Suspect sought in attempted burglary of south Fort Myers business

June 21, 2017, 8:26 pm

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SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. A suspect is accused of trying to burglarize the Chevron gas station at 18960 South Tamiami Trail last week, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said.

Surveillance footage shows the suspect pulling into the parking lot of the gas station June 15 around 3:30 a.m.

He walked to the store with a piece of clothing covering most of his face, Crime Stoppers said. He tried to bust through the front glass door, but was unsuccessful, and retreated back to his car.

Despite the failed attempt, the suspect still faces felony charges of attempted burglary with property damage.

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip through the P3Tips mobile app.

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Fort Myers man sentenced in deadly Lehigh Acres shooting

June 22, 2017, 9:27 am

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IMMOKALEE, Fla. One of four men arrested in connection to a deadly shooting was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation, 20th Judicial Circuit spokeswoman Sara Miles said.

Michael Stanley, 22, of Fort Myers, pleaded guilty to shooting into an occupied dwelling and conspiracy to shoot into an occupied dwelling, officials said. He was implicated in the death of of Rashawn Myers, 21, whose body was discovered on November 2015 inside a vehicle near Bowland Lehigh on the 100 block of Business Way.

Stanley will have to stay away from the location of the offense and is not allowed to have contact with any of the co-defendants or witnesses, officials said.

Santo Robles, 20, Max Herard, 21, and Christopher Perez, 22, were arrested in December in connection to the crime.

They’re facing charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied dwelling and conspiracy to shoot into an occupied dwelling. Robles also faces a charge of shooting into an occupied vehicle.

It is unclear when the co-defendants will appear in court.

Bokeelia woman sentenced in deadly DUI crash

June 22, 2017, 9:49 am

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BOKEELIA, Fla. A 58-year-old woman, accused of driving drunk and killing a woman, pleaded no contest Wednesday to DUI manslaughter, 20th Judicial Circuit spokeswoman Sara Miles said.

Brenda L. Green, of Bokeelia, was sentenced to eight years in prison followed by seven years of State probation, officials said. Diane Frazee Luther, 62, of Bokeelia, was walking on a sidewalk north of Marina Road when Green collided with her, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Luther was pronounced dead at the scene.

Green was also pleaded no contest to three counts of DUI damage to a person or property.

Below are the conditions of Green’s probation:

• No possession or consumption of alcohol.
• Will be under psycho and social evaluation.
• Will be under substance abuse evaluation.
• Community service.
• Permanent revocation of privilege to drive.
• Must attend victim impact panel upon her release.

 

Fluid spill closes Plantation, Crystal in south Fort Myers

June 22, 2017, 11:16 am

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SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. A hydraulic fluid spill has shut down the traffic circle at the intersection of Plantation Road and Crystal Drive, Lee County deputies said.

The intersection is expected to be closed for several hours as Department of Transportation crews clean up and assess the situation.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and to avoid the area.

No further information is immediately available.

Man accused of scams in SWFL escapes from prison camp

June 22, 2017, 12:45 pm

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DERMOTT, Ark. A man accused of scamming numerous Southwest Floridians out of cash and cars has escaped from an Arkansas prison work camp, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said.

Robert Woodward, 46, escaped while working with fellow inmates mowing near a cornfield in Dermott, Arkansas, Crime Stoppers said.

Authorities believe he stole a white 2013 Ford F-250 hauling a green John Deere tractor from a nearby gas station.  The truck has an Arkansas license plate bearing the numbers 764UZM.

He was serving a 96-month sentence in Arkansas for charges there and would have eventually been extradited back to Lee County to face local charges, Crime Stoppers said. He was also on the queue for extradition to other states for alleged crimes including escape, assault with a weapon, and assault on a law enforcement officer, among others.

Woodward, aka Donnie Williams, and Madison Hall, aka Angel Williams, were taken into custody in January.

“Woodward has a history of moving around, and now that he’s on the lam again, he may resort to places that he is familiar with, in order to hide from law enforcement,” Crime Stoppers Coordinator Trish Routte said in a statement. “Since he spent a good amount of time in Southwest Florida, there is a possibility that he may seek refuge here.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Woodward, formerly known as Donnie Williams, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Downtown Cape Coral to get facelift

June 22, 2017, 3:13 pm

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CAPE CORAL, Fla. The south Cape district is getting a new look.

The city’s redevelopment agency approved a $4.5 million budget to enhance the downtown area, with $1 million going toward Southeast 47th Terrace, a street lined with restaurants and bars.

City officials plan to add lighting fixtures to tree trunks, fix curbs and add medians to make the area more pedestrian friendly.

Gary Pfenning, head chef at Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar on 47th, believes the makeover would attract new businesses and make the city a destination.

“Keep up, keep it fresh for people moving in,” he said. “They’re excited to be here.”

The city plans to start work Oct. 1.

“I think that will bring in a lot of extra business to the area,” said Kaleb McCracken, a brewer at Big Blue Brewing on Southeast 10th Place. “I think the area needs a remodel … There are a lot of things the city is lacking.”

