FINAL Hendry County Guide

8/8/2019 FINAL Hendry County Guide

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HendryCounty

2011 Edition


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Bell e Realty C LEADING THE WAY

www.BelleRealty.compecializing in LaBelle real estate and the surrounding areas of Hendry nd Glades Counties. Our role at Belle Realty Co. is to guide you throughe buying or selling process, taking the time to thoroughly oversee every ep of the real estate transaction. We are absolutely committed to fulfill-g your LaBelle Real estate needs with the highest level of professional-m, expertise and service. Our commitment to your satisfaction is theundation from which a solid business relationship is built.

Stop in and visit us in our new downtown location, just 2 buildings east of LaBelle City Hall in the Belle Center Plaza

863-675-7522419 W. State Rd. 80 LaBelle, FL 33935

Terri Banky - Lic Real Estate Broker Associates: Shary Weckwerth, Lisa Andrews, Sandra Alexander

Roxie Cisneros and Stacey Stevens


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26

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table of conten

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education

governm

histomedical

leisure

What seems like a simple question -- Why Hen-dry County? --

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EditorsJose Zaragoza and Patty Brant

INTRO:2011 GUIDE TO

HENDRY COUNTY

marketing team

advertising art directordeputy editor

creative directorchief operating officer

Amy McKownDale ConyersBarbara CalfeeMelissa AgeeJuan A. LopezJenny Woods

om Byrd

all rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced inany form without permission from independent newspapers inc.


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RIVERSIDE REAL ESTATExperienced, Professional and Commmitted to Customer Service...

Let our associates open doors for you!

Give us a call or visit us online at www.labelleriverside.comFOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

Serving Hendry County and surrounding communities.Join us on Facebook today ...to view our new listings!

45 S OUTH RIVERVIEW, L ABELLE, FL 33935

863-675-2718www.labelleriverside.com

Marilyn Sears Licensed Real Estate Broker


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HISTORY 4

The StoriedHistory of

HendryCounty

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HISTORY 5

W k c . A k y m m C H y C y.Photo, Jenny Woods.


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TORY 6

lot has changed in LaBelle since

early days. Agri-business is now the buzzd where small amily arms once prevailed.ets are paved and reserved or vehicles (nos allowed any more).But LaBelle remains a crossroads or olkseling east and west, north and south.Te Caloosahatchee River has been dredgedral times; the LaBelle Bridge was just reno-d; Florida Department o ransportation ise process o our-laning S.R. 80 rom La-

e to U.S. 27 on the eastern side o the county plans are being drawn up to our-lane S.R.hrough LaBelle.LaBelles city charter goes back to 1925. Italready served as the county seat since 1923n Hendry County was carved out o Leenty. Te town was established in 1889-90,ulation 75. Early on it had a post o ce andmboat service.Te Capt. Hendry House is the only structuree county still standing that can be directly d to the countys namesake. It is on the Na-

al Register o Historic Places.Te city o LaBelle can look back to peoplethe countys namesake, Capt. F.A. Hendry (a

ederate Civil War veteran o the Cow Cav-), Tomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey

Firestone as early in uences.E.E. Goodno came rom Kansas and between

1898 and 1903 he purchased Capt. F.A. Hendrysproperty at Fort Tompson, just east o LaBelle.

Tere he established a primitive ranch resortwith a hotel that catered to sportsmen and visi-tors heading up the Caloosahatchee rom FortMyers.

His holdings included the town site o La-Belle, named or Capt. Hendrys daughters, Lau-ra and Belle.

Capt. Hendry himsel had platted the townabout 1895.

Mr. Goodno also built an ice plant out at FortTompson, which supplied ice to shing boatstraveling along the river and also to the town.Te plant provided the own o LaBelle withelectricity at a time when ew tiny rural commu-nities could boast such modernities.

Trough the decades LaBelle has managed tobe a part o the larger world without giving up itssmall town eel, its small town heart.

Perhaps that is why people continue to comehere, to recapture what much o the rest o theworld has lost.

Te river still ows, the cattle still graze,though in smaller numbers, armers still strugglewith cold snaps and drought.

Li e goes on in and around the City o La-Belle, much the way it has since Capt. Hendry

rst set his heart on this tiny piece o paradise.

aBelle:

WhatChangesAlsoRemainsThe Same

iting Hendry County's history. Te local area still o ers remarkable views into the past, romseums to designated landmarks, old Florida can still be studied. Photo, Jose Zaragoza.

Te Capt. F. A. Hendry house, still standing afer many decades, is one o LaBelle's great histtreasures. Photo, Patty Brant.


