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Justin.tv Movies And Sports - Illegal Broadcasts, But Very Popular LABELLE, FL. -- Free live sports games on the internet including soccer (futbol), basketball, baseball, football, and cricket and the latest movies can be seen free on the internet every day. Whatever sport you want to see from anywhere in the world is now available without paying for a ticket or any subscription fee. And lots of current movies are here too. Just take a look at Justin.tv and you can see it all anytime for free. There is no charge to watch these broadcasts from around the world, nothing more than a high speed internet connection is needed, and most channels on Justin.tv have interactive chat rooms for the sports and movie fans to talk with one another as well. But according to the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), it is illegal for anyone to broadcast copyrighted material such as live sports events and movies to the public without permission of the copyright owner. The sports franchises are the copyright owners of the sports events, while movie studios or production companies control the movie rights. However, none of the broadcasting channels at Justin.tv's sports or entertainment links have permission to broadcast these sports events or movies. But, nonetheless, the web site owner, Justin.tv allows the live broadcasts unless the copyright owner notifies them that they are in violation of the copyright law. So far it appears the copyright owners haven't noticed that Justin.tv has had nearly a million "registered" users over the last year watching illegally broadcast sports events and the latest movies on its website. Or the copyright owners have chosen not to make a copyright claim to Justin.tv yet. Free Network TV Shows And Movies On The Internet Justin.tv also features live network entertainment shows and current movies on the internet including U.S. shows and popular entertainment from around the world as well as the latest video games being played live on the web. Most channels also include live chat rooms where viewers can interact with each other. But, these channels are illegally exploiting copyright laws as these broadcasts are being shown by individuals who have not obtained permission from the copyright owners, the television show or movie production companies or the video game producers. Justin.tv allows the individual channel broadcasts to air and even be archived for 30 days or more until the copyright owner notifies them of copyright violations under the DMCA. So watch your favorite sports event and movies online free for a while more, or at least until the copyright owners shut down such websites. Watch Live Sports Channels And Movies violating the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act)

New Fishing Rules For Lake Okeechobee CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public about new Lake Okeechobee freshwater fishing rules. The rules went into effect on July 1. Largemouth bass in Lake Okeechobee must be 18 inches or greater in total length to be harvested. Anglers can keep only one bass 22 inches or greater in total length as part of their daily bag limit. Also, a new rule establishes a 10-inch minimum length for black crappie on the lake. Bag limits remain unchanged. Sampling over the last few years has shown a decline in the numbers of small largemouth bass and black crappie. The new size limits protect younger largemouth bass and black crappie from being harvested, said Jon Fury, FWC freshwater fisheries biologist. The new rules also reduce pressure on the current populations. The Commission approved the new rules in February, after several public workshops. Violating fish and wildlife rules is illegal. To report violations, please call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

