Smallwood judge orders FGG to fix Mamie Street Community by Peter B. Gallagher - January 20, 2012April 10, 2015 NAPLES — Put the road back. And pave it. Read Judge Lauren Brodie’s lips: Put. The. Road. Back. Not the lousy, pothole infested, unpaved, mosquito-watered, shell-shocked hiking path unfit for cars, coon or man that contemptuous Highlands County developers Florida Georgia Grove LLC (FGG) built a few months ago in Chokoloskee. No, the
Smallwood Store contempt hearing Dec. 29 Community by Peter B. Gallagher - December 15, 2011April 10, 2015 NAPLES — The next episode in the long-running drama “The Fate of the Smallwood Store and Museum” will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Collier County Courthouse when Judge Lauren L. Brodie considers contempt charges against Florida Georgia Grove (FGG). FGG, a bold squad of out-of-town developers
Folk musicians visit Billie Swamp Community by Peter B. Gallagher - December 15, 2011April 10, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Florida folk musicians held their annual Florida Swamp Getaway on Dec. 3-4 at the Big Cypress Reservation, hosted by Billie Swamp Safari. Performers included Frank Thomas of Lake Wales, the genre’s patriarch and chief songwriter; Whitey Markle, the Citra Swamp Rooter king; Miami songstress Valerie C. Wisecracker; national
Bobby C. Billie takes on National Park Service Community by Peter B. Gallagher - November 22, 2011April 10, 2015 TAMPA — Independent Florida Seminole Bobby C. Billie became alarmed, then angry, recently, when he saw an Internet page about the Seminole Indians titled "New Comers." The page, produced by the National Park Service (NPS), was found on the website for the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St.
Military discharge upgrade sought for tortured hero Charlie Gopher Community by Peter B. Gallagher - November 21, 2011April 10, 2015 BRIGHTON — As U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James E. Billie was leaving Vietnam, his tour of duty nearly over, he ducked out of a monsoon and entered a darkened tent looking for a bunk. Suddenly he heard a familiar voice: "It was unmistakable, a voice from home," remembered Billie. "Charlie
Judge No. 2 quits Smallwood Store Case Community by Peter B. Gallagher - November 21, 2011April 10, 2015 NAPLES — Without offering any excuse, a second Collier County Circuit Judge has walked away from the Smallwood Store/Collier County v. Florida Georgia Grove LLP (FGG) case. A descendent of a pioneer Collier County family, the Hon. Cythia Pivacek recused herself as the successor to Judge Hugh Hayes, the original case
Battiest Brothers win best video at American Indian Film Awards Community by Peter B. Gallagher - November 21, 2011April 10, 2015 SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Storm, the song and video production starring Seminole Tribal citizens Spencer and Doc Battiest, and directed by Stephen Paul Judd, was awarded Best Music Video of 2011 at the 36th annual American Indian Film Festival. The Battiest Brothers performed live before a capacity crowd at
Mr. Versatility: O.B. Osceola Jr. Community by Peter B. Gallagher - October 26, 2011April 10, 2015 NAPLES — Like his grandfather and father before him, everyone seems to know Seminole entrepreneur O.B. Osceola Jr. From the pool players at the Flamingo Pool Hall in St. Petersburg who can’t wait for his next visit and the impromptu 9-ball tourney that always ensues, to the folks at the
Smallwood Store reopens but road remains an issue Community by Peter B. Gallagher - October 26, 2011April 10, 2015 CHOKOLOSKEE — Mamie Street is back. Sort of. A thin gray stretch of mud, pothole, standing water and stone now provide access to the Ted Smallwood Store and Museum at the extreme southwestern tip of Florida. The access – more of a path than a road – was provided by Florida Georgia
Native Music Awards elude Battiest brothers . . . this time Community by Peter B. Gallagher - October 26, 2011April 10, 2015 NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The 13th annual Native American Music Awards took place Friday, Oct. 7 at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel, celebrating the best in music from members of the First Nations. Carrying three 2011 nominations, with a legion of Florida fans following their every move on Twitter and