“Around“Aroundt thehe LakLake”e” EditionEdition Formerly Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, & The Sun

Vol. 109 No. 133 Wednesday, November 7, 2018 50¢ plus tax

Touch a Truck 2 event is Nov. 10

Photos illustrate Life 3 Around the Lake

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Courtesy of the Miami Dolphins Lake Levels Area football teams head to playoffs 13.64 feet Glades Central senior quarterback Davius Richard throws a pass in the 2018 Muck Bowl. Glades Central beat Pahokee 22-12 in the Nov. 2 game. Glades Day, Pahokee and Glades Central will all advance to post-season play. For the story, see Page 13. Last Year: 16.94 feet ‘Skyway’ to increase water flow south 6SRQVRUHG%\ 3RJH\·V)DPLO\5HVWDXUDQW By Katrina Elsken Everglades while Congress remains $1 billion 63DUURWW$YH Lake Okeechobee News behind in its commitments. Gov. Scott made  With the second phase of work to raise these announcements while celebrating the Source: South Florida Water portions of the Tamiami Trail near completion, completion of phase two of the Tamiami Trail Management District. on Oct. 30, Gov. Rick Scott announced that he project. Depth given in feet above sea level is directing an immediate $3.5 million invest- Since construction in 1928, Tamiami Trail ment by the Florida Department of Transpor- has blocked the Everglades’ natural north- See Page 4 for information about tation (FDOT) to start work on the final phase to-south flow of water, cutting off the natural how to contact this newspaper. of the major Everglades restoration project to sheetflow of freshwater that ran from Lake raise portions of the trail, allowing more water Okeechobee to Everglades National Park. to flow south through the Everglades. Through a series of bridges, the National Park Gov. Scott also announced that he is direct- Service is planning to elevate a total of 6.5 ing the Florida Department of Environmental miles of the roadway to reconnect historic Protection (DEP) to request an additional $40 sloughs between Water Conservation Areas to Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Sierra Club This artist’s conception illustrates the million to complete this important project, FLOW which continues Florida’s work to restore the See — Page 8 plans for the Everglades Skyway bridge. Injured? Law Offices of Lefebvre & Dixon Gerald FREE Lefebvre 763.3333 Consultation Okeechobee, Florida 2 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018 Woman’s Club hosts Suspect arrested in shooting Special to the Lake Okeechobee Preliminary information was News that two individuals known to Touch-A-Truck event PAHOKEE — A shooting each other, both adult men, were occurred on Friday morning, Nov. Special to the Lake Okeechobee News be open to satisfy any appetite. involved in an altercation that led 2, in Pahokee, and a suspect is in Admission to this event is free and open to one shooting the other. OKEECHOBEE — Sometimes the custody. greatest events come from a single idea. to children of all ages. Donations from this The suspect was identified as event will go back into the community A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Several members of the GFWC Okeechobee Office press release stated that Lee Edward Jones, 20, of Pahokee. Junior Woman’s Club had an idea for a through the club’s many different projects, such as sponsoring supplies for classrooms, deputies responded to a shooting in Lee Jones He was arrested on Nov. 2 and family-friendly event that gave children an the 400 block of Royal Palm Court opportunity to touch and sit in trucks, even purchasing and donating books for children, transported to the West County Jail in Pahokee at 8:28 a.m. on Friday. Another honk the horns. The idea took hold and has creating butterfly gardens at schools, and on charges of first-degree murder with a providing food for the backpack program. news release hours later stated that upon grown into an event that offers a day full of firearm and possession of a weapon by a variety and fun for families. This year marks GFWC Okeechobee Junior Woman’s the deputies’ arrival, they located a male the fifth year of Touch-A-Truck. Club is thankful for everyone in the commu- deceased from gunshot wounds. convicted felon. This year, over 40 transportation vehicles nity who is helping to sponsor part of the will be available for children to interact with. event this year! Touch-A-Truck is happening A game area, bounce house obstacle course, at the Agri-Civic Center, 4601 State Road 710 barrel train rides and a scavenger hunt will in Okeechobee, this Saturday, Nov. 10, from be available. Food and ice cream trucks will 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Suicide awareness group has regular meetings A support group for parents whose children have attempted suicide and for parents HE’S BACK! whose children have taken their own lives meets on the last Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Church of God, 912 N.W. Park St. Everyone is welcome. ƌ͘ůƉŚŽŶƐĞZ͘dƌŝďƵŝĂŶŝ ŝƐďĂĐŬŝŶůĞǁŝƐƚŽŶƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ Lake Okeechobee Forecast ƚŚĞďĞƐƚĂŶŬůĞĂŶĚĨŽŽƚĐĂƌĞ͊ Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low We specialize in... around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph. NEW Friday: A 30% chance of showers. Partly ZĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟǀĞDĞĚŝĐĂůƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚƐ sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind be- coming east southeast around 5 mph in the ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ/ŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ Today: A slight chance of showers, then afternoon. ŝĂďĞƟĐ&ŽŽƚĂƌĞ a chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low EĞƌǀĞWĂŝŶdƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚƐ after 1 p.m. Partly sun- around 67. East wind around 5 mph becom- ny, with a high near 86. ing calm in the evening. ^ƉŽƌƚƐ&ƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐΘ/ŶũƵƌŝĞƐ Calm wind becoming Saturday: A 50% chance of showers. ƵŶŝŽŶƐΘ,ĂŵŵĞƌƚŽĞƐ east around 5 mph in the Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind >ĂƐĞƌEĂŝů&ƵŶŐƵƐ morning. Chance of pre- becoming north northeast around 5 mph in cipitation is 30%. the afternoon. /ŶŐƌŽǁŶdŽĞŶĂŝůƐ Tonight: A 20% Saturday Night chance of showers. Part- A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly ly cloudy, with a low cloudy, with a low around 66. North north- ƌ͘ůƉŚŽŶƐĞZ͘dƌŝďƵŝĂŶŝ͕WD͕&&^Ύ around 68. East wind east wind 5 to 10 mph. ΎŝƉůŽŵĂƟĐŵĞƌŝĐĂŶŽĂƌĚŽĨWŽĚŝĂƚƌŝĐ^ƵƌŐĞƌLJŽĂƌĚĞƌƟĮĞĚ around 5 mph becoming calm in the eve- Sunday: A 30% chance of showers. ning. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. North- ϱϮϱtĞƐƚ^ĂŐĂŵŽƌĞǀĞ͘^ƵŝƚĞ͕ůĞǁŝƐƚŽŶ͕&>ϯϯϰϰϬ Thursday: A slight chance of showers, east wind around 5 mph. with thunderstorms also possible after 10 Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a WůĞĂƐĞĐĂůůŽƵƌDĂŝŶKĸĐĞϮϯϵͲϵϰϵͲϮϭϮϭ a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 ƚŽƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĂŶĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ wind becoming east around 5 mph in the mph becoming calm after midnight. morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ǁǁǁ͘ƚŽƚĂůƉŽĚŝĂƚƌLJƐǁŇ͘ĐŽŵ TheThe tastetaste of of togethernesstogetherness Celebrate pumpkin season with Decadent Pumpkin Bars, our Pumpkin Roll Cake, and pumpkin pie. November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 3

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/April Martin Another glorious sunrise As April Martin went to get a few items for an Oct. 28 church function, she got out to her car and looked up to see this beautiful view. She stated, “I’m getting older and I feel very blessed to be able to see another sunrise! Glory be to God!”

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Renee Hair Old friends enjoy visit These two longtime friends and residents of Okeechobee, Clyde Durrance and Margaret Rucks Hamric, enjoyed a visit together last week. They are both 96 years young, and she is just one day older than he is. Their birthdays are Aug. 14 and Aug. 15. Contest celebrates Big Lake area Those who live around Lake Okeechobee know this is a very special place. We invite readers to share photos from the lake area for a monthly photo contest. Each week, the newspaper will include some of the submitted photos. Once a month, a winner will be chosen for a prize. Prizes will vary from month to month. The prize Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Melissa Johnson for the best Life Around the Lake photo submitted in November will be a one-year subscription to the electronic edition of the Lake Okeechobee News. Submit your Another great sunset on the lake photos along with an explanation or short story to go with the photo to okeenews@ The sunsets on Lake Okeechobee are amazing to witness or photograph. This newszap.com. picture captures the rays of the sun extending into the bright blue sky.

General, Cosmetic and Surgical Dermatology

Accepting new patients and most insurance including Tricare Jason Welch APRN/CEO Dermatology Stanley Katz, MD Dermatology Nitra Welch APRN/CFO Dermatology Dudley Giles MD Plastic Surgeon Call 863-226-5466 • 1004 N. Parrott Ave Okeechobee • Monday - Friday 9 -5 4 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

Letters to the Editor Firehouse Community Tickets available online at www.fire- she was diagnosed with leukemia, a type housecommunitytheatre.com or call the of cancer of the blood. After a port was Theatre box office at 863-675-3066 (leave a detailed placed in her body, she immediately began November reminds us to be thankful. message). to receive chemotherapy. The treatments The Firehouse Community Theatre has We are always seeking new volunteers lasted 2½ years until Kennedy was declared many reasons to be thankful: Our loy- for all areas of the theatre including, but in remission from the leukemia. al supporters, and 26 years of comedy, not limited to: actors/actresses, wardrobe/ In 2017, just 11 months later, Kennedy suspense, musicals, and drama that keep costume designers, tech support, stage relapsed and had to begin a second round our audiences coming back. We are also mangers/backstage managers, set design/ of chemo treatments. thankful for our many volunteers which construction, ushers. If you or anyone you Within the first month, the chemo includes actors/actresses and all of the folks know has a special talent to share con- proved to be ineffective so the next option who work “behind-the-scenes.” tact us at 863-675-3066 (leave a detailed was a bone marrow transplant. Kennedy’s On Oct. 1, the Firehouse Community message).We are very Thankful for our sister, Raylee, was a 100 percent match Theatre was the proud recipient of The volunteers that allow us to provide quality for bone marrow — very rare for siblings. Greater LaBelle Chamber of Commerce productions throughout the year! Stephanie considers her family very blessed 2018 Business of the Year award at their Mark your calendars: that a bone marrow donor was located so annual banquet dinner. We are extremely • Thursday, Nov. 15. Semi Annual Meet- quickly and so close to home. thankful for this honor! ing at 6 p.m. at the theatre location 241 N. In preparation for the bone marrow The Fall Youth Program “Night of the Bridge Street. This is an election meeting. transplant, Kennedy had to endure 30 days Teenage Zombies,” directed by Maureen Annual dues of $5 are required to vote, of heavy chemotherapy at St. Mary’s, then Doucette was a huge success! This makes unless you are a lifetime member. Lifetime she went to a hospital in Miami where she four youth programs that the Firehouse memberships available. Plan to attend. underwent full body radiation because, as Community Theatre offers to local kids and Don’t miss an opportunity to let your voice Stephanie reminds us, blood is everywhere gives them the opportunity to participate be heard. in the body. in the theatre. We love supporting our • Saturday, Nov. 17. The Bloodmobile Blood transfusions helped to When bloodwork showed she had zero youth, because our youth is the future of will be at the theatre from noon to 6 p.m., save child’s life white blood cells, the bone marrow trans- the theatre. 241 N. Bridge Street. Come out, donate and plant was successfully completed. Boeing-Boeing directed by Michael help save lives! In order to promote awareness of the During her long journey with leukemia, Shough kicks of the 26th season in The Firehouse Community Theatre has upcoming 13th Annual Okeechobee Blood Kennedy received countless units of donat- “high-flying” style. Play dates: Nov. 2, 3 and an exciting lineup this season and we look Roundup to be held at the Okeechobee ed blood and platelets, without which she 4. Showtimes: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; forward to seeing familiar as well as new Freshman Campus on Nov. 17 and 18 in would not have survived. 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. patrons that help to sustain the arts within Okeechobee, we share stories of local Stephanie is so happy that Kennedy is Assisted Living: The musical directed our community. We are truly thankful for Okeechobee folks who have received do- finally able to interact with kids — from by Maureen Doucette has the community your continued support! See you at the nations of blood and the difference it made the time she turned 2 years old, much of all abuzz with this musical comedy and show! in their lives. her time has been spent in doctors’ offices the zany characters of Pelican Resort. Play Stephanie tells the story of her daughter and hospitals. For Stephanie, it’s a different dates are: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Cindy Shough Kennedy, a first-grader who really enjoys world now, having two healthy children. Showtimes: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 President going to school. In 2014, two weeks after Please honor and thank Kennedy and p.m. Sunday matinee. Firehouse Community Theatre Kennedy’s second birthday, she was expe- her mother Stephanie for telling her story riencing flu-like symptoms so Stephanie by donating your blood — your gift of brought her to a local doctor. life — at the 13th Annual Okeechobee What’s your opinion? After a couple of days of treatment, Blood Roundup on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Kennedy was feeling worse so the doctor Okeechobee Freshman Campus. advised that she be taken to the emergen- All blood donors will receive a com- The Lake Okeechobee News welcomes letters to the editor and guest commen- cy room for further evaluation. Stephanie memorative Roundup T-shirt, coupon taries about topics of local interest. Letters and commentaries must be signed. Email took her to St. Mary’s Hospital in West bag and refreshments, and be eligible for prizes. your comments to [email protected] or mail to 107 SW 17th St. Suite. D., Palm Beach because it has a pediatric Susan Williams Okeechobee, FL 34974. Anonymous comments for the Speak Out column may be emergency room. Blood work revealed that Kennedy’s platelets were very low and Okeechobee Blood Roundup posted in the comments section under stories on LakeOkeechobeeNews.com. volunteer

Lake Okeechobee News (USPS # 406- Our Purpose... about public issues 160) is published 3 times a week: Sunday, The Okeechobee News is published • To report the news with honesty, Wednesday and Friday by Independent by Independent NewsMedia Inc, USA. accuracy, purposeful neutrality, fairness, Newsmedia, Inc. objectivity, fearlessness, and 107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pursue compassion Okeechobee, FL 34974 • To use our opinion pages to facilitate Periodicals Postage paid at Okeechobee, a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no community debate, not to dominate it FL 34974 and additional mailing offices. with our own opinions POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: dividends are paid, the company is able To Reach Us To Place a Display Ad Okeechobee News to thrive on profit margins below industry • To disclose our own conflicts of interest Address: 107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D Phone: (863) 763-3134 Circulation Administration standards. All after-tax surpluses are or potential conflicts to our readers Okeechobee, FL 34974 Email: [email protected] 110 Galaxy Road • Dover, DE 19901 reinvested in Independent’s mission of • To correct our errors and to give each correction the prominence it deserves. Website: journalistic service, commitment to the lakeokeechobeenews.com • To provide a right to reply to those we Phone: (863) 763-3134 Additional copies may be purchased for ideals of the First Amendment of the 7R3ODFHD&ODVVLÀHGV$G 50¢ for Wednesday and Friday, and 75¢ for U.S. Constitution, and support of the write about. Call: (877) 353-2424 to place a classified Sunday. community’s deliberation of public issues. • To treat people with courtesy, respect, To Submit News advertisement from home and compassion The Lake Okeechobee News welcomes Fax: (877) 354-2424 We Pledge... MEMBER submissions from its readers. Opinion, Email: [email protected] Staff Publisher/Editor: Katrina Elsken • To operate the newspaper as a public trust calendar items, story ideas, and OF: Circulation Manager: Cynthia Eckert • To help our community become a better photographs are welcome. Call (863) 763- place to live and work, through our Billing Department Advertising Manager: Jaime Limoges 3134 to reach our newsroom. Items may be Email: [email protected] dedication to conscientious journalism mailed or emailed. • To provide the information citizens need Email: [email protected] to make their own intelligent decisions November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 5

Guest Commentary Glades Gateway Commerce Park to bring jobs City Manager Harrelle’s bus ation, the city and BGI Group began to get important, within a 100-mile radius of 7 and have expanded their original plans for inquiries about the property. News articles million people. the Belle Glade location. The initial phase tour with Scott started ball helped stimulate interest. The Business The Business Development Board will employ 35, and WTP’s second phase, Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), which works hard promoting the expected to be underway next July, will rolling on prison remake sent some early prospects out west to “kick economic development of Palm Beach eventually employ 100 at this location. By Tom Altman the tires.” Even the rail line that bisected the County, also puts in a lot of effort focusing • Rio-Bak Corporation — the Western Special to the Lake Okeechobee News old prison referred commercial developers on helping the depressed Glades economy. Division of this Palm Beach County-based to the new Glades Gateway Commerce The BDB was instrumental in helping to construction company is a familiar name BELLE GLADE — Following a bus tour Park for a look. While many of the pros- attract what, thus far, will be the largest in the Glades and was a major player in of the abandoned Glades Correctional Insti- pects ended up being unqualified, unsuit- employer at Glades Gateway — a ma- the organizing of BGI Group LLC. Rio- tution in September 2013, Belle Glade City able or not serious, gradually pieces began jor company, Universal Forest Products. Bak Corp. has five employees at Glades Manager Lomax Harrelle convinced Gov. to come together. Universal Forest Products is scheduled to Gateway. Rick Scott to find a way to make the former In early 2017, Mr. Rionda was contacted begin site preparation soon on a huge, • ASAP Installations LLC — this com- prison property available as a possible site by an Aventura firm that was forming a 400,000-square-foot factory that, when pany provides an innovative approach for businesses to locate in the Glades area. partnership with a subsidiary of the Israeli operational, will employ approximately 200 to sheet piling for commercial projects, The closing of the prison in 2011 had cost government to bring the highly specialized people, making this company one of the road and bridges, water management and the community 400 jobs and significant military and defense training techniques largest employers in the Glades. shoreline protection. ASAP Installations are economic activity. — for which the Israeli security forces have Lomax Harrelle made the most of that currently providing five jobs at their Belle As a result of Mr. Harrelle’s plea to the become famous — to the United States. bus ride with the governor five years ago. In Glade location. The company’s headquar- governor, the state put the prison property And, this group was considering retrofitting total, Glades Gateway Commerce Park, site ters is in Miramar. up for public auction in early 2014, and a a former prison facility as their “training of the former state prison, will be the home • IMI Florida Academy — the largest group of local Belle Glade natives were the academy.” to nine businesses, combining to generate landowner at Glades Gateway Commerce successful bidders. City Manager Harrelle It just so happened that there was such 477 jobs in Belle Glade, statistically a very Park with 64 acres, this is the first IMI Acad- immediately went to work executing a a prison available in Belle Glade, and significant number for the Glades. Here is a emy in the United States. The original IMI plan to annex the 189-acre prison property, City Manager Harrelle and Mayor Wilson summary of those businesses: Academy was established in 1999 by veter- along with another 565 adjacent acres, had a city government that had both the • Los Vaqueros Inc. — a supplier of ans of the Israeli security forces. IMI Florida thereby increasing the city’s size by 25 per- knowledge and the desire to find a way to food products to primarily Hispanic gro- Academy will offer advanced training to law cent overnight. This was, by far, the largest allow this innovative private-sector idea to ceries in the South Florida area, employing enforcement, military and security industry annexation in Belle Glade’s history and work within the traditional bureaucracy approximately six in the Glades operation. professionals on advanced methods and signaled the city’s commitment to prioritiz- that snuffs out many ideas before they get Los Vaqueros retrofitted one of the former skills derived from the “Israeli Military and ing economic development. started. prison buildings into their new refrigerat- Homeland Security Experience.” When ful- Mr. Harrelle is something of a legend in This company wasn’t looking for “gov- ed distribution warehouse. Los Vaqueros ly operational, IMI Florida Academy expects the Glades for his ability to lobby state and ernment incentives” or “public funding.” also leases part of its space to a new HVAC to employ approximately 90 people. county officials to assist the community he IMI Florida Academy just needed a local company that employees another six • Universal Forest Products — Universal manages. By orchestrating this huge an- government entity that was determined to individuals. Forest Products is a huge, publicly traded nexation, he was now putting Belle Glade make good things happen in their commu- • Growers Management Inc. — an company, headquartered in Michigan. This in a position to have some say in its own nity. And, IMI found that in the City of Belle agricultural management firm with a long company is a major manufacturer and economic future development. It would Glade. IMI Florida Academy purchased 64 history in the Glades, and Orsenigo Farms supplier of wood and concrete construction prove to be a key ingredient in what was to of the available 189 acres. It was the 64 Inc., a highly diversified farming operation products to big box stores such as Home take shape at the old prison property. acres that contains the actual prison com- known throughout the country for its excel- Depot and Lowes. The company plans on Along with the annexation, Belle Glade pound itself. lent quality of winter vegetables, combined building a 400,000 square foot factory — Mayor Steve Wilson and his fellow city Glades Gateway Commerce Park had to renovate two of the former state-owned the size of four Super Walmarts — on the commissioners had the foresight to zone many things making it attractive to busi- buildings into a beautiful complex. Togeth- portion of Glades Gateway Commerce Park this property for industrial usage. Henry nesses wishing to locate in the Glades area. er, these firms provide jobs for approxi- that fronts on U.S. 441. Expected employ- Rionda Jr., managing partner of BGI Group It was truly “shovel-ready,” with features mately 65 employees. ment during operation is approximately LLC, the local investors that bought the like the industrial zoning the city had al- • World Trade Petroleum — this compa- 200. There will also be a huge number of prison and who include myself, announced ready approved, existing availability of wa- ny is owned and operated by entrepreneurs jobs generated during the construction of that the site would be called Glades Gate- ter, sewer, electric and natural gas utilities, from Romania who have patented burnt-oil the plant. way Commerce Park in October 2014. 2,700 lineal feet of rail siding, a half-mile of recycling technologies. They are building Tom Altman, an investor in BGI Group Almost immediately after the annex- frontage on U.S. 441, and, perhaps most a sophisticated processing plant on site LLC, is a stockbroker at Morgan Stanley. Guest Commentary Lake Okeechobee is telling of the conditions and opportunities and state-level meetings, hosting rallies and Okeechobee near and dear to our hearts, Lake Okeechobee has to offer for both the inviting coastal counterparts to attend and and because of individuals such as Mary open for business community and local businesses. see the conditions of Lake O. They have Ann, Scott and Ramon, who are so passion- Lake Okeechobee and fishing and One of the strongest proponents for pro- also open the marina for tours and offered tecting Lake Okeechobee and for getting to take individuals out onto the lake. All ate about Lake O, we are able to show our tourism associated with Lake O are very a positive message that Lake O is healthy these efforts are done to help educate the support and strength for all the hard work important to our local economy. With the and open for business is Mary Ann Martin, people in the coastal and surrounding com- and efforts they make to keep the positive lake under constant attack by misguided Ramon Iglesias and the entire team at Ro- munities about Lake Okeechobee and the story of Lake Okeechobee alive. and frustrated coastal residents due to the land & Mary Ann Martin’s Resort & Marina. healthy habitat it provides to native wildlife damaging discharges, it is important for Both Mary Ann and Ramon have spent and the positive economic impact it has in Robert Coker Sr. the community to remain strong, informed hours, days and weeks advocating for Lake America’s Sweetest Town. Vice president for public affairs, and be proactive in spreading the facts and Okeechobee by attending local, regional As a community, we all hold Lake U.S. Sugar 6 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018 Obituaries Obituaries should be submitted to LC Harper, 92 the Lake Okeechobee News by emailing OKEECHOBEE — LC Harper died Nov. 6, [email protected]. Customers may 2018. He was born June 18, 1926 in Glomawr, also request photos and links to online Ky. to Clayton and Jew- guestbooks. A link to the obituaries is ell (Elam) Harper. He Veterans News available at lakeokeechobeenews.com. proudly served our country in the United James C. ‘Chuck’ Winn, 76 States Navy. A resident CLEWISTON — James C. “Chuck” Winn of Okeechobee since Around the Lake passed away Oct. 31, 2018 in Fort Myers. 2009, he was a Past He was born Oct. 17, 1942 in Clewiston to Grand Master of the Commonwealth of the late James M and Mildred (Ricks) Winn. Kentucky 1995-1996 Legion Post #64 plans events Veterans Day observed Survivors include: Carlene Cobb; daughter, and member of the Rachelle Bates; grandson, Lucas Bates; two OKEECHOBEE — American Legion BELLE GLADE — A Veterans Day cere- Valley Masonic Lodge in Louisville, Ky. He sisters, Rhonda Gist and Karen Bonavia; step Post #64, 501 S.E. Second St., has a week mony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at was a member of the Westside Christian Nov. 7 daughter, Mandy Cobb. of fun planned. On Wednesday, , 11 a.m. at the Torry Island Campground, Church. tacos will be served and the grill will be 500 W. Canal St. North in Belle Glade. He was predeceased by his daughter. Des- Mr. Harper is survived by his wife of 23 years, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jay and Patty Please arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. tiny B. Winn. Frances Harper, of Okeechobee; daugh- will provide music from 3 to 6 p.m. On ters, Toni Wieser, of Zanesville, Ohio, Robin Nov. 8 Visitation was on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 “Thirsty Thursday,” , lunch and from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Akin-Davis Funeral Harper, of Cuvington, and Lana Harper, of dinner will be served 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Legion to hold BBQ Nov. 9 Home 438 E Sugarland Highway Clewiston. Harrodsburg, Ky.; stepson, Michael Harper, of Friday, , the Legion Auxiliary will BELLE GLADE — American Legion Post Louisville, Ky.; stepdaughter, Lori Harper-Kyle host a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. The menu #20, 101 S.E. Ave. D, will hold a Veterans Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home (Robert), of Okeechobee; and sister, Viva, of will include a choice of fish, shrimp or Day Bar-B-Q on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 11 Texas. chicken in a basket or on salad. Music will with Pastor Doyle McDuffie officiating. a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinners are a donation $15. Masonic services will be held at a later date. be provided from 6 to 9 p.m. The Post will For information, call 561-996-6444. Interment was Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Rid- hold Trivia on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 2 to gelawn Cemetery, Clewiston. Memorials may be made to Hospice of 4 p.m. Food will be available. On Sunday, Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home Okeechobee, PO Box 1548, Okeechobee, FL Nov. 11, the post will open the doors at 5 Amvets host 5-card bingo - Clewiston. 34973. p.m.; bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen OKEECHOBEE — Join Amvets Post 200, Those wishing to leave a message of will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On 3651 U.S. 441 S.E. Suite 6, on Sunday, Nov. condolence may sign the register book at, Monday, Nov. 12, the American Legion Sherman Cruse, 70 11, at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 2 OKEECHOBEE — Sherman Cruse passed www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com will host five-card bingo from 1 to 3 p.m. p.m. for five-card bingo. For information, away Nov. 5, 2018 at with lunch served at 12:30 p.m. A meeting All arrangements are entrusted to the call 863-484-8135. will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Lunch Hamrick House. direction and care of the Buxton & Bass and dinner will be served all day. For more He was born May Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- information, call 893-763-5309. Veterans eat free 5, 1948 in Buncombe rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. OKEECHOBEE — Applebee’s Neigh- County, N.C. and had been a resident of borhood Grill & Bar invites veterans and BHR VFW serves meals Okeechobee for six Keyuanna ‘Key’ Dustin The Buckhead Ridge VFW Post 9528, active-duty military, 1210 State Road 70, to years, coming from Tindall, 21 29012 State Road 78 East, will host the visit their local Applebee’s to enjoy a com- Richmond, Ky. following events. plimentary entrée from an exclusive menu OKEECHOBEE — Keyuanna “Key” Dustin Tindall died Nov. 1, 2018. He was born The AMVETS Sons will serve a chicken list on Sunday, Nov. 11. Mr. Cruse was a veter- and gravy over noodles dinner on Wednes- an of the United States Jan. 5, 1997 in Ft. day, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. The Post will serve Army. Following his time in the service, he Pierce. A graduate of dinner on Friday, Nov. 9, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Veterans service set Nov. 12 worked as a drywall subcontractor. Okeechobee High School, Key couldn’t Menu boneless rib eye steak, grilled pork ORTONA — Moore Haven American Le- He is survived by his wife, Ellen of tenderloin, fried fish and shrimp, baked and gion Post 299 will sponsor the Veterans Day sit still and was always Okeechobee; son, Dewayne Cruse of Rich- working on something. french fried potatoes, baked sweet pota- service at the Pavilion in the Ortona Ceme- mond, Ky.; daughter, Lavonne Michaels of toes, onion rings, salad and desert. Live mu- Nov. 12 He enjoyed working tery on Monday, , beginning at 11 Richmond, Ky.; daughter, Jeanne Luna of Ft. on old cars. He loved sic by Karaoke Kop. The VFW Riders will a.m. The program will begin with prayer, Pierce; son, Jason Luna of Okeechobee; son, serve a full breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. spending time with his followed with the presentation of the colors Jamie Cruse of Okeechobee; grandsons, Tim- daughter, Kaleia. and sliders and chicken wings at 4 p.m. on by the honor guard of the Sheriff’s Office othy Cruse, Dustin Cruse, Patrick Cruse and Saturday, Nov. 10. All proceeds will benefit Key is survived by his of Glades County. There will be music by David Michaels; great-grandchildren, Camer- veterans services. For information, call 863- high school sweetheart and fiancée, Dallas several singers. The featured speaker will on Cruse, Layken Cruse and Haleigh Cruse; 467-2882. and a sister, Sylvia Jean of Utah. McLaughlin; daughter, Kaleia Tindall; parents, be K. S. (Butch) Jones, post commander Darcy Tindall and Harold “Buddy” Serrett; for over 20 years. Gail Williams, Auxiliary A visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, adoptive parents, Jerry Barefoot and Angela Veterans to be recognized president, will present a Quilt of Valor to a Nov. 9, 2018 at Seawinds Funeral Home, 3833 Williams; brothers, Dylan, Robbie, Jarrett, MOORE HAVEN — The eighth annual special veteran. American flags are being SE 18th Terrace, Okeechobee, followed by a and Zane McLaughlin; sisters, Amanda, Kris- Glades Salute to Veterans will be held Fri- 6 p.m. funeral service. tin, Jennifer, and Hannah McLaughlin; grand- Nov, 9 placed by the Palmdale Baptist Church on day, , at the Doyle Conner Building, the graves of all veterans buried in the cem- In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions parents, Larry and Deloris Verk; aunt, Dottie 900 U.S. 27 in Moore Haven. Opening etery, approximately 350. Complimentary may be made to Hospice of Okeechobee, 411 Collins; a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. with a pre- refreshments will be served at the conclu- SE 4th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974. brother-in-law John and Kassie Wilbur; and sentation of colors by the Glades County sister-in-law Janelle and Drew Anderson. sion of the service. Everyone is urged to Condolences may be shared with the family Sheriff’s Office Color Guard. A buffet dinner Visitation will be 5 p.m. until services at 7 will be followed by a special recognition attend. For more information, contact Kirby online at www.okeechobeeseawinds.com Sullivan at 863-946-2556. p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Buxton & Bass of U.S. Military Veterans from all branches Okeechobee Funeral Home. of the service. Berenice Acosta, will make portraits free to each veteran individually, We want your news Those wishing to leave a message of so for the Hall of Fame Salute album. The condolence may sign the register book at, event/dinner will be free to veterans of any News from veterans organizations Sign guestbooks at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com branch of the U.S. Military. A $10 donation in the Big Lake area is welcome in this http://www.legacy.com All arrangements are entrusted to the will be accepted from non-veteran guests. column. Send your news to okeenews@ direction and care of the Buxton & Bass For information or to make reservations, newszap.com. For more information, call Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- call 863-675-8850 or text 863-885-1138. 863-763-3134. rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee Okeechobee News, Clewiston News News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 7