County In Dire Economic Situation Say Storter - Gambling, Potential For Growth? MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades Commissioner Donna Storter Long this week sent the following to Governor Charlie Crist's special assistant Marureen Jaeger: Thank you for attending the Glades County Commission meeting yesterday and your interest in and concern for Glades County�s situation as a Special Representative of Gov. Charlie Crist. Glades County has dire economic needs/situations that are NOT a result of the impending SugarWater deal. Just in time for our budget workshop, our Property Appraiser gave us the ad valorem revenue figure of $6,379,253 for 2008-2009. No typo here. That�s less than 7 million! It just seems to me that while we have the sharp attention of Governor Crist and his staff, this is an opportune time to address ways Glades County can mitigate anticipated negative affects of that deal while alleviating some existing problems too. I was disappointed that so much of the meeting was devoted to pessimistically lamenting the past without addressing the opportunities for the future of Glades County. We must look forward, not back. Things will change and it�s our choice if we want to help direct the change Though I greatly appreciate and support agriculture and will endeavor to work for its survival and growth. I do recognize, as Mary Helen Blakeslee pointed out, that we must diversify our economy and tax base. As I told you I would, I�m listing here for you the points I prepared for my presentation yesterday (with some elaboration) and probably not in the order I brought them up yesterday, nor in any priority. Have SFWMD consider granting to Glades County all the development rights of all property owned by SFWMD, including past acquisitions. Without the 5600 +/- acres of US Sugar land in Glades County, SFWMD already owns 13,150 acres in Glades County. Glades County receives $24.83 annually for PILOT. That should increase with the recent changes in legislation and the purchase of 1400+/- acres WMD bought last year. However, residential density units on those properties could be utilized in other developments and would allow density clustering. They definitely have value and could be declared surplus and auctioned, or granted to the County for distributio In February 2008, we learned that a prominent Glades County Family, the Weeks Family, had bequeathed $6 million to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, and was eligible for matching funds raising the total to $12 million. Can OTTED explore the possibility of UF/ IFAS creating a veterinarian training facility in Glades County, and help provide bovine veterinarian services to the areas ranchers? Right now, there is no large-animal vet residing in and practicing in Glades County and currently, our agriculture extension agent is only a 4-H coordinator. According to Florida Dept of Health�s �Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set, (C.H.A.R.T.S) information that was made available May 2008, about 15% of Glades County population is below the poverty level. The health profile shows we are in the 4th quartile for deaths from heart disease, cancer, HIV/Aids, 4th quartile for birth to unwed mothers, 4th quartile for late or no prenatal care, and 4th quartile for infant deaths after age of 1 month. (Unwed mothers mostly black, but infant deaths mostly white.) We are in the 4th quartile for adults who were unable to get health care and 4th quartile of adults with no health coverage. Our public health department is understaffed and underfunded working from a crowded, outdated facility in dire need of replacement, not just remodeling. (Mr. Taylor told me you later requested a visit to the facility yesterday and saw this conditions we discussed.) How can OTTED help Glades County�s health needs? We hear that statewide there is a shortage of trained nurses. Why not build a nursing school in Glades County along with a public health clinic for their internship? We have no pharmacy, so why not build a pharmacology college here, including a dispensing pharmacy? We have one medical doctor residing in and practicing in Glades County; no dentist, no optometrist, no chiropractor, and no medical services clinic other than the woefully inadequate public health department that you visited. It is astounding to me how the public health staff operates as well as it does in the conditions and financial limitations they endure. They are VERY dedicated people, serving people with real health needs. The county-owned Industrial Park near Moore Haven needs $$$ to develop and market itself. The mortgage is $800k, and we don�t have enough funds to finish the engineering, design and infrastructure installation and can barely make the mortgage payments. Even with enterprise programs and tax abatements, without proper development we really have little to offer but bare land. High speed/broadband internet access is not available in much of our rural county. Today�s technology is a basic requirement for most commerce, industry and normal business operations. FHREDI has been working on this already, why not step up with some grant $$ to providers and finish the job. Determine what new state-funded and federal-funded projects, such a Veterans Hospital, FEMA distribution center for SW Florida, DOT work center, will soon be needed in Florida, and site them in Glades County. SFWMD has pledged $5 million to clear/clean Pearce Canal, Moore Haven Canal, and other access points to Lake Okeechobee, to be expended over the next 5 years. Why wait? That itself could be a giant economic stimulus in a one-year period. We need to clean the outlet/mouth of Harney Pond Canal, deepen Dyess Ditch access, and restore the campground at Indian Prairie Canal and build more and expand existing boat ramps, add paid attendants. These are GIANT eco-tourism stimulants. Glades County already has a long-term lease on Curry Island on the western edge of Lake Okeechobee restricted for recreational use, with no funds to develop the natural wildlife habitat for eco-tourism such as birding, or fishing or duck hunting. Those three recreation industries bring BIG $$$$ into areas prepared for and inviting to them. Glades County has more shoreline on Lake Okeechobee than the other counties, and more frontage on the Caloosahatchee River than the other counties. It has great eco-tourism potential!! Lake Hicpochee may have development potential, either for hydrating and restoration for eco-tourism projects or part of the proposed inland port, as it is only 3 miles southwest of Moore Haven. This was on my list but Tracy Whirls actually brought it up. We have an eco-tourism development, Port LaBelle Marina on Caloosahatchee River, is battling state agencies for final permitting. Help could be granted in expediting the process, resulting in significantly addition to our tax base. DCA has also put up roadblocks for other important development considerations in Glades County, such as rural land stewardship programs. West Glades Elementary needs to expand to senior high school. When students complete the 8th grade there, their parents withdraw them from Glades County school system and enroll them in other county high schools or private schools rather than put them on school transportation for 3-4 hours per day to go to Moore Haven High School. We have 200 acres for expansion there and just built a new gym. The City-County Public Works Authority is out of funds for the next needed phase of expanding municipal water and wastewater services to greater Moore Haven area. In addition, Buckhead Ridge in the northeastern part of the county needs wastewater treatment system just as badly because there are more septic tanks on canals leading to Lake Okeechobee up there, than there are in the City of Moore Haven. We must do our part to prevent pollution, but we need funding. Of primary importance in the giant scheme of things, Glades County needs legal counsel expertise in water resources, land development and tax law. SFWMD staff has indicated willingness to fund this for us. After the meeting the Chair of the Glades District School Board called me and said after talking with Water Management staff he has decided to have the School Board solicit such funding for counsel. So far, the one single idea brought to me that seems have the most potential for large economic growth for Glades County, is legalized gambling. I will say it is not my first choice of revenue options, but I have yet to hear of a higher-paying plan! A later thought came that support at the ballot box may be garnered if we promote the concept that a portion of the revenue Glades County receives could/would be encumbered to support Northern Everglades restoration projects. Why not have Gov. Crist as our spokesperson for this? And OTTED funding the campaign for voter approval?

