1920s Steam Locomotive Takes Santa To Kids

U.S. Sugar, Toys for Tots Team Up to Provide Thousands of Toys via Sugar Express to Children this Christmas

Last weekend, the Sugar Express carried a special guest on a very important mission.

Rebranded the "Santa Express" for the holiday season, the 100-year-old steam locomotive traveled to Belle Glade, Clewiston, Moore Haven and Sebring with thousands of toys donated by U.S. Sugar and its employees.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and members of the U.S. Marine Corps handed out the the Christmas gifts at each stop along the railway.

The event marks the fifth year U.S. Sugar has partnered with Toys for Tots to deliver holiday cheer to local children in need. Families in attendance had the opportunity to meet with Santa and received a gift, free of charge.

"We worked diligently as a team to coordinate this effort and deliver some cheer this holiday season," said Brannan Thomas, director of community relations at U.S. Sugar. "If there's a family in need across Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Martin and Palm Beach counties, we're here to help. That's just who we are."

Through a combination of purchased toys and toys donated by employees, U.S. Sugar provided thousands of gifts to local children.

Lawanda Gay Tull Dies At 79

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lawanda "Wanda" Gay Tull, who left this world on December 2, 2025, at the age of 79, in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Born on March 17, 1946, in Manor, Georgia to the late Glover Lee and Marguerite Ferrell Mills, Wanda was a cherished daughter, a devoted mother, and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Wanda is survived by her son, Kenny Fullard; her daughter, Roxanne Lawson; grandchildren Daysha Clennon, Noah Lawson, Ajay Lawson, and Ky Lawson; great-grandchildren London Fussell, Mulan Leatherwood, Klover Leatherwood, and Izzy Lawson; her brother, Charles Mills; along with a host of extended family and close friends who will miss her dearly. 

Wanda dedicated her professional life to the culinary arts as a Cafeteria Baker for the Hendry County School Board, where she was known not only for her delicious creations but also for her warm smile and nurturing spirit. 

Her kindness, loyalty, and generosity touched everyone she encountered. Above all, Wanda cherished her time spent with children, especially her own, celebrating each moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring that they knew love and warmth in abundance. 

We honor Wanda’s legacy, celebrating a life filled with love and dedication to family. A private ceremony will be held to remember her glorious life and contributions to those she loved. In these moments of mourning, we express our deepest condolences to all who knew Wanda. She leaves a lasting impression on our hearts, one filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. May she rest in peace.

Bridge Closed In LaBelle Thursday - Delays In Opening Times

Unscheduled Bridge Closure On State Road (S.R.) 29 LaBelle Drawbridge

LABELLE, Fla. – The LaBelle drawbridge on State Road (S.R. 29) Bridge Street will be closed for repair beginning tonight at 7:00 p.m., and continuing through 10:30 a.m., December 11, 2025.

During this period, crews will be performing repairs to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the bridge. The recommended detour during the bridge closure directs motorists on State Road 80 to use U.S. 27 and State Road 78. Drivers already traveling south on U.S. 27 may continue to State Road 80. Although the detour is lengthy—approximately 53 miles—it is necessary.

FDOT appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as this repair work is performed.

UPDATE:  The LaBelle drawbridge on State Road (S.R.) 29 at Bridge Street will remain closed until later this afternoon, Thursday, December 11, 2025, as crews work to complete ongoing maintenance activities. FDOT maintenance contractor crews have been performing work to ensure the proper operation of the bridge. Overnight delays extended the duration of these activities, and the bridge must remain closed until crews can finish. According to on-site crews, the work remains on target for completion, and the bridge is expected to reopen at approximately 1 p.m. The reopening time is subject to change based on field conditions.

UPDATE: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) remains committed to the safety of the traveling public and the integrity of our infrastructure. On Wednesday, December 10, construction crews performed maintenance work on the LaBelle Drawbridge. During that maintenance, an area of concern was found on a plate. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety, all traffic was stopped to perform a full inspection. That inspection confirmed that the area of concern was limited to that single plate.

On-site crews are now estimating that the bridge will be opened by 4:00 p.m.

Public safety is our top priority. We also recognize the importance of timely communication and will continue to provide any necessary updates so that drivers can make informed travel decisions.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work diligently to enhance the safety and resilience of the LaBelle Drawbridge.

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For real-time traffic updates, visit https://fl511.com/.

Hendry Tourist Council Meeting December 11

HENDRY COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the Hendry County Tourist Development Council will hold a meeting on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm, in LaBelle at the Hendry County Administrative Building. The meeting
 is open to the public.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.  Please note that matters may be discussed at the meeting which are not on the prepared agenda for the meeting.

If you have a disability that will require special assistance or accommodation for your attendance at the meeting, please contact Hendry County Tourist Development Council at (863) 612-4781; Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7-1-1; or e-mail breana.marceau@hendryfla.net

Hendry County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.



Si necesita la assistencia de un interprete que hable espanol para participar un esta reunion, por

favor pongase en contacto con Audelia Bustamante al (863) 675-5352.

Obituary - Amaya Lynn Pequeno

We are sadden to announce that our little baby girl Amaya Lynn Pequeno, went home to be with Jesus on December 2, 2025. Amaya Lynn was born on November 17, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida.

Amaya is survived by her loving parents; Natilyn Pequeno and Jordan Luster, maternal grandparents; David and Christy Pequeno, aunts, Alexandra Pequeno, Miranda Pequeno and her companion Jack, Gabriela Pequeno all of LaBelle, great grandmother, Lisa Blakey, great grandmother, Teresa Pequeno, Cousins, Amari, Alani, Arabella and Josiah.

Lille Amaya Lynn was greeted in Heaven by her great grandpa, Donald E. Blakey, Jr, Great-Great Grandmother, Christine White, Great Grandpa; David A. Pequeno, and Great-Great Grandmother, Antonia A. Pequeno.