Okeechobee County Palm Beach County Heart Health Lecture set Do-It-Yourself workshop set OKEECHOBEE — Raulerson Hospital, BELLE GLADE — A free ‘Do-It-Yourself 1796 U.S. 441 N. in Okeechobee, invites the in Court’ workshop titled Modifying Your Child Support or Custody Order will be held community to a Heart Health Lecture on Arts and Craft Show set Fall festival planned Nov. 8 Nov. 8 on Thursday, , from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. Thursday, , at 10 a.m. in the cafete- OKEECHOBEE — Palm Village Ranch ORTONA – The Fifth Annual Fall Festival at the West County Courthouse, Confer- ria. A continental breakfast will be served. will be held at the Ortona Community Park, ence Room C-121, 2950 State Road 15. To Arts and Craft Show and Sale, will be held Nov. No RSVP is necessary. on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. until 1 2086 Ortona Locks Road, on Saturday, register or for more information, visit www. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy the chili mypalmbeachclerk.com/workshops. p.m. at the Palm Village Ranch Clubhouse, contest, wiener roast, adult and kids games TOPS to meet on two days 1200 S.W. 44th Blvd. in Okeechobee. Bake and cake and ice cream bars. There is no sale, coffee and lunch will be available. entry fee. Bring your special chili by 11 a.m. GTAC workshop scheduled OKEECHOBEE — Take Off Pounds Vendor 8-foot tables are available for $10. to enter the cookoff. SOUTH BAY — The GTAC special work- Sensibly Club Inc. or TOPS will meet at the For a vendor reservation, contact Kim Ben- shop meeting featuring guest speaker and First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W. ton at 863-532-5342. workshop leader Attorney Amy Pettway of Second St., in room 18 on Thursday, Nov. Food Bank set for Nov. 8 the Legal Aid Society will be held on Thurs- Nov. 8 8, and on Friday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 to 10:15 LABELLE — The Harry Chapin Food day, , from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Glades County Bank Mobile Pantry will be at the West South Bay City Hall, 335 S.W. Second Ave. a.m. Either meeting is open to the public. Glades School, 2586 County Road 731, on For information, call Phyllis at 863-467-8636 Thursday, Nov 8. or Catherine at 561-512-7321 or visit www. Food Pantry arrives Nov. 7 GCHS host tournament finals tops.org. MOORE HAVEN — The Harry Chapin BELLE GLADE — Glades Central High Hendry County School (GCHS) will host the Regional Food Bank Mobile Pantry will be at the Tournament Quarter Finals against the Coral Church serves chicken dinner Moore Haven Elementary School, 401 Terrier Kiwanis shows appreciation Springs Charter School on Friday, Nov. 9, at Pride Drive, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 4 7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Effie C. Grear Stadium, OKEECHOBEE — A smoked chicken to 6 p.m. LABELLE — The Kiwanis Club of 1001 South West Ave. M in Belle Glade. dinner will be served Friday, Nov. 9, from LaBelle will hold a customer appreciation Nov. 10 Admission is $8 (this is a FHSAA fee). Gates 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for takeout only and 4 day on Saturday, , from 11 a.m. to 1 will open at 6 p.m. They will not pre-sale Turkey shoot scheduled p.m. at the LaBelle Kiwanis Thrift Store, 155 tickets. Only FHSAA state series passes will to 6:30 p.m. for dine-in or takeout, at the S. Bridge St. First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W. MOORE HAVEN – A Turkey Shoot spon- be honored (the purple coaching passes will Second St., behind Walgreens. Dinner is a sored by the Glades County Woman’s Club not be honored)! Nov. 8 $10 donation. Tickets are available at the will be held on Thursday , at 6 p.m. Democratic Party to meet church office. at the 10th Street Softball Fields in Moore CLEWISTON — The Hendry County Veterans Day observed Haven. Shells available for 410, 16, 12 and Democratic Party will meet in Clewiston Nov. 10 BELLE GLADE — A Veterans Day cere- 20 gauge shotguns to purchase. Proceeds on Saturday, , at 10 a.m. Visit the mony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Church yard sale scheduled benefit scholarships for MHHS graduates. Hendry County Democrats group page on 11 a.m. at the Torry Island Campground, Facebook for the location of this post Mid- OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee For information, call 863-227-2452. 500 W. Canal St. North in Belle Glade. term Election meeting. Open to the public. Please arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. Presbyterian Church, 312 N. Parrott Ave. (across from Tin Fish) will hold its inaugu- Sunset Cinema scheduled Neuter services offered ral yard sale on Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Health program scheduled MOORE HAVEN — The Glades County CLEWISTON — P.A.W.S. Spay and Neuter Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miscella- Pastoral Association will present Sunset Cin- Clinic of North Fort Myers will offer low cost BELLE GLADE — The Community Unit- neous items includes furniture, household ema, a free outdoor movie event, featuring spay and neuter services for Hendry County ed Methodist Church, 401 S.W. First St., will items, tools, fishing items, clothing, and Jim Henson’s “Turkey Hollow,” on Satur- residents on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Round trip host a Diabetes Self Management Program more. A food bar will be open for lunch day, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tom Perry transportation will be available for dogs $25 on Sundays, Nov. 11 and 18, from 3 to serving hot dogs, chips and drinks. For Memorial Park on Avenue J. Bring your and cats $10. For information, call P.A.W.S. at 5:30 p.m. For information or to enroll, call 239-652-6722. information, call Kip at 863-610-6659. own chairs or blankets. Robin Nierman at 561-300-3227. Roofing with the name you trust! ATTENTION: FARMERS & RANCHERS “Always on Top of the Job”

ROOFING Now In Stock & REPAIRS Your Winter Supplement Feeds Residential Commercial for Cattle Re-Roofing Specialists FREE Estimates • Metal & Shingle Roofs Suga-Lik Liquid Feed • Flats & Leaks Repair Licensed and Insured St. Lic. CCC046939 Protein Blocks, Energy Blocks, Cattle Cubes FREE ESTIMATES Don’t make a Mistake! Call Big Lake Walpole Feed State Lic.#CCC1327338 & Supply Co. 863-763-ROOF (7663) Hwy. 98 N, Okeechobee 763-6905 863-357-3838 8 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

FLOW disguised as a major Everglades announce- year for three years, with funding to come ment. It’s political pandering at its worst from the FDOT work plan. VOTE designed to benefit his election campaign According to the governor’s office 2016 DEBORAH Continued From Page 1 against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. press release, the ultimate completion of “What was the rush? Scott’s advisory the project will provide numerous benefit the north of the trail and Everglades Nation- was released less than three hours before to the region, including: al Park to the south. the Miami press conference. HOOKER • Passing an additional 215,000 acre- The first project of 1.1 miles of raised “Instead of using the media event to feet of water from the northern part of the bridging was completed in 2013. celebrate a shared federal-state success on system, including Lake Okeechobee, to the The second phase, which includes bridg- the Tamiami Trail bridging, Scott used it ing of 2.6 miles, started in 2016. south; to attack Congress for not spending more • Aiding in the reestablishment of his- COUNTY JUDGE The third phase will bring the total of money on Everglades projects. Could he get raised bridging to about 6 miles. torical seasonal water depths and flooding more political? durations that are critical to the survival of DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein said: “To- “Environmental organizations including day’s announcement was a double victory many fish and wildlife species; the Sierra Club, the National Parks Conser- • Allowing water managers additional for the Everglades. We’re celebrating not vation Association, Audubon Florida, Center only the completion of a vital component flexibility to deal with regional and sys- for Biological Diversity, Sanibel Captiva tem-wide flood protection; and of a key restoration project, but we’re also Conservation Foundation, the Conservancy fast-tracking the next — and final — phase • Providing water managers flexibility in of SW Florida, Florida Oceanographic So- of the Tamiami Trail. Sending water south addressing Lake Okeechobee seasonal high ciety and other members of the Everglades and restoring a more natural flow is crucial Coalition that advocated for the project water levels. for restoring and protecting Florida’s iconic For comparison: 215,000 acre-feet is Everglades.” and provided input on the Tamiami Trail bridging project to the U.S. Army Corps of about 60.2 billion gallons of water or about Superintendent of Everglades and Dry 5 inches on the lake. One inch of water Tortugas National Parks Pedro Ramos said: Engineers and the National Park Service for more than a decade weren’t invited to in Lake Okeechobee is about 12 billion “The National Park Service applauds the gallons. State of Florida and their continued com- attend. mitment to restoring America’s Everglades. “A great many people worked on build- She’s one of us. Completing the remaining work on the ing those bridges from the time the Sierra Tamiami Trail is critical to moving the water Club placed it on the public agenda as the south into the park and the marine areas ‘Everglades Skyway.’ For the governor to Thank You that depend on it.” slight the very groups that brought us to this The Sierra Club, however, criticized the day is an insult and a rewriting of history timing of Gov. Scott’s Oct. 30 announce- to serve his political ends. Did he fear that Okeechobee! ment. Everglades supporters would show up Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director holding Red Tide Rick protest signs?” Frank Jackalone issued the following In 2016, the projected cost of the 2.6 Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/USACOE statement: “Gov. Rick Scott held a self-serv- miles of bridging was estimated at $180 This 2017 photo shows the L-29 Canal HookerForJudge.com ing, restricted attendance media event just million. The State of Florida pledged half of and Tamiami Trail bridge west of Mi- Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved one week before Election Day that was that total, financing up to $30 million per ami. by Deborah M. Hooker for County Court Judge November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 9 Wallace wins judge race Watford, Jarriel and Keefe win city council By Katrina Elsken Mr. Watford and Mr. Ritter were the in- Okeechobee News cumbents. City Councilman Noel Chandler OKEECHOBEE – Dowling Watford was did not seek re-election. once again re-elected to the Okeechobee In the county judge race, William City Council Tuesday. Joining him on the Wallace won with 5,791 votes compared council will be newcomers Bob Jarriel and to Deborah Hooker’s 4,838 votes. The Bobby Keefe. incumbent, County Judge Jerry Bryant, will About 57 percent of the registered voters retire at the end of the year due to the age in the City of Okeechobee cast ballots in requirement for judges. the Nov. 6 general election. City voters had Countywide, Okeechobee County saw a the option to vote for up to three choices. 55 percent voter turnout, with 11,349 voters Mr. Watford received 855 votes. Mr. Keefe casting ballots in state and county races. received 819 votes. Mr. Jarriel received 743 Okeechobee County has 20,552 registered votes. Gary Ritter received 701 votes. voters. Hendry and Glades County elections hotly contested By Chris Felker website stated at 8:45 p.m. that not all Election Lake Okeechobee News Day votes had been counted. In elections south of Lake Okeechobee, Incumbent Republican County Commis- two seats on the Glades County Board of sioner Darrell R. Harris faced challenger Ken- Commissioners and one Hendry Coun- neth C. Diaz (no party affiliation). Mr. Harris ty Board seat were contested, and there apparently retained his seat with 1,152 votes, were seven candidates for Clewiston City 67 percent, vs. Mr. Diaz’s 568 (33 percent). Commission, including the three members For property appraiser, Dena R. Pittman, whose terms end this year. One challenger the incumbent Republican, won 5,248 votes, collected more votes than even the mayor or 60 percent, vs. Democrat Tony Aguilar’s of Clewiston, and longtime Commissioner 3,498, or 40 percent. Phillip Roland apparently has lost his bid for re-election. City of Clewiston Voter turnout in Glades was 57 percent; Incumbent City Commissioners M. “Mali” in Hendry, with not all Election Day votes ac- Soto Gardner, Kristine Petersen and Phillip counted for, it was 50 percent. Roland were opposed by challengers Kevin The following numbers are according to McCarthy, Melanie McGahee, James L. (Jim- unofficial results from the two counties’ su- my) Pittman and Lance “Bubba” Ramer. pervisor of elections offices, as of 8:45 p.m. With both city precincts reporting — but Tuesday, Nov. 6. not all vote-by-mail ballots accounted for — Glades County the vote totals as reported around 8:15 p.m. With 13 of 13 precincts reporting and all Tuesday night were: ballots accounted for, incumbent John Ahern, 1. Melanie McGahee, 922 (20.8 percent) facing challenger Jerri Lynn Schlueter for the 2. Commissioner Kristine Petersen, 759 Glades County Board seat of District 4, took (17.1 percent) 2,628 votes, or 69 percent, to Ms. Schlueter’s 3. Mayor Mali Gardner, 720 (16.2 percent) 1,164 (31 percent.) 4. Jimmy Pittman, 617 (13.9 percent) Jeff Barnes ran against Donna Storter Long 5. Kevin McCarthy, 518 (11.7 percent) for her District 2 seat, which she retained by 6. Commissioner Phillip Roland, 474 taking 2,348 votes, or 63 percent, to Mr. Barnes’ (10.7 percent) 1,376 (37 percent.) 7. Lance Ramer, 422 (9.6 percent) Hendry County The top three finishing candidates win In Hendry, all vote-by-mail ballots and commission seats; the one finishing third early votes had been accounted for 10 of 10 gets a two-year term and the leaders, four precincts; however, the elections supervisor’s years each. 10 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018 Mobile-home park owner sues Clewiston

By Chris Felker violated park residents’ civil rights. Lake Okeechobee News “We could not believe it when we CLEWISTON — Lawyers pressing a received the notices from the city. Public federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Clewis- servants are supposed to be supporting ton Commons LLC, a mobile-home park, job growth and encouraging businesses to against the city now have added personal come into town. They are actually driving claims against Mayor Mali Gardner, City businesses and tax dollars out of the city,” Manager Al Perry, Community Develop- the release quoted Khan as saying. ment Director Travis Reese and interim City The lawsuit says that a legal opinion Clerk Kathy Combass, alleging that they written by the city attorney and given to hid information from the City Commission Mr. Perry, Mr. Reese and Ms. Combass in action to enforce a change in the park’s cautioned against the action because the zoning. mobile-home park had continued to exist That’s according to a press release the for nearly 10 years since the zoning had newspaper received last week about the been changed. The suit alleges that those lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of three and the mayor allowed the commis- Appeals for the Middle District of Florida, sion to vote on an issue contrary to that based in Fort Myers. It was brought by Yasir legal opinion and that, during the years Khan, an owner of Clewiston Commons Lake Okeechobee News/Chris Felker prior, city officials never objected to the being represented by Yasir Billoo of Inter- park’s existence. national Law Partners in Hollywood, Fla. Clewiston Commons, along the eastern end of Sagamore Avenue in Clewiston, houses RVs and trailer homes in various states of repair. A common mailbox is Mr. Khan and Clewiston Commons say The amended complaint was filed with a that some residents have lived there their demand for a jury trial on Monday, Nov. 5. used. entire lives, are on low- or fixed-income The lawsuit is asking for an injunction and relief from the city’s enforcement at- officials deny they did anything wrong and what he wanted” but it turned out to be budgets and are unable to afford other tempts. According to the news release from that Mr. Khan should hardly be shocked. He inconvenient for him years later when the options. “The city fails to take into consid- the law firm, Mr. Khan has been a member explained that Mr. Khan essentially is suing commissioners acted to enforce the zoning eration the housing needs of these 100-plus of the Clewiston business community for the city because it gave him what he peti- just as they do for all other mobile-home residents,” Mr. Khan emphasized. over a decade. It says he was shocked tioned for years ago, when he asked that parks in town. Mr. Brandenburg stated that the plaintiff when the city decided in October 2017 that the zoning for the property be changed to a The lawsuit alleges those three officials actually brought the action upon himself, the longstanding mobile-home park, which commercial category from residential. acted in dereliction of their duties last year however, by requesting and pressing for the has existed in the same location for more Mr. Brandenburg said Mr. Khan was when enforcement efforts were beginning. zoning change through the series of public than 30 years, is a “blight” on the city and aware at the time of the request that the A “Notice of Termination” was issued, hearings that was required to enact it. had to be vacated. change would exclude the uses of an RV giving the park and nearly 40 families living The case is set for a preliminary injunc- Clewiston City Attorney Gary Branden- or mobile-home park, and that he filed there six months to vacate the premises, tion hearing on Dec. 17 in Fort Myers before burg said Tuesday, however, that the city suit on May 14 “because the city gave him the news release said. Mr. Khan claims that U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell. Community theatre presents ‘Oklahoma!’

By Katrina Elsken the same roles in the 1991 OCT production. clude Pat McCoy as Aunt Eller, Rick Decker The play is directed by Ron and Jacque Lake Okeechobee News While the years have brought some as Will Parker, Marcia Wagner as Ado Hayes. Kara DePasquale is stage manag- OKEECHOBEE — Before the curtain changes (Jim Clark jokes that in 1991, the Annie and Harry Moldenhauer as Andrew er. Grace Morgan and Brandon Cole are went up Friday for opening night of the part of Curly was played by his “younger, Carnes. assistant stage managers. Laura Murray is Okeechobee Community Theatre’s produc- thinner brother”), the opening night per- Jane Kaufman plays Laurey. Other cast in charge of lighting control; Paul Cronk, tion of “Oklahoma!” director Ron Hayes formance proved their love of the theatre members include Billy McCullers as Ali sound control. Choreography is by Made- told the audience the root of the word has not changed. The cast appears to be Hakim, Nathanael Bean as Slim, Al Cole line Bean. “amateur” is “to love.” having a great time strolling — and singing as Cord, Christian Garner as Fred, Chloe This weekend performances will be The community theatre troupe is made and dancing — down memory lane. McCullers as Aggie, Shawna McCullers as Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. in up of all volunteers who give freely of their Jim Clark stars as Curly, who hopes to Ellen, Genial Morgan as Vivian, Jackie Mor- the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Audi- time for that love of the theatre. court farm girl Laurey. Mike Zierden, also gan at Kate, Tom Murray as Ike Skidmore, torium, 610 S.W. Second Avenue, For more The show is something of a “reunion” part of the 1991 cast, plays Jud Fry, the Michelle Sanders as Gertie, Cade Waldron information on the theatre and its scheduled production. Six members of the cast played farm hand who also hopes to win Laurey’s as Mike and Christina Culverhouse as events, visit the website okeechobeecom- hand. Other returning cast members in- “Dream” Laurey. munitytheatre.com, or call 863-763-1307. UDREY ê DQś

• Restore Public Education • Solar rights for us, not the large utilities • Affordable and Accessible Healthcare • Legalize Marijuana audreyforfl oridahouse55.com Paid political advertising paid for and approved by Audrey Asciutto, Democrat, for Florida House District 55 November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 11 Jury duty dodgers will be facing repercussions By Cathy Womble Sheriff Noel Stephen stated: “I cautioned Lake Okeechobee News folks that this was coming. Our due process requires our participation. The process OKEECHOBEE –— The Okeechobee is easy to receive excused absences, but County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement unfortunately, these folks failed to follow Monday afternoon concerning the recent those steps.” Sheriff Stephen went on to lack of turnout after jury duty summons explain his deputies will have to take time were sent out. According to Public Infor- away from enforcing traffic laws and other mation Officer Michelle Bell, 325 jury duty duties to personally serve 125 individuals summons were sent out in October, but with these orders to show cause. “It is my even after being warned of stiff conse- sincere hope that this does not continue,” quences for failing to appear, 125 residents he concluded. chose to ignore their summons. Ignoring a jury duty summons is con- Therefore, ALL 125 individuals will be sidered contempt of court, which can be receiving an order to show cause from the punishable by a fine of as little as $100 or circuit court judge. Officer Bell explained as much as $1,000 or jail time of a few days “an order to show cause is an order issued up to a few months. When you ignore a by the court advising the individual they jury summons, you are hindering a court in must appear in court on a specified date its duties. In order for justice to be served, and time to give reasons (show cause) why everyone has to do his part. they failed to attend the jury summons.” 12 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

Simpson Chiropractic provides a little more

By Cathy Womble and, after becoming licensed in the state One of Simpson Chiropractic’s most help you have been looking for, contact Lake Okeechobee News of Florida, opened his first Simpson successful forms of treatment is called them and make an appointment. They have three locations: 319 N. Parrott Ave., OKEECHOBEE — Simpson Advanced Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center. disc decompression therapy. This therapy Okeechobee; 464 Southwest St. Lucie Chiropractic & Medical Center believes in Today they have locations in Stuart, Port is used to treat patients with herniat- St. Lucie and Okeechobee. Simpson Chi- ed discs. A herniated disc is a disc that Blvd., Suite 114, in Port St. Lucie; and, treating everyone with kindness, courtesy 104 Southeast Lonita St., in Stuart. You and fairness. Dr. Charles Simpson is a ropractic not only provides chiropractic has had positive pressure applied to it care but also internal medicine, massage somehow, which caused it to become can also find more information online at chiropractor, originally from West Palm simpsonmedical.com. Beach where he attended Palm Beach therapy and physical therapy. The clin- herniated or bulged out. Disc decompres- Atlantic University and obtained a bache- ic doesn’t just treat symptoms; its first sion therapy is non-surgical and applies lor’s degree. Afterward, he moved to At- concern is to determine the cause of the negative pressure to the herniated discs. lanta, attended Life University in Marietta problem using state-of-the-art diagnostic They combine this treatment with cold and earned a Doctorate of Chiropractic. equipment and then deciding on the best laser therapy which speeds up healing Dr. Simpson originally became inter- course of treatment. on the area. One of the biggest benefits ested in chiropractic care after suffering Simpson chiropractic offers many types of this treatment, aside from avoiding ^ŽŵĞŽĨƚŚĞƐƵƌŐĞƌŝĞƐͬƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐŽīĞƌĞĚĂƌĞ͗ of care: costly and painful surgery, is that it helps ͻ^ƚĞƌĞŽƚĂĐƟĐďƌĞĂƐƚďŝŽƉƐLJ;ŶŽŶͲƐƵƌŐŝĐĂůͿ chronic leg pain as a teenager. The pain ͻ>ĂƉĂƌŽƐĐŽƉŝĐ'ĂůůďůĂĚĚĞƌŽƌƉƉĞŶĚŝdžZĞŵŽǀĂů was so bad it interfered with his enjoy- • Chiropractic care; patients stay away from addictive pain ͻdŚLJƌŽŝĚĂŶĚWĂƌĂƚŚLJƌŽŝĚ^ƵƌŐĞƌŝĞƐ ment of baseball. Although he sought • Spine and sports rehab; medications. ͻ'ĂƐƚƌŽƐƚŽŵLJdƵďĞƐ treatment from several different doctors, it • Physical therapy; Simpson Chiropractic may be new to ͻĂŶĐĞƌ^ƵƌŐĞƌŝĞƐŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐĐŽůŽŶƌĞƐĞĐƟŽŶƐ ͻďƐĐĞƐƐͬĐLJƐƚĞdžĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ wasn’t until his cousin started chiropractic • Massage therapy; Okeechobee, but many of their patients ͻ͘͘͘ĂŶĚŵŽƌĞ school that Dr. Simpson considered giving • Ultrasound; have been driving out of town to see them ĐĐĞƉƟŶŐEĞǁWĂƟĞŶƚƐ chiropractic care a try. After an adjust- • Hydro massage therapy; for years, and Dr. Simpson felt there was ment, he never had this pain again, and • Traction; a big need in Okeechobee for the type of ŽĂƌĚĞƌƟĮĞĚ'ĞŶĞƌĂů^ƵƌŐĞŽŶ this ultimately led him to his choice to • Diagnostic x-ray and interpretation; care they provide, because there is noth- Recognized as one of America’s top surgeons pursue chiropractic school himself. • Complete orthopedic and neurologi- ing else like it around here. 105 NE 19th Drive • Okeechobee, FL 34972 Dr. Simpson moved to Stuart in 2002 cal exam, and much more. If Simpson Chiropractic sounds like the 863.623.4486 (voice) 863.623.4487 (fax) Hospital advises of potential delays www.sainnovalsurgical.com