American Cowboy Day Celebration In City Of Okeechobee OKEECHOBEE, FL ­- Normally reserved for vehicular traffic, State Road 70 in Okeechobee will be the scene of a cattle drive from Flagler Park East to the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center on Saturday, July 26 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Spectators will see Okeechobee's "Big Boss", Pete Clemons, lead local ranchers carrying flags as they drive some fifty head of cattle down the three-and-a-half mile stretch of road. The arrival of the cattle at the Agri-Civic Center will kick off a busy day of activities there, including a big Ranch Rodeo with area ranches competing for the top two rankings and a chance to participate in the Florida Ranch Rodeo in Kissimmee the first weekend in October. Many area ranchers will compete for bragging rights as to whose team is the best, says Matt Pearce, Cattlemen's Association president. The events are exciting, and they show the entire community the kinds of basic skills that keep our ranches going. Some of the real-life ranch activities in the competition will include ranch doctoring, bronc riding, wild cow milking, team branding and a stampede race. The Ranch Rodeo will be open to spectators without charge, sponsored by the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association and local merchants through donations to help defray expenses. The Ranch Rodeo events are scheduled to begin inside the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon. Other activities after the Cattle Drive will include an 11:00 a.m. Backyard BEEF B-B-Q contest, Florida cowboy storytelling, whip popping demonstrations, art by the Cowboy Artists Association of Florida, various children's events, plus food, entertainment and fun for the whole family sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street. The events are being held as a part of the National Day of the American Cowboy, proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2005 for the fourth Saturday in July. Last year's event in Okeechobee was the first such celebration east of the Mississippi. Okeechobee's Main Street will coordinate the many National Day of the American Cowboy festivities outside the arena, to help celebrate the proud heritage of Okeechobee's cattlemen and the contributions made by Florida cowboys and cowgirls to the cattle industry nationwide. Main Street considers July 26 as a Heritage Festival for the cattle industry, says Toni Doyle, executive director of Main Street. Our cattlemen are an important part of the history and growth of this community. We encourage everyone to participate in the day's festivities.

Pauline Elizabeth Nelson New Born Dies LABELLE, FL. -- Pauline Elizabeth New Born, age 57 passed away suddenly July 14, 2008. She was born June 20, 1951 in Miami to the late Norwood D. Nelson Jr. and Pauline Elizabeth Nelson. Survivors include her husband James New Born of LaBelle, daughter Priscilla Ann Pipkin of Kissimmee, mother Pauline Elizabeth Nelson, sister Suzanne Harper of Clewiston, and grandson Peter James Aquina. She was preceded in death by her brother Norwood Nelson III. A celebration of life by friends and family will be held Saturday July 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the New Born family residence at 3615 Double J Acres Road E, LaBelle. Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home. Her remains will be intered in Waynesville, Ga. next to her brother Sonny , her dad Junior , and her grandmother Polly Parrott.

