WAFC Local News – April 27, 2026, 8:32 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. The Cloison City Commission in special session agreed to hold the 100 year anniversary celebration in 2031, which is the actual 100 year anniversary of the official creation and incorporation of the city. They voted to rescind a resolution in 2022 on the U.S. 27 project. The FDOT has changed their plan after public opposition. The city did want traffic enhancements to slow traffic coming into town. They requested a study for a truck route alternative, traffic calming and have a multi-use path. The state could also put in a red light at Evercane Boulevard. City Commissioner Molly Gardner says most of these suggestions from the city have been ignored by the state. The biggest issues that we requested was the alternative truck route, and that was not even ever brought up. They are resurfacing U.S. 27 and will improve drainage, but are eliminating the medians and the right turn only. There are conversations going on about the truck route around Cluiston. Mayor Jimmy Pittman wanted to be careful with what the resolution stated. I don’t mind rescinding it, but I don’t want to rescind it. And then they say, oh, we’re not going to pay it now. Moorhaven City Mayor Clay Browning has been outspoken about code enforcement needs in that city. He also wants to see some improvement from animal control. He says there’s reports of two dogs mauling citizens in the past month. We’re paying about $6,000 in animal control and fire control. And I’ve heard a few animal attacks in the last month. So if we’re going, you know, I don’t mind paying it. But at the same time, we can’t have residents get run down by dogs. The Pahokee Middle High School robotics team had five groups compete in a recent regional competition and had three first place finishes. Three groups will compete in the state competition this year. They started the robotics program eight years ago with just eight students. The program now has grown to over 300. James Cabrielas told the school board that the robotics team at Pahokee has been tremendous. When we began funding this program eight years ago, I believe there were eight children in that program, all eight of whom, by the way, are now freshmen on full ride scholarships at Florida universities. FEMA announced nearly 97 million in funding to support recovery for Florida disasters. Some communities are seeing millions for hurricane debris and other disaster impacts from Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The Henry County School Board held a public meeting in LaBelle to discuss academic improvements and efforts to get improvements to student attendance. Superintendent Michael Swindle told the group he’s proud of the academic improvements at most of our schools. Last year, we had the strongest academic growth Henry County Schools has ever had. And the part about that that makes us proud is that not only did it sustain, but it continued to grow. I’m Charles Murphy.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).