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News ues to work diligently in partnership with delays by having a fully staffed ground crew CLEWISTON — Hendry Regional Med- HRMC to fill in when available. at HRMC. ical Center is making patients aware that The abrupt cancellation of the interfacil- While contract negotiations take place, there is a potential for delays in interfacility ity transport contractor created an oppor- HRMC continues to utilize all ground and transports from Clewiston to other area tunity for HRMC to reopen its Progressive flight transportation options to safely trans- medical facilities. In April, the interfacil- Care Unit. The reopening of this unit has port patients who require a higher level of ity transport contractor used by Hendry expanded HRMC’s capabilities to retain care. These potential transportation delays more critically ill patients at the hospital, Regional Medical Center (HRMC) abrupt- do not affect the ability of HRMC to provide keeping patients closer to home. Mark J. Tenniswood, D.M.D. ly canceled its contract, citing financial the highest quality of care for patients. reasons. This has created limited ground Interfacility ground transport companies Jenna Tenniswood Bryan, D.M.D. Patient safety is and continues to be the top ambulance availability, creating the poten- must be approved to provide service within Clifford E. Bryan IV, D.M.D. priority of Hendry Regional Medical Center. tial for delays in ambulance transport of the county. HRMC is working with two The doctors at Tenniswood Dental patients to a higher level of care. potential providers and hopes to have a res- If you have questions or concerns Associates have been creating HRMC is working with multiple other olution and a contract signed in the coming regarding the potential for ground transfer beautiful smiles for over 55 years. agencies to provide ground-based ambu- weeks. With an agreement in place, this delays, contact R.D. Williams, chief execu- lance services. Hendry County EMS contin- will greatly reduce current transportation tive officer, at 863-902-3000. NOW OPEN Wednesdays and every 1st & 3rd Saturdays along We Love with our normal hours to Care! Accepting New Patients Family-Owned & Operated, OHCF has been Providing Rehab & Residential Care to Okeechobee & the Surrounding Communities  Since 1984 Five-Star Rated Okeechobee • Rehab, Physical, Occupational, Speech Health Care & Out-Patient Therapy 208 NORTHEAST THIRD STREET • Long-Term Nursing Facility Care Available 24/7 OKEECHOBEE, FL 34972 • Secure Dementia and Alzheimer’s 1646 U.S. Memory-Care Wing Highway 441 863.763.3909 • Delicious Meals North • Fun & Stimulating TenniswoodDental.com Activities 863-763-2226 November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 13 Four football teams make the playoffs By Richard Marion since they’ll be playing at home. Kickoff is The Miami Dolphins brought their pre- year the Terriers have been one of the more Lake Okeechobee News at 7:30 p.m. at Glades Day High School. game show “The Audible” to Pahokee on resilient teams in the Lake Okeechobee •The Pahokee Blue Devils will have a After the final games of the regular Nov. 3 to highlight the game. area. While many teams fold in the face of bye week for the first round of the playoffs. season ended on Nov. 2, four teams in the • The Moore Haven Terriers finished adversity, Moore Haven has always seemed They’ll face either Frostproof or Wildwood their regular season with a wild 54-48 win able to rise to the occasion. That resilience Lake Okeechobee area qualified to contin- on Nov. 16 at Pahokee High School. The ue their season into the playoffs. over the LaBelle Cowboys on Nov. 2. bring- has earned them a first-round bye in the Blue Devils came up short in the annual ing them to 8-1 for 2018. Head coach Max playoffs. They’ll face either Miami Christian Glades Day, Pahokee, Moore Haven and Muck Bowl 22-12 against Glades Central on Glades Central will all be in the post-season Manin called the game ‘insane’ and gave or Champagnat Catholic on Nov. 16 in Nov. 3, dropping them to 5-6 for 2018. all the credit for the win to his players. All Moore Haven. mix as they attempt to make a run for the • Despite having a better record than 2018 state championship. Only two area Pahokee and the fact that they beat them teams found themselves sitting out the play- in the Muck Bowl, the 6-3 Glades Central Crossword Puzzle offs this year, Okeechobee and Clewiston. Raiders won’t have a bye week and will • The Glades Day Gators finished their instead be playing the 7-1 Coral Springs ACROSS DOWN 32 Kenton of jazz 43 “Bouquet of regular season with a 35-6 win over St. Charter Panthers on Nov. 9. This is due to 1 Ring pairs 1 Kind of buds? 34 Bruins’ home Sunflowers” John Paul II Academy on Nov. 2, bringing the fact that the FHSAA awards points to 9 Result of hitting 2 Size up, maybe? 35 Beaucoup, with painter them to 6-4 for the year, a one-win increase teams based on factors such as strength of the bar? 3 Sparkle “of” 44 Choice from their 5-5 finish in 2017. They’ll face the schedule, and the Blue Devils had tougher 14 Some strays 4 Far from flowery 37 Onetime Sterling 45 Flight segment 4-6 First Baptist Academy Lions on Nov. 9 in opponents this year. With that being said, 16 Plant from the 5 Title narrator in Optical 46 Splinter the regional quarterfinal. First Baptist lost to the Raiders won’t be in too sour of a mood Greek for “flame” an 1847 novel spokesman groups Glades Day rival Moore Haven 36-14 back as their win in the Muck Bowl snaps a 17 Agitated 6 Deck top 39 Piece of fiction 49 Badgers or on Oct. 26, while the Gators were much two-win streak that Pahokee had started in 18 Garlicky sauce 7 Entered the pool? 40 Beyond the hounds more competitive against the Terriers. That 2016. As always, the Muck Bowl attracted 19 Present, say 8 Hindered the pale? 51 Negative link should bode well for the Gators, especially attention from all around South Florida. 20 One to keep development of 42 Scandinavian 53 Prefix with life or closer? 9 Fixes capital wife 22 Setting for a Det. 10 Golden ratio FHSAA announces changes Tigers game symbol ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE: 23 Designer of 11 Some many Harper’s succulents to high school sports in 2019 Bazaar covers 12 Frigid 24 Golden Horde 13 They’re turnoffs By Richard Marion changes are baseball, boys and girls basket- members 15 Stick a fork in Lake Okeechobee News ball, boys and girls soccer, softball and girls 25 Dancer 21 “__ Robinson” 24 Peace Nobelist The Florida High School Athletic Associa- volleyball. Chmerkovskiy of One of the biggest changes that will affect “Dancing With of 1984 tion (FHSAA) voted on and approved a new 26 Metal-measure classification system and playoff structure schools around Lake Okeechobee is that the Stars” district teams will no longer be required to 26 Rutabagas, e.g. word for seven different sports that will take effect 27 Men’s home? in the fall of 2019. The changes passed by a play each other during the regular season. 27 Chicago Cubs’ 28 Sci-fi 12-3 vote by the FHSAA board of directors. Clewiston High School Athletics Director spring training In the new classification system, the Steven Barnes worries about what this will city emergency number of classes will be reduced from nine mean in the future when it comes time to 28 Squired vehicle to seven and each classification will contin- schedule games. 32 Lethal 29 Fifth wheel ue to be split into 16 districts with an even “I think it can hurt us if no teams want to phosphorus 30 Cuban home? travel out here to play us,” said Mr. Barnes 31 Law school number of teams in each district. compound of the changes to district play. “Not requiring newbie FHSAA briefly considered using rankings 33 Lose control, in 04/16/16 district play is bad business for rural commu- [email protected] to determine classification, but decided to a way stick with student enrollment to determine nities, in my opinion.” With many schools around Lake 34 Grind classification by sport after hearing feedback 36 Evasive from many of its advisory boards. Okeechobee sometimes an hour or more 37 Epitome of Each district will have a postseason away from other teams in their district, it’s tournament, with the champion advancing hard to see many of those teams wanting to slowness to the regional playoffs. In a change, the make the trek out to Okeechobee or Moore 38 Parted sea regional playoffs will now be seeded by Haven if they’re no longer required to. 39 “Rent” Pulitzer- rankings from MaxPreps, a website that FHSAA Executive Director George Tomyn winning specializes in coverage of American high says the changes come after many meetings dramatist school sports. Under the current system, the with school officials around the state of 41 __ se district tournament champion and run- Florida. 42 Fortune ner-up advanced into the regional playoffs. “Today our board of directors passed 43 Private dining Starting in 2019, the four district champions what we think is a pretty neat classification room? will be seeded No. 1-4, based on MaxPreps process,” said Mr. Tomyn. “I’m very proud 47 “Yada yada rankings. The other four regional spots will of our staff that has worked long and hard yada” letters be at-large bids determined by MaxPreps hours on this. And I’m equally proud of all of 48 Place to get rankings. our member schools who gave us produc- clean The sports that will be affected by these tive and positive input.” 49 “Affliction” Oscar nominee Christmas Toy Drive donations accepted 50 Key location 52 Vanity case? Big Lake Missions Outreach is sponsoring its 24th annual Toy Drive for the agency’s 54 Bean seen on- underprivileged clients in Okeechobee County. Families are screened, and the parents wrap and place the gifts under the Christmas tree. They are in need of gifts for children screen from infants to age 17. Gifts may be in the form of gift cards, gifts or checks made out 55 “Aha!” to Big Lake Missions Outreach, and its elves will do the shopping for you. Pick-up and 56 Many a combine model receipts are available upon requests. Individuals or groups may also adopt a family. By Debbie Ellerin They would like to have early requests. For information, call 863-763-5725. 57 Some seniors ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 04/16/16 14 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Full Time Full Time Full Time Full Time Employment - Full Time

NOW HIRING Auctions Garage/ Employment MANAGER’S Business Yard Sales BURGER KING Opportunities AUCTION Lykes Ranch Division Full Time Staff Accountant: 604 N.E. Park Street Every Friday & HUGE SALE- 840 Okeechobee, FL 34972 NOTICE Saturday nights at 5:30 NE 104TH CT, 70E, Duties include: assisting in maintaining GAAP Opportunity 917 SW Park St. SPOT IN THE SUN, FRPSOLDQFHLQDOODFFRXQWLQJDQG¿QDQFLDO Full-Time position w/ Independent Newspa- (Behind Eli’s Western Wear) NOV.10, 8:00AM HIGH reporting processes, month-end closing, with Growth Potential pers will never accept year-end closing, and annual audits to meet benefits Quality Consignments QUALITY, LOW PRICES, Must be able to: any advertisement Accepted. CHRISTMAS TREES stated deadlines. Perform ad hoc reporting that is illegal or consid- and analysis requests. Assisting Accounts Work any day/time Watford Auction AND DECOR, JEWELRY, Circulation Assistant Pass Background ered fraudulent. In all 10% BP PLASTIC TOTES, LOTS Payable/Receivable Staff as required. cases of questionable Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred or Check 863-697-8906 OF KITCHEN AND MUST HAVE: Work in a fast- pace value, such as prom- AU1843 AB1583 HOUSEWARE ITEMS. 2 years prior accounting experience. ises of guaranteed environment income from work-at- Please Apply: Online at • Valid Driver’s License Have great people home programs - if it We Buy Estates www.LykesRanch.comy or in person at • Cash handling skills skills sounds too good to Antiques, Collectibles, Lykes Ranch Division, 106 SW CR 721,, be true, chances are Household, Tools, Okeechobee,, FL 34974 • Basic Computer Send resume to: that it is. If you have Jewelry and etc. M. McGartland@ questions or doubts Call 863-697-8906 Knowledge a Plus [email protected] about any ad on these pages, we advise that MULTI-FAMILY YARD Hendry County BOCC is seeking appli- • Self Motivator • Detail Oriented before responding or SALE - 2900 SE 18TH cations for a full-time Code Enforcement sending money ahead COURT, NOV. 9TH & Supervisorp . Applications must be received MUST HAVE of time, you check 10TH, FOLLOW THE by 5:00 p.m. on November 16, 2018 at the RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION with the Better Busi- RED & WHITE SIGNS Human Resources Department, 640 South ness Bureau at 772- Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935. A complete Miscellaneous IN TREASURE ISLAND. 878-2010 for previous LARGE VARIETY OF job posting and application forms are avail- complaints. Notices HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, able on the Hendry County website at www. Flexible Schedule ADULT & CHILD KHQGU\ÀDQHW Some 800 and 900 Looking for Vendors CLOTHING, TOYS, with some nights & telephone numbers Lakeport Sour HARDWARE & LOTS OF Hendry County is a VP, EEO/AA, DFWP em- may require an extra Orange Festival MISC. ALL MARKED & ployer and participates in E-Verify. Individuals weekends charge, as well as long Sat. Jan. 19, 2019 CLEAN needing assistance in the application process distance toll costs. For information call should contact the County Human Resources We will do our best Jo at 863-946-1222 department at 863-675-5352 to alert our reader of these charges in the th NOW HIRING 107 SW 17 St • Suite D ads, but occasionally CLASS A and CLASS B DRIVERS we may not be aware for local deliveries. Must know the area, of the charges. There- Employment - have clean driving record and pass a drug fore, if you call a num- ber out of your area, Full Time WHVW%HQH¿WVDYDLODEOHDSSO\DW Apply Within Fall Quilt & Craft Show Walpole Feed & Supply Co. use caution. set Palm Village Ranch, 2595 NW 8th St. 1200 S.W. 44th Blvd., Help wanted: fall quilt and craft show Needed CDL class B NO PHONE CALLS driver with air brake and sale will be held on NOW HIRING Saturday, Nov. 10, from endorsement. MUST be able to drive a Clerk/Data/y Entry Person 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the bilinggpual a plus Hendry County BOCC is seeking applica- clubhouse. Beautiful standard truck. Clean tions for a full-time 2I¿FHRI0DQDJHPHQWJ driving record a must, and Saturday’syq required. quilts will be on display, Applypp y in p erson at DQG %XGJHWJ &RRUGLQDWRU. Applications with many for sale. Cre- at least 2 yrs experi- must be received by 5:00 p.m. on November ence driving a class Walpole Feed & Supplypp Co. ative and talented com- 2595 NW 8th St. 22, 2018 at the Human Resources Depart- munity artists will have A or B vehicle. Must ment, 640 South Main Street, LaBelle, FL TIRED OF STAYING lovely items for sale just be able to speak and 33935. A complete job posting and applica- in time for the holidays. understand English Time to clean out the IN A MOTEL, tion forms are available on the Hendry County WORKING IN Also look for hand-paint- well. Knowledge of ZHEVLWHDWZZZKHQGU\ÀDQHW attic, basement and/or ed gifts, candles, travel the area is a plus. garage? Advertise your OUR AREA- FULLY FURNISHED and makeup bags, and Search obituaries Hendry County is a VP, EEO/AA, DFWP em- yard sale in the classi- hand-crafted jewelry. Apply within: fieds and make your 1 and 2 BEDROOM ployer and participates in E-Verify. Individuals PROPERTIES. Enjoy the bake sale and Harmack Company nationally at needing assistance in the application process clean up a breeze! coffee. Vendor 8-foot 600 Curlee Road WEEKLY, MONTH- should contact the County Human Resources LY AND SHORT tables are available for Belle Glade Fl. http://www.legacy.com department at 863-675-5352 Buying a car? Look in $10. For vendor reserva- Phone # 561-463-9378 the classifieds. Selling TERM RATES tions, contact Kim Ben- a car? Look in the AVAILABLE ton at 863-532-5342. classifieds. (863) 467-4371 November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 15

Business Business Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Opportunities Opportunities IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR DESIGN AND CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY PERMITTING SERVICES FOR CURVE SAFETY IMPROVE- CIVIL ACTION MENTS ON CR835 IN HENDRY COUNTY CASE NO. 2018 CA 000024 Need Mobile Homes - Financial Project # 438372-1-38-01 Public Notice UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through the United States Department RFQ No. 2019-04 Rent of Agriculture, Rural Development, f/k/a Farmers Home Administration, a/k/a Rural Housing Service, Opening Date and Time: December 5, 2018 @ 2:00 p.m. LEGAL NOTICE Plaintiff, A public auction will be held vs. Hendry County is seeking engineering firms interested in providing professional EXTRA MONEY? FOR RENT at TOTAL ROADSIDE SERR- JOSEPH K. VICKERS; TAMMY M. VICKERS; OKEECHOBEE UTILITY AUTHORR- services in design and permitting in connection with curve safety improvements UNFURNISHED 3/2 VICES, located at 3176 Hwy ITY; and ALLISON L. VICKERS, on CR835 in Hendry County, Florida. Firms submitting must have expertise in 710 E, Okeechobee 34974 Defendants. roadway safety improvements and permitting services and any other requiree- MOBILE HOME at 9:00 a.m. On the date ments that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may impose in WITH DETACHED listed below Pursuant to Flor- NOTICE OF SALE the Local Agency Participation (LAP) Agreement for this project. Proposers shall ida statute 713.78 for unpaid NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Final Judgment of Forecloo- have all services available in-house or may propose multiple firms, which have GARAGE IN towing and storage. Year, sure entered on October 11, 2018, by the above entitled Court in the above joined together to provide the various required disciplinary services in order to KISSIMMEE RIVER make and model as follows: styled cause, the undersigned Clerk of Court or any of her duly authorized depp- offer a complete submission. Individuals and firms properly registered in the uties, will sell the property situated in Okeechobee County, Florida, described as: State of Florida are encouraged to submit their qualifications for consideration. ESTATES- SMALL AUCTION 11/21/2018// Lot 14, Block 7, OAKPARK SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof ree- All submittals (see Section IV, Submission Requirements) received in response PET CONSIDERED 1994 FORD corded in Plat Book 3, page 3, public records of Okeechobee County, Florida. to this RFQ will be reviewed by a County Evaluation Committee. In order to be at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash on November 28, considered, submittals must be received by the Board of County Commission- $800 MONTHLY VIN: 1FALP45T3RF226746 2018, in the Jury Assembly Room, 2nd floor of the Okeechobee County Judi- ers at the C. E. Hall Building (Clerk’s Office) in the Hendry County Courthouse Plus Utilities cial Center, 312 NW Third Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972, beginning at 11:00 Complex, 25 E. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida by 2:00 p.m., December (863) 447-0742 Terms of sale are CASH ONLY, A.M., subject to all ad valorem taxes and assessments for the real property 5, 2018, at which time all responses to this request will be recorded in the no checks will be accepted. described above. presence of one (1) or more witnesses. The seller reserves the right ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, RI¿QDOELG$OOVDOHVDUH¿QDO IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS A copy of the Instructions and RFQ Documents can be obtained from the Mobile Homes - No refunds will be made. Said PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE SALE. Hendry County website, www.hendryfla.nety under the Public Information tab, automobile will be sold “as is” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERR- by email at [email protected],@y,, or by calling (863) 612-4727. Sale with no guarantees. SONS WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TO PARR- Location:3176 Hwy 710 E TICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE The solicitation does not commit Hendry County to award any contracts, to pay MOTOR ROUTE 863-357-8772 COURT ADA COORDINATOR, CORRIE JOHNSON, TELEPHONE (772)807- any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this RFQ, or to contract 1982 MOBILE HOME 4370, WITHIN SEVEN (7) WORKING DAYS OF THE COURT APPEARANCE. IF for any services. The County reserves the right to reject any or all submittals ree- 298495 ON 11/07/2018 HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 711. ceived as a result of this solicitation, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFQ, FOR SALE 3BR/2BA 2 DATED on October 12, 2018. if it is in the best interest of the County to do so. The County may re-procure at ADD ONS, CENTRAL SHARON ROBERTSON the discretion of the Board. AVAILABLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Clerk of Circuit Court AIR AND HEAT, NEW NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE; CLEWIS- 312 NW Third Street Hendry County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. APPLIANCES, COM- TON TOWING & AUTO SALVAGE gives Okeechobee, FL 34972 Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent BY: Sandra L. Creech PLETELY FURNISHED. to sell these vehicles on 11/19/2018 Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un Deputy Clerk esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Veronica Gonzalez al (863) 10:00 a.m. at 600 E. SUGARLAND 295189 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 IN KISSIMMEE RIVER HWY Clewiston, FL 33440-3213, 675-5324. FISHING RESORT. CALL pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the 298267 CN 11/7,14,22,29 CB 11/8,15,22,29/2018 Florida Statutes. CLEWISTON TOW- 863-532-1359 ING & AUTO SALVAGE reserves the NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE 3bd/2bath- DW- right to accept COQUINA WATER CONTROL DISTRICT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY renovated, screen porch, 2014 DODGE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR COQUINA WATER CONTROL CIVIL ACTION 3C6JR6AT4EG139029 CASE NO. 18000025 CA shed. Palm Village 55+ 298068 CN 11/07/2018 DISTRICT WILL HOLD ITS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING ON FRIDAY, community. 89K. NOVEMBER 16, 2018, AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 17429 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through the United States Department 863-610-1600 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NW 242 STREET, OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34972. A COPY ND OF THE of Agriculture, Rural Development, f/k/a Farmers Home Administration, a/k/a Notice is hereby given that on PROPOSED AGENDA MAY BE OBTAINED UPON REQUEST FROM THE Rural Housing Service, th New WZ3 Mobile Homes 11/19/2018 11:00 AM, the following UNDERSIGNED. IF ANY PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION Plaintiff, Personal Property will be sold at public BY THE BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT vs. 107 SW 17 St • Suite D with A/C in 30 Days- auction pursuant to F.S.715.109: SUCH MEETING; THAT PERSON WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PRO- EDUARDO ESPINOZA and MARIA B. ESPINOZA, husband and wife; and from 28,500 2015 FVFE CEEDINGS AND FOR SUCH PURPOSES THAT PERSON MAY NEED TO GEORGE FRAKER, Used WZ3 Mobile Homes VIN# 5ZT2FEWB4FA015387 ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, WHICH Defendants. Last Known Tenants: Tim Martin INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APP- from $16,900 Sale to be held at: Clewiston/ Lake NOTICE OF SALE Okeechobee RV Park194 County Road PEAL IS TO BE BASED, IS MADE. ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK Se Habla Espanol AT THE MEETING MUST HAVE THEIR NAME AND TOPIC PLACED ON NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foree- Inquire Within 720 Clewiston, FL 33440 (Hendry closure entered on October 9, 2018, by the above entitled Court in the above 863-234-8904 County) (863) 983-7078 THE AGENDA ONE WEEK BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING. ALL styled cause, the undersigned Clerk of Court or any of her duly authorized depp- 297355 CN 10/31;11/7/2018 LANDOWNERS WITHIN THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. uties, will sell the property situated in Okeechobee County, Florida, described as: Admin Off: 239-645-8912 Lot 31, Block 49, BASSWOOD, INC., UNIT NO. 5, according to IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 3, page 51, Public Records PUBLIC NOTICE PERSONS NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION OR AN INTERR- of Okeechobee County, Florida. PRETER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash on November 28, THE DISTRICT’S OFFICE BY CALLING (863) 763-4601 AT LEAST TWO 2018, in the Jury Assembly Room, 2nd floor of the Okeechobee County Judi- NO PHONE CALLS A public auction will be cial Center, 312 NW Third Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972, beginning at 11:00 (2) DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING. held at BMJ Towing, Inc. at A.M., subject to all ad valorem taxes and assessments for the real property 414 South Parrott Avenue, ROBERT STARK described above. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, Okeechobee, Florida 34974 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS 17429 NW 242 nd STREET Campers / RVs on FRIDAY THE 23RD DAY PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE SALE. OKEECHOBEE, FL 34972 (863) 763-4601 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERR- OF NOVEMBER, 2018 from 298585 ON 11/07/2018 SONS WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TO PARR- WANT TO BUY MOTOR 10:00-11:00 A.M. Pursuant TICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE COURT ADA COORDINATOR, CORRIE JOHNSON, TELEPHONE (772)807- HOME, TRAVEL TRAIL- to Florida statute 713.78 for 4370, WITHIN SEVEN (7) WORKING DAYS OF THE COURT APPEARANCE. IF ERS OR 5TH WHEELS unpaid towing and storage. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 711. Houses - Sale ANY CONDITION. DATED on October 11, 2018. Apartments Year, Make, Model & Vin’s as HENDRY COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SHARON ROBERTSON WILL PAY CASH ON THE follows Clerk of Circuit Court SPOT CALL ANDY ANY Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Tourist Development Coun- 312 NW Third Street CYPRESS COVE 1BR/ OKEECHOBEE- FOR cil will hold a meeting on November 15, 2018 at 3:00 pm, at the Clewiston Okeechobee, FL 34972 1BA, Includes utilities. SALE IN TOWN 2 TIME 352-999-2055 2013 MAZDA 3 Chamber of Commerce, 109 Central Ave., Clewiston, Florida The meeting is BY: Sandra L. Creech open to the public. Large yard. $750 mo. + BLOCKS FROM ALDI’S, JM1BL1TF1D1750822 Deputy Clerk 293653 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 security. Available now. 316 SW 3RD ST., 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 863-634-0024. 2BD/1BA ZONED FOR 2004 CHEVY AVEO that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the DUPLEX OR OFFICE KL1TD52614B167968 proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon INVITATION TO BID N.W. OKEE $109,000.00 CALL 305- which the appeal is to be based. Please note that matters may be discussed at CONSTRUCTION SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH 2BR, 1BA, $725 mo. the meeting which are not on the prepared agenda for the meeting. THE FORT DENAUD ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, ROADWAY 922-7645 Terms of sale are cash, and $2175 to move in. REHABILITATION FROM FORT DENAUD BRIDGE WAY TO no checks will be accepted. If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation HUGGETTS ROAD, HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA 2BR, 2BA, $2325 to for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Tourist Dee- The seller reserves the right velopment Council at (863) 675-5304; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; FINANCIAL PROJECT NO. 436652-1-54-02 move in. $775/mo. or e-mail [email protected]@y. 561-346-1642 Wanted all Travel RI¿QDOELG$OOVDOHVDUH¿QDO No refunds will be made. Said Bid No. 2019-05 Trailers, Motor Homes Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. OPENING DATE AND TIME: December 5, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. and Fifth Wheels. Any automobiles will be sold in Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar Condition, Cash paid “AS IS” with no guarantees. Sealed Bids will be received by the Board of County Commissioners of Hendry un esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Myra Johnson al (863) County, Florida, for “Construction Services in connection with the Fort Denaud on the spot 298732 ON 11/07/2018 675-5240. Road improvements, roadway rehabilitation from Fort Denaud Bridge Way to Call 954-595-0093 Huggetts Road, Hendry County, Florida”. In order to be considered, bids must Hendry County be received by the Board of County Commissioners, c/o the Clerk of the Cirr- TAYLOR CREEK CON- Land - Sale Tourism Development Council cuit Court, Attn: Barbara Butler, at the C.E. Hall Building, Room A-226, Hendry Darrell Harris, Chair County Courthouse Complex, 25 E. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida by DO - Seasonal 1BR, 1BA, 297596 CN 11/7 CB 11/8/21018 December 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at which time all responses to this request ground flr., Avail. 3/20. MOORE HAVEN will be recorded in the presence of one or more witnesses. $1200/mo. Sec. dep. Frontage NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A copy of the Instructions and Bid Documents can be obtained online at www. req. 863-634-0024. hendryfla.nety t under the Public Information tab, or from the Hendry County En- - on Rt. US #27, HENDRY COUNTY gineering Department, located at 99 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, Florida (for pick DEVELOPMENT up), or by calling (863) 675-5222. Houses - Rent SITE 2 ACRES Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Selection Committee will hold a Autos Wanted meeting on November 13, 2018, at 9:00 AM, for the review and selection of the Firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday, ENTIRE submittals for RFQ #2019-01 for Improvements to Harlem Academy Boulevard November 27, 2018, at 9:00AM at the Engineering Department, 99 East KINGS BAY - SEASON- in The Harlem Community of Hendry County, Florida. The meeting will be held Cowboy Way, LaBelle, Florida 33935. CITY BLOCK AAA Auto Analysis- All at the Hendry County Administration Building, 640 South Main Street, LaBelle, AL avail 2/1/19, fully Zoned commercial. makes, all price ranges. Florida. The meeting is open to the public. The solicitation does not commit Hendry County to award any contracts, to pay furnished with utilis. Adjacent to court We buy cars, trucks, If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this RFQ, or to contract READING A considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and for any services. The County reserves the right to reject any or all submittals ree- $1700/mo. + sec. house, high and motorcycles. that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the ceived as a result of this solicitation, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFQ, Call 863-634-0024. school, etc. Established 1981. proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon if it is in the best interest of the County to do so. The County may re-procure at NEWSPAPER... which the appeal is to be based. Please note that matters may be discussed at the discretion of the Board. RIVERFRONT large cor- APARTMENT SITE 772-260-9707 the meeting which is not on the prepared agenda for the meeting. ner lot 2BR, 3BA, 2 Car (8 units) Near river. If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation Hendry County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Walk to school. makes you a more for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Engineerr- Garage, Florida Room, informed and ing Department at (863) 675-5222; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un private end of the road Townhouses or e-mail [email protected]. esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Veronica Gonzalez al (863) Rental Apartments. Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 675-5324. walk to golf, marina and interesting person. Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un 298347 CN 11/7 ,14,21,28 CB 11/8,15,22,29/2018 resteraunt $1100/mo. Call owner No wonder readers esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Veronica Gonzalez al (863) for details 675-5324. Credit check req. 970- are more successful! 298321 CN 11/7 CB 11/8/2018 708-9993. 863-673-5071 16 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice

NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL GLADES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL GLADES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA. REQUESTQ FOR PROPOSALS #09-2018 CASE NO.: 2017-CA-005 CASE NO.: 2017-CA-009 JUDGE: LAURIE E. BUCHANAN DEMOLITION & RECONSTRUCTION OF ONE (1) HOME JUDGE: LAURIE E. BUCHANAN Glades Countyypp seeks proposals that will satisfy yq its requirements for the developmentpp,gyp of a comprehensive, current and legally compliant JOSEPH ZACHARY GAZZA, The Glades County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) requests that JOSEPH ZACHARY GAZZA, employeepy handbook that includes information about obligations, g , Plaintiff, interested parties submit formal sealed proposals for the above-referenced Plaintiff, standards of behavior,,pyp and disciplinary procedures that will pprovide V. project. This project will be undertaken as part of the Glades County SHIP V. structure,,y, consistency, fairness and reasonableness in the way y in CHRISTOPHER LEIN; and UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, IF ANY, Program. Contractors must be qualified to bid on SHIP projects. If not pre-qual- CHRISTOPHER LEIN; and UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, IF ANY, which employeespy are treated. And to satisfy y the County’s y require q - Defendants. ified, the Contractor’s Application Documents may be obtained from the SHIP Defendants. ments for thoroughggjp review and evaluation of existing job descrip- Administrator or http://www.myglades.com/departments/communityservices/p// yg / p / y / tions as well as the creation of new jpjob descriptions where none NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE ship.phppp p NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE currentlyy exist. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure datt- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated The BoCC reserves the right to withdraw and cancel this invitation at any time, ed October 10, 2018, and entered in 472017CA000005CAAXMX of the Circuit A mandatory meeting and contractor review of these projects will be held October 10, 2018 and entered in 472017CA000009CAAXMX of the Circuit Court without liability to any Proposers or prospective Proposers. The BoCC reserves Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Florida, on Friday November 07th, 2018 at 3:30 p.m.. at 1450 Linda Drive, of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Florida, wherein the right to retain all proposals submitted and to use any ideas in a proposal wherein JOSEPH ZACHARY GAZZA, is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER LEIN Okeechobee, FL (Buckhead Ridge) 34974. JOSEPH ZACHARY GAZZA, is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER LEIN AND UN- regardless of whether that proposal is selected. AND UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION are the Defendants. Sharon KNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION are the Defendants. Sharon Robertson The due date/time is November 23, 2018, at 5:00 P.M. EST. All proo- Robertson as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder Any firm not represented at this meeting will not be able to bid. All potential as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at posals (3 copies) shall be placed in a sealed envelope with the following title for cash at the Okeechobee County Judicial Center; Jury Assembly Room, 2nd bidders must be in meeting no later than 4:00 p.m. in order to participate in the Okeechobee County Judicial Center; Jury Assembly Room, 2nd Floor, 312 clearly indicated on the outside: RFP #09-2018 Satisfy its requirements for Floor, 312 Northwest 3rd Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972 at 11:00 a.m., on these RFP’s. Northwest 3rd Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972 at 11:00 a.m., on November the development of a comprehensive, current and legally compliant employee November 28, 2018, the following described property as set forth in the Final 28, 2018, the following described property as set forth in the Final Judgment handbook that includes information about obligations, standards of behavior, Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: The specifications and requirements informational package must be obtained of Foreclosure, to wit: and disciplinary procedures that will provide structure, consistency, fairness and 1-17-34-33-0A00-00004-E000 from Cindy Ricker, SHIP Administrator 863-946-6124, [email protected]@yg 1-17-34-33-0A00-00005-A000 reasonableness in the way in which employees are treated. And to satisfy the Lot E of Tract 4; The West½ of the West½ of the South½ of the North½ of Lot A of Tract 5 The East ½ of the East ½ of the North ½ of the North County’s requirements for thorough review and evaluation of existing job dee- Tract 4, Section 17 as to the Southern Colonization Company Plat of Township Due date/time: November 30th, 2018, 2:00 p.m.. EST. All responses One ½ of Tract 5, Section 17 as to the Southern Colonization Company Plat of scriptions as well as the creation of new job descriptions where none currently 34 South, Range 33 East, according to the Plat thereofrecorded in Plat Book 4, (1) Original and Six (6) copies shall be placed in one sealed enve- Township 34 South, Range 33 East, according to the Plat thereof recorded exist. With delivery to the Glades County Clerk PO Box 10/500 Ave J Moore Pages 3-3E Inclusive, Public Records of Okeechobee County, Florida. lope clearly indicating on the outside: GLADES COUNTY SHIP PROGRAM in Plat Book 4, Pages 3-3E Inclusive, Public Records of Okeechobee County, Haven Florida 33471 and which must be received at the Glades County Clerk TOGETHER WITH all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the –RFP#2018-DEMO/RECONSTRUCTION-5-Gillette with delivery to the Florida; AND office at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, Florida 33471, no later than the proposal property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a Clerk of Court’s office at Court House, Moore Haven, no later than deadline time deadline of 5:00 P.M. EST on November 23, 2018. Proposals received after such part of the property. of 2:00 p.m.. RFP’s received after such time will not be accepted and will be 1-17-34-33-0A00-00005-B000 time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened. Proposals delayed for ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, returned unopened. Responses delayed for any reason shall not be considered. Lot B of Tract 5 The West ½ of the East ½ of the North ½ of the North ½ any reason shall not be considered. Faxed and electronically mailed proposals IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS Faxed and electronically mailed responses will not be accepted. of Tract 5, Section 17 as to the Southern Colonization Company Plat of Town- will not be accepted. All costs and expenses related to the preparation and PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. ship 34 South, Range 33 East, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Plat submission of a proposal are the sole responsibility of the Proposers. Dated on October 11, 2018. CONTRACTORS SELECTED TO BUILD NEWLY CONSTRUCTED Book 4, Pages 3-3E Inclusive, Public Records of Okeechobee County, Florida. Deadline for submitting questions on RFP #09-2018 is November 16, 2018, Sharon Robertson HOMES MUST PURCHASE PERFORMANCE/SURETY/BONDS at 5:00 P.M. Clerk of Court FOR THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CONTRACT. Be sure to include this TOGETHER WITH all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the All prospective Proposers are cautioned not to contact any member of the BY: Sandra L. Creech amount in your bid proposal. property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter BoCC or County employees except for the County Manager. All questions should As Deputy Clerk a part of the property. be directed to the County Manager, 500 Ave J. (P.O. Box 1527) Moore Haven, AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES NOTICE ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order All prospective respondents are cautioned not to contact any member of the IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS Florida 33471, Phone # 863-946-6125, EMAIL [email protected]. BoCC. All questions should be directed to Cindy Ricker, SHIP Administrator, 500 It is anticipated that the qualified proposals to this RFP will be considered and to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the proo- PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. vision of certain assistance. Please contact Corrie Johnson, ADA Coordination, Avenue J, (P.O. Box 1527) Moore Haven FL 33471 Phone 863-946-6124. EMAIL Dated on October 11, 2018. a decision on the selection/ranking of a qualified Proposer(s) will be made by [email protected].@yg the BoCC. The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in its Court Administration, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Suite 217, Port St. Lucie, FL Sharon Robertson 34986, (772) 807-4370 at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court Clerk of Court sole discretion. The County also reserves the right to waive irregularities and It is anticipated that the qualified responses to this RFP will be considered and technicalities, to re-advertise for additional proposals, and to select the Proposs- appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before By: Sandra L. Creech the scheduled appearance is less than seven (7) days; if you are hearing or a decision on the selection of a qualified responder will be made by the BoCC. As Deputy Clerk er(s), who, in the BoCC’s sole opinion, is in the best interests of Glades County. The County reserves the right to reject any or all responses in its sole discretion. Glades County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, reli- voice impaired call 711. AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES NOTICE Submitted By: The County also reserves the right to waive irregularities and technicalities, to If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order gion, national origin, disability, or marital status. re-advertise for additional responses, and to select the responder, who, in the 298296 CN 11/07/2018 Rene S. Griffith to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the proo- Be A Man Buy Land, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff BoCCs’ sole opinion, is in the best interests of Glades County. vision of certain assistance. Please contact Corrie Johnson, ADA Coordination, 4260 SE Federal Highway Stuart, Florida 34997 Court Administration, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Suite 217, Port St. Lucie, FL (772) 546-410 1 Glades County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, 34986, (772) 807-4370 at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court GLADES COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 294865 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 religion, national origin, disability, or marital status. Glades County is an Equal appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Opportunity Employer, actively seeking Minority Contractor Participation and the scheduled appearance is less than seven (7) days; if you are hearing or promotes Fair Housing. voice impaired call 711. 297790 CN 11/07/2018 REBID 2018-DISASTER-REHAB-1-THATCHER IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Submitted By: IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA Rene S. Griffith The Glades County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) requests that GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION Be A Man Buy Land, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff interested parties submit formal sealed proposals for the above-referenced Case No. 18000288CAAXMX IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 4260 SE Federal Highway Stuart, Florida 34997 project. This project will be undertaken as part of the Glades County SHIP IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (772) 546-410 1 Program. Contractors must be qualified to bid on SHIP projects. If not pre-qual- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. CIVIL ACTION 294876 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 ified, the Contractor’s Application Documents may be obtained from the SHIP Plaintiff CASE NO.: 47-2017-CA-000133 Administrator or http://www.myglades.com/departments/communityservices/p// yg / p / y / vs. ship.phppp p The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTIETH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Trustees, and all other parties claiming interest by, through, under or against SPRINGLEAF MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2013-3, MORTGAGEEBACKED NOTES, IN AND FOR HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA The specifications and requirements informational package must be obtained the Estate of Theodore L. Pealy a/k/a Theodore Lee Pealy a/k/a Ted L. Pealy, SERIES 2013-3, CASE NO.: l6000680CAAXMX from Cindy Ricker, SHIP Administrator 863-946-6124, [email protected]@yg Deceased, et al, Plaintiff Defendants vs. U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION Due date/time: November 30th, 2018, 2:00 p.m. EST..All responses One PATRICIA WILLS A/K/A PATRICIA F. BAKER A/K/A PATRICIA BAKER, et al, TRUST, (1) Original and Six (6) copies shall be placed in one sealed envelope NOTICE OF ACTION - CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE Defendant(s). Plaintiff, clearly indicating on the outside: GLADES COUNTY SHIP PROGRAM –RFF- vs. P#REBID 2018-DISASTER-REHAB-1-THATCHER with delivery to the TO: The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 CHESTER N. WALKER; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHESTER N. WALKER; Clerk of Court’s office at Court House, Moore Haven, no later than deadline time Trustees, and all other parties claiming interest by, through, under or against HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III; HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION of 2:00 p.m.. RFP’s received after such time will not be accepted and will be the Estate of Theodore L. Pealy a/k/a Theodore Lee Pealy a/k/a Ted L. Pealy, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO HSBC BANK NEVADA, NATIONAL ASSOCIAA- returned unopened. Responses delayed for any reason shall not be considered. Deceased dated June 19, 2018, and entered in Case No. 47-2017-CA-000133 of the Cirr- TION UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #l and #2, and ALL OTHER Faxed and electronically mailed responses will not be accepted. Last Known Address: Unknown cuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Florr- UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., ida in which U.S. Bank National Association as Indenture Trustee for Springleaf Defendant(s). CONTRACTORS SELECTED TO BUILD NEWLY CONSTRUCTED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the Mortgage Loan Trust 2013-3, Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2013-3, is the HOMES MUST PURCHASE PERFORMANCE/SURETY/BONDS following property in Okeechobee County, Florida: Plaintiff and Patricia Wills a/k/a Patricia F. Baker a/k/a Patricia Baker, Cavalry SPV NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FOR THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CONTRACT. Be sure to include this I, LLC, Fort Drum Investments, Inc., are defendants, the Okeechobee County NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judg- amount in your bid proposal. LOT 5, BLOCK 7, ANCIENT OAKS RV RESORT NO. I, A CONDOMINIUM, IN- Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in ment of Foreclosure dated September 20, 2018, entered in Civil Case No.: CLUDING A 1/146TH PER EACH LOT UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN AND TO THE the Jury Assembly Room, 2nd Floor, Okeechobee County Judicial Center, 312 16000680CAAXMX of the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and All prospective respondents are cautioned not to contact any member of the COMMON ELEMENTS THEREOF, ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND SUBJECT NW 3rd Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, Okeechobee County, Florida at for Hendry County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BoCC. All questions should be directed to Cindy Ricker, SHIP Administrator, 500 TO ALL THE TERMS, PROVISIONS, CONDITIONS, RIGHTS. PRIVILEGES, OBB- 11:00AM on the 28th day of November, 2018, the following described property LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, and CHESTER N. WALKER; Avenue J, (P.O. Box 1527) Moore Haven FL 33471 Phone 863-946-6124. EMAIL LIGATIONS, EASEMENTS AND LIENS OF AND AS SET FORTH IN THAT CERR- as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III; UNKNOWN TENANT{S) IN POSS- [email protected].@yg TAIN DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM OF ANCIENT OAKS R.V. RESORT THE SOUTHEAST l/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTH- SESSION #l NIKIA RANDY RIMES; HSBC FINANCE CORPORATION SUCCESS- NO. 1, A CONDOMINIUM, AND ALL ITS EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS, AS EAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 37 SOR BY MERGER TO HSBC BANK NEVADA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, are It is anticipated that the qualified responses to this RFP will be considered and RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 255, PAGE 916-1045, ET SEQ., IN- SOUTH , RANGE 35 EAST, OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Defendants. a decision on the selection of a qualified responder will be made by the BoCC. CLUDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINI- LESS THE EAST 15 FEET FOR ROAD RIGHT OF WAY. I will sell to the highest bidder for cash, on 2nd Floor in Hallway of the Hendry The County reserves the right to reject any or all responses in its sole discretion. UM AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 348 PAGE 1548, ET SEQ., OF A/K/A 1851 NE 48TH AVE., OKEECHOBEE, FL 34972. County Courthouse, 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935 at 11:00 The County also reserves the right to waive irregularities and technicalities, to THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than AM, on the 23rd day of January, 2019, the following described real property as re-advertise for additional responses, and to select the responder, who, in the TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN MOBILE HOME VIN# 10FBA02S9G1016415 the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within set forth in said Final Summary Judgment, to wit: BoCCs’ sole opinion, is in the best interests of Glades County. 60 days after the sale. THE NORTHEAST ONE-QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST ONE has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written Dated in Okeechobee County, Florida tihis 20th day of June, 2018. QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST ONEE QUARTER OF THE SOUTH- Glades County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, defenses, if any, to it on Matthew Marks, Esquire, Brock & Scott, PLLC., the Sharon Robertson EAST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 43 SOUTH, religion, national origin, disability, or marital status. Glades County is an Equal Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 1501 N.W. 49th Street, Suite 200, Ft. Lau- Clerk of the Circuit Court RANGE 31 EAST, HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDA. ALSO KNOWN Opportunity Employer, actively seeking Minority Contractor Participation and derdale, FL. 33309, within thirty (30) days of the first date of publication and Okeechobee County, Florida AS TRACT 9, BLOCK J, PIONEER PLANTATION, AN UNRECORD- promotes Fair Housing. file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiffs By: Sandra L. Creech ED SUBDIVISION. SUBJECT TO AN ACCESS ROAD EASEMENT 297789 CN 11/07/2018 attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered Deputy Clerk OVER THE NORTH 25 FEET AND THE EAST 25 FEET THEREOF. against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Albertelli Law Attorney for Plaintiff TOGETHER WITH THAT CERTAIN YEAR: 2002 DOUBLEWIDE, DATED on October 23, 2018. P.O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 (813) 221-4743 MAKE: MERIT, VIN#: FLHML3B155725814A AND VIN#: FLHM- (813) 221-9171 facsimile NOTICE OF PROCUREMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Sharon Robertson L3B155725814B, MANUFACTURED HOME. As Clerk of the Court eService: [email protected] In Accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, If you are a REQUESTQQ FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) (Q) -- By Arlene Nealis A/K/A: 5200 PIONEER 8TH STREET, CLEWISTON, FL., 33440 As Deputy Clerk person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 296021 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Corrie Johnson, file a claim with the clerk no later than 60 days after the sale. If you fail to file Pursuant to Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, the State of Florida’s Consultants’ ADA Coordinator, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Suite 217, Port St. a claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After 60 days, only Competitive Negotiations Act and the State Requirements for Educational Facil- Lucie, FL 34986, (772) 807-4370 at least 7 days before your sched- the owner of record as of the date of the Iis pendens may claim the surplus. ities (SREF), the District Board of Trustees of Indian River State College desires PUBLIC NOTICE uled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notifica- WITNESS my hand and the seal of the court on September 20, 2018. ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES for: CITY OF OKEECHOBEE tion if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; BARBARA S. BUTLER TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. CLERK OF THE COURT Minor Projectsjg College-Wide 270751 ON 10/31;11/7/2018 BY: J. Bevis NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Okeechobee Technical Review Deputy Clerk Firms desiring to provide Professional Services for the discipline described Committee (TRC) will conduct a regular meeting on Thur., Nov. 15, 2018, at Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire above shall submit one (1) original, five (5) copies, and one (1) flash drive clearr- 10 AM, or as soon thereafter as possible, at City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 200, NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. ly indicating the request for qualifications (RFQ) for which you are submitting. Okeechobee, FL. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda 1701 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Please submit the following information in the order listed: may be obtained from cityofokeechobee.com or by calling the General Services HENDRY COUNTY Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Office, 863-763-3372 ext. 9820. Telephone: (954) 360-9030 Facsimile: (954) 420-5187 1. Letter of Interest. Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Selection Committee will hold a 16-439144 2. GSA Standard Form 330. ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the TRC 289530 CN 10/31;11/7/2018 3. Request for Qualifications Form – may be obtained at the Purchasing with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need to ensure a meeting on November 13, 2018, at 9:00 AM, for the review and selection of the Department page on the IRSC website (www.irsc.edu) or by contacting Don verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record includes the testimoo- submittals for RFQ #2019-03 for Design and Permitting Services for Sidewalk Windham, Purchasing Director, at [email protected]. ny and evidence upon which the appeal will be based. In accordance with the Construction on Old CR78 from CR78 to SR29 in Hendry County, Florida. The 4. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation from owners with whom you have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by meeting will be held at the Hendry County Administration Building, 640 South had experience in the past three (3) years. the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, Main Street, LaBelle, Florida. The meeting is open to the public. Reading a newspaper helps you 5. Copy of your firm’s current Florida Professional Registration License. contact the General Services Department no later than two business days prior If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter 6. If your firm is a corporation, please provide a copy of your firm’s current to proceeding, 863-763-3372 ext. 9820. considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and Florida Corporate Charter. that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the understand the world around you. BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon Business entities interested in providing Architectural services for Indian River or items to the TRC in support or opposition to any item on the agenda, a copy which the appeal is to be based. Please note that matters may be discussed at State College (IRSC) for Minor Projects College-Wide are hereby notified that of the document, picture, video, or item MUST be provided to the Committee the meeting which is not on the prepared agenda for the meeting. No wonder newspaper submittal documents will be accepted in the IRSC Purchasing Department, Secretary for the City’s records. If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation 3209 Virginia Avenue, Building S, Room 229, Fort Pierce, Florida 34891, by for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Engineerr- readers enjoy life more! 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2018. Submittals received after that time/date BE ADVISED THAT ONE OR MORE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COUN- ing Department at (863) 675-5222; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or will not be considered. CIL MEMBERS MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THIS MEETING. THIS e-mail [email protected]. NOTICE IS POSTED TO MEET STATE PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIRE- Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. IRSC reserves the right to waive any informality in the selection process and to MENTS AND SUNSHINE LAWS. Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un reject any and all Requests for Qualifications. esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Veronica Gonzalez al (863) 298196 CGS 11/7,14/2018 By: City Administrator Marcos Montes De Oca 675-5324. 298609 ON 11/7/2018 298322 CN 11/7 CB 11/8/2018 November 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun 17

Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Administration Administration Administration Administration of Estates of Estates of Estates of Estates NOTICE OF FINAL AGENCY ACTION BY THE SOUTH PUBLIC NOTICE FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CITY OF OKEECHOBEE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PLANNING BOARD MEETING HENDRY COUNTY, OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA IN THE CIRCU IT COURT FOR GLADES COUNTY , FLORIDA FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION Notice is hereby provided that the South Florida Water Management District CASE NO. 2018-CP-0161 intends to issue a Water Use Permit renewal with conditions (Permit No. 26- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Okeechobee Planning Board PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 18000051CPMXAX will conduct a regular meeting on Thur, Nov. 15, 2018, 6 PM, or as soon FILE NO.: 18CP102 0883-W, Application No. 181005-10) to HCGM, LLC, located at 1605 Main In re: Estate of Street, Suite 703, Sarasota, FL 34236 for Project “HCGM” to renew dewatering/ thereafter as possible, at City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 200, Okeechobee, FL. As IN RE: ESTATE OF the Local Planning Agency, the Planning Board may consider offering a recom- IN RE: ESTATE OF CHESTER W. HENDREN, JR. SHIRLEY RAY STEWART mining of the permit for a proposed borrow pit. Withdrawals for dewatering are Deceased. from the water table aquifer. Project is located in Section 32, Township 45 South, mendation on any proposed amendments to the current Land Development DENNIS JAMES BARRY a/k/a SHIRLEY RAE STEWA RT Regulations submitted by City Staff, Board Members, or citizens. Deceased a/k/a SHIRLEY R. STEWART Range 28 East in Hendry County, Florida. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Staff Report setting forth the staff recommendation regarding the perr- Deceased. The Planning Board will consider a recommendation to update the City’s Five- NOTICE TO CREDITORS mit, including proposed limiting conditions, can be obtained by contacting the The administration of the estate of Regulatory Records Management Section, during normal business hours, 8:00 Year Schedule of Capital Improvements and forward its recommendation to NOTIC E TO CREDITORS the City Council. The proposed update may be reviewed at the address above The administration of the estate CHESTER W. HENDREN, JR., de- a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at 3301 Gun ceased, whose date of death was jULY Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, Regulation Division, by telephone at during regular business hours, Mon-Fri, 8 AM-4:30 PM, except for holidays. of DENNIS JAMES BARRY, deceased, The adminis t ratio n of the estate of Shirley Ray Stewart, deceased, whose All interested parties are encouraged to appear and be heard regarding the whose date of death was May 27, 14, 2018, and whose social security 561-682-6911, by e-mail at [email protected]@ gv, or by accessing the Staff Ree- number is XXX-XX-1062, is pending date of death was July 13 , 20 18 , is pending in the Circuit Court for Glades port directly from the District’s website (www.sfwmd.govg v) using the Application/ proposed update of the Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements and may 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Avenue J, P.O. Box submit written or oral comments before or at the Hearings. for Hendry County, Florida, Probate in the Circuit Court for Okeechobee Permit Search on the ePermitting page. County, Florida, Probate Division, the 10, Moorehaven, Flo rida 33471. The names and addresses of the personal The District’s proposed agency action as set forth in the Staff Report shall bee- Division, the address of which is 25 representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below . PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that no stenographic record E. Hickpoochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL address of which is 312 N.W. 3rd come final unless a timely petition for an administrative hearing is filed under Street, Suite 101, Okeechobee, Florida All creditors of the decedent and other persons hav ing cla ims or demands Sections 120.569 and 120.57 of the Florida Statutes before the deadline for by a certified court reporter will be made of the foregoing meeting. Accordingly, 33935. The names and addresses of against decedent’s estate on whom a co py of this notice is required to be any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed the personal representative and the 34972. The names and addresses of filing a petition. the personal representative and the served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFO RE TH E LATER OF 3 As required by Sections 120.569 and 120.60(3), Fla. Stat., the following is noo- herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and personal representative’s attorney are MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE evidence at said meeting upon which any appeal is to be based. In accordance set forth below. personal representative’s attorney are tice of the opportunities which may be available for administrative hearing or set forth below. OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE judicial review when the substantial interests of a party are determined by an with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons requiring special accommoda- All creditors of the decedent and oth- ON THEM. tions to participate in this proceeding because of a disability or physical impairr- er persons having claims or demands All creditors of the decedent and oth- agency. Please note that this Notice of Rights is not intended to provide legal er persons having claims or demands All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or dee- advice. Not all of the legal proceedings detailed below may be an applicable ment, should contact the General Services Office at 863-763-3372 ext. 9820 at against decedent’s estate on whom mands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN least 48 hours prior to the meeting. a copy of this notice is required to be against the decedent’s estate on whom or appropriate remedy. You may wish to consult an attorney regarding your a copy of this notice is required to be 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. legal rights. served must file their claims with this ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHI N THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORII- By: Zoning Administrator Marcos Montes De Oca court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF served must file their claims with court RIGHT TO REQUEST ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS DA STATUTES SECTION 733.7 02 WIILL BE FOREVER BARRED. A person whose substantial interests are or may be affected by the South 298600 ON 11/7/2018 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE NOT WITHSTAND ING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE , ANY CLAIM FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD or District) action has the right to PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR FI LED TWO (2) YEA RS OR MORE AFTE R THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH request an administrative hearing on that action pursuant to Sections 120.569 OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF IS BARR ED. SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SER- and 120.57, Fla. Stat. Persons seeking a hearing on a SFWMD decision which VICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE The date of firs t publication of this notice is October 31st, 2018. affects or may affect their substantial interests shall file a petition for hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent ON THEM. All other creditors of the with the Office of the District Clerk of the SFWMD, in accordance with the fil- EAST HENDRY COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT decedent and other persons having Personal Representative: ing instructions set forth herein, within 21 days of receipt of written notice of Notice is hereby given that the East Hendry County Drainage District Board will and other persons having claims or Daphne Dee Flynn demands against decedent’s estate claims or demands against decedent’s the decision, unless one of the following shorter time periods apply: (1) within hold a meeting on November 13, 2018, beginning at 5:30 pm or immediately estate must file their claims with this 1035 Stewart Lane 14 days of the notice of consolidated intent to grant or deny concurrently ree- following the Hendry County Board of County Board of County Commissioners must file their claims with this court Okeechobee, Flo rida 34974 WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE viewed applications for environmental resource permits and use of sovereign meeting, whichever is later, at the Clewiston City Hall, Commission Chambers, DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION Attorney for Personal Representative: submerged lands pursuant to Section 373.427, Fla. Stat.; or (2) within 14 days 115 West Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, Florida. The meeting is open to the public. OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS Eric S. Kane, Esquire NOTICE. OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT of service of an Administrative Order pursuant to Section 373.119(1), Fla. Stat. FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS Florida Bar No. 0847941 “Receipt of written notice of agency decision” means receipt of written notice ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN Eric S. Kane, PL If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF through mail, electronic mail, or posting that the SFWMD has or intends to take THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL 20900 NE 30th Avenue. S uite 403 Aventura, Flo rida 33180 final agency action, or publication of notice that the SFWMD has or intends to considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION LO 10/31;11/7/2018 that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. BE FOREVER BARRED. NOT WITH- take final agency action. STANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET Any person who receives written notice of a SFWMD decision and fails to file proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME which the appeal is to be based. Please note that matters may be discussed at PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED a written request for hearing within the timeframe described above waives the TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER right to request a hearing on that decision. the meeting which are not on the prepared agenda for the meeting. CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH Roofi ng Roofi ng If the District takes final agency action which materially differs from the noticed IS BARRED. intended agency decision, persons who may be substantially affected shall, un- If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation for OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this The date of the first publication of less otherwise provided by law, have an additional Rule 28-106.111, Fla. Admin. your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Special Districts this notice is nOVEMBER 7, 2018. Code, point of entry. at (863) 675-5252; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or e-mail Toni Wright notice is October 18, 2018. Metal Roofs Seamless Gutters Any person to whom an emergency order is directed pursuant to Section at [email protected]. MICHAEL BARRY Personal Representative: Re-Roofs Soffit & Fascia 373.119(2), Fla. Stat., shall comply therewith immediately, but on petition to the KIMBERLY LUBECK board shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible. Personal Respresentative This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. P.O. BOX 3145 2136 SE 31st Street Roof Repairs Free Estimates A person may file a request for an extension of time for filing a petition. The Okeechobee, FL 34974 SFWMD may, for good cause, grant the request. Requests for extension of Paso Robles, CA 93447 K. Matthew Rentz II CONELY & CONELY, P.A. time must be filed with the SFWMD prior to the deadline for filing a petition for Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar P.O. Drawer 1367 hearing. Such requests for extension shall contain a certificate that the moving un esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Myra Johnson al (863) Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 1003358 Okeechobee, Florida 34973 party has consulted with all other parties concerning the extension and that 675-5240. Telephone: (863) 763-3825 the SFWMD and any other parties agree to or oppose the extension. A timely The Rentz Law Firm, P.L.L.C. 97 Park Avenue Primary E-Mail Address: request for an extension of time shall toll the running of the time period for filing [email protected] a petition until the request is acted upon. 297951 CN 11/07/20188 LaBelle, FL 33935 Email Address: Secondary 1 E-Mail Address: FILING INSTRUCTIONS [email protected] A petition for administrative hearing must be filed with the Office of the District [email protected] Telephone: (863) 674-1935 Secondary 2 E-Mail Address: Clerk of the SFWMD. Filings with the Office of the District Clerk may be made NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING [email protected] by mail, hand- delivery, or e-mail. Filings by facsimile will not be accepted. A 293903 CB 10/25;11/1; CN 10/31;11/7 HENDRY COUNTY By Tom W. Conely, III petition for administrative hearing or other document is deemed filed upon Florida Bar No. 096482 receipt during normal business hours by the Office of the District Clerk at SFWW- 297608 ON 11/7,14/2018 MD headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. The District’s normal business Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Selection Committee will hold hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and District holidays. Any a meeting on November 13, 2018, at 9:00 AM, for the review and selection of document received by the Office of the District Clerk after 5:00 p.m. shall be the submittals for RFQ #2018-20 for Miscellaneous Utility Engineering and/or deemed filed as of 8:00 a.m. on the next regular business day. Additional filing Inspection Services in Hendry County, Florida. The meeting will be held at the Lic#CCC1325950Lic# CCC037019 Office Office: (863)675-7045 (863) 675-7045 instructions are as follows: Hendry County Administration Building, 640 South Main Street, LaBelle, Florida. • Filings by mail must be addressed to the Office of the District Clerk, 3301 Gun The meeting is open to the public. View obituaries from 1050981 Commerce Cowboy Circle Dr. Suite B. Fax Fax(863)612-1158 (863) 612-1158 Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter • Filings by hand-delivery must be delivered to the Office of the District Clerk. considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and Delivery of a petition to the SFWMD’s security desk does not constitute filing. It that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the the past month at will be necessary to request that the SFWMD’s security officer contact the Office proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon of the District Clerk. An employee of the SFWMD’s Clerk’s office will receive which the appeal is to be based. Please note that matters may be discussed at Grab a bargain from your Love the earth Recycle and file the petition. the meeting which is not on the prepared agenda for the meeting. neighbor’s garage, attic, • Filings by e-mail must be transmitted to the Office of the District Clerk at http://www.legacy.com your used items by If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation basement or closet in [email protected]@gv. The filing date for a document transmitted by electronic mail for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Engineerr- selling them in the shall be the date the Office of the District Clerk receives the complete document. ing Department at (863) 675-5222; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or today’s classifieds. classifieds. A party who files a document by e-mail shall (1) represent that the original e-mail [email protected]. physically signed document will be retained by that party for the duration of Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. the proceeding and of any subsequent appeal or subsequent proceeding in Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un that cause and that the party shall produce it upon the request of other parties; esta reunion, por favor pongase en contacto con Veronica Gonzalez al (863) and (2) be responsible for any delay, disruption, or interruption of the electronic 675-5324. signals and accepts the full risk that the document may not be properly filed. 298319 CN 11/7 CB 11/8/2018 INITIATION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING Pursuant to Sections 120.54(5)(b)4. and 120.569(2)(c), Fla. Stat., and Rules 28-106.201 and 28-106.301, Fla. Admin. Code, initiation of an administrative AIR CONDITIONING ATTORNEYS hearing shall be made by written petition to the SFWMD in legible form and on PUBLIC NOTICE 8 1/2 by 11-inch white paper. All petitions shall contain: 1. Identification of the action being contested, including the permit number, Rebecca Boldt Hamilton, P.A. application number, SFWMD file number or any other SFWMD identification The 2018 Tax Roll was certified to the Hendry County Tax Collector on October number, if known. 8, 2018 and will be open for collection of real estate and personal property tax EMORY WALKER CO. INC. 2. The name, address, any email address, any facsimile number, and telee- on November 1, 2018. Please contact this office if you do not receive a tax bill Air Conditioning & Refrigeration REBECCA H. BOLDT, Esq. phone number of the petitioner and petitioner’s representative, if any. on property owned in Hendry County. If you receive a tax bill for property which 3. An explanation of how the petitioner’s substantial interests will be affected has been sold, please forward to new property owner, or return to our office. 24/7 SERVICE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS RICHARD W. SEYMOUR, Esq. by the agency determination. TH 4. A statement of when and how the petitioner received notice of the SFWMD’s Payments may be mailed, paid on-line with a credit card, or paid in person in 208 SW 5 Ave. Okeechobee %RDUG&HUWLÀHG&ULPLQDO7ULDO/DZ\HU decision. LaBelle or Clewiston. 5. A statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, the Serving the 863-467-1894 petition must so indicate. Please contact our office should you have any questions. Lake Area for CAC042747 6. A concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, including the specific facts 50 Years! 863-763-6742 CAC057219 5EROGWKDPLOWRQ#DROFRP 1:UG$YH6XLWH&2NHHFKREHH)/ the petitioner contends warrant reversal or modification of the SFWMD’s proo- Patrick B. Langford posed action. Tax Collector 7. A statement of the specific rules or statutes the petitioner contends require Hendry County, Florida WANTED TO BUY reversal or modification of the SFWMD’s proposed action. 8. If disputed issues of material fact exist, the statement must also include 25 E. Hickpochee Ave 1100 S. Olympia Suite 300 an explanation of how the alleged facts relate to the specific rules or statutes. LaBelle, FL 33935 Clewiston, FL 33440 9. A statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the acc- (863)675-5280 (863)983-1460 We Buy Scrap Gold, tion the petitioner wishes the SFWMD to take with respect to the SFWMD’s CN 10/31;11/7 CB 11/1,8/2018 proposed action. Silver and Coins MEDIATION The procedures for pursuing mediation are set forth in Section 120.573, Fla. PUBLIC NOTICE Stat., and Rules 28-106.111 and 28-106.401–.405, Fla. Admin. Code. The SFF- WMD is not proposing mediation for this agency action under Section 120.573, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF Elliott’s Pawn Shop Fla. Stat., at this time. INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE WILL HOLD A REGULAR BOARD MEETING RIGHT TO SEEK JUDICIAL REVIEW TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2018 AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM, A301 OF 419 W.S. Park St. • 863.763-5553 Pursuant to Section 120.68, Fla. Stat., and in accordance with Florida Rule of THE BEN L. BRYAN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ON THE MAIN CAMPUS OF Appellate Procedure 9.110, a party who is adversely affected by final SFWMD INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE AT 3209 VIRGINIA AVENUE, FORT PIERCE, action may seek judicial review of the SFWMD’s final decision by filing a notice FLORIDA 34981. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN THAT AT 1:00 P.M., TUESDAY, NO- of appeal with the Office of the District Clerk of the SFWMD in accordance with VEMBER 13, 2018, AN AGENDA MEETING WILL BE HELD IN ROOM 210 OF the filing instructions set forth herein within 30 days of rendition of the order to THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ON THE MAIN CAMPUS, 3209 VIRGINIA be reviewed, and by filing a copy of the notice with the clerk of the appropriate AVENUE, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA 34981-5596. ANY PERSONS WISHING district court of appeal. TO PLACE BEFORE THAT BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION ARGUMENTS 298312 CN 11/7/2018 CONCERNING ISSUES OF LAW OR POLICY OR PRESENT EVIDENCE OF ANY ADVERTISE HERE PERTINENT FACT THAT MAY BE IN DISPUTE MUST NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE AT LEAST FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED MEETING Find it faster. Sell it sooner Shop here first! OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. ANY PERSONS WISHING TO APPEAL THE in the classifieds The classified ads DECISIONS OF THIS BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND FOR An Affordable Way to ADVERTISE! SUCH PURPOSE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE Your new car could be When you want some- PROCEEDINGS IS MADE. in today’s paper. Have thing sold, advertise in 298271 ON 11/7/2018 call: 863.763.3134 • email: [email protected] you looked for it? the classifieds. 18 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018

AMERICAN LEGION # 64 Coach Garret sent off with big win 501 SE 2nd St Okeechobee 763-5309 WEEKLY HAPPENINGS SUNDAY Bingo ~Doors Open 5PM Starts 6:30 PM - Kitchen 5:30 - 7:30 MONDAY 5 Card Bingo 1-3PM LUNCH served at 12:30 PM TUESDAY Meeting Night- Lunch & Dinner all day

TACO WEDNESDAY 11-6 MUSIC by Margarita Special JAY & PATTY Thirsty Thursday Food 11-6 Register for a $20 bar tab FRIDAY - Fish Fry $6 5-8PM Lake Okeechobee News/Richard Marion Clewiston junior Javon Jones checks Music by Sax Man 6-9PM Lake Okeechobee News/Richard Marion with the referee to ensure he’s on the Lightning delayed the kickoff of the Nov. 2 Okeechobee-Clewiston game by an SATURDAY~ Trivia 2-4PM line of scrimmage. Jones had a cru- hour and a half. Rain continued to come down throughout much of the first half. Food Served cial block that sprung fellow junior wide receiver Oran Singleton free for a touchdown in the second half against fought their way to the 2-yard line and a lot of these young guys now have a lot of Nov 12 Veterans Okeechobee. found themselves facing a fourth down. experience. The entire offensive line except Okeechobee coach Ty Smith made the call for two will be back next year. Most of the Day Celebration By Richard Marion to go for it on fourth down, knowing his Lake Okeechobee News team was already behind two scores and skills guys will be back next year. Ceremony @ 10am “And now they have a feel for what var- CLEWISTON — The Clewiston Tigers needed a touchdown. Flagler Park defeated the Okeechobee Brahmans 42-2 On the fourth-down play, the speedy sity football is like,” Garret went on. “They Washington grabbed a toss from Keath- understand that you have to hold on for all /XQFK0XVLF 5DIÀHV in the final game of the season on Nov. 2, to follow at the American Legion bringing them to 2-8 for the year and keep- ley in the backfield and sprinted toward four quarters. I think you’re going to see a the left side of the end zone. It looked as ing Okeechobee at a winless 0-10. team that fights hard in the offseason and in Thank you to our Veterans The Tigers racked up 394 yards rushing though Washington would have a walk-in touchdown, but Clewiston junior Jaivus the weight room because they don’t want & R.E.D. against the Brahmans and dominated both to have another year like this.” Remember -Everyone- Deployed lines of scrimmage. Chavers and sophomore Kev’ontey Fowler The game remained scoreless up until shed their blocks and rallied to stop the Brahman ball carrier at the 1-yard line, the final seconds of the first quarter when forcing Okeechobee to turn the ball over on Clewiston sophomore Keontey Fowler downs. broke two tackles on a 39-yard touchdown After the Tigers took over on their 1-yard Get a Flu vaccine! run to put the Tigers up 7-0. Fowler would line, the Brahman defense stuffed Fowler increase Clewiston’s lead to 14-0 on their behind the line of scrimmage, scoring a Yearly flu vaccination is next offensive drive with a 50-yard touch- safety. Those two points would be the only down run. ones Okeechobee would score all night. the best tool currently A 14-0 lead isn’t insurmountable, The victory is Clewiston coach Brad Gar- though, and if Clewiston wanted to win ret’s last game with the program, as former available to protect decisively they’d have to keep Okeechobee longtime Tigers coach Pete Walker will be out of the end zone. The turning point that returning to mentor the squad next year. against influenza let the Tigers run away with the game hap- Garret held back tears when he addressed (flu), a serious pened midway though the second quarter. the team on the field and spoke to the Lake Okeechobee senior quarterback Blaine Okeechobee News after the game. disease which Keathley and junior Veyon Washington “It’s been a rough season,” said Garret. connected along the sideline for a 38-yard “We knew that going into this year with a sickens millions of pass to put the Brahman offense on the bunch of young guys. But I think this sets Clewiston 11-yard line. The Brahmans them up really good for next year, because people each year.

Pam’s Plumbing Inc. will be giving a 10 % discount to all Call today to schedule an appointment to get your flu shot DFWLYHDQGUHWLUHG¿UVWUHVSRQGHUVDQGPLOLWDU\SHUVRQQHO GXULQJWKHHQWLUHPRQWKRI1RYHPEHU Dr. James D. Forbes Family Care Center Hendry Regional Convenient Care Center

Licensed & Doug & Serving Clewiston, Harlem, LaBelle, Moore Haven, South Bay, Insured Belle Glade, Pahokee, Lakeport, Immokalee, Casey Port LaBelle and Okeechobee Walker •Stoppages •water heaters •main water supply •re-pipe •New Construction •leak detection Walker’s Pressure Cleaning •drain locator Residential & Commercial •jetting’ sewer video 772-971-0419~ 863-763-8534 and more... “VIKING” FIBERGLASS and CONCRETE Tree Mobile 863.484.0439 Call Eddie 863-233-3207 POOLS & SPAS Service [email protected] Se Hablo Español Licensed & insured CFC 1429320 ALUMINUM Hoss LLC CARPORTS, SCREEN ROOMS & MORE! (863)(863) 634-7442634-7442 Lic# OCSL 1583-01 INSURED

An affordable This space is solution to available advertising 863-763-3134 your business 863-763-3134 20 Lake Okeechobee News – merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat, and The Sun November 7, 2018 Big Lake Athlete of the Week: Javius Chavers By Richard Marion The Athlete of the Week award could If Washington had scored and made the touchdown, Chavers also had a crucial field Lake Okeechobee News have easily gone to Clewiston sophomore game 14-7 in the second quarter, perhaps goal block shortly before halftime in that Clewiston High School junior running Keontey Fowler, who had both a 45-yard Okeechobee would have fed off that game. back Javius Chavers is this week’s Big Lake touchdown run and a 50-yard touchdown momentum and been more competitive For the Okeechobee game, Chavers, Athlete of the Week for his performance run in the first half of the game, but that against Clewiston, but Chavers stopped any who normally wears the number 22, wore in the Tigers’ blowout 42-2 win over the defensive play made by Chavers on the goal of that from happening. number 9 to honor his cousin, Clewiston Okeechobee Brahmans on Nov. 2. line proved to be the difference-maker. This is Chavers’ second time being senior Edniyan Thomas, who was injured Chavers rushed for 149 yards and one On a fourth-down play, Chavers shed named Athlete of the Week. He was also and couldn’t play. touchdown against the Brahmans and an Okeechobee blocker and collided with recognized for his performance in the To nominate an athlete for Big Lake Ath- was crucial in a defensive stop when Brahman running back Veyon Washing- Tigers’ 14-9 win against Lely back on Sept. lete of the Week, email Lake Okeechobee Okeechobee was knocking on the door of ton at the 1-yard line to deny a touch- 14. News sports reporter Richard Marion at Clewiston’s end zone. down. That would be the last time the In that game Chavers also made plays [email protected] with their name Okeechobee offense would be that close on both sides of the ball. In addition to and their sport along with reasons why to the end zone for the rest of the game. running for 88 yards on 17 carries and one you think they deserve the spot.

Lake Okeechobee News/Richard Marion Javius Chavers wore the number 9 to recognize his cousin who was injured and couldn’t play in the Okeechobee game. FWC conducts aquatic plant control on lake

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser- vation Commission (FWC) is conducting aquatic plant control on Lake Okeechobee this week through Nov. 9, weather permit- ting. There will be an aerial treatment of up to 5,000 acres of invasive water lettuce in the southeastern portion of the lake, including Coot Bay, East Wall, South Bay and Ritta, Torrey and Kreamer islands. The purpose of this treatment is to improve fish and wildlife habitat, according to FWC. The treatment will be conducted using herbicides approved by the Florida Depart- ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There will be no restrictions on recre- ational activities on Lake Okeechobee, but the FWC is asking the public to avoid these 863-410-2860 areas of the lake during the days they are undergoing treatment. 319 N Parrott Ave, Go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants” to find out more Okeechobee, FL 34972 about invasive plant management, includ- ing “Frequently Asked Questions.” Additional Offices: For more information, contact Mariah Stuart | Port St. Lucie West McInnis at 352-601-1367. Port St. Lucie November 7, 2018

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Golf course hosts Parent-Child Championship Participants in the annual Parent-Child Championship included: Dave Jackson, Bob Jackson, Martin Crawford, Skip Crawford, Tom Waddell, Zach Waddell, Damien Rende, Cody Difrederico, Nick Rende, Ray Rende, Steve Conrad (not pictured) Tommy Spears and Hayden Willis. Continued on page 8. United Way kicks off 2018-19 campaign By Dale Conyers Lake Okeechobee News LABELLE — The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties kicked off its 2018-19 Hendry & Glades Campaign on Oct. 25 at Hope Connec- tions in LaBelle. The goal for this year is $334,900. The money raised will be distributed to 28 partner agencies and 64 programs in Hendry and Glades. “United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties is a fund-raiser and distributor … but it’s also much more than that. The critical needs of our community require more than just quick fixes. In this new era, we must work together with our Lake Okeechobee News/ partners in the community to realize a Dale Conyers shared vision for change. In turn, we allow United Way Campaign co-chairs Carey Soud and Mali Gardner unveil the 2018- for new partners, new collaborations and 19 Campaign monitor as Lisa Sands, Hendry/Glades manager, looks on. new resources, while bringing our commu- and Glades counties, United Way partners by improving lives and delivering meaning- Lake Okeechobee News/Dale Conyers nity together to focus on issues and build with 28 agencies that provide over 60 Marci ‘D’Huynslager of the Clewiston solutions that will continue to improve ful results,” said Lisa Sands, Hendry/Glades Police Department spoke about the al- lives. No single group can address the com- programs in the community to address the locations process. plex problems that matter most. In Hendry issues that matter most in our community See UNITED — Page 8

cok20181107_21.crop.pdf 1 07-Nov-18 05:11:06 2 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Harvest Academy students on honor roll