Two At Tropical Mobile Home Park Arrested CLEWISTON, FL. -- Hendry County Sheriff's Narcotic Investigators executed a search warrant at Lot 61 in Tropical Mobile Home Park during the early morning hours Friday July 18. According to Sheriff Ronnie Lee, Investigators located Cocaine, Drug Paraphernalia, and Prescription Drugs within the residence. Rolando Garcia, age 31, and Kelly Blanset Lee, age 27, were arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Operating a Drug House, Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription, and Possession of Narcotic Related Materials

Glades Commissioner Storter's Gambling Views MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Glades County Commissioner Donna Storter Long has this week written a letter in respose to inquiries about bringing in additional Glades county money. Storter wrote to Eric Kopp of Independent News: I received your message of yesterday and offer this response: About 10 days ago, John Austin Collier brought me the idea of countywide gambling as a viable revenue option for Glades County in reversing the negative impacts on the economy that is expected by the sale of US Sugar to South Florida Water Management District. Since gambling is legal, regulated and already exists in Glades County at Brighton, the possibility of obtaining revenue from legalized gambling definitely warrants further discussion. Governor Crist supports gambling in Florida, and though revenue to the state was down a few years ago, the temporary decline was because the lucrative expansions were under Indian control and not subject to state taxation. Should we embark on this course, with careful planning and management of the initial revenues, Glades County can restore and recreate the amenities that will make our county the new family vacation destination of the freshwater frontier, with more attractions than just gambling establishments. Produced without environmental pollution and with little demand on government services and infrastructure, the revenue can be used to enhance services and infrastructure while lowering ad valorem tax millage. That has been the consensus of the many constituents that have been approached by this idea. I have conferred with Sen. Alexander�s staff and Rep. Grimsley�s staff and learned the procedure for offering this choice to the people of Glades County. It will take 600,000 signatures to get the initiative on the ballot for Florida voters statewide to decide if they want to amend our constitution to allow Glades County to conduct its own referendum to authorize gambling in Glades County. That Glades County referendum would require affirmation by 60% of Glades County voters, the PEOPLE would decide if the option merits opportunity. We have the climate. We have the geography. Maybe this can be a viable opportunity. It certainly should not be ignored, but carefully examined to determine all the positive and all the negative results we could anticipate from this proven moneymaker and give the people of Glades County the facts to make their own decision; is this the direction our County should take? There is no panacea for the economic woes of Glades County, but, because this is one option that could bring a lot of revenue to Glades County, I feel we should at least explore it. Therefore, I will request that Governor Crist direct his resources to help us in this exploration. -Donna Storter Long (R), Glades County Commissioner, (863.673.2661- Cell 158*17* 36430-Nextel

More Thefts And Burglaries Due To Economy? LABELLE, FL. -- At 3:07 a.m. Thursday July 10, Ashley and Sons Salvage, located on State Road 29 south of LaBelle, was the victim of an attempted theft. Deputies arrived on the scene and were informed by the owner, Ashley George, that he observed three black males in the process of stealing about $2,500 worth of copper wire. When he confronted the men, two fled the scene on foot. Mr. George had a gun and ordered the third man to get down on the ground. The man grabbed the gun and succeeded in taking it from Mr. George. He ran toward State Road 29, firing two shots at Mr. George, missing with both shots. Deputies were unable to locate any of the men and set up a perimeter. Sheriff Ronnie Lee said the Lee County Sheriff�s Office sent two K-9 Deputies and a helicopter to assist with the search. The helicopter is equipped with an instrument capable of locating hot spots on the ground. Shortly after arriving in the area, the pilot located a hot spot near the salvage company. Deputies yelled for the man to surrender and after receiving no response, a police dog was released Within moments after releasing the dog, Officers heard a man screaming. As it turned out, the dog had bitten the suspect and would not let go until the K-9 Deputy gave command. Tommy Young, age 42, who gave an address of 12 Warren Street Brentwood, NY. was arrested. Young was charged with Aggravated Assault, Armed Trespassing, Robbery, and Resisting an Officer. Sheriff Lee said due to the working relationship we have with surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies, Young was located and arrested within approximately one hour after committing the crime. The investigation continues with more arrests expected. Slow Economy Drives Rising Hendry Thefts? In recent weeks, probably due to the economy, there have been a rash of thefts and burglaries on the west side of Hendry County. In an attempt to combat the increase in property crime, Sheriff Ronnie Lee created a task force to patrol the high crime areas. The first night of patrol, Deputies arrested a man on a warrant for drug offenses. They also recovered stolen items including a television set, a chain saw, a shop vacuum, a pressure washer, and a stolen vehicle. Another arrest is expected at the conclusion of the investigation into the stolen items. A missing juvenile was also located and returned to his parents. Sheriff Lee said these Deputies will be patrolling all areas of the county where we have seen an increase in property crime.

