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The Voices of the Glades kicked off a new summer series last month where we share with subscribers exciting or interesting summertime activities in the area. The Glades community is a unique destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Check out some exciting events and activities to enjoy in July.


1. Meet Friends for Lunch on the Caloosahatchee River


What: Dine at Crumb's Riverfront Restaurant

When: Thur: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fri - Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: 1682 Indian Hills Dr, Moore Haven, FL 33471

About: Located in The Glades RV Resort, Golf and Marina, Crumb’s Riverfront Restaurant began as a small cafe. After five years of building a reputation for hearty meals, they expanded the operation by moving into a larger establishment in the park with a striking riverfront setting of the Caloosahatchee. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy a meal inside with panoramic river views, outside on our riverfront deck or pull up a seat at the full-service bar.

Website: https://www.thegladesresort.com/crumbs-riverfront-restaurant


2. Bike or Hike Part of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail


What: Bike the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

Where: Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, Okeechobee, FL 34974

About: First hiked in the 1960s and developed as a loop in the Florida National Scenic Trail in the 1980s, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail offers spectacular views. The trail mainly rests atop the 35-foot-tall Herbert Hoover Dike built for flood control between the 1930s and 1960s, it offers unmatched perspectives on the lake for photographers and birders. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a 109-mile multi-use path on which visitors can bike, run, hike or camp along its waters.

3. Tour, Boat, Fish & More on Lake Okeechobee See below for the various boating activities to enjoy on Lake Okeechobee.


  1. Okeechobee Airboat Rides Hours: 7 Days a Week: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Where: Hwy 78 West, Okeechobee, FL 34974, USA About: Okeechobee Airboat Rides offers a thrilling Everglades airboat ride, eco-tour, and wildlife adventure experience! Lake Okeechobee is not only a birder’s paradise but is also home to a very large population of alligators. The tour is fully narrated; each passenger is equipped with aviation-type headsets which allow communication while running, this lets us cover much more territory. The tour can cover up to twenty-five miles of air boating fun. Special occasions, bird watching, sunset, and private and night tours are also available. Website: https://okeechobeeairboatrides.com/

  2. Jolly Roger Marina Hours: Open 7 Days a Week: 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where:1095 US-27, Clewiston, FL 33440 About: Since 1985, the Williams family at Jolly Roger Marina has serviced Lake Okeechobee as a fishing destination with one of the very first marinas on the Lake. The team of employees at Jolly Roger Marina and Florida fishing guides are considered the finest in Clewiston, Florida to most. The Marina has several fiberglass skiffs and pontoon boats available for rent. They also carry a full line of live bait, including wild shiners, minnows, crickets and worms for your fishing convenience. The tackle shop has everything you will need for your day on the lake, from hooks, weights, rods & reels, to a lucky fishing hat. The service center is also open early for your convenience, just in case your boat doesn't cooperate in the morning. Website: http://jollyrogermarina.com/

  3. Big "O" Airboat Tours Where: 920 East Del Monte Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 About: Big "O" boat tours offer a colorful history and interesting facts about the Glades region. But if guests are not a fan of the fast and exciting airboat ride, there is a more peaceful option for those who want to explore Lake Okeechobee – the deck boat. If you wish to enjoy a slower and more tranquil ride, you can take the deck boat. Big “O” Tours can give individuals the option to choose between a deck boat or airboat ride. Guests can enjoy the same commentaries and the same scenic views regardless of what type of boat you choose. Website: http://www.bigotours.com/

  4. Eagle Bay Airboat Rides Hours: Open 7 Days a Week: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Where: 900 FL-78, Okeechobee, FL 34974 About: Eagle Bay offers a variety of eco-tours with unforgettable sights to undiscovered corners. Individuals can choose from private tours or opt for a group tour. Website: https://www.eaglebayadventures.com/

  5. Okeechobee Airboat Charters Hours: Open 7 days a week: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: 1699 Griffin Rd, Moore Haven, FL 33471 About: Captain Cookie is a licensed and experienced tour guide with over 30 years of experience. Enjoy semi-private rides on Lake O or spring for a private boat ride, host your own special event or book a bird-watching tour. Take the opportunity to view many of our winter visitors such as the Black and White Pelican, the Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, and many others! Website: https://okeechobeeairboatcharters.net/


4. Car Racing & Demolition at Hendry's Motorsports Park


What: 2022 Night of Destruction

When: Saturday, July 30, 2022. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Event begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Hendry County Motorsports Park, 9985 US-27, Clewiston, FL 33440

About: Enjoy a variety of races, demolitions and other competitions including car bowling, demolition derbies, street class, enduro class racing and more at the Hendry County Motorsports Park. Website: https://hendryracing.com/

5. Step Back in History in the Glades at Clewiston Museum


What: The Clewiston Museum

Hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat: Appointment Only Where: 109 Central Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440

About: "The history of Clewiston is as rich as the soil she sets on. As vast as the big lake she stands beside." Established in 1984 and the Clewiston Museum serves as a place for all to discover the unique history surrounding the Hendry/Glades area of South Florida. the museum exhibits range from the sugar and cattle industry, prehistoric fossils, to Seminole Indians, WWII flying British Air Force, deadly Hurricanes, to Conquistador treasure.


