Fire In Moore Haven Brings Out Red Cross

Three Families Helped By Volunteers

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Local American Red Cross volunteers responded to a building fire on Green Street in Moore Haven at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. The team of Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate emergency aid for three families; seven adults and four children. The Red Cross provided food, clothing items, and lodging for the affected individuals due to damage to the building.

In addition, Red Cross volunteers provided critical hydration and nutrition to fire fighters and first responders responding to the incident.   

Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the Chapter's Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a local disaster when called upon at any time of the day or night.

Florida Gasoline Price Still Rising

Nine Cent Per Gallon Increase Last Week

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 9.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.76/g Sunday. This compares with the national average that has increased 7.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.74/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 89.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 19.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 21.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 87.2 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

One Dead In Hendry Crash

Clewiston Man Injured In Early Morning Crash

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Anthony J. Blackman, 25 of Clewiston was seriously injured in a crash at 3 a.m. Sunday morning April 10th. He was a passenger in a 2002 Ford 150 truck driven by 22-year old Cody Matthew Hartley of Lehigh Acres.

The truck was traveling south in the southbound lane of County Road 833, 5.3 miles south of State Road 80, within Hendry County, Florida. For unknown reason, it drifted off the roadway and onto the grass shoulder, which sloped downward toward the west.

The driver steered toward the left causing it to begin rotating counter-clockwise, overturning onto its right side causing the driver (who was unrestrained) to be fully ejected. Hartley was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The truck overturned onto the outside portion of the southbound lane before arcing west and reentering the shoulder, coming to final rest within the shoulder, on its left side and roof while facing southeast. Blackman emerged from truck with incapacitating injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital via helicopter.

Neither person was wearing a seat belt according to the FHP report. Charges and an investigation into the influence of alcohol were pending.

LaBelle McDonald's Opens - More Seating Now

Nisbet Enterprises Opens Remodeled LaBelle McDonald's

LABELLE, FL. -- LaBelle's most popular restaurant, owned by the Nisbet family, staged a grand re-opening Saturday afternoon featuring Ronald McDonald, 29-cent hamburgers, and a new store design with more than twice as many seats after remodeling.

Steve Nisbet, Jr. said it's the first store to feature the new McDonald's outside facade, a new modern look for downtown LaBelle, at State Road 80 and Bridge Street. Nisbet said, in a few years, all the franchise stores will have a similar design.

A large crowd assembled for the re-opening specials of 29-cent hamburgers and 39-cent cheeseburgers. Ronald McDonald greeted kids and adults alike handing out "I Met Ronald!" stickers. Courtesy cups of McDonald's newest coffee drinks were served.

Nisbet said in the fall, Nisbet Enterprises will be opening a new store in Indiantown, bringing the total stores owned by the family to four.

Among local officials attending, greeted by Steve Jr., Steve Sr., and Amanda Nisbet were LaBelle Mayor Paul Puletti and Hendry Commissioner Darrell Harris.

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Florida Alligators And Crocodiles

Warm Weather Means Active Alligators And Crocodiles

LABELLE, FL. -- The onset of warm weather in the spring is when Florida's alligators and crocodiles start getting active, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds Floridians and visitors to be cautious when having fun in and around water.

Florida is home to two native crocodilians: the American alligator, which is found in all 67 counties, and the American crocodile, which may be found in coastal areas of the Keys, Southeast and Southwest Florida. Both species have shared Florida's waters with people for centuries. Alligators and crocodiles are an important part of Florida's heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where they live.

The FWC recommends keeping pets away from the water. There are other precautionary measures people should take to reduce potential conflicts with alligators and crocodiles, and they are available in the "Living with Alligators" brochure at MyFWC.com/Alligator and the "Living with Crocodiles" brochure at MyFWC.com/Crocodile.

The FWC advises, if you have concerns with an alligator or crocodile that poses a threat to you, your pets or property, call the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).