Seek Free Legal Help Say Commissioner LABELLE, FL. -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today encouraged homeowners who are threatened with foreclosure or fearful that their lending institution may foreclose on their property to contact the Florida Bar Association to obtain free legal assistance. According to Florida Legal Services Inc., 77,000 state homeowners are in foreclosure, making Florida second in the nation only to California in the number of homes in that status. And many others are at least 30 days past due on their mortgage payment, which places them at risk of having their loans foreclosed. Florida Legal Services and the Florida Bar Association have partnered in establishing a toll-free hotline -- 1-866-607-2187 -- that consumers can call to answer a few initial questions about their situation to ensure accurate placement with a free attorney. The attorney will then negotiate with the lender on behalf of the client to keep the home from being foreclosed. I applaud Florida Legal Services and the Florida Bar for offering this public service, Bronson said. Home ownership remains a foundation of our society, leading to the stability of families and contributing significantly to our local, state and national economy, and any effort that helps families keep their homes in this uncertain economy is beneficial. More than 10,000 Florida attorneys have volunteered their services in the program, according to Florida Legal Services Inc.

Another Montura Drug Arrest CLEWISTON, FL. -- As a result of an undercover investigation into the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the Montura Ranch area, Hendry County Sheriff's Narcotic Investigators arrested Davian Burgos, age 18 of 864 Woodland Blvd, Montura Ranch Estates. Sheriff Ronnie Lee said Burgos was charged with Sale of Cocaine (3 counts) and Trafficking in Cocaine. Bond was set at $175,000.

Three Arrested In Street Fight - Gunshots Reported LABELLE, FL. -- On July 4 at 1:55 a.m., a crowd of approximately 50 people was reported fighting in the street on Edison Avenue in LaBelle. There was also a report of gunshots in the area. Deputies arrived and attempted to disperse the crowd to no avail. The crowd threw bottles at the Deputies, however, no Deputies were injured. Sheriff Ronnie Lee said Deputies arrested Chanda Cohens, age 31 of 999 Edison Avenue, Brittney Sade Williams, age 19 of 707 Martin Luther King Blvd., and Lakeitsha Lanora Williams, age 29 of 707 Martin Luther King Blvd. Chanda Cohens and Lakeitsha Williams were charged with Unlawful Assembly and Affray/Disorderly Conduct. Brittney Williams was charged with resisting an Officer With Violence and Unlawful Assembly.

Strong Arm Robbery Suspect Arrested After He Calls Sheriff's Office LABELLE, FL. -- A Hendry County Sheriff's Office Dispatcher received a call from a clerk at the Handy Store located at 1040 Cowboy Way Wednesday morning, July 2, at 3:10 a.m. The clerk said a strange acting man had been in the store two times to purchase gas, but both times said he forgot his wallet. The clerk thought he might return and requested a Deputy to respond to the store. While Deputy Terri Hessler was enroute, the man returned for the third time. Prior to the arrival of Deputy Hessler, the man attempted a Strong Arm Robbery. While one of the two clerks was taking trash outside, the man entered the store, grabbed the clerk around her throat, choking her. The man was dragging her from behind the counter when the second clerk returned from dumping trash. He released her and ran from the store to the gas pumps where a car was parked. Approximately one hour later, Dispatcher Margie Phipps received a call from a man claiming to be the man that attempted to rob the Handy Store. She was able to obtain his location and kept him on the phone until Deputies arrived and took him into custody. According to Sheriff Ronnie Lee, Roberto Ramirez, age 22 of 2023 South Montana Circle LaBelle, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Battery, and Robbery. He was only able to grab a $20 bill from the store clerk but dropped it on the floor as he ran from the store

Another Investigation Success In Montura Ranch Estates LABELLE, FL. -- According to Sheriff Ronnie Lee, on July 1 Hendry County Sheriff's Narcotics Investigators conducting an undercover investigation into the Sale and Distribution of illegal drugs in the Montura area, purchased approximately 57 grams of Cocaine. The seller, Davian Burgos, age 18 of 864 Woodland Blvd., Montura Ranch Estates, Clewiston was arrested and charged with Sale of Cocaine (3 counts) and Trafficking in Cocaine. Bond was set at $175,000.