Did we miss something? Share with us what's on your community's calendar. We might just share it in next month's issue!


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The Voices of the Glades is kicking off a new summer series where we share with subscribers exciting or interesting summertime activities in the area. The Glades community is a unique destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Check out some exciting events and activities to enjoy during the month of June.


1. Stay Cool at Glades Pioneer Park​


What: Glades Pioneer Park's Aquatic Center

When: Open Daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Where: Glades Pioneer Park, 866 S.R. 715, Belle Glade, Florida 33430

About: This brightly colored, interactive water playground is located next to the popular Pioneer Park Aquatic Center. The facility includes features packed with cool, wet fun for kids of all ages. Play with rotating spray cannons and soak nearby friends, ground-level water jets also create a variety of unique spray patterns and effects, don't forget the bucket trio with triple the dumping power—kids have to guess which one will soak them next and three shade sails provide sun protection. Learn more and plan a day trip here.


2. Celebrate the Fourth of July with Fireworks, Food & More!


What: City of Clewiston's Fourth of July Fireworks Show

When: Monday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sugarland Sports Complex, W Arroyo Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440

About: Enjoy food, fireworks and ice cream in Clewiston as the community celebrates Independence Day. Fireworks begin at dusk. Tune into Pure Country WAFC, as you watch the fireworks show, who will be at the event as well. For additional details visit the City of Clewiston's website.

3. Local Day Camps & Activities

See below for the various camps you can participate in this summer.


  1. YMCA Moore Haven Summer Camp When: July 11 - 15 & July 18 - 22 Where: J.J. Wiggins Memorial Youth Center, 24068 US-27, Moore Haven, FL 33471 Sign Up: Call the Fort Myers YMCA at 239-275-9622 or email suzies@ymcaswfl.org.

  2. Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, Clewiston When: June 26 - 30 Where: First Baptist Church Clewiston, 102 E Ventura Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440 Sign Up: https://firstbaptistcc.myanswers.com/zoomerang/#

  3. Youth Golf Camp at Clewiston Golf Course When: July 18 - 22 Where: Clewiston Golf Course: 1201 San Luiz Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440 Sign Up: Call (863) 983-1448 or visit Facebook for more information.

  4. Vacation Bible School at Clewiston Gospel Church When: July 18 - 22 (Registration on July 15) Where: Clewiston Gospel Church, 6800 Flaghole Rd Clewiston, FL 33440 Sign Up: Register in person on July 15 or visit Facebook for more information.

4. Visit Gatorama and Watch Gator Eggs Hatch!


What: Gatorama Alligator Farm & Roadside Attraction

When: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 2022 Hatching Festival August 13 - 29

Where: Gatorama, 10665 N US Hwy 27, Palmdale, FL 33944

About: Located in Palmdale, get up close and personal -- just not too up close and personal -- with hundreds of these prehistoric animals. Did you know Gatorama has the only breeding colony of American Crocodiles in the United States? Every year, Gatorama hosts a hatching festival. This year's event will be held on August 13-29, 2022. Ticket reservations are available for purchase. Plan a visit to Gatorama and reserve tickets on their website.


5. Take Advantage of Local Library Events


What: Mad Science of Palm Beach: Amazing Ocean Show

When: Thursday, Jun 23, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Belle Glade Branch Library, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade, FL 33430

About: Children of all ages will dive into the science of sea life as they learn about the many amazing creatures that call the ocean their home. They will learn how different ocean animals have adapted to move through the water and see how sharks and whales measure up. We explore the amazing diversity of marine life from microscopic plankton to enormous whales, from coral reefs to deep-sea trenches! You can register here.


For Clewiston library events visit here.

For additional Belle Glade library events visit here.

Did we miss something? Share with us what's on your community's calendar. We might just share it in next month's issue!


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A new study was released this month reporting that America’s sugar farming families and workers support more than 151,000 jobs across more than two dozen states and contribute more than $23 billion to the economy each year.


The new study from the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, titled “Economic Impact of the U.S. Sugar Industry,” is authored by renowned agricultural economists Dr. Bart Fischer and Dr. Joe Outlaw.


Drs. Fischer and Outlaw analyzed production levels and prices for the sugarcane and sugarbeet industries and profiled six growing regions to illustrate the ground-level impact of the industry.


This study highlights America’s sweetest industry featuring our city of Belle Glade, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining domestic sugar production by supporting strong farm and trade policies. 


Among the report’s Florida findings:

  • Florida sugarcane growers and the Florida sugar industry support 19,201 jobs

  • Florida's industry contributes $4.7 billion annually to the state’s economy

  • Eighteen Florida accounts for about 20% of all sugar consumed (cane and beet) in the country

  • 80% of the crop is grown on high organic matter muck soils and 20% on sand

  • 50% of the cane sugar produced in the U.S. comes from Florida

Among the report's national findings:

  • Sugar production in America has an annual economic impact of $23.3 billion.

  • The sugar industry supports 151,238 direct and indirect jobs, an increase since a 2009 analysis. However, since 2009, several sugar producers have been driven out of business by increasing costs and relatively flat prices.

  • Wages and benefits associated with these jobs total $5.7 billion annually, an increase of 37 percent from the 2009 report.

  • Efficiency gains have increased production by 13 percent.

View America's Sugar Alliance's release here.

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