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Established in 2003, New Horizons has grown into one of LaBelles premier real estate companies. If you are buying or selling give them a call.

580 S. Main St. LaBelle, FL 33935 863 675-1973CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT www.newhorizons-re.com Se Habla Espanol

Greg Miners Lic. Real Estate Broker

Christ the KingLutheran Church

Where everybody is Somebody and Jesus is Lord.

9:15 a.m Sunday WorshipLords Supper 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday

10:30 am. Bible Study

863 -6 75 -2 [email protected]/

.4 miles west of Hwy 29 on CR 78


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or without children, may host. Contact usfor more information or toselect your student today.

Karen at 1-800-473-0696 (Toll Free)www.asse.com/host or email us at [email protected]

Founded in 1976 ASSE International Student Exchange Program is a Public Benefi t, Non-Profit Organization.

Pascal from France, 17Loves the outdoors anplaying soccer. Pascadream has been to spentime in America learniabout our customs anattending American higschool.

nna from Germany, 16 yrs.kes to play tennis, swim,ves to dance. Anna hopes

play American softballnd learn American slanghile in the USA.


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EDUCATI11

The Hendry County Public School

District consists o six elementary schools, twomiddle schools, two high schools, two alterna-tive schools, and adult education programs inLaBelle and Clewiston.

Tese schools serve approximately 6,852 stu-dents. Te strength o our school district is in itspeople.

Our students, dedicated school board mem-bers, administrators, teachers, and support per-sonnel, as well as community support, all con-tribute to the success o the schools which makeup the district.

Our mission is to provide each o our stu-dents a sa e, quality education which will enablethem to be success ul, productive citizens.

We are committed to student success and itis our intent to make clear and measurable prog-ress towards continually improving the quality o education our students receive in this district.All students can learn and our students deservethe best!

A high priority o the district is to ensure allstudents receive a high quality education with allstudents graduating and ready or work and/orpostsecondary education.

Both district high schools are ully-accred-ited. High school students have the opportunity to take advanced placement courses in their re-spective high schools as well as dual enrollmentcourses through Edison State College and PalmBeach State College.

Vocational course o erings include agricul-

ture, criminal justice, building trades, CNAti cation, and allied health careers. It is apated that the high schools will add addit vocational class o erings in the areas o hoture, Photoshop design and Microso cerprograms in the near uture.

Middle school students are o ered a culum strong in the basics o reading, mathemand science, as well as technology. Middle students have the opportunity to take Alge

or high school credit. Tey may also tak vanced placement courses.

All elementary schools are rated A orcording to State assessment criteria. Eacmentary school also has computer labs that to enrich as well as remediate students.

A er school programs are available aschool site or student enrichment and remactivities.

Te district continues to invest in techogy in the classroom to assist teachers in pring quality lessons as well as providing sthands-on experience with technology.

Our schools understand the importancparental involvement as well as communi volvement in the education process and nuous opportunities are available or parencommunity members to be involved in voluactivities within the schools.

As Superintendent, I highly encourageinvolvement.

More in ormation regarding the schootrict and individual schools may be accessthe school district web site at hendry-schooor individuals may call the District Ofce inBelle at 674-4642 or the Sub-Ofce in Clewat 902-4244.

All studentscan learn andour studentsdeserve the

best!

GrowingTomorrow'sLeaders Today

Serving all o its students. Te Hendry County School District has oversight over all o the elemenmiddle and high schools in the area. Photo, Jose Zaragoza.


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CATION 12

AT H L E T I C S

Friday night ootball gamesare still the biggest events inthe community, with everyone

rom teachers, parents, andeven mayors attending themon a regular basis.Photo, Jenny woods.

Local teams vie or the state title, a eat that lhave become accustomed to thanks to excellenseasons in each team's history.Photo, Labelle Cowboys page on Facebook.

Te Clewiston igers ootbaprogram has producedsome o the fnest athletesin the area. Each year, anslook orward to the tradi-tonal game between riendlsister-schools Clewiston andLaBelle.Photo, Jenny woods.

Show ThatHometownPride

Spirit ofDetermination

Going for the Gold


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EDUCATI13

A C A D E M I C S

Learning starts early forHendry County's students.A well-rounded Kindergar-ten program helps studentsprepare for their later years inschool.Photo, Jenny woods.

Beyond the public schoolsin the area, there are theClewiston Christian Schooland Te King's Academy,private Christian schools thatare steadily growing in studentpopulation. Students herecelebrate the recent expansionof the high school program inClewiston.Photo, Jose Zaragoza.