Politicians, Kids, and Fun At Barron Park LABELLE, FL. -- The annual Fourth of July celebrations took place Friday evening as the cardboard raft race started off the festivities as usual. The "boat" crew from the Florida Community Bank took the soggy top honors this year. The Greater LaBelle Chamber of Commerce served tasty food, while local political candidates furnished cupcakes for festival goers. Phil Pelletier served as master of ceremonies for the contest awards and had fun with a hoola hoop contest for the kids. Honored tonight were two fallen soldiers from LaBelle; Chief Warrant Officer Robert Charles Hammett, killed in Iraq June 24 and USMC Staff Sgt. Christopher Strickland killed in Afghanistan June 25. Watch live video from Don Browne - Florida on Justin.tv

Visit A State Park LABELLE, FL. -- To celebrate July as Recreation and Parks Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection�s Division of Recreation & Parks is encouraging family friendly, outdoor recreation with the launch of its Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign to reconnect children and families with nature. Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Recreation and Parks Month. To celebrate this designation, Florida is waiving admission to all state parks on July 13. The Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign is hosting events in state parks that appeal to individuals and families of all ages and interests this July during Recreation and Parks Month. On Sunday, July 13, entry into all 161 state parks will be free, providing an opportunity for everyone to head outdoors and experience Florida State Parks.

How To Celebrate The 4th Safely And Legally LABELLE, FL. -- Nearly 10,000 Americans were treated for fireworks related injuries in emergency rooms last year. In Florida alone, fire departments responded to 137 fires related to fireworks and sparklers, resulting in more than $400,000 in damages during 2007. The Fourth of July is a time for Floridians to come together and enjoy family and friends, but unfortunately many end up visiting emergency rooms, said State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate. We want our residents and visitors to celebrate safely this weekend. Under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by CFO Sink's Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage. However, an exemption in the law allows for the use of un-approved fireworks for agricultural purpose, such as freighting birds from fish hatcheries. Anyone using fireworks under the agricultural exemption must have a permit from the Sheriff in the county where they will use the product. Without a permit, it is illegal to use fireworks in Florida, which include: shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers. As a general guideline, anything that flies through the air or explodes is not allowed for consumer use. Floridians should not sign "waivers" in order to purchase fireworks. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility should you be caught illegally using fireworks, which is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. There is still a risk of injury with the use of legal sparklers. When lit, some sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees - at least 200 degrees hotter than a standard butane lighter. For a list of hundreds of sparklers that are legal to use in Florida, as well as safety tips, visit the State Fire Marshal's web site at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm for a list of approved sparklers. To celebrate safely, CFO Sink advises Floridians to follow these precautions: · Use sparklers and other legal novelties on a flat, hard surface. Do not light them on grass. · Use sparklers in an open area. Keep children and pets at least 30 feet away from all ignited sparklers. · Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on-hand for emergencies. It's a good idea to drop used sparklers in a bucket of water.

Popular Restaurant Destroyed CLEWISTON, FL. -- Sonny's BBQ Restaurant, a popular Hendry county eatery located on U.S. 27 on the east side of Clewiston went up in flames today. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire and no details have been released. The property is owned by Dale and Gail Coyne of Stuart, Florida. (photo courtesy of Ron Gacula)

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LaBelle Mourns Loss Of Chris Strickland LABELLE, FL. -- Marine Staff Sergeant Christopher Strickland 25, of LaBelle, died in combat according to the Department of Defense. Strickland, son of Beth Church of LaBelle, was assigned to the 1st Marine Logistics Group, Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, California. He was my world. He was my strength, said Strickland's mother while talking with an NBC2 reporter. Strickland had been in the Marines for eight years. Strickland leaves a wife and three-year-old son. Sgt. Strickland will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

