Henry John Billie Wins Folk Heritage Award

By Dan McDonald

WHITE SPRINGS - Henry John Billie, the last of the Seminole Tribe to make traditional dugout canoes using the old tools and methods, was honored as one of the recipients of the 1998 Florida Folk Heritage Awards presented during the Florida Folk Festival on May 30. (continue...)

Ft. Meyers Beach Poised To Rescue Mound Site

By Michael James

FT. MYERS BEACH - It's the stuff of John D. McDonald's Travis McGee stories. All of the elements are in place. A vocal protagonist pitted against the seedy underbelly of greed all set in the midst of a bourgeoning Florida island community. Add to this, evicted caretakers, a renegade mackerel fishermen, forged deeds, Rolex watches, and unscrupulous Realtors and you could spin a novel of the days when the coastal vistas of Florida were just beginning their transformation. To what period in Florida history would you assign what you have just read? Early 1900s. The 20s? Not a chance -- how about right now? (continue...)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas: 1880-1998

By Charles Flowers

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, one of the leading defenders of the Everglades and a longtime friend of the Seminole Tribe, died in the early morning hours on May 13 at her home in Coconut Grove. She was 108. (continue...)

Jimmy Cypress: 1924-1998

BIG CYPRESS - "I'm ready to go," said Jimmy Cypress to Reverend Howard Micco during their last conversation together.

Jimmy Cypress, 73, a cattleman and 60 year resident of Big Cypress, succumbed to cancer on May 20 at the Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. (continue...)

Council Settles Suit; Seeks To Buy Land

By E. Bowers

HOLLYWOOD - The Tribal Council appointed the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission, green lighted the acquisition of lands near the Hollywood and Big Cypress Reservations, and agreed to a multimillion dollar settlement with Coryi, Inc. at the Council meeting on May 8. (continue...)

Vivian Crooks' Son Slain While On Duty

From Staff and Wire Reports

CLEWISTON - Funeral services were held here for James Bradley Crooks, the son of long-time Seminole Education Department employee Vivian Crooks, May 22. Bagpipes played two choruses of Amazing Grace before 11 police helicopters flew overhead. About 2,500 people - more than one-third the size of this rural sugar cane community - came to bid him farewell. (continue...)