News Cast for September 13th:
September 11th is a day that will never be forgotten. As LaBelle Fire Department takes the time to honor and reflect on the events that transpired 22 years ago today, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their fellow Americans. Today, Captain Hubbard, LT. Coker, FF F. Sanchez, FF J. Sanchez, FF G. Coker, FF Q. Willis, FF M. Kemp, FF, N. Good, and FF C. Bass proudly paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 and the 343 Firefighters who lost their lives. We inspire to remember the legacy of the 343 and will rise to climb.
Cops catch alleged thieves
Three Florida residents were jailed in Okeechobee after they allegedly stole over $2,100 in merchandise from the Super Walmart.
Okeechobee City Police said a good Samaritan followed the suspect’s vehicle out of the parking lot and helped them locate the vehicle.
They pulled the vehicle over for a traffic infraction and officers said they smelt marijuana from inside the vehicle. They also found some drug paraphernalia and cocaine.
Facing charges are Ashley Reveal, 25, of Fort Pierce, Ashley Gallagher, 37 of Palm Bay, and Cierra Villanueva, 37 of Fort Pierce.
17 year old Sebastian Urbano had his first court appearance for allegedly shooting a 16 year old boy.
Urbano was served with a warrant to face a second-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors have indicated they plan to submit the homicide case to a grand jury and seek an indictment for first-degree murder.
Urbano was charged for a shooting at the Scott Driver Boat Ramp on August 26.
The next court date is scheduled for October 17. At that time prosecutors will argue for a motion to compel DNA evidence from the suspect.
Urbano was held on $750,000 bond.
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners approved rezonings to allow two local businesses to relocate and or expand.
An outdoor shed business was approved at 2973 US Highway 441 north.
ARS Power Sports was allowed to double in size as zoning was changed to heavy commercial at 1319 highway 70 east.
The planning board also approved special exceptions related to these two businesses.
The planning board also approved a special exception to allow an airboat repair and fabrication shop at 12345 US 441 north.
Florida Crystals in South Bay needs a new boiler and Glades County will help them get it delivered.
The Board of County Commissioners directed staff to work out an agreement with Barnhart Heavy Haul that plans to use the Alvin Ward Boat Ramp to deliver the boiler by barge from Houston, Texas.
No date has yet been set for the delivery. The barge will stage at the park for three days and use the boat ramp for one day.
The total weight of the barge and boiler is 334,000 pounds.
The company agreed to provide a bond and insurance coverage for damage that might be done to the boat ramp.
HCA Raulerson Hospital CEO Brian Melear said the new office building has made it easier to recruit doctors. Florida hospitals have also reported a reduction in the nurses shortage.
“We are using it as a recruiting tool. We find it vitally important. We have been blessed with the physicians and providers in town but we need to continue to grow that platform in order to take care of our community. I’m glad the new building is there to help us do that.”
Indian River State College recently announced an expansion of the college nursing program which should help local hospitals.