WAFC Local News – December 31, 2025, 8:32 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. South Florida Congresswoman Sheila Scherfelis McCormick is awaiting her arraignment after a brief court appearance in federal court Monday in Miami. A federal magistrate postponed the hearing until January 20th. The Congresswoman faces 15 federal charges tied to the alleged misuse of $5 million in disaster relief funds. She insists she’s innocent. She told reporters after the hearing she looks forward to proving her case in court. So I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent. In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida, my district. We’re going to continue fighting and making sure that everyone gets the representation they need. She represents South Bay, Pahokee, and Belle Glade, among other communities in D.C. Henry County Commissioners will consider a project that would allow a new commercial district with 450,000 square feet of commercial space. Ryan Alexander, county planner, says it’s part of the River Landing RV Park expansion that involves 21 acres. This is an expansion to the west of their original property. Changing it to multi-use will allow them to have external commercial uses, which is along that State Road 80 corridor. As it’s transitioning to residential and commercial uses, it fits in with the overall plan within the development. The Florida Lottery announced that Augustin Garcia-Guerrero of LaBelle claimed a $5 million prize from the Cash Money Scratch-Off game. The 58-year-old claimed his prize December 8 at Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of $3,053,000. Garcia-Guerrero purchased the winning ticket in Naples. The LaBelle Chamber of Commerce reporting growth with 40 new members this year. President Chris Hernandez also wants to have more socials. They had socials in November and December and plan another on January 8. Hernandez says the Chamber is growing and going in a positive direction. We have a great board of directors. We’re really trying to be more involved in the community. Our town is growing. Our businesses are growing. We’ve had, this year alone from January, we’ve added about 40 new members to the Chamber, so I think that’s great. LaBelle City Commissioners approved liquor sales for the annual Smoke Under the Oaks BBQ contest. Henry County deputies had to tase a troubled woman who ran at them with a pair of scissors. She had been making verbal threats to other residents. When deputies were called, 35-year-old Crystal Agosto was charged with aggravated assault on law enforcement. The deputy reports said they had to fire tasers six times to bring the woman under control. Agosto was treated at Henry Regional Medical Center for minor injury. The City of LaBelle thanking First Bank for a $15,000 donation they can use to improve the LaBelle Civic Center. The center is used for countless events, gatherings, and programs for LaBelle residents. Mayor Julie Wilkins says partnerships like this reflect First Bank’s continued commitment to investing in the future and well-being of LaBelle. And the warming centers will be open again tonight as the cold snap continues. Warming Center in Clewiston is the Police Department lobby at 300 South Berner Road. In LaBelle, the King Lutheran Church at 350 County Road 78. Both of these shelters open at 8 p.m. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).