Despite aiming for the stars, there is always anportunity for students to have fun, and enjoy theducation in Hendry County.Photo, Hendry County Schools.

Learning StartsHere

Setting thePace forSuccess

Howdy Y'all


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EDUCATI15

Hendry County Schools

Eastside Elementary Principal Lori Duckstein

201 West Arroyo Ave863-983-1560

Westside Elementary Principal Anthony Busin205 West Arroyo Ave.863-983-1570

Central Elementary Principal George Duckstein1000 S Deane Duf Ave.863-983-1550

Clewiston Christian School andTe King's Academy ClewistonAdministrator Brenda Braddock,Principal Scott Sentgeorge601 Caribbean Ave.863-983-5388

Clewiston Middle SchoolPrincipal Garry Ensor601 W Pasadena Ave.863-983-1530

Clewiston High SchoolPrincipal Janice Lee1501 South Francisco St.863-983-1520

Clewiston Youth Academy 475 East Osceola Avenue863-902-4216

ry Oaks Elementary pal James Sealey 2052Eucalyptus Blvd.74-4140

grove Elementary pal Larry Luckey orth Main St.12-0750

le Elementary

Principal John Baker150 West Cowboy Way 863-674-4150

LaBelle Middle SchoolPrincipal Gary White8000 East Cowboy Way 863-674-4646

LaBelle High SchoolPrincipal Lucinda Kelley

4050 East Cowboy Way 863-674-4120

LaBelle Youth Develop-ment Academy, 1100Forestry Division Road863-674-4590

LaBelle Adult School, 1100Forestry Division Road863-612-0706

Grades K - 5 Westside Elementary:562 students

Central Elementary:515 students Eastside Elementary:572 students Country Oaks Elemen -tary: 748 students Upthegrove Elementary:388 students

Grades 6 - 12 LaBelle Middle School:719 students

Clewiston MiddleSchool: 763 students LaBelle High School:1,010 students Clewiston High School:853 students

Belle Schools

Clewiston Scho

gher Education

P O

P U L A T I O N

n State Collegeus Provost Robert R. Jones Ed. DE. Cowboy Way le, 863-674-0408

Palm Beach State CollegeCampus Provost Dr. Marcia Hardney 1977 College DriveBelle Glade, 561-993-1122


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A Tale

of TwoCities,

and aCounty

Clewiston, LaBelle


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GOVERNMENT 17

Hendry County has before itenormous opportunity. Hendry is theeighth largest county geographically inthe state. Hendry encompasses 1,190square miles o which 72.5 percent island occupied by agriculture. Hendry leads the nation in the number o citrustrees and is the second largest growero sugarcane. We rank high with resh vegetable crops and also have a notableand growing organic arming opera-tion.

Four percent o our area is urban,including the incorporated cities o Clewiston and LaBelle. Clewiston is a -

ectionately known as, and lives up toits name: "Americas Sweetest own."Clewiston is home to Lake Okeechobee-- the second largest resh water lake in

the United States -- recognized worldwide orits great shing.

LaBelle serves as the county seat and isnestled among beauti ul oak trees with a whar overseeing the intracoastal CaloosahatcheeRiver.

Te Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reserva-tion is also located in the county. Hendry is

urther enriched by having the communities o Everhigh Acres, Felda, Fort Denaud, LaDecca,Harlem, Hookers Point, Montura, PioneerPlantation, and Port LaBelle.

Residents in the county number more than40,000.

Te unique composition o each o the citiesand communities make Hendry a better placein which to live, work, raise a amily, and enjoy li e!

Te city and county governments work to-gether on a variety o issues and projects on adaily basis.

Te agency and staf in the cities and county are ideally suited to meet the needs o the com-munity. Te public sa ety resources in Hendry are second to none!

Te Hendry County Sherif s Departmentand the Clewiston Police Department collabo-rate to provide an enhanced law en orcementpresence.

Te County Public Sa ety Service providesexcellent and compassionate emergency careand transport to those in need. In the same vein,our volunteer re departments work together toprovide mutual aid assistance, training, and inthe spirit o true volunteerism and community,have been known to provide some o the bestBBQs - and other interesting und raisers - tohelp an individual or amily in need.

Whereas some o the larger cities and coun-ties have ample resources to meet the needs o their residents and visitors, we rely heavily oncollaborating with our cities and neighboringcounties.

Tis alliance is especially evident in areassuch as public sa ety, housing, public works,community development, building and codeen orcement, and libraries.

Within the Southwest Florida area, theHendry County IFAS Extension Service pro- vides assistance to commercial growers onissues ranging rom citrus and vegetables tocattle and beyond. Te Agency is recognizednationally or the excellent service to the agri-culture community.