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Kingston Burton, Neveah Evans, Miguel Demeritt, Brayden Johnson, Jayla McCray, or higher: Monica Almeida, K’Juan Mason, CLEWISTON — Harvest Academy Martinez, Angel Velasquez, Valeria Cerda, Myron Pope, Antonio Diaz, Ava Lane, Alexia Sterling ,Dayron Franklin, Alivia congratulations the following honor roll Kristabella Flournah, Lynx McBride, Landon Stryker McBride, Joshua Rivas, Jr., Gissel Mata, Johana Vanegas, Jovan Gallegos, students. Windham, Ra’Shanti Williams, Addison Diaz, Rodric Lane, Jr., Isreal Meniz, Mariah Mia Rivera, Mykah Vargas, Kinley Garrett, A honor roll: Austin Adams, Tessa Windham, Jayden Villatoro; Rosa, Xavier Hernandez, Lenin Lozano, Illiana Robbins, Yaneli Vega, Jash Harper, Creagh, Daniel Herrera, Jr., Serenity Quillen, A/B honor roll: Alexandria Aguilar, Samuel Meniz, Samuel Sanchez, Matthias Curniya Rushing, Ricardo Villatoro, Aida Jaya Billlie, Erick Crespo, Gisella Lope, Jaqueline Hernandez, Isreal Martinez, Luiz Vargas, Simon Vega, Analiah Villatoro, Jose-Ramirez, Caylee Sherman, Ciaya Jesus Jose-Ramirez, Julius Billie, Jr., Alyssa Pike, Kailynn Davis, Wuilfredo Hernandez, Hayden Willis; Washington, Arelly Lopez, Solon Sherman Delgado, Kendra Martinez, Jonathan Tistoj, Lizmary Martinez, Marcus Pope, Jordan 7-12th Grade students have a 3.0 GPA and Javonte White. Meeting targets Hendry County traffic safety By Geffory Ionescu number of crashes is down, but the total fa- drainage problem in Clewiston on U.S. 27/ There was also a crash in LaBelle. A Lake Okeechobee News talities went up compared to last year. Law Ventura Evacuation Route, Olympia to San 9-year old boy on his bike was hit by a vehi- enforcement will have all hands on deck for Pedro. Whenever there are heavy rains, the The Hendry County Traffic Safety cle. The brakes of the kid’s bike apparently Thanksgiving and the days around the hol- water doesn’t drain properly and will come were not in working order. meeting of Nov. 1 reported that there were iday. Because it is the busiest travel-holiday up to the sidewalks sometimes as bad as no fatalities by car crashes in the month of the year, they will pay closer attention to going into the businesses on that street. The On Saturday, Nov. 27, the Red Bus will of September. Compared with 2017, the speeding, if people are wearing their sea drainage systems have been vacuumed out stop by the Firehouse Community The- number of fatalities for the entire year went belts and everything else traffic-related. two months ago but the problem keeps ater for blood donors, and all donors will up from eight in 2017 to 11 in 2018. The One of the continuing issues is the occurring. receive a wellness check-up. Citrus estimate good news, but industry still recovering Special to the Lake Okeechobee News (USDA) pegged its initial 2018-19 Florida total “It’s been a very difficult year for growers, “But we still have significant work to do BARTOW — The chief executive of orange estimate at 79 million boxes, a no doubt, and it’s good to hear production to increase production back to a point where Florida’s largest citrus trade organization said 76 percent increase from last year when Hur- for this season is expected to be up,” said Mi- we can support infrastructure and generate the USDA’s Thursday orange forecast is good ricane Irma and disease ravaged the crop. chael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida the income necessary to keep growers in news; however, the industry has a way to go The USDA reported early and mid-season Citrus Mutual. “Growers continue to show business. I am optimistic the 2018-19 season before he calls it a recovery. varieties at 34 million boxes, while Valencias resilience and a commitment to replant and is the beginning, and we will get the Florida The U.S. Department of Agriculture tallied 45 million boxes. get the industry back on its feet.” citrus industry back to sustainability.” Grant from USDA could help Florida’s grapefruit industry Pre Black Friday By Robin Koestoyo citrus under screen is to exclude psyllids UF/IFAS and therefore block transmission of CLas, Warehouse Florida’s grapefruit industry, devastated the bacterial agent of HLB disease,” said by citrus greening, may find hope in four Arnold Schumann, who is leading the CUPS ½-acre white-mesh screenhouses in a research as project director. Schumann is a professor of soil and water sciences at Clearance research field in Fort Pierce thanks to a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of the University of Florida Institute of Food Agriculture awarded to the University of and Agricultural Science’s (UF/IFAS) Citrus Florida. Research and Education Center (CREC) in Studies for the grant will take place Lake Alfred, Florida. The research station is Making room for Black Friday inside and outside these structures, where the world’s largest facility dedicated to the 512 young “Ray Ruby” grapefruit trees are study of a single crop — citrus. already in production since September Mr. Schumann said the protective screen Savings up to 75% off retail 2013. The project focuses on growing and house drastically alters the citrus growing protecting high-quality fresh grapefruit environment, including the microclimate, inside 14-feet-high screenhouses, or “Citrus tree growth rates, and small pests and Under Protective Screen,” also known as pathogens not excluded by the screen. CUPS. “A major goal of the grant is to develop Trees have recently been grown in a sustainable integrated growing system screenhouses to shield the crop from the for fresh market citrus, customized for Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive insect that the modified environment in CUPS,” said carries the pathogen that causes huan- Mr. Schumann. “Research topics include Open Saturday till 5PM glongbing, or HLB, commonly known as integrated pest and disease management, citrus greening. The pathogen has reduced automated robotic pest scouting, canopy Florida’s citrus production, including grape- management adapted for CUPS, advanced fruit and oranges, from 292 million boxes fertigation, selective light spectrum en- 117 S. Bond St.Clewiston, FL 33440 during the 2003 through 2004 production hancement, rootstock and scion evaluation, season to fewer than 78 million boxes at and comprehensive economic analysis.” (863) 983-8166 the end of the 2016 through 2017 growing The funded project will also support season, according to U.S. Department of new CUPS research in California, to be Agriculture’s Florida citrus statistics. located at the Lindcove Research and Edu- Carol Giddens, Owner “The primary purpose of growing cation Center of the University of California. Hablamos Español Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades Count y Democrat and The Sun 3 Solid waste economics is a deep subject

By Chris Felker One of the four challengers in Tuesday’s equipment or personnel. I would hope the and Clewiston that allows the Lee County Lake Okeechobee News election for three Clewiston City Commis- discussion you have is not whether to go up SWA to have the transfer station in the city. sion seats, Kevin McCarthy, showed up at $5.50 or $11 (the increase amounts over the “The main one,” she continued, “is between CLEWISTON — City officials have backed the commission’s Oct. 15 meeting to throw current $19.95-a-month rate that have been Hendry and Lee, a 26-page document that off from a plan to increase monthly garbage in his 2 cents. The five commissioners discussed), but how can we reduce our spells out the arrangement, includes the $5 collection fees for residents by more than were to hear remarks from Mr. Perry about expenses, reduce our impact on the environ- surcharge (that the city pays per ton), which 50 percent and now will conduct a work- the research later in the meeting, but the ment and save our residents money.” goes into a Hendry reserve fund. We’ve shop to examine all the connected issues in discussion began when Mr. McCarthy raised The city’s waste is disposed of by the Lee asked what has it been used for lately and if depth before deciding on rates for 2019 and several points. SWA through an arrangement with Hendry. recycling is included in that, and right now beyond. “In the last four years, the city has Mayor Mali Gardner responded by saying we’re waiting for that.” That’s not the only encouraging aspect of increased its solid waste disposal budget the city has been talking about recycling for Mayor Gardner then learned from City details regarding solid waste disposal by the expense, not revenue, $360,000 or 112 per- a long time but “has been slow to get into Manager Perry that the city has requested all city that have recently come to light as staff cent. Lee County has increased the disposal it mostly because of the financial aspect, the relevant information from the county but led by City Manager Al Perry, Public Works fees by 41 percent in that same time, which what it would cost to put the tippers out at “have not gotten it back yet,” he said. Director Sean Scheffler, Utilities Director are still lower than they were in 2007. If the every house in town and, more so, what we Then she summarized the situation: Danny Williams and Finance Director Shari other 71 percent is increased volume, then would do with it after we got it picked up.” “There’s not a recommendation yet, but I Howell have been researching the topic. In perhaps it’s time to do something different,” She explained, though, that “we have dis- know in speaking to you ... that what we delving into the city’s and Hendry County’s he said. covered some documents that yes, Hendry originally thought would be an increase responsibilities, they have uncovered several “In Clewiston, the only recycling bins County is the authority when it comes to of $11, we believe after the research and agreements dating back two decades or are at the schools. For every pound that disposal of solid waste across the board” looking at the information that we have and longer about how Hendry, in its partnership gets recycled, that’s a pound the city does and “that the county would be responsible with Shari deep-diving into this whole issue, with the Lee County Solid Waste Authority not have to pay in disposal fees. So if the for the recycling programs” in both the two that that is not going to be the case. Or we (SWA), handles Clewiston’s garbage and city were actually a partner in recycling cities and outlying areas. The agreements can’t make a final decision until we have all refuse. One regards recycling, of which either through many more recycling bins date to 1989 and 1993. the information from the county?” Clewiston residents don’t do much if any throughout the city or through recycling Finance Director Howell said the first “Correct,” Mr. Perry answered. at all, because opportunities to do so have carts at individual homes, perhaps you could was “an interlocal agreement basically ... The mayor asked him to set up date and not been made widely available. It appears, be having this discussion about a much stating that the county has a responsibility time as soon as possible for a workshop on though, that the county government is smaller rate increase. Maybe then you could for the recycling program and also counties the matter, but evidently research still is be- responsible for providing those. (See story go to one day a week for garbage, one day have the responsibility to get rid of solid ing done because it was not an agenda item on Page 7.) a week for recycling, with no increase in waste.” Another is a lease between Hendry for the commission’s meeting Nov. 6. Hurricane Michael caused $158 million in ag losses By UF/IFAS expenses, or any long-term economic effects in the Panhandle also suffered significant ing or enclosures. Total production losses for Hurricane Michael caused production of the hurricane,” Ms. Court said. “We need- losses, including $39 million for green- the expected three to six weeks of disrup- losses totaling over $158 million for Florida’s ed to focus initially on developing the loss house, nursery and floriculture production, tion to animal agriculture operations in the agricultural industries in the 2018-19 growing estimates needed for relief efforts, but we in- $9 million for vegetables and melons, $4 region were estimated at $23 million. season, according to economists with the tend to continue to develop estimates for the million for fruits and $3 million for tree nuts In addition, the Florida Forest Service, a University of Florida Institute of Food and broader economic impacts of the hurricane. including pecans. division of the state Department of Agri- Agricultural Sciences. County-level estimates will be released in the Field reports indicate that a significant culture and Consumer Services, estimated The dollar estimate, along with more very near future.” number of livestock animals went missing Florida’s timber losses at $1.29 billion for detailed information, has been forwarded to Nearly 1 million acres of agricultural after the hurricane, including beef cattle, pine, mixed upland hardwood and bottom- state and federal agencies to facilitate relief crops, not including timber, were affected deer, horses and hogs. Most of the animals land hardwood timber across a total of 2.81 efforts, said Jack Payne, UF senior vice presi- throughout the Panhandle, Ms. Court said. disappeared from sites with damaged fenc- million acres, in a report released Oct. 19. dent for agriculture and natural resources. The economic analysis team calculated “No one understands the magnitude of crop loss estimates for 25 Florida counties, this disaster more fully than our UF/IFAS for commodities that included field crops, Extension agents based in the Panhandle,” row crops, vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, Mr. Payne said. “They rose to the occasion greenhouse and nursery crops, as well and connected with farmers, landowners as beef, dairy, poultry and other animal and property managers to obtain raw data products, she said. The most serious impacts concerning the status of their crops before occurred in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gads- and after Hurricane Michael struck. We even den, Gulf, Jackson, Liberty and Washington used drones to obtain aerial images of crop counties, which experienced hurricane-force fields. Then, the UF/IFAS Economic Impact winds of 111 to 155 miles per hour, corre- Analysis Program team extrapolated from sponding to the Category 3 and 4 hurricane CLEWISTON HOMES / MOBILE HOMES 51 Ave. J, Moore Haven FL $139,9K the raw data to produce a comprehensive ranges. Virtually all of the state’s cotton crop • 4/3.5 Large lot w/pool 1205 Pinewood $439,9K was wiped out, with losses totaling $51 mil- • 2/2 MH 551 Fleetwood St. $55K Reduced 53,9K figure for the entire affected area. To ensure • 2/2 Condo Bass Capitol #704 Reduced $102.9K that their calculations were accurate, the lion on more than 145,000 impacted acres. • 3/2 800 W. Alverdez Ave $170K PENDING team engaged in discussions with state When the hurricane made landfall in Bay • 3/1 Cottage Style, updated 420 W. Circle $139K $119,9K agencies, commodity groups and other aca- County on Oct. 10, annual harvesting efforts • 825 S.Quebrada 3/2, upgrades $195K PENDING demic experts to obtain their input.” had just begun, and more than 90 percent of MOORE HAVEN / LAKEPORT/LAKE PLACID the crop remained in the field. • 2/2 Lake Access 1075 Lowry Ln CBS $174,9K The $158 million figure represents lost • 4/2.5 1519 Daniels Rd. 5 acres with pond $349,9K PENDING More than 245,000 acres of peanut were Cheryl Eby Gutjahr ACREAGE, LAND & LOTS sales revenues that producers would have • 2/2 121 Parkview Dr. Lake Placid $120K • Res. Lot 402 Pinecrest, Moore Haven $7K (863) 228-1562 received during the 2018-19 growing season impacted, resulting in losses of $22 million. COMMERCIAL / INVESTMENT PROPERTY • 6 Buildable lots available in Sky Valley, Clewiston if the storm hadn’t affected them. Econo- Field corn, which saw a 100 percent • lndustrial Park 3013 C.R. 835 Starting at $19K mists use the term “losses” to describe this loss on many farms where harvesting was Anabel Miranda (Open storage and Warehouse) Call for details • 2755 Milum Dr. Lakeport, 3.18 ac. Lake Access, • 516 E Sugarland Hwy $59,9K waterfront, MAKE OFFER! $175K PENDING outcome, said Christa Court, an assistant sci- not already completed, had more than (863) 228 6296 Español • 28 ac. Hwy 27 Frontage $16K per acre, Venus, FL • $139,9K 0HGLFDORI¿FH$YH-0RRUH+DYHQ • 77 ac. $11,5K per acre, Venus, FL (great hunting) entist with the UF/IFAS Rood and Resource 66,000 acres impacted and losses totaling • .55ac. W. Sagamore $179,9K PENDING Curt Thompson • 10 ac. $12.5K per acre, Venus, FL(Wknd retreat) Economics Department and EIAP assistant $5 million. The oat crop in the region had • 901 Yacht Club Way $8,9K director. losses totaling $600,000, with more than (863) 677-1064 RENTALS - RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL • Moore Haven Lots Starting at $10K • 2BR/1BA, (1) Unit, 550 S. Lopez., $650 mo • 20 Acres Hwy 80 Frontage $18.5K per acre “Our analysis did not address cleanup 30,000 acres impacted. Hay had the greatest • 2 BR/1BA 527 W. Haiti Ave. $1050. mo costs, repair and replacement costs for acreage impacted — a total of 247,000 acres, 2ZQHU¿QDQFLQJ (863) 983-8559 528 E. Sugarland Hwy. Clewiston, FL See our other listings at www.rawlsrealestate.com damaged property, medical and veterinary with losses of $2 million. Specialty crops 4 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Clean water flowing to the Everglades By Katrina Elsken ppb. Lake Okeechobee News “We had 1,000 tons of phosphorus come Ninety percent of the water going into the into the lake in the last 12 months or so from protected areas of the Everglades is below 10 the north,” he said. parts per billion (ppb) phosphorus. “Why are we spending all this time The Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs), worrying about 6, 7, 8, 9 ppb in the WCAs? Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) and Flow Where is any equal consideration for the Equalization Basin (FEB) south of the Ever- work that needs to be done north of Lake glades Agricultural Area (EAA) are a success Okeechobee so that the water coming into story, according to a report given Nov. 1 by Lake Okeechobee is not containing over Stuart Van Horn, Southern Everglades Water 1,000 tons of phosphorus a year?” he asked. Quality Bureau chief, to the Water Analysis Nyla Pipes of One Florida said the work Resources Coalition at the South Florida done south of the lake “wasn’t done just on Water Management District office in West the backs of our farmers.” She said public Palm Beach. projects are needed north of the lake to Mr. Van Horn said Water Year 2018 clean the water before it enters the lake. brought a wet season that was the wettest “The one thing we are missing north of on record since 1932, with 51.5 inches of the lake is any sort of public project,” she rain. said. He said the area south of Lake In the past five years, Everglades National glades Restoration Plan (WERP), he said. Lt. Col. Jennifer Reynolds of the U.S. Okeechobee received 200 to 300 percent of Park received a little under 1 million acre-feet “I suggest as soon as we have a tentative- Army Corps of Engineers said they must average rainfall, causing the STAs and WCAs of water at average concentration at 8.6 ppb, ly proposed plan, we start land acquisition.” consider the entire Everglades system – from to fill up quickly. he explained. He said there are areas discharging into Lake Kissimmee to Florida Bay. The fact that the WCAs were already full As that water is moving south into the the Everglades from the west that get no “All of our conversations are too simple left little room to send more water south park, the monitoring level for Shark River water treatment. if we focus on one aspect,” said Lt. Col. from Lake Okeechobee. From the WCAs, Slough is showing an average of 4 ppb. “This is an incredible success,” said New- Reynolds. water must flow under the Tamiami Trail to The STAs and agriculture Best Manage- ton Cook of United Waterfowlers Florida. “We can’t fix just Florida Bay. reach Everglades National Park. Flow under ment Practices (BMPs), working in concert, He noted rainfall may contain 4 to 8 ppb “We can’t fix just the park.” the trail is restricted due to limitations on are reducing phosphorus levels, said Mr. Van phosphorus. She said the whole system — including water conveyance structures, and due to Horn. He said it is disappointing that the water the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, the requirements to protect the nesting area of The BMP program has been extremely from the lake is higher in phosphorus than it St. Lucie, the Caloosahatchee and Florida the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. successful, he said. “It’s really a huge part was a few years ago. Bay — is hurting. “We are sending as much water south as of the solution in being able to reduce the “For years water was 80 to 100 ppb,” he “None of it works without a balance of all possible,” said Mr. Van Horn. phosphorus levels moving south.” said. “Now the lake is giving us water at 140 of those things,” she said. On a five-year average, about 37 percent Gene Duncan Jr., Miccosukee tribal of the flow to the STAs comes from Lake representative, said water quality coming in Okeechobee, he explained. Data from from the west impacts the western side of the most recent 5-year period — which the conservation area greatly. UF|IFAS OPEN HOUSE included the “weather whiplash” from He said even if the water coming from Hurricane Irma that dumped more than the lake was down to the level of distilled 1,000 metric tons of phosphorus into the water, the untreated water from the west lake from the north — saw water leaving could continue to raise phosphorus levels Lake Okeechobee at 140 ppb phosphorus. above the maximum 10 ppb set for the From the lake, water flows into the EAA. Everglades. Data shows the water left the EAA cleaner He said water flowing into land owned than it entered from the lake, averaging 130 by the Seminole Tribe at 200 ppb phospho- ppb phosphorus. The STAs remove more rus and water flowing into the Miccosukee phosphorus, cleaning water to an average of Tribe’s land is 100 ppb phosphorus. 23 ppb phosphorus. Levels in the WCAs av- “We need to address this problem,” he eraged 6 ppb, 8 ppb and 4 ppb phosphorus. said. “We are seeing really good trends,” he STAs have been proposed for the West- said. ern Everglades, under the Western Ever- Audubon sets educational program Special to the Lake Okeechobee education program, S.W.A.M.P., for News all sixth-grade science students of VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH LABELLE — Mark your calendars the Collier County public schools, Pastor Dr. John Hankins and learn about the ranger-led activi- reaching nearly 3,000 sixth-graders ties during Lisa Andrews’ presentation each year. Independent-Fundamental on the Big Cypress National Preserve She also manages the interpreta- King James Bible ~ Old fashioned Preaching at the Hendry-Glades Audubon tive outreach program, supervising Traditional Hymns staff and providing special events, monthly educational program Mon- Service Times day, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., at the Dallas Lisa Andrews trainings and interpretive programs Townsend Agricultural Extension, for a variety of organized special Sunday School 10am 1085 Pratt Blvd. interest groups of all ages. Sunday Worship 11am Sunday Night 6pm Lisa Andrews has worked for the National For information about the driving trips or Thursday Night Prayer & Bible Study 7pm Park Service for the past 25 years and has information about Hendry-Glades Audubon For more information, please call 863-214-6121 been the outreach and education coordina- Society, contact Steve Buczynski at stephen- www.victorybaptistclewiston.com tor at Big Cypress National Preserve for 20 of [email protected] or Margaret England 705 S. Olympia Street those years. During her time at Big Cy- 863-517-0202. Visit hendrygladesaudubon. Clewiston, FL 33440 press, she has developed and manages the org or like our Facebook page, Hend- preserve’s curriculum-based environmental ry-Glades Audubon. Located in the center of Clewiston Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades Count y Democrat and The Sun 5 Little Toot coming to LaBelle at six knots Nov. 16

