17 Foot Python Caught In Okeechobee

207 Pound Giant Snake Killed

OKEECHOBEE, FL. -- A 17-foot-2-inch Burmese python was caught and destroyed on private property of an animal hospital in Okeechobee County Thursday afternoon. The male snake weighed 207 pounds, and measured 26 inches in diameter. Its stomach contents were examined, but nothing identifiable was found inside.

Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scanned the python but did not find a microchip. As a Reptile of Concern, Burmese pythons must be licensed by FWC's Captive Wildlife Section and implanted with a microchip to be kept as a pet.

FWC worked with the Florida Legislature and the reptile industry to establish and implement tighter restrictions in 2007 to help prevent the escape or release of these exotic species. The new rule requires an annual $100 license and mandatory caging requirements. In addition, Burmese pythons more than 2 inches in diameter must be implanted with a microchip that identifies the origin of the animal. 

This rule applies to all Reptiles of Concern, which include Burmese pythons, Indian pythons, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, amethystine or scrub pythons, green anacondas and Nile monitor lizards. It is unlawful to allow one to escape or to release one into the wild.

On July 17, the FWC launched a permit program, allowing reptile experts to capture and kill Burmese pythons on state-managed lands around the Everglades.  To date, seven permits have been issued and five pythons have been captured.  Several more permits will be issued in the coming weeks.  The permit holders must collect data on captured pythons and submit that information to the FWC. 

The program continues until Octobe 31, at which time the FWC will analyze the data and determine if the program should be extended or expanded.

In The Service

Moore Haven Proud Grand Parent

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Army Pvt. Wesley R. Allison has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Latrelle Smith of Bubbas Drive, Varnville, S.C., and grandson of Lynn Maloy of Moore Haven, Fla.
    
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
    
Allison is a 2006 graduate of Wade Hampton High School, Hampton, S.C.

Theft Cases Solved In Hendry County

Six Teens Arrested In Montura  AreaThefts

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Monday, July 27, 2009 Investigators Allen Davies, Investigator Louis Morales, and Deputy Daniel Cruz arrested six individuals on three different thefts in the rural Montura area west of Clewiston.

Investigator Allen Davies arrested 17 year old Luis Angel Fundora, 15 year old Javier Fundora, and 16 year old Christopher Province, on Charges of Burglary of Dwelling and Grand Theft.  Investigator Davies recovered a 32 inch Visio flat screen television that was located at the home of Fundora. 

Investigator Louis Morales, who was investigating a burglary in the same vicinity, charged Luis Angel Fundora with Burglary and Grand Theft over $10,000.  Fundora admitted to Morales during an interview that he helped his friend, Christopher Province; enter the residence where over $10,000 in property was removed.  Luis Fundora was also charged with an outstanding warrant for contempt of court.  Both cases are under further investigation and additional arrests and charges are pending. 

Luis Fundora, Javier Fundora and Christopher Province were all transported and are being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Myers.

Three More Teens Caught

On July 27, 2009 the Sheriff�s Office received a call from someone reporting an attempted theft of an ATV.  When Deputies arrived on scene they learned that witnesses who identified one of the suspects as 14 year old Manuel Enrique Ortiz, were working at a friend's house across the street when they noticed a black car riding around the area. 

Later they noticed two guys inside the next door neighbor's yard attempting to steal an ATV.  When one of the witnesses heard the ATV start up they yelled at the suspects who then ran away.  The witnesses then located Manuel Ortiz and the other juvenile 14 year old Marvin Jaimes walking in front of 375 N. Quebrado Road and were able to detain them until deputies arrived on scene. 

Although both Ortiz and Jaimes stated they didn�t know the driver of the vehicle, he was later identified to be 16 year old Irvin Jaimes.

All three suspects were charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling and Theft over $300.  Manuel Enrique Ortiz was transported to, and being held, at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Myers.  Both Irvin and Marvin Jaimes were released to their parents.

Hit And Run Information Sought By FHP

Bicyclist Hit By Two Vehicles - Both Left Scene

LABELLE, FL. -- On December 22, 2006 at 6:52 P.M. a fatal hit and run crash occurred on State Road 29, south of C Road in Hendry County.  Florida Highway Patrol investigators are looking for anyone with information regarding two vehicles who struck a bicyclist crossing the roadway. 

The first vehicle was described as a dark colored small pick-up (possibly a late model Ford Ranger) last scene traveling north on State Road 29.  There was at least one more unknown vehicle traveling southbound that collided with the bicyclist as he was lying in the southbound lane of State Road 29.   
 
Anyone with any new information is advised to contact Corporal Louis M. Smith, Jr, at the Florida Highway Patrol in Arcadia, Florida at telephone number (800) 993-4618 ext 262.

New FHP Trooper Assigned To Moore Haven

Andrew Nowling Joins FHP Troop F in Glades County

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The Florida Highway Patrol now has 43 new state troopers to join its ranks, including Andrew Nowling who has been assigned to Glades county.

The 117th FHP Basic Recruit Class graduated from the FHP�s Law Enforcement Training Academy at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center.  The graduation ceremony marks the conclusion of an intensive 27-week training period that prepares them for a career as a Florida State Trooper and instills the FHP�s core values of service, courtesy and protection.

Trooper Nowling will report for duty in Moore Haven by July 31, 2009.