Te businesses, cities, community mem-bers, and county share resources that help tomake our area better; we are blessed to havesuch talent amassed in our community.

We are eagerly exploring the potential o privatizing the Airglades Airport or the pur-pose o developing a cargo airport.

I realized, this a $400 million project willgo ar to meet the employment needs o ourcommunity. In addition to a $100 million dollarrenewable uels operation currently underway,there are several other exciting economic development opportunities under consideration.Our Economic Development Council is strate-gically planning or our uture with a commit-ment to existing and new businesses.

It is both an honor and a privilege to repre-

sent the Hendry County Boardo Commissioners and arearesidents as their County Ad-ministrator. My staf and I standready to answer concerns arearesidents and visitors may have.

We are eager to share themerits o our county we haveso much to share and believean investment made in Hendry County is an investment o ali etime.

We are expanding and diversi ying our community andlook orward to a brighter u-ture. On behal o the Hendry County Commissioners, wewelcome all visitors to our be-loved county. We hope you willsee that our uture is bright andthat you will come grow withus.

Hendry Working Hand In Hand.

"

"

"We welcome all

visitors to ourbeloved county.We hope you

will see that ourfuture is bright

and that you willcome grow with us."


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THEREPU BLICA N

P A RT Y OFH ENDRY COUNT Y

Our VisionTo elect public officials in Hendry County who share

the core Republican beliefs of limited government,individual responsibility, entrepreneurial capitalism and

equitable tax policies, coupled with common sense environ-mental policy and compassionate conservatism.

Ou r MissionThe mission of the Republican Party of Hendry County is toserve as the organization for all GOP activities leading to theelection of qualified loyal Republicans through education, com-munication. And motivation of the electorat

Hendr y Count y Republica n Partwww.HendryRepublican.net

Political advertisement paid for and approved by the Hendry County Republican Executive Committee, Post Office Box1142, LaBelle, Florida. Not approved by any candidate orcandidate committee

JimmyPittman

MaliGardner

JosephMiller

JulioRodriguez

LEWISTON CITY COMMISSIONERS

MayorRick

Miller

CITY MANAGERSteve McKown115 West Ventura Avenue863-983-1484 CHIEF OF POLICEDon Gutshall205 West Ventura Avenue863-983-1474 FIRE CHIEFRob Hunton121 Central Avenue863-983-1499 GOLF COURSE DIRECTORAdol o Pena

1201 San Luiz Avenue863-983-1448 ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTORKathy Radcli e410 Arroyo Avenue863-983-1474 RECREATION DIRECTORLance Ramer110 West Osceola Avenue863-983-1492 LIBRARY DIRECTOREric Tommerdahl126 West Osceola Avenue863-983-1493

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTORSean Schefer1300 South Olympia Street863-983-1471 UTILITIES DIRECTORKevin McCarthy 141 Central Avenue863-983-1454

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTDIRECTORTravis Reese121 Central Avenue863-983-1500

DD i i s s c c o o v v e e r r L L a a B B e e l l l l e e

e early Florida pioneers started settling along the Caloosahatchee River inarly 1890s and among those early pioneers was one Francis A. Hendr y. Mr.dry built his home on the banks of that river and helped establish the City aBelle which was named for his daughters Laura and Belle Hendry. In, LaBelle became the county seat for the newly formed Hendry County.five member board of commissioners headed by an elected mayor-com-oner oversee the citys welfare. Currently the Mayor-Commissioner is Paulti and the other Commissioners are Dave Lyons, Daniel Akin, Greg Bone

Hilda Zimmerly.me to the Swamp Cabbage Festival - Always the last full weekend in

uary. Join tens of thousands of festival visitors in celebrating "Swampage," the heart of the Sabal Palm (Florida's State Tree). The Swampage Festival has been around since 1967 and every year it gets bigger andr. There is something for everyone because the whole town gets involved.e are queens and princesses, parades, country and gospel music, armadil-ces, rodeos, arts and crafts, antique cars, Seminole Indian food and craftsgood eating with great southern flavor.

