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Port-a-let stolen from DAV fundraiser

Most of Florida at high risk for COVID-19

Most of Florida is now considered at “high” risk for COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Okeechobee, Hendry and Glades counties are at medium risk for COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control map published June 26. [Art courtesy CDC]

Okeechobee, Hendry and Glades counties at 'medium' risk for COVID-19

With much of Florida now considered at high risk for COVID-19, Okeechobee, Hendry and Glades Counties remain at “medium” risk ...

The Centers for Disease Control map for June 18 shows Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Collier and Desoto counties at medium risk for COVID-19 and the rest of South Florida at high risk. Okeechobee County is highlighted on the map. [Graphic courtesy CDC]

Know the risk for COVID-19

Most of South Florida is in at “high risk” for COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ...

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Community News

Dixie is Pet of the Week

This cutie is Dixie and that face says it all! Come meet her at Caloosa Humane Society...

Law students receive scholarships

The Hendry-Glades Bar Association awarded scholarships on July 28 to LHS alumni.

Gigi is Pet of the Week

Gigi is nine years old, spayed and up to date on vaccinations.

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Police/Fire

HCSO welcomes four new employees

On Monday, Aug. 1, Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden swore in four new employees all four were recent graduates of the …

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Agriculture

McAvoy inducted into Ag Agents Hall of Fame

Gene McAvoy was inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA)...

UF/IFAS to hold Florida Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Ft. Myers

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers will present their latest findings...

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Wildlife & Environment

Projects on private lands may improve Caloosahatchee water quality

Two proposed projects on private land could help improve water quality in the Caloosahatchee River.

FWC roundup targets invasive fish

This event takes place from April 28 through May 1.

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Business Corner

Charging station availability determines electric car sales

During the July 18 Clewiston Board of Commissioners meeting, Vice Mayor Greg Thompson urged officials to look into installing …

First Bank celebrates 100 years in business

Pioneer Bankcorp, Inc. (OTC Markets: PBKC) the holding company for First Bank, held their 100th annual stockholders meeting …

LaBelle Outfitters is located at 274 N. Bridge Street in LaBelle.

LaBelle Outfitters clothing store offers variety, affordable prices

LaBelle Outfitters, a new clothing store opening Friday, July 15, is catering to the unique needs of the community.

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Veterans

LABELLE -- The First Baptist Church Trail of Life Group helped with the flag ceremony. [Photo courtesy American Legion Post 130]

Legion post holds Flag Retirement Ceremony

LABELLE -- On June 14 Dana-Howard-Weekley American Legion Post 130 held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the post.

American Legion Post 130 hosts Memorial Day Services

FORT DENAUD -- American Legion Post #120 held Memorial Day Services in Felda and at the Fort Denaud Cemetery on May 30. …

Support military families in honor of Military Appreciation Month

The American Red Cross provides support to our U.S. military community at every step of their career...

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Weather

Be aware of septic & sewer conditions after flooding

The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties (FDOH-Hendry/Glades) is urging the public...

Take measures to stay safe during flooding

Heavy rains are predicted to impact our area this weekend. It is important to be prepared for flooding.

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Sports Around The Lake

LaBelle All Stars play for championship

LEHIGH ACRES -- Wednesday, June 22 was an evening that LaBelle natives would not soon forget.

10U team wins district championship

These guys just won over North Naples 8-4 and won the Little League 10U district 18 championship.

Calling all junior anglers to the Annual 4th of July Kid’s Fishing Tournament

Get your fishing pole and head to Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café for the Annual 4th of July Kid’s Fishing Tournament

Hendry County contracts teachers outside of U.S.

In an effort to secure teachers during a country-wide shortage, Hendry County School District is looking outside of the U.S. …

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Clewiston residents voice concerns about teachers leaving local schools

Three Clewiston residents questioned the Hendry County School District during its July 19 meeting regarding the exodus of veteran teachers at Clewiston middle and high …

Bianca Ross is running for Hendry County School Board District 3

Lake Okeechobee News and Caloosa Belle Independent reached out to candidates running for Hendry County Board of County …

subscriber exclusive

Hendry County Schools seeking teacher applicants, including veterans

Controversial laws and the COVID-19 pandemic have put a strain on Florida’s teaching staff, with most counties facing severe teaching shortages ...

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Government

subscriber exclusive

How will Federal Reserve interest rate hikes effect you?

Two LaBelle Certified Public Accountants (CPA) shared what the recent Federal Reserve interest rate hike means …

subscriber exclusive

Hendry County considers industrial rezoning

Hendry County Board of County Commissioners held the first of two public hearings about a county-initiated rezoning request …

subscriber exclusive

Female veterans struggle with homelessness

Hendry County resident Elmira (Myra) Johnson spoke to Hendry County officials during its July 26 regular board meeting in LaBelle …

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Health

Free autism screening for young children

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

FDOH recognizes World Breastfeeding Week 2022

The World Breastfeeding Week 2022 encourages everyone to support breastfeeding mothers...

Learn hands-on only CPR

United Way and the American Red Cross present a Day of Action, a hands-only CPR class.

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Entertainment

"The Little Shop of Horrors" production at The Fireside Theatre

Firehouse Theatre approaching 30 years of entertaining LaBelle

When a small dinner theater located in the Hendry Isles RV Resort closed in 1993, …

Firehouse Theatre presents ‘Barefoot in the Park’

LABELLE — The Firehouse Theatre will present a romantic comedy by Neil Simon; “Barefoot in the Park.” ...

First Christian Church hosts annual Wild Game Dinner

The First Christian Church Wild Game Dinner is back! Come enjoy a wide variety of items on Saturday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Traffic & Road Work

Bridge and guardrail work to be performed on CR835 and CR846

Beginning Monday, July 18, Hendry County’s contractor, EHC, Inc., along with their subcontractors, Kelly Brothers...

SR 80 construction update

Crews will be resurfacing and widening portions of …

Wheeler Road area surveying planned

Beginning the week of June 20, AIM Engineering and Surveying will be performing surveying services on Wheeler Road from 13th Place to 23rd Terrace.

Subscriber exclusive

Hendry County discusses Hendry Isles Boulevard roadwork

Clewiston resident, Judy Weaver, spoke at the regular meeting of the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners May 10 …

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Opinion

Rene: Travel and tourism’s role in our recovering economy

Two years after the pandemic scrapped many people’s vacation plans, travelers are seeking new experiences...

Expert: Taking opioids with some antidepressants may increase overdose risk

Taking oxycodone at the same time as certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a commonly prescribed class of antidepressant...

What is 'family' to you?

When you hear the word “family,” what comes to mind? The words “family” or “families” appear over 250 times in the Bible, and the first time it is mentioned, it …

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State News

2 dead, 1 wounded in family feud over Florida vacation home

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — A family fight over the home of a woman who moved into an assisted living facility left two people dead, and another wounded, police said. A preliminary investigation …

Boy dies in hot car parked outside Miami area Jewish center

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A 3-year-old boy died after being left in a car outside a South Florida preschool where both his parents are staff members, police said. The child was one of several …

Florida man tries to flee deputies on a riding lawn mower

CRESTVIEW, Fla. (AP) — Florida deputies used a taser to stop a man who tried to avoid arrest by fleeing on a riding lawn mower on Saturday. The Okaloosa County sheriff's office said it was …

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