Hendry County

Fifteen years of talk and promises, and no cargo airport to show for it. That's the reality in Hendry County, where people have heard great expectations for Airglades airfield, a few miles west of Clewiston. An investment group sees a place with lots of jobs, flying in produce and flowers from Central and South America. But where do these high-flying dreams stand?

Former Hendry County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tyler Williams will serve nearly three years in federal prison for violating an individual’s civil rights and obstructing justice.The 30-year-old Williams was found guilty in February by a federal jury and was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Sheri P. Chappell. Williams was also a former Fort Myers police officer fired for not reporting suspected child abuse. Williams was fired from the Hendry County force at the close of the investigation in 2023.

The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks more information from local cities and counties.

A burn ban is now in effect for unregulated fires for all of Hendry County as dry weather conditions impact the area.Sarasota County also activated a burn ban as of Jan. 9 and Punta Gorda has activated a watering limitation.

Hendry County is considering impact fees for new construction. Home builders and some residents oppose the fees, saying they will slow down growth in Hendry.But some county leaders and other residents want the fees to help pay for badly needed infrastructure improvements.

One of Florida’s poorest counties is preparing for the new “Airglades” airport, a $300 million cargo hub that could transform its economy.Local leaders see the project as a generational opportunity, one that could bring more than 1,400 new, high-skilled jobs to their largely agricultural community at the edge of the Everglades. But to make good on its promise, the region’s educators will have to overcome some harsh realities.

An indictment of a Southwest Florida Sheriff's deputy was announced today.The case involves excessive force that was captured on body cameras worn by Hendry deputies.

Voting Rights organizations held a press briefing today to help Florida voters prepare for the coming elections.

The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary is Tuesday, February 20.

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Monday quickly approved $141 million in deals that will help preserve land from the Panhandle to Southwest Florida.