City of LaBelleP.O. B ox 458 481 W. Hi ckpoche e Av enue LaBelle, Florida 33 975

(863) 675 -2872 w w w.cit y lab elle.com


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GOVERNME19

MayorPaul

Puletti

David A.Lyons

GregBone

DanielAkin

Hilda L.Zimmerly

ABELLE CITY COMMISSIONERS

CITY OF LABELLE481 Hickpochee Ave.863-675-2872

PUBLIC WORKSSUPERINTENDENTMichael Boyle863-675-2872

DEPUTY CITY CLERKMary Jo [email protected]

FINANCE DIRECTORRon Zimmerly

[email protected]

CODE ENFORCEMENTDoug Bostick 863-675-6355

BUILDING, PLANNING ANDZONINGMichael BoyleJudy Taylor863-675-0492

LABELLE FIRE DEPARTMENTRay Pittman863-675-1537

ANIMAL CONTROLDoug Morgan863-675-3381

FELDA VOLUNTEER FIREDEPARTMENT863-674-4081

LABELLE UTILITIES863-675-2872

PORT LABELLE UTILITIES863-675-5376

CLERK OF COURTSBarbara S. Butler863-675-5217 or 983-158625 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle

TAX COLLECTORPeggy S. Hampton863-675-5280 or 983-159325 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle

PROPERTY APPRAISER ANDRECREATIONPhillip Pelletier863-675-5270 or 983-159125 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle andW. Cowboy Way, LaBelle

ELECTION SUPERVISORLucretia Strickland863-675-5230 or 983-159225 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle

SHERIFFSteve Whidden863-674-4060 or 983-1440101 S. Bridge St. LaBelle

COUNTY ADMINISTRATORJudi Kennington-Korf

863-675-5220 or 983-1585165 S. Lee St. Suite A, LaBelle

BUDGET OFFICERJennifer Davis863-675-532965 S. Lee St. Suite A, LaBelle

BUILDING MAINTENANCEAlan Bowen863-675-5260 or 983-158525 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle

BUILDING/CODEENFORCEMENTBob Bott863-675-5246 or 983-158488 Main St., LaBelle

COUNTY PROBATIONCharity Williams863-675-5340 or 983-1589165 S. Lee St. Suite A, LaBelle

COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICEGene McAvoy 863-675-4092 or 983-15981085 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle

COUNTY ATTORNEYMark Lapp863-675-5295 or 983-1587165 S. Lee St. Suite A., LaBelle

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTLupe Taylor863-675-5255 or 983-1594305 E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle

PLANNING AND ZONINGVince Cautero, AICP863-612-4750 or 983-1585165 S. Lee St. Suite A., LaBelle

SOCIAL SERVICESJim Coddington863-675-5356 or 983-1469165 S. Lee St. Suite A., LaBelle

HEALTH DEPARTMENTPat Dobbins M.S.,R.N.863-674-4041 or 983-14081140 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle

AIRPORTSTommy Vaughan Jr.863-675-1568309 E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle

TristanChapman

Al Perry

ChairmanDarrellHarris

JanetTaylor

KarsonTurner

HENDRY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS


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From left to right: Linda Franklin, Supervisor of Elections Lucretia Strickland,Brenda Hoots, Angela Martinez and Nora Fagin-Ned.

A LITTLE HISTORY

When the county was carved from Lee in 1923, elections were presided over by the Supervisor of gistration. It became an elected position in Hendry County in 1948. John L. Hall was the first SupervisorElections. He died in office in 1966. By 1966, the office became known as the Supervisor of Electionsfice. On March 17, 1966 Elizabeth J. Bette Foote was appointed to the position and in 1968 was elect-

in her own right. She served till she retired September 30, 1991. In October of that year Lucretiarickland was appointed to fill the position and was elected in 1992. In 1960, there were 3,682 registeredters in Hendry County. That figure has grown to 16,156 in the 2010 General Election.

e Supervisor of Elections Office was previously renovated at the Courthouse Complex in LaBelle which is theection Center. In the back of the building, space previously used by the Public Defender's Office, an area hasen set aside for the canvassing board and training area, as well as space for the public to get first hand updateselection night. According to Supervisor of Elections Lucretia Strickland, this badly needed space has allowed

r to bring all the necessary equipment to the office.

the Hendry Election Center we also have a wall dedicated to "Vote in Honor of a Veteran". We pay honor tor military men and women as they fight for our safety and our Rights - especially our right to vote. Thepervisor of Elections would like to invite Hendry County residents, who are Veteran's to bring a picture of

emselves or their family members in uniform. We will make a copy of the picture for the "Vote in Honor of ateran. All Hendry County residents are invited to stop by and see the familiar faces of Veteran's living in ourunty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

LaBelle Phone 863-675-5230, 863-983-1592Clewiston Phone 863-902-3393

Register to vote at the Elections OfficeLaBelle Elections Office

25 E. Hickpochee Ave, Courthouse Annex Bldg, 1st FloorClewiston Elections Office100 E El Paso Ave, Clewiston


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LEISURE 26

Hendry County is blessed with anabundance o natural resources. Te worldrenowned Lake Okeechobee is noted as the best

resh water fshing lake in the United States.Tis coupled with the east/west river and

canal system makes or a boaters dream.Te Caloosahatchee River that runs throughHendry County lends itsel to an abundance o water activities. Fishing, kayaking, boating andmore are enjoyed by both residents and visitorsalike.