Lake Okeechobee News/Geoffrey Ionescu Lake Okeechobee News/Geoffrey Ionescu Captain Christopher Robin is reading the original Little Toot on the banks of the This is the view from the wheelhouse of Little Toot. Caloosahatchee at Barron Library. through Alva, I went back to check on sion to write the official sequel to the Little By Geoffrey Ionescu much as I saved his,” Chris explained. “My Little Toot. I couldn’t even get down to Toot books and start the Little Toot Foun- Lake Okeechobee News artwork has always been based on creating the marina with my car, so I had to walk dation. I simply want Little Toot to bring beauty out of what is lost and forgotten. through the waist-deep water to get there. I smiles and joy to all he meets. Through his LABELLE — After living and working wasn’t even thinking about the dangerous wheelhouse, lives will change and dreams as an artist in the hustle and bustle of New Little Toot was abandoned in the barn, and I at the time had some personal issues in electrical wires and snakes that could be in will come true.” York for 20 years, Christopher Robin Obetz the water; I just wanted to get to Little Toot. Together with the LaBelle Downtown decided it was time to slow things down. my life, so we saved each other. “I turn the corner and the first thing I see Revitalization Corp., captain Christopher And he found the perfect companion to “He slowed me down to ‘six knots’ to is Little Toot smiling at me with his big bow. Robin named Nov. 16 the official Little Toot accompany him on his new adventure in get a better appreciation of life. Because LaBelle. instead of going from A to Z as fast as pos- The whole barn roof was ripped off, except Day in LaBelle. “My parents are getting older, and I sible, Little Toot forced me to go only six for the piece of roof right above Little Toot. Everyone is invited on Nov. 16 to the wanted to create a special way for us to knots, and the slower you go the more you Little Toot survived Irma to help others,” docks at the Barron Library in downtown spend time together,” Mr. Obetz explained. appreciate the beauty in the world around Chris said. LaBelle to welcome Little Toot and meet “I got the idea of buying a tugboat because you. The next step for Mr. Obetz is writing the captain Christopher Robin. LaBelle Ele- it’s sturdy and solid and it only goes slow, “With the help of Little Toot, I started official sequels to the Little Toot children’s mentary School second- and fourth-grade and that is what I needed most at the time. the Little Toot Foundation, which gives me books: “I will be writing the stories and my kids are outdoing themselves by creating a I went on Craigslist and saw that someone the chance to follow my own dreams in photography will be the basis for the illus- special welcome for Little Toot, and Mayor was selling a 26-foot tugboat in LaBelle. helping other people reach theirs. The Little trator to draw the scenes for the children’s David Lyons will officially proclaim Little Mind you, at the time I had absolutely zero Toot Foundation strives to be the wheel- books, which I am very excited about! Toot Day at 10 a.m. nautical abilities whatsoever. house from which children, their families Hardie Gramatky’s daughter — who I am See you Friday, Nov. 16, on Little Toot “But life is an adventure! So I ended up and friends can learn to become their own very close friends with — gave me permis- Day! in LaBelle, at a house with a red barn on storytellers and artists. Together with the the Caloosahatchee River. The carpenter Freedom Waters Foundation, we take kids that was selling the boat stored it in the red with serious illnesses, disabilities and other barn, and as soon as he opened the barn special needs out on the water with Little doors, I was staring at the words ‘Little Toot, which makes them and their fami- Toot’ on the bow of the little tug boat, and lies, at least for a few hours, forget about Clewiston Chamber of Commerce it was love at first sight!” Mr. Obetz said. their issues. Although we can’t cure their The author of Little Toot, Hardie Gramat- illness, I can help put a smile on their face FALL DECORATING CONTEST ky, was a senior animator at Walt Disney for a day, and that is what this is all about Studios for six years before writing the Little for me,” Mr. Obetz said with a smile on his Toot stories. According to Chris, it was des- face. Sign up Your Business or Nominate your tined to be two Disney characters meeting — Christopher Robin and Little Toot. Hurricane Irma favorite Business “I create mixed-media assemblage,” Mr. “Right before Irma hit last year, Little Judging will take place 11/21/2018 deadline to enter is Obetz went on, “ and the ongoing theme Toot and I were almost ready to go on the in my artwork — which is pervasive in my water together,” he said. “This was last 11/20/2018. Please call 863-983-7979 or email whole life — is forgotten beauty found, September and I was ready to start Tooting, [email protected] which directly relates to me finding Little then Irma came. Little Toot stayed behind Toot and how I see the world. in the repair dock to sit out Irma in Alva. with “In a way, Little Toot saved my life as “The second day, after Irma came right entries or questions 6 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Be thankful for hunting opportunities in state By Tony Young season is Nov. 17 – Jan. 6. In sion or a copy of the written because you’re only allowed to harvest FWC Zone D, the first phase always hunting-lease agreement, and a total of two turkeys during the archery, starts Thanksgiving Day (Nov. a general map of the property With much of the Panhandle still coping crossbow, muzzleloading gun and fall turkey 22) and lasts four days (until showing boundaries and a with the devastation from Hurricane Michael seasons combined. In Holmes County, Nov. 25). legal description. — a recovery that may take months — we the harvest of fall turkeys is not allowed at During general gun season, Once you’ve registered continue to be proud of the spirit, perse- all. And there’s not a fall turkey season on only legal-to-take bucks as with the FWC, you’ll be issued verance and fortitude of those who were WMAs, however, on a half-dozen areas, they are defined in each Deer a unique registration number affected. Our responding officers have seen turkeys are legal to take during general gun Management Unit may be har- that must be attached to the season. firsthand people lending a hand to neigh- vested. Don’t forget you need collars of all dogs used to pur- bors, friends and strangers; contributing As with deer, PCP air guns are now a to purchase a $5 deer permit sue deer on registered proper- legal method of taking turkeys during fall tur- essential items to those who lost everything; first. On private land, the daily ties during any open deer-hunt- being more patient; and expressing grat- key season, but they must be a minimum of bag limit for deer is two. Bag ing or deer-dog training season .20 caliber or be the type that shoots arrows. itude. The kindness and compassion has limits and other regulations for when taking or running deer been uplifting. You’re not permitted to hunt turkeys deer on WMAs can differ, so with dogs is permitted. Hunters with dogs or with recorded turkey calls, and As Thanksgiving nears, celebrating that before you hunt download the must possess copies of their powerful sense of community will be top of you’re not permitted to shoot them while specific WMA brochure ONLY available at registration while they’re hunting or training they’re on the roost or when you’re within mind for many. For the hunting community, MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures and through with their dogs. it’s a wonderful time of year to remember 100 yards of a game-feeding station when the Fish|Hunt FL app. These brochures are feed is present. those who introduced us to hunting. And the no longer being printed. WMAs that don’t holiday gives us a great opportunity to pay You may hunt wild hogs on private Bobwhite quail it forward by taking someone else hunting lands year-round with no bag or size limits. require a quota permit such as a neighbor, friend, family member or Florida’s WMAs offer a wide range of Quail season this year runs Nov. 10 – Similarly, on most public lands there are no March 3, and the daily bag limit is 12. coworker. bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take hunting opportunities from quota/limited There are many people who didn’t grow during most hunting seasons except spring entry hunts, special-opportunity hunts, and Miscellaneous regulations up hunting but became interested in experi- turkey. On a few public hunting areas, specif- public hunting areas where hunters can encing it and enjoying the benefits of eating ic bag and size limits do apply, so check the walk on to hunt. There are 46 WMAs where Shooting hours for deer, fall turkeys and healthy, organic protein as adults. Denise online WMA brochure to be certain. hunters don’t need a quota permit to hunt quail are a half-hour before sunrise to a half- Helms, the Florida state chapter president of Hunters are allowed to take deer and wild some or all of the general gun season. So, hour after sunset. All legal rifles, shotguns, the National Wild Turkey Federation, is a per- hogs over feeding stations on private land, if you didn’t apply or get drawn for a quota muzzleloaders, air guns (PCP .30-caliber fect example. She didn’t go on her first hunt but that’s not the case on WMAs, no matter hunt, don’t worry, there’s plenty of oppor- for deer, .20-caliber for turkeys), bows, until she was 24 years old when a friend in- the season or game species. tunity spread throughout the state. You can crossbows and handguns may be used to vited her to go turkey hunting on public land. New this year, hunters are allowed to use find those WMAs not requiring a quota take each of these resident game animals “I’m game for anything, so I went along. pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns firing permit at MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures at during the general gun, fall turkey and quail I just like being outdoors,” Ms. Helms said. single bullets or arrows to take deer during the bottom of the webpage. seasons. She loved the experience of sitting in a general gun season on private lands and on Illegal firearms and ammunition are homemade palmetto blind, taking in the WMAs, if the gun is at least .30 caliber. Private land doe days defined as centerfire, semiautomatic rifles sunrise through an oak hammock and hear- It’s illegal to take deer using rimfire Within the general gun season are antler- having magazine capacities of more than ing wild turkeys gobble for the first time. cartridges or non-expanding, full-metal case less deer days, better known to us hunters five rounds, and fully automatic firearms. “Country singer Eric Church said it best ammunition. Shooting a swimming deer as “doe days.” These dates differ for each Other prohibited methods for taking game with his lyric, ‘Walking barefoot through the also is against the law. of the state’s 12 DMUs. To learn when these include shooting from a moving vehicle and mud will knock the rust right off your soul,’” antlerless deer opportunities occur in your herding or driving game with a vehicle. Ms. Helms said. “And so does being in the Deer-dog hunting DMU, refer to the “2018-2019 Florida Hunt- woods.” All free-running dogs used in pursuing ing Regulations” handbook, which you can License and permit However, Helms didn’t immediately or hunting deer must wear a collar or tag pick up at your tax collector’s office, FWC requirements catch the hunting bug. She married and displaying the name and address of the dog’s regional office or by downloading it online at The first thing you’ll need to participate in moved to Colorado, and it wasn’t until she owner. Hunters must contain their dogs to MyFWC.com/Hunting. one or more of these hunting opportunities moved back to the Sunshine State 12 years the tract of land they have permission to During these doe days, the daily bag limit is a Florida hunting license. Residents pay later that she had the opportunity to go hunt. is one legal antlered deer and one antler- just $17. Nonresidents have the choice of hunting again. In 2008, she harvested her There are several ways to accomplish less deer, or two legal antlered deer. Unlike first turkey, deer and wild hog. that: Equip and monitor dogs with devices archery season, you may not take two antler- paying $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 By engaging herself in hunting, Helms that allow remote tracking and behavior cor- less deer in one day, unless you have antler- for 12 months. has gained a whole new family. rection; only deer-dog hunt on large tracts of less deer tags issued for the private land you If you want to hunt on a WMA, you also “Acquaintances turned into friends who land; make sure there are adequate cut-off hunt. Also, regardless of the season, deer must purchase a management area permit turned into family — people who care about roads that will enable you to keep in front of gender or the number of permits, hunters for $26.50. And don’t forget to obtain the conservation, support me incorporating the dogs; and don’t turn out more dogs than are never allowed to harvest more than two brochure about the WMA you’re going to hunting into my life and help me succeed,” your hunting party can manage. deer per day under any circumstances. And hunt because dates, bag limits and rules dif- Helms said. “It’s a great feeling having men- Hunters using dogs to take deer on except for a few, most WMAs do not have fer greatly for each area. These are available tors like that who I can learn from.” private lands must register that property antlerless deer days. only online at MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures Ms. Helms admits she’s not a hunting before doing so. No-cost, statewide deer- and through the Fish|Hunt FL app. master yet, so she hasn’t personally guided dog registration is required during all open Fall turkey All necessary licenses and permits are anyone on a hunt. But she’s been doing her deer-hunting and training seasons when Fall turkey season starts on the same date available at your tax collector’s office, retail part in passing down the hunting tradition by taking or running deer with dogs is permit- as general gun season in zones B, C and outlets that sell hunting and fishing gear, by volunteering with her local NWTF chapter ted. However, this registration doesn’t apply D but ends a little earlier. It runs from Dec. calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or by and serving on its board since 2011. Helping to hunters hunting or training with deer dogs 1 – Jan. 27 in Zone B; Nov. 3 – Dec. 30 in going online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. plan and host a Women in the Outdoors on public lands and WMAs. Zone C; and Nov. 22-25 and Dec. 8 – Jan. 13 event for other women further ignited her This mandatory registration may be in Zone D. In Zone A, the second phase of Being thankful passion for hunting. issued to hunting clubs, landowners or any- fall turkey season is the same as the zone’s November is a time to be thankful, espe- “I feel like what I’m doing is making a one who has permission to hunt deer with second phase of general gun: Nov. 17 – Jan. cially now, knowing that so many Floridians difference at all levels — and I like that,” she dogs on a particular tract of land as long as 6. Hunters may only take bearded turkeys will be recovering from Hurricane Michael said. the required application is completed and and gobblers, and they must have a turkey for many months ahead. For those who can approved. Application forms are available permit ($10 for residents, $125 for nonresi- give their time or resources to help, please General gun season at all regional Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- dents) to hunt them. do so however you can. Resources are avail- General gun season runs Nov. 3 – Jan. 20 servation Commission (FWC) offices and You may harvest up to two turkeys per able through the Fish & Wildlife Foundation in Zone C, and Dec. 1 – Feb. 17 in Zone B. online at MyFWC.com/Deer. Applications day on private land, if you’d like, but that of Florida and the Volunteer Florida organi- In Zone A, the second phase of general gun should include proof of landowner permis- would tag you out for the entire fall season zations. Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades Count y Democrat and The Sun 7 Recycling is still ‘the elephant in the room’ By Chris Felker no buyers for it. I think China was one of to use voluntarily: “It was just a short term but my thing is if the county years ago com- Lake Okeechobee News the biggest purchasers,” he said, noting the that those bins operated, and they let us mitted to do this for us ... it’s for our benefit CLEWISTON — Whatever resolution trade disputes ongoing lately between that know that they were picking them up and to dig into it, get all the nuts and bolts, get city commissioners ultimately find for the country and the United States. taking them back because people were not all the pricing, all the costs. I think (we’ll problem of ever-rising solid waste disposal Mayor Mali Gardner asked about the putting quote-unquote ‘clean’ recyclables find) there’s a savings.” Florida state mandate that counties have to in them. It only takes a small amount of costs, it probably will include a more robust “I agree with you 100 percent,” Mr. recycling program because residents have be recycling a certain percentage of their garbage to be put in a recyclable bin for it solid waste by 2020. Mr. Scheffler answered to be scratched and they won’t accept it as Scheffler said. “We should be into recycling become increasingly vocal in pushing for here, and I think 99 percent of this com- one, and commissioners lately have been that it’s “sort of just a goal. It’s not some- recyclable.” munity is ready to do that. I think Hendry pressing for it, too. thing they’re going to hold us to, especially Commissioner Phillip Roland said: They learned much in a discussion last under the circumstances that we’re in in “We’ve got to check with the state, for one County has got the obligation to help lead month about the difficulties of doing that the current economic situation.” thing. If our feet are going to be held to the with the recycling in Clewiston. They take in the more technologically advanced, yet Asked for any input she had to contrib- fire, then we have to get ready to do it by care of recycling in every part of Hendry more complicated, eco-conscious 21st cen- ute, Finance Director Shari Howell said: the end of 2020, which is not that far away. County. How come we have been segregat- tury and all the different aspects involved “The only thing I would add about the But if they aren’t going to hold us to it, then ed out of that operation?” in reusing materials these days, as opposed recyclables is it wasn’t so much that they we haven’t got to do it; but there are people Mayor Gardner said she was looking to the free-wheeling, recycle-at-any-costs couldn’t get rid of it. It had to do with the who really want to recycle.” cleanliness of it, that it costs a lot of money “I absolutely agree with you,” replied Mr. forward to seeing the agreements between mind-set of the 20th century. It almost Clewiston and Hendry County that have seems as though Hendry and Lee county to get it to the degree that it’s acceptable, Scheffler, “but a lot of people are looking officials who control waste disposal for and that’s a problem across the board, not for curbside residential home recycling op- been found. She also noted that during an Clewiston are “discouraging recycling,” as county-specific. It’s not as lucrative as it portunities. We’re looking at a quarter-mil- upcoming Florida League of Cities event, City Commissioner Julio Rodriguez put it at was, and that’s because when they receive lion dollars to put a recyclables container at there will be a seminar on reassessing the Oct. 15 meeting. the recyclable, it has to be clean. They each of the properties in town.” He noted the potential of recycling on Nov. 14. “I’m Public Works Director Sean Scheffler even used the example of a pizza box; you that although grants might be found to hoping that staff will be able to go and hear said that in recent city staff conferences know, when you have a pizza and there’s finance that, “we’re still going to have to what the FLC is doing with their research.” with county and Solid Waste Authority offi- food on the pizza box.” Such contaminated look into some kind of an agreement that’s Commissioner Kristine Petersen said containers can’t be put in recycling bins. going to have a financial impact on us as to cials, “we discussed the issue at the same a public education campaign might need time because we’d heard that there were Mr. Scheffler noted that at Hendry how to get it from Clewiston ... to go on to to be started in tandem with a recycling some other communities that had stopped County schools in Clewiston, “they have further markets.” picking up recyclables because they trained people using the recycling bins.” Commissioner Rodriguez pointed out program, and Mayor Gardner said she at couldn’t get rid of them. Lee SWA did tell By contrast, he said, after the city asked that many other counties and municipalities least wanted any current opportunities for us that they did run into a situation where county officials to put some larger recycling have recycling programs, “so we don’t need recycling to be announced to the public as they stopped for a while because they had bins out in a few locations for the public to reinvent it. I mean, it gets complicated ... soon as possible. Couse reflects on years on Hospital Authority CLEWISTON – After over 30 years of calling. make changes for the better; this man- service to the public on the Hendry Region- “Healthcare is very important and is in agement relationship still exists today and al Medical Center Hospital Authority Board, the fabric of our community as it is used provides fiscal responsibility and stability Miller Couse will step down this November. by everyone” stated Mr. Couse. “Having a with strong leadership. He reflects on his time served on the board hospital makes a community pleasant to Hendry County has a high uninsured, and the roll HRMC plays in the fabric of live in. You do not have to drive 60+ miles self-pay population and as such Hendry Hendry County and the surrounding com- to receive basic healthcare services, and the Regional depends on the ad valorem tax munities. emergency department is available in your dollars it receives. Mr. Couse always took Mr. Couse was originally appointed by time of need.” into consideration both the constituents then Florida Governor Bob Martinez in During his first few years on the board, and patients thoughts and feelings when 1987, and was re-elected by the constitu- the Hospital was in financial trouble and making budgetary decisions. As such the ents of District 4 for the next three decades. the administrator had just left. The board hospital in 2017 provided over $2.7 million in community benefits over and above As a community leader he found the made the decision to bring on a profession- the tax dollars it receives, a trend that has appointment and years of service an easy al management company to oversee and continued for years. When asked to reflect on the top moments of serving on the board the last Tips help keep seniors safer decades he easily answered the grand Special to the Lake Okeechobee News devices such as the Kardia Mobile, FitBit opening of the LaBelle Convenient Care Center (2011), the new Emergency Depart- Seniors living home alone face special or the Human Charger are necessary to ensure that your doctor will be able to ment (2011) and the Medical & Rehabili- Miller Couse challenges when disaster strikes due to tative Services Building (2017). He reflects health conditions and limited mobility. give you medical advice no matter where you have evacuated. that these accomplishments could not been elected to fill the District 4 seat on the Boomer living maven, Lisa Cini ASID, 4. Don’t forget about your pets – make have happened without the backing of the Hospital Authority Board and will begin her IIDA, has provided her top five tips to help sure you have their leashes, extra food HRMC Foundation. “The funds raised reflect first term in December. “US Sugar built the you stay safe when disaster strikes: and water, a travel crate and vaccination what the people in our community think of original hospital in 1937, and I am excited 1. Have a packed go bag – this should records. the hospital as they continue to give gener- to see their willingness to engage with include: medications, jacket, a spare 5. Stay charged – make sure to have ously year after year,” stated Mr. Couse. Hendry Regional and continue the long change of clothing and comfortable walk- your car chargers, extra batteries, charged Hendry County is poised for great legacy they started,” stated Mr. Couse. ing shoes, flashlights, battery operated power banks and even solar powered growth in the coming years which will al- Mr. Couse views the hospital as the ulti- radio, extra batteries, whistle, emergency chargers. Hand cranked chargers will be low the legacy Mr. Couse created to thrive. mate insurance policy, “you hope you never cash in small denominations, contact list, helpful in the event you lose power. 31 years is a long time to serve an organi- have to use it, but it is there in your time of medical lists, living will, etc. Lisa Cini is the author of: The Future zation and be dedicated to its mission, he need and comfort.” He will continue to be 2. Personal cooler and ice pack – this is Here: Senior Living Reimagined, Hive: sees so much talent in the County and is involved with Hendry Regional through the will help keep medications such as insulin The Simple Guide to Multigenerational excited for the future. HRMC Foundation and leaves a long legacy refrigerated. Living, and BOOM: The Baby Boomers Elaine Wood, Senior Vice-President of leadership from his tenure as a dedicated 3. Health devices should be charged – Guide to Leveraging Technology.” & Chief Financial Officer of US Sugar has public servant. 8 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Golf course hosts Parent-Child Championship

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Backpacks filled to help storm victims Central Elementary School, in Clewiston, joined the Hendry County Educa- tion Association (HCEA) to fill backpacks with supplies to send to the stu- Special to the Lake Okeechobee News dents that were affected by Hurricane Michael, in the Florida Panhandle. Each class packed bags, as well as staff and students packed bags of their Net winners were Martin Crawford and Skip Crawford; gross winners were own, and cards were made in Ms. Berner’s Art Class to show their support. Damien Rende and Ray Rende. CLEWISTON – The Clewiston Golf Net Division Course hosted the Fifth Annual Parent-Child Championship on Oct. 28. Champions: Score 37.0 Skip Crawford Now Accepting New Patients and Martin Crawford; Gross Division Runner Up: Score 37.3 Steve Conrad and Betsabee Castillo Guerrero, MD Champions: Score 39 Ray Rende and Cody Difrederico. Damien Rende; Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics Runner Up: Score 40 Tom Waddell and Longest Drive: Damien Rende. Zach Waddell. Closest-To-Pin: Skip Crawford. Medicaid and Most Insurances Accepted. Discounted Fees Based on Income. and Glades counties are divided into five UNITED teams and review agencies throughout the community.” You can make an appointment with Continued From Page 1 This year’s Pacesetter results were Betsabee Castillo Guerrero, MD by calling announced by Mali Gardner, campaign 1-844-FHCSWF or 1-844-342-7935. manager and LaBelle United Way House co-chairwoman, and Ms. Sands. coordinator. This year’s Pacesetters are: The event started with the Pledge of Al- Glades School District employees, $1,656 legiance by the Boys Scouts of America. Hendry School District employees, Cliff Smith, president of United Wa,y was $8,593 next and he spoke about the orgranization. City of Clewiston employees, $3,380 Margaret England updated everyone on Johnson-Prewitt, $7,000 the work being carried out by the Unment Monsanto, $10,000 Needs Coalition for the long-term recovery RCMA Glades, $696 from Hurricane Irma. Verandah, $2,500 Marci Van ‘D’Huynslager of the Clew- Florida Community Bank, $1,500 iston Police Department spoke about the U.S. Sugar Corp., $10,000 allocations process: “The allocations pro- Hilliard Brothers, $44,000 cess is the cornerstone of our United Way. First Bank employees, $2,700 It ensures fiscal and program accountability The Pacesetters moved the United Way 50 for all agencies receiving United Way funds percent closer to their goal. Local buinesses Betsabee Castillo Guerrero, MD while meeting the social services needs of can help with payroll deductions from their is accepting new patients at our the community. In the process, volunteers employees or by running a fund-raising First Choice Kidcare office located at: challenge each agency’s effectiveness at campaign with their employees. The pub- 930 S. Main St., LaBelle, FL 33935 providing services, review the need for lic can also help the United Way meet their those services in the region and analyze the 2018-19 goal by dropping off donations at “National Quality Leader” impact of United Way funding in meeting the United Way House in LaBelle at 133 N. “Path Excellence in Patient Service Award Winner” those needs. Local volunteers in Hendry Bridge St., LaBelle, FL 33935. Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Familiar worries shared at Glades Initiative’s table talks

By Chris Felker are bilingual because of the wide ethnic Lake Okeechobee News mix that makes up the region’s population. BELLE GLADE — Karis Engle, president “We had our staff facilitate at the tables. of the Glades Initiative Inc. health services It’s really meant to be informal, just to agency for far western Palm Beach County, have someone help guide the conversa- was very pleased with her agency, staff and tion, which is meant to be organic,” she clients’ participation in On the Table round- explained. table talks conducted across Southeast “There were some questions that were Florida Oct. 23-24. floated around on the tables to help spark They intended to host several people conversation and help get people thinking of various ethnicities for the issues discus- about the community and things like that.” sions over a few lunch tables, she said, It turned out that regardless of the inviting their clients and anyone in the language differences, many issues people community who was interested in airing were citing are either interrelated or very their community concerns — but ended similar. up with dozens of enthusiastic participants “These are some of the same issues filling the room with conversations, eager we hear often from anyone living in the to be heard. Glades. One of the things is affordable “Our problem really was facilitators, housing. Another is jobs — jobs that pay and we needed some large tables because a living wage. Some people just say jobs; other people say, ‘There’s lots of jobs; they we had more people even than what we just don’t pay enough to live off of.’ In fact, thought,” Ms. Engle said. There was a pair that’s a quote from one of the participants. Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ of big tables with Spanish speakers, one Courtesy of Community Foundation for Palm ‘There is a lot of work here. It doesn’t pay with a dozen or so Haitians chatting in Beach and Martin counties well, but there is a lot of work.’ Creole and another couple where people Participants fill out questionnaires during the “On the Table” discussions hosted were talking in English. by The Glades Initiative Inc. Many of the Glades Initiative’s workers See ON THE TABLE — Page 2 Thousands attend On the Table talks on issues Special to the Lake Okeechobee News

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties concluded its first-ever On the Table civic engagement initiative on Oct. 24, with more than 3,500 residents participating in conversations about how to cultivate a stronger community. On the Table, a national initiative funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Founda- tion, was coordinated locally by the Commu- nity Foundation and designed to unite people of all ages and diverse backgrounds over mealtime conversations to discuss issues that Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ PMS affect their communities. “We are in awe of this community, and Pahokee Middle students celebrate Red Ribbon Day its ability to come together to inspire change PAHOKEE — The Pahokee Middle School Student Council celebrated Red Ribbon Day on Oct. 31. The theme this year through On the Table,” said Bradley Hurlburt, was “Life Is Your Journey, Travel DRUG FREE.” The students signed a Drug Free Pledge, expressing their commitment foundation president and CEO. to a positive lifestyle and healthy drug-free life. “The amount of participation from our See TALKS— Page 1 The Cohen Chiropractic Group, PA BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN? ACCIDENTS? 241 S.E. 1st. St. Belle Glade, FL (Behind CVS) 561-996-9936 GladesInjuryCenter.com 2 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018

