Hendry County

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and local resources are available to support caregivers and family members.

Students in need can obtain access to hygiene products and clothing for the upcoming school year.

Most people are aware of the culture and style that make Harlem stand out in New York City. But in the Sunshine State, the small community of Harlem goes mostly unnoticed.

Hendry County is investing money to improve the look and preserve some of the history of a little-known community called Harlem. It's located about 60 miles east of Fort Myers, and not far from Clewiston, in the northeastern corner of Hendry. Harlem will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

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.