Bird Watching is quickly becoming popularin Hendry County. Every March Te Big O

Birding Extravaganza draws hundreds to seek out birding in Hendry County.Several locations in Hendry County are

available to hunt, hike, horseback ride, do na-ture photography, bird watch, cycle and bike.

Tese locations are: Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management

Area

Okaloachoochee Slough State Forest andWildli e Management Area

Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Manage -ment Area

STA 5 - Storm Water Treatment AreaManaged hunts or water owl and alligators

are available at some o these locations. Bike, hike and birding on the L.O.S.T.

(Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail) is a pavedtrail around the Herbert Hoover Dike withseveral access areas.

City of Clewiston owns the Clewiston Golf Course, a 18-hole 6,600 yard, par 72 public

acility. Baseball, so ball, tennis and soccer facili-ties are available throughout the county.

A state-of-the-art rodeo complex is locatedin LaBelle with several rodeos throughout theyear, highlighted by the Swamp Cabbage Rodeoevery February.

Rodeo complexes are also located at Hendry

Isles and the Hendry County Fair Grounds inClewiston.

Lawn mower racing track is located inLaBelle with sanctioned races held throughoutthe year.

e Seminole Tribe at Big Cypress has oneo the fnest Rodeo complexes in the southeast-ern U.S., providing major rodeo events through-out the year, as well as the Billie Swamp Sa aripark, where visitors can get a close up view o alligators, birds, and go on an airboat tour.

Hunting is a major attraction in Hendry County. Deer, hogs, turkey and birds are avail -

able in abundance along with water owl onLake Okeechobee. Hendry County also has a nationally rec -

ognized sky dive acility located at the Airgladescounty owned airport.

Ultra-lite and other sports are also availablein Hendry County.

A tandum jump from 14,000 . goes beautifully with a backdrop of Lake Okeechobee. Photo, Air Adventures.


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URE 28

Top: Stargazing is easy when you're in HendryCounty, just look up. Middle: Take a trip to BiSwamp Safari to see exotic animals up closeand personal. Bottom: Birders will enjoy a ridthrough a sprawling grassland at the Devil'sGarden Bird Sanctuary.Photos, Jose Zaragoza, Jenny Woods.

ocal Sights & Attractions


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LEIS29


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INESS 34

ne of the things that tradition-

have characterized our economy is that it180 degrees rom the national economy.

Tis is because we are an agriculturally-basedomy. It has seemed that in the last 35 years,n the national economy is down, the agomy is up, which is happening now. Tere

high orange prices and high sugar prices. you look at the LaBelle and Clewiston

omy, it is still pretty good.As an example, we have not had a high run-

home prices.

My ather was a lawyer and a county judgeoore Haven. Our company has grown overast 88 years. Tis bank was headquartered in

wiston, opened a branch in LaBelle in 1982,one in Ft. Myers about fve years ago. Weve

grown along with local businesses.Our demographics are changing. We are eth-

nically diverse. Tere certainly is a lot o oppor-tunity, and I think that opportunity should bringsmall businesses and manu acturers to the area.

Our biggest natural resource in Hendry County is land. Particularly or someone whosupplies goods or services, this is an excellentopportunity. Another great thing that Hendry County has going or it is that it's located hal way between the east and west coasts, with a major

ederal highway running through our area, U.S.

27. Te highway connects South Florida to portsand commercial passages to the rest o the state,and the nation.

We have a huge opportunity or people deal-ing in distribution and I consider it a huge plus

or us.Te east and west coasts have lots o m

while we dont. We have to rely on our naabilities here to attract businesses to move tarea. But there certainly are those peoplewant to come to a warm climate, enjoy outrecreation, golfng, hunting.

Id like or prospective business owneresidents who are considering moving toarea to know that our county embraces thewell; So we do have a more diverse economour political and government structures tha

here want to encourage new businesses to cI, mysel , wont leave this area anytimeTis is my home.

My riends are here. My amilys here.this community.

Discussing a Sound

Business Investment

storical oundation. Hendry County is built on agriculture, but today's leaders have their eyes set on diversifcation. Photos, Jose Zaragoza.


