South Central Florida Life
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Round-the-clock construction to start on cutoff wall near Lakeport on Monday

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Current conditions
Observed from: Fort Myers, Southwest Florida International Airport
Mostly Cloudy, 80 °F
Sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west southwest. Get the full forecast
Coronavirus Updates

COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida delayed by winter storms in other states

Flights canceled due to winter storms have delayed vaccine deliveries to Florida.

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center hosting a walk-in COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for eligible veterans

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 through Friday, Feb. 19 the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center will be hosting a walk-in COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Veterans who ...

Covid-19 vaccines to be given at Walmart

Walmart’s website offered a portal for vaccine appointment registration, though no immediate appointments were available.

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Community News

Red Cross offers free virtual preparedness classes for older adults, children and their families

The South Florida Red Cross launched its ‘Be Red Cross Ready’ preparedness classes virtually.

Abuse Counseling committed to serving the community during COVID-19

Fully operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ACT provides a 24-hour crisis hotline

Hendry County observes Black History Month

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

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Police/Fire

HENDRY COUNTY - The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is participating in a statewide hit-and-run crash awareness month

At approximately 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, the Florida FHP responded to a traffic accident at Palm Beach Boulevard
The following individuals were arrested on felony or DUI charges by the HCSO, the CPD, the FHP, the FWC, DOC from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21.

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Agriculture

The LaBelle Youth Livestock Rabbit and Cavy Show was held on Monday, February 8

The LaBelle Youth Livestock Poultry Show was held on Sunday, February 7.
Touted as a superfood that promotes heart and gut health, the exotic dragon fruit has gained popularity as it grows in Florida’s

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Business Corner
Melinda Cornelison owns the permanent makeup studio, Always Purdy, that recently opened in LaBelle.

Business Corner: Permanent make-up artist opens shop

Melinda Cornelison is a permanent makeup tattoo artist, who recently opened her studio in LaBelle
This heart shaped taco platter sits, ready for romance, at Paleteria La Victoria.

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays

Every year there is somewhat of a competition to find the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift, in order to woo your sweetheart...
Chicken and waffle sliders are just one of the awesome specials offered at Short Cakes Sweet Shop and Eatery.

Tall orders filled at Short Cakes

Have you been wondering what happened to LaBelle’s beloved Short Cakes?

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Veterans

West Palm Beach VA Medical Center helps VA reach milestone vaccinating its 1 millionth veteran

The VA has vaccinated 1 million veterans.
Hendry County Sheriffs Office Investigator, Don Munch, a 60 year member of the American Legion, meets with the National Commander of the American Legion, James W. “Bill” Oxford at LaBelle’s American Legion Post.

American Legion National Commander visits LaBelle

LABELLE - The American Legion’s National Commander, James W. Oxford, visited LaBelle’s Veteran’s Memorial Park

West Palm Beach VA to host veteran enrollment vent January 30

WEST PALM BEACH — The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center will host a Veteran Enrollment Event on Saturday, Jan. 30

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Weather
Eta was rare November surprise for South & SW Florida and the Keys

Now that the water has receded and the cleanup is underway, let’s take a closer look at Eta’s track as well as how rare of an event...

National Hurricane Center updates projections for Tropical Storm Eta

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Sports Around The Lake
The annual Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament is set for Saturday, Feb. 27 at Alvin Ward Park in Moore Haven
LABELLE - The LaBelle White House has developed a Sports Department.
The Silver Spurs Riding Club announces its 10th Annual Monster Bulls event on Feb. 13

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Top Trending Stories
Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Feb. 21, provided by the FDOT
The following individuals were arrested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges by the HCSO
Please be advised that, beginning Tuesday, February 23, there will be road work on Cowboy Way from SR 80 eastward
Government

Governor Ron DeSantis announces $1.64 million Infrastructure Award to Central County Water Control District

On Jan. 22, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that nearly $100 million has been awarded to 24 communities...

