FWC Law Enforcement Weekly Reports: Dec. 29-Jan. 4

December 29, 2023 through January 4, 2024

This report represents some events the FWC handled over specified weeks; 
however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.

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CASES

Escambia County

• Officer Cushing was on patrol in an area that recently received reports of night hunting and observed a vehicle shining a spotlight in a manner likely to disclose the presence of wildlife. He heard two shots consistent with a .22 round and conducted a stop on the vehicle. While contacting two individuals in the vehicle, he discovered a spotlight, two .22 rifles and ammunition. Both subjects admitted to shooting at wildlife from the roadway. Officer Pettey assisted Officer Cushing and violations were documented accordingly. 
• While on patrol in the Perdido Wildlife Management Area during the early morning, Officer Cushing observed two vehicles parked near the clay pit in the Frank Reeder Trac. No one was in the immediate area. Officer Cushing waited in a concealed location when he heard two shots from a shotgun. After observing several birds being flushed from the area, Officer Cushing saw an individual along the wood line. Officer Cushing made contact with the subject when he neared the road. While speaking with the individual, it was determined he illegally shot a protected migratory bird, was hunting without a license and was illegally camping. The violations were documented accordingly.

Santa Rosa County

• Lieutenant Berryman and Officer Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they observed a subject hunting deer with dogs without the required 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment, above the waistline. Upon talking with the individual, the officers detected an odor of cannabis coming from the subject’s vehicle. The officers questioned the subject, who admitted there was cannabis in the car and told the officers where it was located. The subject was cited appropriately for the violations. 
• Lieutenant Berryman and Officer Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they heard a gunshot that sounded like it came from the boundary of the still hunt and dog hunt area. The officers conducted a search of the area and located two trucks; one had a dog box. The officers observed a subject in the woods near the still hunt area wearing camouflage and a blaze orange vest. When the subject noticed the officer’s patrol truck he started to walk to the road. While Officer Brown was talking with the individual, Lieutenant Berryman located a shotgun the subject admitted to dropping due to being nervous. The subject stated he was in the still hunt area to look for a dog but brought his shotgun. While talking with the subject, Officer Brown observed the subject in the other truck walk out of the still hunt area with deer dogs and a shotgun. Both subjects were cited appropriately. 
• Officer Brown received a call regarding a subject hunting in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area during closed season. Officer Waters arrived at the area and located the subject attempting to leave. Upon interview, the subject admitted to hunting the WMA during closed season and walked the officers to the treestand he had been hunting from. The individual was cited appropriately. 
• Officers Bower and Brown were on patrol in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area when they observed multiple individuals dove hunting. Upon conducting a resource inspection, the officers found one subject was hunting with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. The individual was cited appropriately. 
• While on patrol in the Blackwater State Forest, Officers Mullins and Brown observed a large group of approximately 40 off-road vehicles operating in the area. The officers went to an area known for off-roading and encountered about 25 vehicles from the party illegally operating off trail. The officers spoke with trail ride leaders and all the vehicle operators. The appropriate citations were issued. The group was educated about forest rules and regulations and directed to use only named or numbered roads in the forest. 
• While on patrol, officers Brown and Mullins encountered a group partying on a sand bar in Blackwater State Forest. The group had numerous violations including litter, alcohol, and vehicles off trail. Each subject was issued multiple citations.  The subjects were directed to clean up and remove prohibited items from the area.

CASES

Alachua County

• Officer Specialist Guirate and Lieutenant Hayes were on patrol when they observed an individual dressed in camouflage clothing standing by a truck at the gate of a wildlife management area. They stopped and spoke with the individual who stated he had harvested a spike (antlered) deer and was waiting on his friend to help drag it out. Officer Guirate and Lieutenant Hayes followed the subject to where the deer was located. The officers measured the antlers and found the longest antler was around eight inches. Antlered deer in this zone and deer management unit must have three points on one side or at least a 10-inch main beam. The subject was issued an appropriate citation for the offense.
• Master Officer Stanley was patrolling a wildlife management area when he observed a large pile of household garbage and other miscellaneous items dumped off the side of the dirt road. Officer Stanley searched through the garbage and located two possible subjects linked to one address. He interviewed both subjects and they admitted to dumping the load of garbage together. The garbage exceeded 15 pounds. Both subjects were issued appropriate citations for the offense.  
• Officer Specialist Guirate was on patrol when he drove by a residence and observed a subject dressed in camouflage clothing, skinning a deer hanging from a tree in the front yard. Officer Guirate pulled into the driveway and contacted the subject to conduct a resource inspection as the deer’s antlers appeared to be short. He measured the antlers and found the longest one was around 8 inches. Antlered deer in this zone and deer management unit must have 3 points on one side or at least a 10-inch main beam. The subject was issued an appropriate citation for the offense and a warning for not reporting the deer through the FWC’s harvest reporting system. 
• Master Officer Stanley was on land patrol when he received a report from a hunter about a subject trespassing on his hunting lease in a utility task vehicle. The subject had been warned on two occasions that he was trespassing and had driven by well-marked “Posted No Trespassing” signs. Officer Stanley located the utility task vehicle at a residence nearby and contacted the subject for an interview. The subject admitted to ignoring the signs and trespassing on the hunting lease on his utility task vehicle multiple times even after being warned. The subject was issued an appropriate citation for the offense. 
• Officer Specialist Reith was patrolling private property with a focus on subjects who were taking or attempting to take waterfowl. Officer Reith located a vehicle parked in a farm field on the edge of a swamp and observed two subjects wearing camouflage waders walking back from the edge of a pond while dragging a kayak. Officer Reith contacted the subjects and determined they had been duck hunting. During a resource inspection, it was found the two subjects killed a total of 10 wood ducks. The daily bag limit for wood ducks is three per person. The subjects were issued appropriate citations for the offense. 