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More Business Resources

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A Clean Bil

Breaking ground. Hendry Regional Medical

When the people in our communityturn o their lights and get ready or bed,most have a sense o com ort and security inknowing that i a li e-threatening situationarises and medical assistance is needed, thedoors o Hendry Regional Medical Centersemergency department are always open - nightand day. Its team o dedicated pro essionals isavailable to swifly respond and care or themedical needs o the public.

While the hospital plays a major role in the

health and well-being o Hendry County resi-dents, as a whole, Hendry Countys health andmedical system is extremely broad and en-compasses many other vital services such as:

Emergency preparedness and response when


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MEDICAL39

inclement weather or other disasters befall us

Health promotion education and disease pre - ventionPrimary medical careMaternal and child careDental healthcareBehavioral careGeneral acute hospital careOngoing chronic care and health maintenanceLong-term careEnd of life care and bereavement counseling

is on-going list of services is provided by amultitude of highly skilled healthcare providersand support sta from various Hendry County agencies and organizations that share a missionof delivering the highest quality of healthcare,with the utmost dignity and respect, in a safe

setting.With the availability of such a strong health -care system, our community can be completely balanced and fully attractive to both its residentsand visitors.

Exciting times are happening at Hendry

Regional Medical Center. With the support of Hendry County residents, the hospital has un -dertaken a major investment to construct andupdate a new Emergency Department in Clewis -ton, consisting of an emergency room, labora -tory, outpatient services department, and a newsurgery suite.

Major new equipment purchases will also beincluded to further enhance the diagnostic capa -bilities of the medical center. In addition, a largeexpansion of the facility and services at the Con - venient Care Center in LaBelle is being plannedfor the very near future.

Hendry Regional is not the only healthcareorganization that is growing; the Hendry-GladesHealth Department is completing new and mod -ern facilities in the Moore Haven area to betterserve the public health and meet the growing

primary care needs of area citizens.To keep up with the latest advancements intechnology, a fully integrated Electronic HealthRecord (EHR) system is in the process of beinginstalled at Hendry Regional Medical Center, anda new, state-of-the-art imaging system, called

PACS, (picture archiving and communicationssystems) has recently been implemented.

With these new computerized systems inplace, in a matter of seconds, the hospital cansecurely transmit personal health informationanywhere in the world for immediate interpreta -tion and fully coordinated care.

ese systems can also help us to deliversafer patient care.

Youll be happy to learn that the hospital isexpanding its medical sta and has been fully engaged in recruiting well-trained physicians,specialists, and mid-level healthcare providersto our area.

e search will continue until the open posi -tions are lled.

ese are only a few of the up-to-date hap -penings that are underway at Hendry Regional

Medical Center, as we continue to further im-

prove our ability to serve the healthcare needsof our local communities and those visitors who

come to enjoy Hendry Countys rich heritageand wonderful rural environment.

of Health for County's Medical System

Center o cials and members of the community on-hand for the ceremonial ground-breaking of the new emergency department. Photo, Jose Zaragoza.


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Fam ly Eye CareRandall T. Parrish, Jr., O.D.

L. Lamar Youmans, O.D.Board Certified Primary Eyecare

Physicians

24 Hour Emergency Care AvailableOptical Services Available

Take Care of Your EyesThe World Is Full of Wonderful Things To See!

100 N. Main Street LaBelle, FL 33935

(863) 675-0761

[email protected]

r goal is to help you have the very besterience of your life. Family reunions, wed-gs, school groups, retreats and conferencesutilize our lodging and meeting facilities.

oups from 5 to 150 will find a relaxing,mfortable site to enjoy the river, gather tody, fish, hike, worship and enjoy all theuty God has placed here.

ESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.Day events or overnights, come awayto our beautiful 150 acres and enjoy!

r more information, call 863-675-0334 or email [email protected].

www.riversideretreatumchurchcamp.com7305 CR 78, LaBelle, FL 33935


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Dr. Joshua Parrish, DCDr. Selena Parrish, DC

At Parrish Family Chiropracticwe have so much to offer:

Chiropractic Care Sports Injury Rehabilitation Massage Therapy

School, Work, & Sports Physicals Motor Vehicle

Accidents Most Insurances

AcceptedCall us at:

863-675-0421415 W State Road 80 LaBelle, FL

ARRISH FAMILY CHIROPRACTICOpen 5 days a week, morning and afternoon!

Healing WatersFamily Life CenterA non denominational Christian Church

and Family Center

The Reverend Jay P Goforth PastorServices Sunday 10 am

Bible Study Wednesday 6:30 pm We believe in taking our worship and

service to God outside of the four walls of our church. In months with5 Sundays we spend the 5th Sunday

out in the community helpingindividuals in need.