FHP And Deputies Looking For Drunk Drivers LABELLE, FL. -- The Florida Highway Patrol along with the Hendry County Sheriffs Office will be conducting a Comprehensive Roadside Safety Checkpoint on Friday June 27 in Hendry County. This operation will begin during the evening hours and conclude during the early morning hours of June 28. The objective is to reduce alcohol related traffic fatalities, traffic crashes and other criminal activities. Since DUI related crashes result in more deaths each year than total homicides, it is quite obvious impaired driving and impaired related crashes constitute a major threat to the safety and well being of the public. Reducing the deaths and injuries associated with this violation is one of the most important goals of this and other law enforcement agencies. By the use of Comprehensive Roadside Safety Checkpoints along with continuing public information and education, we hope to maximize the deterrent effect and increase the perception of risk of apprehension of motorists who would operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Governor Names Gunter LABELLE, FL. -- Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointment and appointments to the Board of Acupuncture, including Greg Gunter of LaBelle. (Senate confirmation required) · Gregory W. Gunter, 46, of LaBelle, co-owner of Gunter Furniture at 575 S. Main Street, reappointed for a term beginning June 23, 2008, and ending October 31, 2010. Gunter has been an officer of the LaBelle Rotary Club for years. Others appointed to the board: · Barbara Rezmer, 65, of Destin, retired, succeeding Gloria Rosello, appointed for a term beginning June 23, 2008, and ending October 31, 2008. · Barbara Schwartz, 62, of Ocala, self-employed acupuncturist, succeeding Frank Ervolino, appointed for a term beginning June 23, 2008, and ending October 31, 2010. · Barbara Thurman, 50, of Port St. Lucie, acupuncture physician with Natural Healing Center Inc., succeeding Paulette Karr, appointed for a term beginning June 23, 2008, and ending October 31, 2011.

Sugar Selling 187,000 Acres And Company To State For $1.75 Billion CLEWISTON, FL. -- 187,000 acres of agricultural land is expected to be sold the the State of Florida and South Florida Water Management District by U.S. Sugar Corp. This would vitually wipe out the country's largest sugar cane grower's stock of land south of Lake Okeechobee. Although at a very attractive price to U.S. Sugar of about $9000 per acre. The largest company and main industry in Hendry county, U.S. Sugar is said to have been negotiating secretly for seven months for the sale. It is unknown what immediate effect of one of the largest land sales in Florida history may bring. U.S. Sugar has 1,700 employees, down from 2,100 in 2006. It's large sugar refinery and mill is located in Clewiston. The sale would take the land off the Hendry county property tax rolls. Sugar also owns Southern Gardens Citrus in mid-Hendry county and 33,000 acres of citrus groves, and a short line railroad in Clewiston to haul cane and related products. It earns about $400,000,000 yearly from sugar cane production. The sales price of $1.7 billion seems to be a capitalized number based on about a 25% gross revenue stream from the cane. Governor Crist's office said of the sale Tuesday at a press conference in Palm Beach County, The proposed agreement between the South Florida Water Management District and the United States Sugar Corporation involves the public purchase of nearly 300 square miles spanning four counties in South Florida – a land mass as large as New York City. The District will also take ownership of the company's assets, including 200 miles of railroad, a state-of-the-art sugar mill, sugar refinery and citrus processing plant. Subject to independent appraisals and approval by the District's Governing Board, water managers will invest $1.75 billion in cash and certificates of participation to finance the acquisition. Chief Executive Robert Buker reportedly estimated the worth of the company's land and other assets, including its sugar mill and refinery, at more than $2.5 billion, so the sale is at about 70% of the company's asset value. It is unclear if the government intends to get into the sugar refinery business or if this may be a scheme where U.S. Sugar can lease back the operation and benefit somehow by the generous sugar subsidy payments made annually to them by the Federal government. It may take about five years to complete the entire sale in stages, with the water management district paying the bulk of the funds. The district recently announced it was halting work on a 26-square-mile reservoir near South Bay to be part of the Everglades restoration plans in the area. Not including this purchase, State and Federal government has spent over $7 billion on Everglades reconstruction so far. This is the largest Florida conservation purchase of private land in history. The land is larger the the entire county of Pinellas. U.S. Sugar two years ago, hired a firm headed by Brian Ballard, who was a top campaign adviser to Charlie Crist in 2006. Rep. Mahoney Responds To Sale Following the announcement that the State of Florida and South Florida Water Management District have reached a $1.7 billion deal to buy 187,000 acres of U.S. Sugar Corp.'s lands, Congressman Tim Mahoney issued this news statement: The State of Florida's decision to have South Florida Water Management purchase 187,000 acres of land owned by U.S. Sugar Corp. holds the promise of taking a major step towards Everglades restoration. Converting this farmland into filter marshes will mean a greater and cleaner flow of water into the Everglades, lessening the need to use the Caloosahatchee and St Lucie Rivers as runoff. It will improve our estuaries and help our coastal communities. Today's decision provides an important complement to Congress' recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which has finally positioned the Federal Government to live up to its promise to help fund Everglades restoration. Furthermore, Everglades restoration is critical for South Florida's economic development as it will provide fresh water for our region. Since coming to Congress, one of my top priorities has been to create jobs with a future for rural Florida around Lake Okeechobee. While all Floridians applaud this bold move to restore the Everglades, we must recognize our responsibility to the tens of thousands of people of Hendry, Palm Beach and Glades Counties. A comprehensive economic development plan must be developed immediately to ensure that these communities do not suffer. I call on Governor Crist to lay out his transition plan and I commit to working with the Governor to secure a bright future for the affected families living in some of our most economically challenged communities."

