Secondhand Smoke In Vehicles

The Tobacco Prevention Program at the Florida Department of Health in Hendry, along with the (Students Working Against Tobacco) SWAT youth, gave a presentation about the effects of secondhand smoke on children in vehicles to the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners. 

The SWAT youth were looking to pass a County resolution against smoking in vehicles with children present.

The resolution passed on August 22, 2017.

Pictured from left to right: (Front Row) Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Crystal Gomez, SWAT youth members, Khamari Turner, Lauren Adams, and Lily Paniagua. (Back Row) Hendry County Board of County Commissioners: Mitchell Wells, Emma Byrd, Michael Swindle, Darrell Harris, and Karson Turner.

Photo by: Joseph Pepe

Obituaries - Donald Finks, Gabriel De Santiago

Donald Finks, age 82, of LaBelle, passed away August 25, 2017 in Fort Myers. He was born Sep. 24, 1934 in Cass County, Indiana, to the late Charles Curtis Finks and the late Wilma Esther (Townsend) Finks.

He was a member of First Baptist of LaBelle since 1963. He was also a former member of LaBelle Quarterback Club. Donald dedicated his life to the Agricultural Industry with business in farming, ranching, citrus, fertilizer and cattle.

Survivors include his son: Glenn Finks and wife Geri, daughters: Bonnie Hanshaw, Susan Holland and husband Bobby, Jennifer Davis and husband Cliff, grandchildren: Daren,Jared, Joanna, Lori, James, Jimmy, Cole, Mason, great-grandchildren:, Bruce, Randy, Hayden, Porter, Elizabeth, Gracie, Easton, Camden, Joshua, Greyson, Wesley, Beau, Luke and his sister: Jeanette Smith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Carolyn, granddaughter: Kristin and brother: Herbert and aunt Thelma Finks Moshier.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 31, 2017, 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of LaBelle with Rev. Frank Deerey, Jr. and Rev. David Koon officiating. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of LaBelle Youth or Scholarship Fund. Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Gabriel De Santiago, Jr., age 19, of LaBelle, passed away August 26, 2017 in Fort Myers. He was born Sep. 26, 1997 in Manistee Township, MI, to Gabriel De Santiago and Agustina Ramirez.

Survivors include parents; Gabriel De. Santiago, Sr. and Agustina Ramirez; brother, Eduardo De Santiago; Brother, Christian De Santiago; sister, Gabby Ana De Santiago.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 1, 2017 at 11:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle, with Father Juan Lorenzo officiating.

Interment will be Friday, September 1, 2017 in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Gabriel De Santiago, Jr., de 19 años, de LaBelle, falleció el 26 de agosto de 2017 en Fort Myers. Nació el 26 de septiembre de 1997 en Manistee Township, MI, a Gabriel De Santiago y Agustina Ramírez.

Los sobrevivientes incluyen a los padres; Gabriel De. Santiago, Sr. y Agustina Ramírez; Hermano, Eduardo De Santiago; Hermano, Christian De Santiago; Hermana, Gabby Ana De Santiago.

Una misa de entierro cristiano se llevará a cabo el viernes 1 de septiembre de 2017 a las 11:00 am en la iglesia católica Notre Dame Queen of Heaven, LaBelle, con el padre Juan Lorenzo oficiando.

El entierro será el viernes 1 de septiembre de 2017 en el cementerio de Fort Denaud, LaBelle. La visita será el jueves de 6-8 p.m. En la Funeraria Akin-Davis, LaBelle, FL. Arreglos por Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle

Michelle Wilson On Labor Day 2017

In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation declaring the first Monday in September to be Labor Day. Today, this holiday is linked more to the unofficial end of summer, the beginning of the school year or the start of football season. What has been forgotten about this long weekend is that it celebrates American workers’ contributions to our society.

Each year, families gather together for backyard picnics, dips in the pool or simply enjoying a little rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose focus on the meaning of Labor Day when you’re trying to live out one more day of summer vacation with the kids.  However, on this Labor Day, let us try and remember why this holiday even exists.

The notion of celebrating the American worker first surfaced in the early 19^th century during the infancy of the American labor movement. Unfortunately, it took a nationwide railroad strike of nearly 4,000 factory employees -- the 1894 infamous Pullman strike -- to get things started. Those workers began a wildcat strike in response to reductions in wages. In the end, 30 people were killed at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S marshals, and striker violence caused $80 million in damages. In an effort to conciliate organized labor after the strike, President Cleveland and Congress joined forces to declare Labor Day a national holiday. This would begin more than a century of recognition and homage to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our nation.

Today, more than ever, we must remember to celebrate the hard-working men and women of all races, colors and creeds for their commitment to the exceptional American work experience. This is especially true under the difficult and challenging economic conditions of the past decade. American workers continue to lead the world in productivity, as they work longer hours than their global counterparts. American workers continue to strive and build the highest standard of living in the world, and they often do so without recognition or praise. I believe in our American workforce and so should you.

As Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations, I am honored to oversee our team of dedicated individuals who remain committed to serving workers and businesses across the Sunshine State. This team of hardworking state employees strive each day to ensure that Florida workers are treated fairly, are given access to all employment opportunities and are not subject to unlawful discrimination.

As we look forward to this long weekend, let remember the many successes of the American worker and the critical roles they continue to play in making this a great nation.

Michelle Wilson, Executive Director
Florida Commission on Human Relations

Gabriel DeSantiago Dies After Early Morning Crash

Gabriel De Santiago, 19 of LaBelle was traveling westbound Saturday morning at 4:49 a.m. on County Road 78 (N River Road) near Caloosa Terrace in a 2004 Chevy Silverado pickup, according the FHP when suddenly he began traveling partially in the westbound lane and onto the north shoulder of the roadway.

The driver over corrected in an attempt to re-enter the roadway. As a result, he lost control as the truck began traveling in a southwesterly direction across the center line, entered the eastbound lane then departed the roadway a second time.

The truck continued westbound while partially on the eastbound paved apron and shoulder of County Road 78.

The vehicle then re-emerged from the shoulder, began rotating counterclockwise in the east and westbound lanes and continued in a southeasterly direction where it's right side struck a tree before coming to rest in a ditch on the south shoulder. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

De Santiago was transported by Medic Five (Hendry County EMS) to Lee Memorial Hospital. He was in critical condition when taken to the hospital.

On Saturday afternoon the FHP reported De Santiego had died at the hospital.

Young Pearson Jr. Lawn Service

CLEWISTON, FL. - Young Pearson Jr. invites home and lot owners and commercial businesses in Clewiston, Belle Glade, Moore Haven, and LaBelle to call for a quote on lawn service and lot clearing in Hendry, Glades, and western Palm Beach county.

Mr. Pearson has years of lawn care and mowing experience in the Lake Okeechobee area and can be reached by mobile phone at (863) 233-9541.

Young Pearson Jr. Lawn Service
Clewiston, Moore Haven, Belle Glade and LaBelle
Licensed Mowing Contractor
416 East Ventura Avenue
Clewiston Fl. 33440
Phone (863) 233-9541

Young Pearson Jr. Lawn Service is a sponsor of Southwest Florida Online