Disturbing details emerge in Cape officer-involved 2016 shooting

June 22, 2017, 3:34 pm

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CAPE CORAL, Fla. Jessica Verhaagh was driving down Skyline Boulevard on June 5, 2016 when a red Mazda pulled in front of her.
Inside the car was Christopher Moran, armed with a shotgun.

Verhaagh watched in horror as Moran pointed the gun out of his window at Jeremy Taylor, who was sitting on his motorcycle at a stoplight, and pulled the trigger.

“And I look at him, and I look at my boyfriend like, ‘What’s going on?,'” she said. “Then it’s just quiet, and then all of a sudden, you hear a big bang. After that you just notice the motorcycle guy just knocked over.”

Moran’s girlfriend, Maria Rodriguez, told police he was acting delusional, saying that people around him weren’t real.

Rodriguez recalled Moran’s chilling words from the moment before he shot Taylor:

“That guy is not human. Let me show you.”

Moran’s autopsy revealed a mixture of amphetamines, cocaine and opioids in his system.

Some of those drugs could have caused Moran to hallucinate, said Robert Raab, the program director for Nexstep, a South Fort Myers addiction therapy and treatment facility.

“I would really correlate it more towards the amphetamines and the cocaine to cause — you know — auditory and visual hallucinations to where the individual really sounds like he had like a break from reality,” Raab said.

Moran was also suspected of killing 26-year-old Sean Strickland and injuring one other person, police said.

Four officers fatally shot Moran along the 4900 block of Skyline Boulevard. The state attorney’s office on Wednesday cleared them of any wrongdoing.

Unsafe sand closes portion of Sanibel beach

June 22, 2017, 3:42 pm

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SANIBEL, Fla. The area between Blind Pass Park and the northern end of Bowman’s Beach Park has been shut down after beachgoers were sinking in sand weakened by recent storms.

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Crash shuts down portion of Midpoint Bridge

June 23, 2017, 3:20 am

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CAPE CORAL, Fla. At least one person was injured in a serious crash early Friday morning on the Midpoint Memorial Bridge, the Cape Coral Police Department said.

The wreck happened at approximately 5:46 a.m. on 2 Midpoint Memorial Bridge, police said. The crash shut down all of the westbound lanes and one of the eastbound lanes.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternate route through 9:30 a.m., police said.

The circumstances leading up to the crash and the number of vehicles involved are unclear at this time.

No further information was immediately available.

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WINK News streamed the scene live on Facebook:

NAACP, FMPD to hold press conference to promote community relations

June 23, 2017, 5:41 am

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FORT MYERS, Fla. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Fort Myers Police Department will hold a press conference Friday morning in an effort to promote cooperation between citizens and the police.

The press conference will be held at 9 a.m. at the Fort Myers Police Department on 2210 Widman Way.

Residents are also encouraged to attend a Town Hall meeting on June 26. The NAACP will host the meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dunbar High School auditorium on 3800 Edison Avenue.

Those who wish to ask questions at the session will have to fill out an FMPD citizen complaint form. The forms will be available at the Town Hall.

Panelists at the Town Hall meeting on June 26 will include:

• Chief Derrick Diggs of the Fort Myers Police Department.
• State Attorney Stephen B. Russell.
• A representative from the United States Department of Justice.
• Representatives from the Lee County, Florida NAACP.

Lover’s Key Drawbridge reopens following repairs

June 23, 2017, 7:58 am

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FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. The Lover’s Key Drawbridge reopened Friday morning following an electrical problem, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

The south exit of Estero Boulevard near Fort Myers beach was shut down at around 10:30 a.m. but reopened shortly after 11:20 a.m., deputies said.

The drawbridge was repaired and inspected before opening to traffic, deputies said.

No further information was immediately available.

‘Lake Boyz’ suspect released from jail on $1M bond

June 23, 2017, 8:51 am

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FORT MYERS, Fla. A 24-year-old accused “Lake Boyz” gang member was released from jail Thursday morning on a $1 million bond, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Jari McMiller, of Fort Myers, was among 23 suspects who were arrested on January 23 as part of a Fort Myers Police Department sting. McMiller faces two racketeering charges.

McMiller’s brother Sammy Watkins, a former South Fort Myers High School standout and wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, paid for his brother’s bond in May with his NFL earnings.

But a Lee County Circuit Court Jail denied McMiller’s release, stating that Watkins should have been present at his bond hearing to certify the source of the funds.

The Second District Court of appeals made the order on June 21 to release McMiller on bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court August 17.

North Fort Myers woman’s death ruled as homicide

June 23, 2017, 9:54 am

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NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. An active homicide investigation was confirmed Friday afternoon after one person was found dead at the Parkway Apartments earlier this week, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

The body of Jo Ann Leasure, 77, was discovered Wednesday at around 9:45 a.m. at 3458 Hancock Bridge Parkway, according to the building manager.

The Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.