Middle Income Families Hit Hardest LABELLE, FL. -- The number of underinsured adults --those with health insurance all year, but also very high medical expenses relative to their incomes -- rose by 60% between 2003 and 2007, from 16 million to more than 25 million. Middle- and higher-income families were hit the hardest by the steep increase: underinsurance rates nearly tripled for those with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level, which is an annual income of $40,000 or higher for a family. Half of the underinsured (53%) and two-thirds of the uninsured (68%) went without needed care because of cost, including not seeing a doctor when sick, not filling prescriptions, and not getting recommended diagnostic tests or treatments. By contrast, only 31% of the insured reported going without such care. The underinsured were almost as likely as the uninsured to face financial stress related to medical bills. Nearly half (45%) of the underinsured reported difficulty paying bills, being contacted by collection agencies for unpaid bills, or changing their way of life to pay their medical bills, as did half of the uninsured (51%). By contrast, only 21% of the insured reported financial stress related to medical bills.

Florida Tax Credits And Savings To Encourage Development LABELLE, FL. -- Despite the potential economic and social benefits of broadband network access, there remains a digital divide between urban and rural communities in the availability of high-speed networks, and state governments are taking a variety of approaches to address the problem. Broadband adoption averages 73% of Internet households in urban areas of the country but just 55% in rural areas. A number of states have created task forces to evaluate the status of broadband deployment and consider possible regulatory changes to encourage its expansion to underserved areas, some are offering tax incentives to service providers and consumers to encourage infrastructure development and increase demand for the service, and some states have established dedicated funding to support infrastructure development. Florida provides income tax credits for any project designed to provide increased access to high-speed broadband capabilities, which includes coverage of a rural enterprise zone. The state also exempts development projects sponsored by nonprofit or government �eligible sponsors� to increases access to high-speed broadband capability for rural communities with enterprise zones from sales tax.

Alcohol Tops List Of Drugs Found In Deceased LABELLE, FL. -- In 2007, there were more than 168,900 deaths in Florida. Of those, 8,620 individuals were found to have died with one or more of the drugs specified in this report in their bodies, according to a news report from Florida's Medical Examiner offices. The three most frequently occurring drugs found in decedents were Ethyl Alcohol (4,179), all Benzodiazepines (2,627), and Cocaine (2,179). The drugs that caused the most deaths were Cocaine, Methadone, all Benzodiazepines (includes Alprazolam), Oxycodone, Ethyl Alcohol, Hydrocodone, and Morphine. Despite the increase in heroin incidences, deaths caused by heroin still remain lower than in 2005 or any prior year. Prescription drugs continued to be found more often than illicit drugs in both lethal and non-lethal levels.

LABELLE, FL. -- The Space Shuttle Discovery announced itself loudly Saturday morning with double sonic booms. The shuttle flew directly over Hendry and Glades county at a speed much faster than the speed of sound during its final approach to the Kennedy Space Center near Cocoa Beach, Fl. Don Browne broadcast live video from NASA as the Shuttle flew over LaBelle with running commentary until its landing at the Space Center on Florida's east coast.The Shuttle had spent two weeks in space and docked with the International Space Station last week. Watch live video from Don Browne - Florida on Justin.tv