Come Join Us!

We are located at theCorner of Hwy 80E and

Birchwood Parkway LaBelle, FL

863-234-1477e-mail: [email protected]


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Edgar Orellana, M.D.Pediatrics

Jennifer Romero, D.O.Family Practice

Jose Barrios, M.D.Family Practice

Armando Sanchez, DMDDentist

Olga Torres, RDHDental Hygienist

Julio Lopez, PA-CFamily Practice

M. Fernando Moraflores,M.D. Pediatrics

Primary Care Services include: Medical diagnosis and treatment Diabetes screenings Physical examinationsTuberculosis screenings Immunizations Sickle cell screening Well child care Hypertension screeningsPediatric care Cancer screenings EKG HIV testing Laboratory testing Pesticide poisoning screenings

Dental Services include: Oral examinations Emergency services Extractions & Fillings Prophylaxis CleaningFluoride treatments Dental referral and follow up

Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. Clewiston Center315 S. W.C. Owen Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440

Phone: (863) 983-7813 www.fchcinc.org Offering high quality, comprehensive primary medical, dental and health care services for pediatrics, adolescents and adults.

Hours of Operation: Mon/Wed/Thurs: 8:00 AM -5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM -7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM -4:00 PMSpanish translation services available.

Our hope is that, through this visi-tor/ newcomers guide, you're taking away acomprehensive snapshot o Hendry County: anexcellent place to live, work, and play.

As the southernmost inland county in Flor-ida, Hendry County is well-positioned and aprime location or business growth, varied ormso tourism, and a continued appeal or conve-nient relaxed l iving thats second to none.

Te Hendry County Economic DevelopmentCouncil exists to strengthen existing businesseswithin the county while attracting world-classemployers to diversi y our local economy.

Working in our strategic areas, the councilhas embraced a orward-thinking approach torural economic development. Te our areas o

ocus are:Existing business retention and expansionNew industry/business recruitmentEntrepreneurship and workforce educationTourism and marketing

is visitors/newcomers guide is but oneglimpse into our community.

In it, we hope youve seen a tremendous spirito community-wide cooperation, with repre-sentation rom business, government, and civicleaders.

Consider this a personal invitation to returnto our wonder ul county or a visit, or considerstaying or a li etime!

Youll nd smiling aces, an eager businesscommunity, and support rom our governmentofcials thats just not seen in larger communi-ties.

Te Hendry County way o li e is somethingcherished by all who live here, and one werepleased to share with you.

Hendry Countys doors are open or visitorsand or business.

Tank you or your visit and we look orwardto your return.

Answering: Why

Hendry County Considerthis a

personalinvitationto return to

ourwonder ulcounty or a

visit, orconsiderstaying or

a li etime


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I really love LaBelle. It's smalland personal. I know the sher-i , the commissioners andcounty people - our kids' teachers. Andre Jones, businessman

I have a passion or the people o LaBell

Its not likeanywhereelse. Ill diacross theriver .Darrell Harris, county chairman and 54-yearresident o LaBelle

ery person, rom those who work the eldsose who serve in o ce, you get a sense thatre a part o you and you're a part o them.

Tey can'tick me out

here.Vallejo, Clewiston business owner

Te reason that I like it is because you canstill drive down the road and know who yourneighbors are.

Everybody knowseverybody andit gives youthat old- ash-ioned, down-home eeling.Steve Whidden, Hendry County sherif

It's home. It is a place that's not per ect, buplace where your riends anyour neighbors are there oyou in good times and in batimes . Mali Gardner, Clewiston commissioner

joy Hendry County because it's rural and

gives me thebility to step outn my backyard,nd in just a ew

minutes, I'mown on the

verglades.

shing's great. Te hunting's great. I likeatmosphere. It's relaxing.h Wilson, Clewiston Museum director

I can live my li e here.I can go to either coast or what-ever culture or shopping I want,but then I can come back to my backyard and watch my grassgrow.Kristine Petersen, Clewiston Police Department assistant chie

Te people who live on thecoast live a hustle and busli e, and I don't want that.I want to walk through theconvenience stores and seepeople that I know who say'hello' and 'how are youdoing?'Ramon Iglesias, Roland Martin's marina andli elong resident o Hendry County

sixth-generation Floridian, fh-generationelle.

s a riendly Southernwn with riendly people.bie Klemmer, LaBelle restaurateur


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FINAL Hendry County Guide

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Transcript of FINAL Hendry County Guide