WAFC Local News – November 13, 2025, 8:32 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. Hendry County Commissioner transmitted off to the state a comprehensive plan amendment for the Big Cypress project. The plan is to develop 1,110 acres with a 54-hole golf course in southern Hendry County. It’s near the former site of Hendry Correctional and would be accessed by Wainwright Road. Also planned is 800 homes, 360 hotel rooms, and 150,000 square feet of commercial and support space. The estimated investment is $334 million. Kate English says this would include a fire and EMS station. We understand that you don’t want to have another place in Hendry County that doesn’t have help when they need it. So we’re committed to providing that to you. Vicki O’Grady says the project could create thousands of jobs and businesses. Membership and visitor spend, as mentioned by Alexis, is private membership. We expect $100 million in membership sales for approximately 200 members, plus ongoing dues, dining, and cottage rentals, which will provide a steady stream of income, boosting the county’s budget as well. County Administrator Jennifer Davis says if the county has any concerns, they need to let the state know. I think if you send it to the state that they need to know our concern as well. When you send it as presented, then you’re not telling them that the concerns that we have. They may comment and agree or disagree, but that’s just my recommendation. The Florida Highway Patrol investigating a death in LaBelle. A man in a vehicle crashed into a pond on private property at 475 Evans Road about 1 in the morning Wednesday. Hendry County Sheriff Deputies arrived shortly after the crash, removed the male from the vehicle, and began chest compressions and life-saving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The victim was a 66-year-old man from LaBelle, and the incident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol. The city of Belle Glade sold surplus property at 309 SW 6th Street for $8,000. They also sold some surplus at 564 SW 4th Street for $10,000. They also approved three beds to demolish buildings. Mayor Steve Wilson supported the demolition of the old buildings. They’re considered nuisance and safety issues in terms of that. And when we do have availability to do our CRA, that’s probably the only way we’re going to really demolish buildings. But as indicated, and I think we all agree, if we can recruit some of the funding back, that would be a good idea. But some of these buildings need to get taken down. There’s an opportunity that we try to do our best. BG Group LLC won all three bids. They’ll be paid nearly $45,000 to demolish a building at 141 SW 2nd Street, nearly $43,000 for a building at 165 SW A, and just over $82,000 for a structure at 565 SW A. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued its seasonal manatee warning for boaters. November is Manatee Awareness Month. Florida wildlife officials are urging boaters to slow down and keep a close eye out for manatees. As the temperatures of the water drop, manatees move to warm water sites like springs and power plant discharge areas, many on the coast. Despite their size, they are hard to spot in the water. Boaters are advised to wear polarized sunglasses and follow posted speed zones. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).