came up in those conversations, too, so it was interesting to see the echoing of many ON THE TABLE similar things. West Tech students attend “When we talked about it in our staff Continued From Page 1 meeting, two different of our facilitators commented, both the Creole speakers SkillsUSA Training “I might get in trouble for this ... (but it) and Spanish speakers, that people at their was quoted from a client; those are not my tables didn’t feel like they had a voice and By Dr. Charlene R. Ford words,” Ms. Engle related. them to think critically and cooperatively.” ... a way to change anything; and especially Principal Upon learning about the various “Some others commented about teach- for our immigrants, whether they’re here ers in the schools, wanting to have teachers West Tech Education Center SkillsUSA competitions, O’Jai Bell enthu- documented or undocumented, it doesn’t siastically stated that, “We will be ready being more committed to educating; fewer really matter. If they’re not citizens, they Trust, leadership and teamwork are the for competition!” West Tech Mechatronics substitutes and more actual teachers in don’t vote, so they can’t vote,” Ms. Engle three terms that the Mechatronics Acade- the schools; social activities for the youth; noted. “And that also makes them feel my students use to describe the traits that Academy students anticipate participating a safe and clean environment. ‘Safe’ came more challenged that there’s not a whole they enhanced as a result of participating in regional competitions, which are held up a couple of different times. A number of lot they can do to push for change. And in the Region 5 SkillsUSA Regional Leader- in February in the skill areas of mobile ro- our clients live down in the heart of Belle they were also feeling like people weren’t ship Training Conference held at McFatter botics, engineering technology, and CNC Glade, and they really don’t feel safe — too asking them what they thought. They were Technical College in Davie. milling, as well as select leadership areas worried about getting shot,” she went on. really appreciative for the opportunity to SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, such as employment application process, “More agencies and organizations that talk about these things.” job interview and prepared speech. educate families about services that are teachers and industry working together to She said that surveys of participants ensure America has a skilled workforce. Regional winners are eligible to com- available — that’s one of the things that we were conducted through the sponsoring pete at the state level in Pensacola in April; do do, but they’re saying we need more West Tech students explored careers that Community Foundation for Palm Beach involve robotics, engineering and manu- state winners are eligible to compete at of that. And then one also mentioned the and Martin Counties and the Knight facturing alongside students from Bro- the national level in Louisville, Ky., in need for bilingual staff in local offices.” Foundation, which were available online June. More English classes, too, were cited as but also were provided for the Glades-area ward and Miami-Dade counties. Participating in trust fall exercises and On a final note, Derrick Saddler, a a crucial component to advancement. participants on paper because “some of quiet and reserved student, told me that “While we know there are some organi- having a voice in selecting the next set of our clients aren’t the most literate.” he wants all that read this article to know zations that do offer them, it’s not enough, regional officers struck a chord of en- From those, summaries will be pro- that “this class gives us two hours to think they’re saying,” Ms. Engle said. vided for the participating public and thusiasm with the attendees. “Working co- “I’m also part of Healthier Glades, operatively in groups and talking with the more outside of the box doing electrical private agencies, which included the Early and mechanical work. which is a Palm Healthcare initiative out Learning Coalition and BRIDGES at Belle other participants from Broward and Dade here, bringing lots of residents here, that helped us to develop trust in ourselves “It gives us a realistic picture of the Glade (a program of the Children’s Services work we will be doing after we graduate.” one’s more about resident engagement as Council). The responses will be sortable by and others,” shared Alexis Morales, with To learn more about the Mechatronics well, and we recently through that group ZIP code but remain anonymous, to enable Edwin Alvarez promptly agreeing. have had conversations in Belle Glade and targeting of organizational responses to the Douby Alerte, mechatronics instructor, Academy and other programming offered in Pahokee, and many of these same topics public concerns expressed. stated that “being in the different setting at West Technical Education Center, visit made some of the students uncomfortable our website at WTEC.palmbeachschools. org or stop by Monday through Thursday portance of promoting more jobs for artists in a good way. They were exposed to students from other counties and had to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or Friday 8 TALKS and expanding the arts community. Environ- a.m. to 4 p.m. mental issues facing the Treasure Coast were interact with them in ways that challenged Continued From Page 1 also of concern to this group, who noted that investing in the region’s water quality is one residents, businesses and community leaders of the key issues requiring attention today. has far surpassed our expectations for this Many conversations across Palm Beach Pastor Morales Day proclaimed first-time initiative. We’re eager to learn and County focused on education inequality, in- share the results of the surveys taken and cluding a co-hosted table by the Early Learn- determine how we can best take action with ing Coalition and BRIDGES of Belle Glade. by Belle Glade mayor these pressing issues.” Those that participated in On the Table Topics ranged from homelessness to edu- and have not yet completed the survey are Oct. 13 celebration Hospitaller, Palm Beach Commandery cation and support for small businesses, plus encouraged to do so online at onthetablefl. (SOSJ) and the First Haitian Baptist Church unemployment, youth programs and afford- com/survey, as the Community Foundation included 50 visitors Youth and Children’s Development Center able housing. Arts and culture naturally came will finance programs to address the most from coastal cities in Belle Glade. up in conversation at The Arts Council of critical issues. The First Haitian Baptist Church Youth Martin County. Participants discussed the im- and Children’s Development Center, a Special to the Lake Okeechobee News 501(c) (3) organization, is planning to BELLE GLADE — Oct. 13 was declared construct a new multi-purpose facility in Pastor Morales St. Hilaire Day by Mayor response to the needs of the children in Pete Kostelnick runs through Steve Wilson in recognition of the pastor’s the Belle Glade community. The existing 23 years of work to help the children of center is housed in an old 1940s house, Belle Glade. The proclamation kicked off a which is beyond repair and very small. South Bay on historic journey day of activities at the First Haitian Baptist Approximately 120 children, from kinder- Church Children’s Development Center, garten through eighth grade, attend the Special to the Lake Okeechobee News When he finished in New York City, several including a luncheon of Haitian food pro- after-school program there every day. On Nov. 1, Pete Kostelnick passed networks interviewed him. vided by volunteers from the church. There It is estimated that $500,000 will be through South Bay, on the 93rd day of his He also won the Badwater 135 (regard- were 52 visitors from various Palm Beach needed, including in-kind donations from County coastal cities, who chartered a VIP the construction trades, private donations historic run from Alaska to Florida (Kenai to ed as the “toughest footrace on the planet”) Key West). chartered bus to see the pastor be recog- and corporate support. Funds are being twice, setting the course record a few years raised by the church, The Sovereign Order He ran 40 to 70 miles a day with the goal nized and visit the after-school, develop- ago. He was also a member of the USA 24- ment center building. of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospi- to reached Key West on Monday, Nov. 5. taller, Commandery of the Palm Beaches, hour team that competed in the world meet As guests arrived, children from the He’s probably one of the few people school’s band played music, supervised (SOSJ) and private individuals. This Belle who’s ever run the Alaska Highway through in Northern Ireland last summer. by Mona St. Hilaire, who is director of Glade community center project is the Canada to the United States. He’s certainly His run was completely “self-support- education at the Development Center. Stu- focus for SOSJ members, whose mission is the fastest! ed,” and he pushed a stroller with his gear dents from the after-school program acted to help the sick and the poor. The amazing 5,300 mile journey was For more information about the building and food. as tour guides for the 52 VIP guest who completed in under 100 days. attended the festivities. project, go to sosjpb.org or email info@ Two years ago, Mr. Kostelnick set the His website, with information about The event was organized by the Sover- sosjpb.org. world record for running across the U.S., his record-breaking run across the United eign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights breaking a 30-year record by four days. States, is at petesfeetaa.com/. Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun 3 Glades public transit service being improved By Chris Felker to start by the end of December, he said. Lake Okeechobee News A chance to win three 31-day bus passes Palm Tran service for the Glades areas of was the enticement offered by Palm Tran in western Palm Beach County is undergoing the competition to name the new service, changes intended to make the public bus which will allow community members to transportation service more flexible, timely call for a ride on a small vehicle, and to and convenient for residents. request that a circular-route vehicle make a Earlier this fall, according to Palm Tran slight detour from the regular route to pick Public Relations Manager Joe Harrington, them up. The contest was open through the Belle Glade/Pahokee bus route No. 47 Oct. 28 to Glades residents only, and Mr. was merged with Route 48, serving Canal Harrington said the winner and name Point and South Bay. Service hours were choice will be announced soon. extended and stops increased to every half- Newer buses now also have free phone- hour on weekdays. The service changes charging stations and Wi-Fi. were the result of months’ worth of study, “The service will make getting around the planning and public input gathering, he Glades even easier,” he said. “We’ve already said, and part of the transit line’s Route received some great ideas such as ‘the Pink Performance Maximization Project institut- Flamingo,’ ‘Go Glades’ and ‘Out West Mead- ed by Clinton Forbes, who became director ows Transit’,” Mr. Harrington said. three years ago this month. The merging of the two Glades routes Palm Tran officials have been giving pre- began Sept. 30 and resulted in more direct sentations at public meetings in the Glades service and improved frequency of buses. in recent months, and more improvements The new transit service will help supplement the existing bus service. Fares for the new are to be put in place in coming weeks Lake Okeechobee News/Chris Felker along with continuing public outreach, Mr. service will be announced in the future. A bus travels south on Bacom Point Road in Pahokee, an area that no longer is Harrington said. Palm Tran CEO Forbes gave a Power- served with the merger of Palm Tran’s Routes 47 and 48 in the Glades. The entry A pilot program temporarily called Palm Point presentation to Pahokee’s City Com- period just closed in a contest that will give the more localized, flexible transit Tran Connection Flex is planned for Belle mission on Oct. 9, and officials had several service that’s planned to start here by 2019 a unique new name. Glade, South Bay, Pahokee and Canal Point, questions for him but overall were satisfied in part as a replacement for the Florida with the information given. He said that and a half years to update our transit replacement for the Belle Glade Express when he came to Palm Beach County, he Department of Transportation’s Belle Glade system,” he explained, “and I’m proud to system that’s operated by that city with the Express service, which will end. Riders was struck by “one glaring thing — that we announce that we introduced a ... new bus FDOT’s aid. Details about that will be made could access the flex service at the bus stop haven’t changed our transit system in over or could call and request to be picked up 20 years!” The last time, Mr. Forbes said, network system and it is a success after public soon. or dropped off. The smaller vehicles to be had been in 1996, when a gallon of gas one week.” For more information or to learn about used would be able to get into areas hard cost 97 cents and “we had 400,000 fewer The improvements weren’t done, the service’s online “iGo” planner or the to reach with buses. The FDOT is pitching people.” though, he said, as other ideas were still to MyStop Mobile app available free in iTunes in money for the service, which is expected “We worked in earnest for nearly two be presented, including the reduced-rate or the Google Store, go to palmtran.org. Palm Beach County unemployment rate falls to a 12-year low Drops to 3.9 percent from County. Industry - Change from previous month office and administrative support workers, Over the past 12 months, the coun- Construction - +5,800 jobs and Web developers 4.4 percent year ago; ty’s unemployment rate ranged between Leisure/hospitality - +7,200 jobs Fall hiring events 3.1 and 3.9 percent, primarily reflecting Professional/business services - +3,900 jobs The following are upcoming hiring construction continues to seasonal fluctuations. September’s rate is Financial activities - +2,900 jobs events for the fall season: lead job gains about one-quarter of what it was at the 11.6 Trade/transportation/utilities - +2,500 jobs • Oct. 23 percent peak unemployment rate of the Other services - +2,400 jobs Construction Jobs Hiring Event - 10 a.m. Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Great Recession in summer 2010. Manufacturing - +1,400 jobs to 1 p.m. Last year, Hurricane Irma impacted Information - +200 jobs CareerSource Palm Beach County, 3400 WEST PALM BEACH — Palm Beach local employment with both job losses and Government - -1,600 jobs Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach County’s unemployment rate for Septem- gains. Most job losses occurred in food Education/health services - -1,800 jobs • Nov. 7 ber dropped to a 12-year low of 3.1 percent and beverage service businesses and the The results for the education/health Paychecks for Patriots - 8:30 a.m. to noon — besting 3.2 percent set in April 2006 tourism/hospitality sector. The job losses services sector primarily reflect seasonality CareerSource Palm Beach County, 3400 — and down from 4.1 percent a year ago. were mostly temporary because employees and a shift by local healthcare employers Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach The county’s rate fell below the 3.6 percent were unable to work when their estab- using contract labor or so-called 1099 posi- • Nov. 13 national rate, continuing a 20-month streak lishments were closed due to evacuation, tions instead of hiring employees. Contract Health Care Jobs Hiring Event - 2 to 5 p.m. where the county’s rate has stayed below damage, power outages or other effects workers are not accounted for in employ- Palm Beach State College, Humanities & or matched the national rate. Florida’s rate of the hurricane. A positive impact to the ment reports. There are about 700 agencies Technology Building, Room 102 is 3.0 percent (all numbers not seasonally storm’s aftermath were strong job gains in and businesses that hire healthcare givers in 801 Palm Beach State College Drive, adjusted), according to the latest monthly construction, retail and wholesale materials Palm Beach County. Boca Raton reports released today from CareerSource suppliers, insurance and contractor jobs Top eight most advertised jobs available: Fall also brings hundreds of seasonal Palm Beach County and the Florida Depart- such as for debris removal. The Conference Board produces a monthly jobs as businesses prepare for the winter ment of Economic Opportunity. Job growth by industry sector: On a per- report of advertised jobs by position. The holidays and tourist season. CareerSource “The local job market is on fire — it’s centage basis, job gains in September were latest report shows that there were 20,420 assists many businesses in hiring full-time, the best time in a dozen years to be looking led by the construction industry with 15.2 advertisements for full-time and part-time part-time and temporary seasonal positions for a job! Palm Beach County added 22,400 percent over-the-year job growth, above jobs in Palm Beach County in September that can lead to year-round or full-time jobs over the year and there were 20,420 13.7 percent statewide. The construction compared to 17,292 last year. The top opportunities. Examples of companies that advertised job openings in September, an sector added jobs for 20 consecutive eight most advertised jobs in the county hire in the fall include restaurants, caterers, 18 percent increase compared to last year,” months, and had a higher percentage of are for: Registered nurses; Retail sales- hotels and clubs, personal care salons, said Steve Craig, president and CEO of monthly job growth over the state average people; First-line supervisors of retail sales clinics and hospitals, gift wrapping and CareerSource Palm Beach County, the non- during the same period. workers; Accountants; Customer service package delivery businesses. Check sched- profit organization chartered by the state to By the numbers, over-the-year job gains/ representatives; Bookkeeping, accounting, ules of hiring events and positions available lead workforce development in Palm Beach losses in Palm Beach County were: and auditing clerks; First-line supervisors of at www.careersourcepbc.com. 4 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Johnson’s journey celebrated in Pahokee

Public works chief climbed up the streets, cutting the lawns and ensuring feel honored to do that. Alvin Johnson, you probably 25 years ago, said that I wanted to that the entryways into this city are inviting have been an outstanding employee for the be the public service director and I wanted ladder for 30 years — that is because of what the director in this 30 years you have worked for the city. I’m to work 30 years, and I accomplished my department does. Beyond that, Alvin started confident you can make that 35.” goal. I thank everybody for being here.” He By Chris Felker working for the city of Pahokee in 1988 right “Thirty years,” Mr. Johnson said proud- did confirm that he’s planning to make it 35 Lake Okeechobee News out of high school, and he’s been here for 30 ly after receiving his plaque. “I set a goal years “so I can retire nicely.” years. Through that time he’s gone from just PAHOKEE — After graduating from Pa- being a maintenance guy ... to the director of hokee High School in 1988, Alvin Johnson the department.” hired on with the city to be a maintenance The city manager praised Mr. Johnson worker and, a few years later after having for his extensive knowledge of the city and cut a lot of grass, set himself a much higher willingness to go beyond the job description. goal. “He knows it because he’s lived it, he’s been On Oct. 9, he listened to lavish praise here, he grew up here, he knows every from City Manager Chandler Williamson, corner of this community. and the city commissioners then gathered “I think he said he’s going to try to do five around him to celebrate not only his 30 more, Mayor, with us,” added Mr. William- years’ service to the city but his persever- son. “We really appreciate your service to ance and the example he set by realizing this community, the commitment to the City his objective of becoming public works of Pahokee and, really, the example of being director. “He’s always learning something steadfast in your professionalism and how new,” said Mr. Williamson. you commit yourself to excellence on a daily “There was a different philosophy he had basis.” to learn under this administration to be suc- Said Mayor Keith Babb Jr.: “I’m not that cessful. And when you look around Pahokee much older than Mr. Johnson, but I do feel Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ and what this department does on a daily ba- Courtesy of City of Pahokee like a proud papa, even prouder when he Alvin Johnson beams while holding his plaque, surrounded by (from left) Com- sis — every morning those guys are at work said to me, ‘Mayor, I want to make sure you while most of us are still sleeping, cleaning missioners Keith Babb Jr., Clara Murvin, Benny Williams, Diane Walker and Fe- present my 30-year award personally,’ and I lisia Hill, with City Manager Chandler Williamson. Gove celebrates International Walk to School Day

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Teams and community volunteers men- BELLE GLADE — It was a perfect morn- tored students by walking with them, their ing to have the 14th annual “International parents and community members while Walk to School Day” at Gove Elementary. discussing the importance of a proper ex- The event took place on Oct. 10, from 7:15 ercise regimen, practicing safety manners to 8 a.m. This event involved the entire and making the right environmental and student body, their families, Palm Beach healthy choices. County Fire Rescue, the Palm Beach Coun- We appreciate all their efforts for the ty Sheriff’s Office and other volunteers well-being of the community. The Safety from the community. Patrol members gave all volunteers bottles Cones were placed along Avenue G by of cool water for donating their time for 6:15 a.m. by Deputy Sutterfield and her the betterment of our students and the volunteers. The Gove Fuel Up and Wellness community. Kudos to Coach Carril for overseeing this remarkable event.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/GES Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/GES GES students enjoy their walk to school. Local firefighters walk with GES students. Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun 5

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/PMS National Junior Honor Society observes Breast Cancer Awareness PAHOKEE — The National Junior Honor Society at Pahokee Middle School observed Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Oct. 26. This year’s theme was “Get Your Pink On” for breast cancer. The faculty, staff and students of Pahokee Middle school wore pink in honor of those women who have lost the fight or who are survivors of breast cancer. Teacher wins national award

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News BELLE GLADE — Glade View Elementary School Dance and Choice Program Coordina- tor Sonja Kelly won the 2018 League Educator Apple Award®, which acknowledge the efforts of teachers and advocates who support programs Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/GVE relating to Broad- From left are Shundra Dowers, Glade View Elementary princi- way or Touring pal, Sonja Kelly, Tracy C. Butler, and Anita Richardson, Glade Broadway shows, View Elementary assistant principal. promoting further development of from across the United States. theatre education. “The Broadway League has been rec- ognizing teachers, administrators, school Kelly was selected for her dedication Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/GES to introducing students to the perform- district heads, and advocates from around ing arts. Her recent work with the Kravis the country for their commitment to arts Center’s annual Broadway Reach program education since 2003. We are proud to Mrs. King retires from Gove included a ten-week dance residency in honor these outstanding individuals for conjunction with the touring production of their work in collaboration with Broad- Elementary after 38 years of service Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and way League member venues that present After dedicating 38 years of service as a para-professional II, Mrs. King said I” and concluded with a performance of Broadway and Touring Broadway shows,” farewell to Gove Elementary School. As a native of Belle Glade, she spent 38 30 third grade students prior to a matinee said Charlotte St. Martin, President of years at Gove Elementary. Mrs. King was known for always being on task and of the show. The overwhelmingly positive the Broadway League. “Enriching young for being passionate about her work with students. She will now dedicate response to the program is a testament to minds with the power of the arts is crucial. her time to the ministry. Although Mrs. King will be greatly missed, we were Ms. Kelly’s strong leadership and her com- Through this award and other initiatives, pleased to see that she left with a smile and great memories of students and mitment to students and community. we encourage the ongoing development of staff. Mrs. St. Hilaire (from left), Mrs. King, Ms. Shannon and Mrs. J. Collins Kelly is one of only four award winners theatre education programs nationally.” are longtime friends and colleagues. 6 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 PPE receives reading enrichment program grant Special to the Lake Okeechobee News at Pioneer Park: “One of the most valuable BELLE GLADE — Pioneer Park Ele- components of StoryBook Treasures is the mentary (PPE) has received a grant from opportunity for students to be able to take two national nonprofit organizations to the books home. Many of our students do implement a reading enrichment program not have print-rich environments, so this in pre-kindergarten through third-grade is a luxury for them. We loan them our classes, bringing our children a love of books, but these books they get to keep, books and a love of reading. hold onto and share with their younger StoryBook Treasures (SBT), a Virgin- brothers and sisters or older brothers and ia-based program founded by Teacher sisters, so it really becomes personalized.” of the Year Denise Corbo, in partnership Denise Corbo, the founder and presi- with JustWorld International, based in dent of StoryBook Treasures, is a national Wellington, have joined together to bring board certified teacher with endorsements Pioneer Park a $15,000 grant to support 300 in administration, gifted specialist, PK-8 students in grades pre-kindergarten through and vocational education. The organiza- third. SBT is a powerful literacy enrichment tion’s leadership team comprises about a program designed by teachers to close the dozen volunteers, all with backgrounds in literacy gap among our nation’s neediest education. students. The all-inclusive program includes Recently, Ms. Corbo drove from Virginia Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ to visit the school, introduce the program PPS backpacks, books, treasures, curriculum, Pioneer Park Elementary teachers take a moment from their busy schedule to classroom materials, family engagement to the pre-kindergarten through third-grade teachers, and provide professional devel- celebrate the SBT and JustWorld International grants that gives students books resources and professional development that they can take home and keep. for teachers. opment training on how to implement Pioneer Park Elementary is just one of the program. Teachers were able to view their academic careers, students transition siblings got involved as well. A lot of them 44 schools in Palm Beach County with a the books and treasures available for this from “learning to read, to reading to learn,” have siblings that are older or younger poverty rate of between 90 percent and 100 school year following her presentation. and those who cannot read proficiently fall and they were waiting on the next book to percent. This means that 90-100 percent They also learned of the required pre- and behind. Not only do they struggle to keep come out because second grade, for ex- of the children attending the school come post-surveys for teachers and parents to up with their peers, but they are then also ample, did not have the program and they take to support the effectiveness of the pro- from homes where a family of three makes less likely to graduate from high school were using the books at home, too.” gram. “Every child deserves the opportunity less than $20,160 per year. One hundred and are more likely to have behavioral and If you are interested in supporting the percent of students qualify for the free to enjoy the personal ownership and love social problems as a result. reading enrichment program, visit Story- lunch program, and students’ language of books,” Ms. Corbo said. She thanked SBT was introduced to Pioneer Park Ele- arts proficiency is only 40 — 28 percent of JustWorld International for its partnership BookTreasures.org or JustWorldInternation- mentary last year as a trial and was so suc- al.org to make a donation to support the students are learning English. and support in funding the program. “With cessful that JustWorld collaborated to fully Five times during the school year, teach- continued monetary support, we hope to StoryBook Treasures program at Pioneer implement the program for students in this Park Elementary. ers will receive lesson plans for each book, sustain and even expand the program to fundamental stage of their education. Ms. About StoryBook Treasures as well as advice for parental involvement other grade levels,” Ms. Corbo said. Buckman elaborated, “We first started off activities, and students will receive materi- Reading on grade level by third grade doing this program with our kindergarten StoryBook Treasures Inc. (SBT) is a als to use in the classroom to bring home is an important milestone in students’ and first-grade students and this year I’m nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicat- and all of which each student can keep. academic careers and a major factor in happy to say that we’ve added on pre-kin- ed to putting the best children’s books in According to Pamela Buckman, principal determining their success. At this point in dergarten, second and third. It the hands of children. We use the most is very important to repeat this sought-after children’s literature to help program throughout the grades children create vital lifelong literacy connec- because it becomes a part of tions. Our proven program makes children the culture in our building. It’s love books and love to read. going to enhance our students’ StoryBook Treasures is currently giving love for reading and also give more than 15,000 books to 3,000 children them that feeling of pride in at 22 schools nationwide. themselves that they can pick up About JustWorld International a book and read it.” JustWorld International is a not-for-prof- The first shipment of pro- it, humanitarian organization that finances gram supplies to Pioneer Park life-changing education, nutrition, health was delivered last week, and and hygiene and leadership and cultural additional shipments will be development programs for impoverished delivered monthly until the last children in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatema- month of school in May. Mate- la and the United States. rials for parents are available in JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) Spanish and will be translated charitable organization in the United States into Creole so that all families and a registered Association 1901 in France. can support their children’s Tax-deductible donations are accepted in progress. With each book, Switzerland and JustWorld’s supporters parent receive a bookmark with may send their donations to Foundation questions to help engage their students in the stories they read, Philanthropia, a Swiss public-benefit um- Special to the Lake Okeechobee News and surveys are collected at the brella foundation. JustWorld International beginning and end of the year has no political or religious affiliation. A wonderful day at Pioneer Park for feedback. Teachers who ran Justworld International and Storybook the program last year shared, Treasures are registered with the Florida BELLE GLADE — What a wonderful day at Pioneer Park Elementary School on Wednes- “The parents love the books and Department of Agriculture & Consumer day, Oct. 10, when they celebrated National Walk to School Day. David Brannan, Pioneer they love the little [treasures] Services. A copy of the official registration Park’s physical education teacher, spearheaded the day, but he was not alone. Parents, that went with them. Many told and financial information may be obtained staff and students all got in on the fun as parents and buses dropped the students off at me they read the book with the from the Division of Consumer Services by Pioneer Park and then teams walked to the school. A big thank-you to our school police calling toll-free 800-435-7352 within the state. officers Arnett and Houston as well as Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for coming out to child over and over and over registration does not imply endorsement, support the walk by directing traffic and walking with us! again.” It was also stated, “Not only the parents, but also the approval, or recommendation by the state. Nov. 7, 2018 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun 7 Grand opening held for new Veterans Success Center

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News “It has been said that LAKE WORTH — Palm Beach State Col- the greatest casualty of lege (PBSC) had a grand opening ceremony war is to be forgotten,” Thursday, Nov. 1, for the new Veterans Sachs told the crowd Success Center on the Lake Worth campus. seated underneath a About 175 people attended the event, tent outside the Veter- including student veterans, elected officials ans Success Center. “So and business and community leaders. U.S. we are here today to Reps. Lois Frankel and Brian Mast were the dedicate ourselves, on guest speakers. behalf of the leadership The 2,300-square-foot facility is designed of this state college, that to support veterans and their families who no veteran will ever be are pursuing their education at PBSC. It forgotten here in Palm features a lounge for social and recreation- Beach County. We will al activities, study areas, a computer lab, remember them. We will tutoring, mentoring, academic and career educate them. We will advising, and other services. It replaces a serve them, and we will one-stop center that the college established make sure that when in an office on the campus in 2009. Howev- they come back from er, to create more space and offer com- whatever war, whatever prehensive services for veterans and their service they did, that the families, PBSC renovated a Criminal Justice road back to normalcy building to establish the new freestanding is just beginning and it Veterans Success Center. begins right here.” Frankel, whose son is The center was made possible because Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ of an $800,000, one-time appropriation a Marine Corps veteran PBSC Palm Beach State College held a grand opening ceremony for the new Veterans Success Center approved by the Florida Legislature in 2016 who served in Afghan- on the Lake Worth campus on Thursday, Nov. 1. An estimated 175 people ranging from student and backed by former state Sen. Maria istan and Iraq, said she veterans to elected officials were in attendance at the event. Sachs, who served as chair of the event. has a bill pending in PBSC President Ava L. Parker recog- Congress to reauthorize a the “campus is blessed to have veterans facilities for veterans on its Palm Beach nized Sachs for her support, along with the grant program for colleges and universities walking these pathways.” Gardens and Boca Raton campuses. Visit 2016 members of the Palm Beach County to establish similar centers. She hopes to “I think that everybody who’s a part of www.palmbeachstate.edu/VeteransServices legislative delegation. Sachs, a champion get it passed. this school knows that, and that’s why they for more information. of veterans and whose late father served in “The physical and the emotional transi- worked so hard to make sure they have a Serving 49,000 students annually, Palm World War II and Vietnam, thanked Parker, tion coming from the military can be very Veterans Success Center,” he said, noting Beach State College is the largest institution whose father also served in the military, for rough. So many of our men and women the sacrifices veterans make serving the of higher education in Palm Beach County, slip through the cracks when they come country sacrifices that he understands. her leadership in seeing the facility come to providing bachelor’s degrees, associate fruition. She said there are 15,000 veterans home. That’s why what we’re doing here While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked degrees, professional certificates, career living within proximity of the Veterans today is just such a blessing for our com- as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Success Center. munity,” she said. Joint Special Operations Command. The training and lifelong learning. Established “Without her guidance, her motivation Mast, who served in the U.S. Army for last improvised explosive device that he in 1933 as Florida’s first public community and her stubbornness … this never would more than 12 years, earning the Bronze Star found resulted in catastrophic injuries, college, Palm Beach State offers more than have happened,’’ Sachs said of Parker, Medal, the Army Commendation Medal which included the loss of both of his legs. 130 programs of study at locations in Lake noting that it’s not easy getting money from for Valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and the PBSC serves more than 1,100 veterans Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, the legislature. Defense Meritorious Service Medal, said and their families. The college also has Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves. Gulfstream Goodwill plans to relocate to Glades Plaza

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News to find and move into a new location, BELLE GLADE — Founded with the Colliers’ Honey Bryan had to fast track the mission of “Changing Lives through transaction to allow enough time to get Employment, Training and Education,” the lease negotiated, then approved by the Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has secured Executive Board and finally signed. Given a 30-day deadline for delivery, the landlord a new lease at Glades Plaza in Belle Glade, successfully delivered the premises with allowing them to expand their store foot- interior and exterior improvements com- print and better serve their customers and pleted so that tenant could make relocation employees. Having been in their previous move and open for business. location since 1981, Goodwill approached “The address of the former Goodwill Colliers International’s Senior Vice Presi- location was 201 West Avenue A in Belle dent Honey Bryan to work closely with the Glade. That location was inferior to the new organization’s Executive Board to negotiate location in that it did not have prominent and execute a suitable relocation. highway frontage, easy access nor an open As listing broker for Glades Plaza at 541 floor plan for efficient store layout,” Bryan S.W. 16th St., Honey Bryan represented said. “The new location provides all of both the tenant and the landlord in this those additional attributes including prom- transaction. Goodwill’s ±11,616-square- inent pylon signage on main highway and foot relocation was a perfect fit for both co-tenancy with other national retailers.” parties. The location suited the tenant’s As a non-profit organization, Gulfstream needs in terms of size, configuration, park- Goodwill Industries’ relocation negotiation A. Tanck, president and CEO of Gulfstream totally seamless.” ing, accessibility and visibility. The previous required careful assessment and formu- Goodwill Industries. “Honey expeditiously Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is proud tenant had recently vacated the anchor lation in order to ensure approval by their brought this transaction together without to serve the residents of Belle Glade and space, leaving the large vacancy available governing board. “We are so pleased with as much as a hiccup. Every real estate excited to move into its new location, al- immediately for Goodwill’s relocation at the the efforts of Honey Bryan at Colliers Inter- transaction between landlords and tenants lowing the organization to better serve the end of their lease. With only three months national South Florida LLC”, said Marvin should have such a competent broker … western community. 8 Lake Okeechobee News merger of Okeechobee News, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat and The Sun Nov. 7, 2018 Rocket Star Readers celebrate at Gove Elementary

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Congratulations to the Gove Elementary students that cele- brated meeting their Scholastic Reading Counts goal on Friday, Oct. 18. This first cel- ebration was a great success with a grand total of 119 students. Students are encour- aged to continue to read to ensure their attendance at each of the bi-monthly cele- brations. Special recognition and trophies went to the students with the most points Special to the Okeechobee News at each grade level. The winners were Maa- wa Farid, kindergarten; Briana Cervantes, Glades agricultural first-grader; Abir Islam, second-grader; Aleefa Ali and Manha Sadika, third-grad- leader immortalized ers; Belinda Lopez, fourth-grader; Jeremi- Wedgworth’s Inc. thanks all the participants who joined them for the unveil- ah Francoeur, fifth-grader; and Demesha ing of the street sign designating George Wedgworth Way in Belle Glade on Walker, sixth-grader. Students with over two Oct. 18. As George’s son Dennis shared: “The ‘Wedgworth Way’ is a mind- million words read (since kindergarten) in- set that encompasses ideals such as cooperation, teamwork and dedication. cluded Jeremiah Francour, Aleefa Ali and The entire Wedgworth family and team is so grateful for this timeless rec- Manha Sadika. Gove students, teachers, and ognition of Mr. George H. Wedgworth!” Singled out for thanks and recogni- parents have done an awesome job working tion in a company Facebook post were Mary Beth Wedgworth Croft, Amanda together to increase student achievement in Wedgworth, Dennis Wedgworth, Keith Wedgworth, Melissa McKinlay and Sarah Wedgworth Sproull at Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. reading. Keep up the good work, Gove Cats! OPHTHALMOLOGY | OPTOMETRY | RETINA CARE EYE DOCTORS IN BELLE GLADE! Dr. Quoc Nam Huynh, OD Optometrist Dr. Heather B. Seith, MD Dr. Quoc Nam Huynh, OD Ophthalmologist Dr. Heather B. Seith, MD Optometrist Ophthalmologist Specialty Vision Care is an all-encompassing eye care clinic, covering optometry and ophthalmology services. Need eyeglasses or contact lenses? We’ve got you covered! Schedule an appointment with one of our distinguished doctors, TODAY!

1200 S. Main St, Suite 103 Now serving patients Belle Glade, FL 33430 from Belle Glade and (561) 226-4922 surrounding areas