Extension director: recent freeze wiped out much of spring planting; state disaster declared

Craig Frey, Hendry County Extension Director, told the Board of County Commissioners on March 10 that a severe late‑season freeze inflicted heavy losses across local farms and pastures. "Across the board, easily 30% losses, some crops are 60% to nearly 100% losses," Frey said, and he singled out beans as nearly a total loss in parts of the county. He described variation by crop and age: older tomato plantings lost fruit, peppers were hit hard, and watermelons may regrow but at reduced yields.