WAFC Local News – August 17, 2026, 8:06 AM
Transcript
Charles Murphy reporting. Plans are proceeding on a new Wawa store in LaBelle. LaBelle City Commission in July voted 3-2 as the Planning Commission to recommend approval. There’s still some concern from residents about taking the lot on State Road 80 out of the downtown district and adding another gas station. Other concerns are traffic and pedestrians. Resident Larry Regan called it a unique property he’d like to see protected. This discussion is not as simple as whether a convenience store with fuel pumps is an appropriate use, but rather whether a unique property should continue to be viewed solely as part of a downtown district or whether it should serve as a transitional gateway between the historic downtown district and the regional commercial corridor. Chris Boone defended the Wawa, saying it would serve LaBelle well. I just think we can make a big difference and help the community. I don’t care about the money, I care about the people. Wawa officials testified about the charity work they do and how they help teachers in the community. Neal Montgomery wanted the city to address pedestrian concerns. I think that the category allows us to address the concerns that you folks have about pedestrians while also recognizing that it’s not a busy frontage. Commissioner Bobbie Spratt opposed the traffic this business would bring. You clearly did not do the road study when we are at our peak with our northern visitors because we don’t have 50% capacity when they’re here. We are slammed. It could be several months before a final decision is made. A Hendry County man is facing a host of charges after apparent altercation with an employee he was firing in Glades County. It happened at Fernwood Lane and Dixie Road in LaBelle in Glades County earlier this summer. It’s alleged that 46-year-old Michael Matija prevented the victim from leaving the property. That would be a false imprisonment allegation. He grabbed the victim by the throat, placed his hands around his neck, choked him, struck him, pulled his shirt over his head and forcibly dragged him from the vehicle during that argument. South Bay City Commissioners beginning their budget workshops. They expect to spend $4.4 million on street improvements, much of it state funding. The general fund budget is just under $3 million. They would increase spending by just under $169,000 this year. City Manager LeAndre Camel called it an appropriate budget for South Bay. This budget supports ongoing efforts to improve transportation corridors, neighborhood infrastructure, parks, drainage, municipal facilities while pursuing outside funding whenever possible to maximize tax local taxpayer dollars. My Holmes also proposed an asphalt plant be built in South Bay. Jamie Swindon, one of the owners, says this would help the Glades. The opportunity to not only build the concrete plant would allow for long-term employment and economic economical development within the city and the neighboring cities like Belle Glades and Clewiston. They want about four acres to purchase at 1375 Northwest First Street and offered the city $20,000. It’s near the old wastewater plant. A 32-year-old bellman is facing burglary with an assault or battery after an incident earlier this summer. It was first a disturbance and then a physical altercation. It was also a trespass incident. 32-year-old Mercedes Barrios was a went into the home without being invited or permission. There are minor injuries reported. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).