SWFL residents to enjoy beer, music at SummerFest

June 23, 2017, 10:20 am

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FORT MYERS, Fla. Southwest Florida residents can celebrate summer with specialty brews, live music and food trucks at the Fort Myers Brew Summer Fest.

The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Fort Myers Brewing Company on 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive. The event will continue every day through Sunday.

For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

 

Traffic lights down at intersection of Colonial, Fowler in Fort Myers

June 23, 2017, 12:18 pm

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FORT MYERS, Fla. Traffic lights are down at the corner of Colonial Boulevard and Fowler Street, the Fort Myers Police Department said.

Officers are currently at the scene directing traffic.

Crews from the Florida Department of Transportation are en route to the scene to fix the problem, police said.

There is currently no estimated time of repair.

No further information is immediately available.

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Sinkhole appears near downtown Fort Myers

June 23, 2017, 1:13 pm

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FORT MYERS, Fla. A sinkhole appeared Friday at the corner of Tournament Street and McGregor Boulevard near downtown, the Fort Myers Police Department said.

Traffic was being redirected from Tournament earlier after the road was briefly closed due to repairs, police said.

The sinkhole has been filled with dirt and motorists in the area are advised to use caution, according to police.

Repairs may extend over the weekend and are expected to be completed Monday.

No further information is immediately available.

Fourth of July fireworks: What’s legal and what’s not

June 23, 2017, 3:03 pm

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CAPE CORAL, Fla. You may want to think twice before purchasing expensive fireworks this Fourth of July.

Florida law states those who want to set off fireworks cannot use anything that leaves the ground or explodes, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and heavy mortars.

People who get caught may be charged with a misdemeanor and, for those who live in Cape Coral, fined $100.

“We see this very often,” Cape Coral Police Lt. Dana Coston said. “We run into people who say, ‘I’ve been shooting fireworks off for the last 20 years I’ve lived here, it’s never been an issue.’ Well, the reason it’s not been an issue is that no one’s called the police on you.”

Although these fireworks are illegal, vendors are able to sell them by presenting a certain waiver to customers, Coston said, which protects the vendor.

By signing the waiver, customers are saying they work in agriculture and are using the fireworks to scare off birds.

However, sparklers, fountains, snappers, snakes, glow worms, smoke balls and trick noisemakers are still allowed.

For those who want to see exploding fireworks, the police department recommends attending the Red, White and Boom celebration at the Cape Coral Bridge.

Crash snarls traffic on I-75 in North Fort Myers

June 23, 2017, 3:35 pm

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NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. A crash has clogged traffic in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 near mile marker 143, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

No further information is immediately available.

Fort Myers council announces plan for cleaning Dunbar dump site

June 23, 2017, 4:34 pm

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FORT MYERS, Fla. City Council is taking action toward the remediation of the former water plant sludge pits on South Street, Henderson Avenue, Jeffcott Street, and Midway Avenue, city manager Saeed Kazemi said Friday.

The plan will be implemented into four phases, as listed below:

• Phase One: Secure the property- Residents have expressed concerns that the site is too accessible and would like to see a fence built around the property. City officials will have fences installed within the next few weeks.
• Phase Two: Site Evaluation- Independent contractors will conduct historical, physical and environmental evaluations of the property to prepare for cleanup before the end of June, Kazemi said. The physical evaluation will include surveying the exact locations of the sludge deposit pits on the site and calculating the remediation area. The environmental evaluation will focus on soil testing at the site, but also include the testing of wells that are still operating on adjacent properties.
• Phase Three: Community Input- City officials are seeking suggestions from the community regarding the use of the land.
• Phase Four: Physical Remediation- City officials will work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to clean up and develop the land according to procedures established by Florida Statute and City Code.

These activities are not expected to disrupt the neighborhood.

Fort Myers man battles downtown bar over loud music

June 23, 2017, 7:59 pm

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FORT MYERS, Fla. Peter Martin has had enough.

He and his wife lived at the Fort Myers Yacht Basin for the last four years, but were forced to move their house boat after their noise complaints about the music from Sky Bay fell on deaf ears.

“Imagine trying to watch TV or go to bed and go to sleep — and that’s in the room,” he said. “It is absolutely water torture.”

The sound limit for a business, which applies to a radius of 50 feet, is 75 decibels until after 2 a.m., when it drops to 70.

“It’s horrible, the police can’t do anything about it — you know they’re completely out of code,” he said. “I don’t know what else to do.”

Although Yacht Basin residents signed a petition, called police multiple times and had meetings with city officials, Martin wasn’t provided with a resolution he could live with.

“I really feel like Fort Myers is not taking care of their residents,” he said.

The owner of Sky Bar, Kearns Restaurant Group, does decibel readings hourly every night, they said, and have never received a citation for noise from Fort Myers police.

Martin, who owns Profiles Downtown nail salon on First Street, complies with every city code and believes other businesses should as well.

“I’ve got no problem with downtown building up, I love it” he said. “But I don’t love it when somebody thinks they’re above the law — that’s what I have trouble with.”