fun and easy anonymous gift, they can be harmful to someone struggling with gambling. You may not even realize that someone in your circle is dealing with this hidden addiction. For those battling gambling problems, alcohol problems, and even both at the same time, the stress of the season can push them to their breaking point — and that one lottery ticket or that one drink could have devastating consequences.
This Season Takes a Toll on Mental Health

Mental health challenges are increasing across all age groups, driven by financial strain, relationship difficulties, unemployment, rising living costs, and the influence of social media. For many, the pressure intensifies during the holidays and throughout the winter months. As the days grow darker and colder, people often socialize less, leading to loneliness and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These factors can contribute to depression, increased gambling, and even thoughts of suicide.

If you find you are feeling this way because of your gambling or that of a loved one, please don’t hesitate to call or text the Florida Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT, where you are NEVER alone. Specialists are standing by 24/7 to provide confidential, multilingual, and personalized support – even during the holidays. If needed, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached by calling or texting 988.