Join SFWMD for upcoming public meetings via Zoom

Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for several upcoming public meetings scheduled for Feb. 4, 11, 22 and 24...

West Palm Beach VA to host Virtual Enrollment Panel for veterans Jan. 27

A virtual enrollment panel will be held for veterans and current U.S. military service members on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 4 to 5 p.m.

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Schools

Virtual series to educate on septic, well water systems

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will host a webinar series about wells and septic

Statement from Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran on the new CDC guidelines regarding schools

On Feb. 12, Commissioner Richard Corcoran released the following statement regarding the expected release of new pandemic related guidance for schools from the Centers for ...

First Lady Casey DeSantis announces 2021 Black History Month theme and student contests

The theme for Black History Month in February will be “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans ...

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Health
Linda Hazellief is known to friends and family as Ms. MacGyver.

Inspiring Okeechobee: Linda Hazellief is a jack of all trades

We know her now as a One Blood recruiter, but Linda Hazellief has had many unusual occupations.
Designer purses wait to be raffled off on February 6, as a fundraiser for Hendry Regional Medical Center.

Designer purse raffle to benefit HMRC

This year, in lieu of the 2021 fashion show, Women Involved in Supporting the Hospital has organized a designer purse raffle

Tobacco Free Florida has free help smokers need to stick to New Year’s resolution to quit smoking

New Year's resolutions do not always go according to plan.

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Entertainment
MOORE HAVEN — Dr. John Huysman, left, and wife Sheryl Huysman, second from right, were named 2021 Grand Marshals of the 73rd annual Chalo Nitka Festival and Ranch Rodeo, March 5 and 6 in Moore Haven. The Huysmans were recognized for their long-standing and far-reaching service to the youth of Glades County. Pictured with them from left are daughter-in-law Caitlin, son Tanner, and daughter Brynn, right.

Huysmans named Grand Marshals of 73rd annual Chalo Nitka Festival and Rodeo

The Chalo Nitka Ranch Rodeo which kicks off Friday, March 5 and continues following the festival itself Saturday, March 6. Rodeo action, featuring bull riding, barrel racing and...

Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival to feature live bands and foodtrucks

AVE MARIA – Ave Maria Development will host a Blues, Brews & BBQ festival on Saturday, February 20.
Toddlers enjoying the live music at a past Night on the Town event.

Apple TV giveaway and more at Night on the Town

⁣LABELLE - The LaBelle Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Night on the Town is coming, February 23

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Opinion
Dear Rusty: I am a retired Texas teacher receiving my State pension. I retired in February 2009
When we developed the dry season water management strategy for Lake Okeechobee ..
How can we make improvements to federal emergency conservation programs?

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2020 Fall Football Preview
Traffic & Road Work
Hendry County Road & Bridge Dept. to conduct road repair on Blumberg Road

Hendry County Road & Bridge will be conducting road repairs on Blumberg Road...

Hendry County Road Watch Report for the week of Jan. 10

Notice of work on traffic signal at State Road 80 and Cowboy Way

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State News

Deaf Costco worker with mumbling manager won't get award

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A deaf former employee of a South Florida Costco store won't be collecting $775,000 a federal jury awarded her in a discrimination and wrongful termination case. The …

Controversy swirls over lowering of flags for Rush Limbaugh

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving ahead with plans to honor recently deceased conservative radio broadcaster by lowering flags to half-staff despite protests from some …

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Nation & World

Hunters and trappers exceed Wisconsin wolf kill quota

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Hunters and trappers exceeded Wisconsin's wolf kill limit by Wednesday morning and still had hours left to kill more of the animals. The Department of Natural Resources …

2 hard-hit cities, 2 diverging fates in vaccine rollout

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (AP) — Mario Valdez, his wife and their 18-year-old son were fully vaccinated for COVID-19 this month as part of a special effort to inoculate every resident of Central Falls, …

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