Citrus County

• Officer Jovanov was patrolling the Citrus Wildlife Management Area when he observed a vehicle operating on a trail closed to vehicular traffic. After initiating a traffic stop and conversing with the driver, Officer Jovanov observed signs of impairment while detecting strong odors of marijuana and alcohol. During questioning, the driver admitted to having used both substances. The driver performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tasks and was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  

Columbia County

• Senior Officers Johnston and Bryan were patrolling property owned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection commonly referred to as Kirby Pit. This is an environmentally sensitive area due to its connection to the Ichetucknee River and is closed to the public. Officers Bryan and Johnston watched a group of people enter the property at night using flashlights. The officers approached the individuals on foot and determined they were rabbit hunting. Upon contact, two subjects complied and were detained without incident. Three other individuals fled on foot. The subjects who were detained received nonexpiring trespass warnings and were escorted off the property and ordered not to return.
• Senior Officer Johnston, while on patrol in the still hunt section of the Osceola Wildlife Management Area in Sandlin Bay, observed fresh vehicle tire impressions leading from a private dog hunting lease onto the wildlife management area. Officer Johnston followed the tire impressions for about a mile to a pickup truck with a dog box parked on a road within the WMA. Officer Johnston watched as the driver appeared to be looking for deer tracks in the dirt. Upon contact, the driver was identified as a member of the neighboring private dog hunting lease and was found to be in possession of six deer dogs. The subject was issued a notice to appear in court for possession of deer dogs in the still hunt section of the Osceola Wildlife Management Area.  

Dixie County

• Officer Specialist Sheffield and Lieutenant Ward were on patrol when they observed a fishing vessel being towed from a coastal boat ramp. The trailer did not have a license plate or taillights. The officers conducted a traffic stop to address the violations. While speaking with the driver, it was determined he was in possession of five spotted sea trout below the legal slot limit of 15 to 19 inches. The driver was issued a citation. 
• Officer Specialist Sheffield was on patrol along the coastline and inspected a group of subjects who were duck hunting. It was determined one subject had harvested ducks with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. The subject was issued a citation for the violation.
• Officer Specialist Troiano was on night patrol near Horseshoe Beach when he observed a vehicle driving slowly in the area with a light being displayed from the vehicle shining clear cuts on both sides of the road in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of wildlife. Officer Specialist Troiano followed the vehicle and at one point two subjects exited the vehicle and looked into the woods while the light was being shined. Officer Specialist Troiano stopped the vehicle and observed a rifle resting against the center console inside the vehicle. During an interview, one subject admitted to looking for deer but denied shooting any. The subjects were charged for attempting to take deer at night with a light (night hunting). 
• Officer Specialist Troiano and Lieutenant Ward were on vessel patrol at night near Horseshoe Beach when they observed a vessel being operated at night without navigation lights. As the officers approached the vessel, they could see it had a culling board and the subject aboard the vessel was near the bow with wooden handled tongs harvesting oysters. It is unlawful to harvest oysters at night. Additionally, the take of oysters is prohibited in this area and due to recent rainfall, the harvest of oysters was prohibited by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. When the officers attempted to initiate a stop and the subject tried to flee in his vessel. The subject beached the vessel on a nearby island and ran on foot across the island as the officers issued loud verbal commands to stop. The subject entered the water and began swimming away from the island. Officer Specialist Troiano used the patrol vessel to retrieve the subject from the water and he was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Dixie County jail and was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement in a vessel, resisting arrest without violence, and a total of eight oyster related violations.
• Officer Specialists Robson and Sheffield were on night patrol near the coast when they observed a vehicle being operated without a license plate. The officers stopped the vehicle and immediately recognized the driver and passenger as commercial oystermen. The driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license with knowledge and the vehicle was found to be unregistered. The driver admitted there were four bushels of oysters in the trunk of the vehicle. The oysters were commercially tagged for sale to a local fish house. During December, oysters are required to be delivered to the fish house and placed under mechanical refrigeration by 5 pm. The driver was arrested and transported to the Dixie County jail and charged with driving on a suspended license with knowledge, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and the oyster violation. The passenger was issued a citation for the oyster violation.
• Officer Specialist Troiano and Lieutenant Ward were on vessel patrol near Horseshoe Beach when they observed a group of duck hunters. The officers saw one subject exit the duck blind and operate a vessel into open water. The subject operated the vessel on a plane several hundred yards to the north where a group of ducks in the vicinity spooked and took flight. A moment later two shots were heard from his group of hunters in the blind. The subject did this several more times before returning to the group of hunters at sunset. The officers learned the subject was a duck hunting guide and that several of the hunters were his clients. It is unlawful to use a vessel to herd or drive a game. The subject was issued a citation for the violation.

Duval County

• Officer Burnsed was on patrol when he checked a subject returning to his vehicle near a popular fishing spot along Drummond Creek. A fisheries inspection revealed one undersized flounder and five undersized red drum. The subject was cited for over-the-bag-limit and size-limit violations. 
• Senior Officer Geib was on patrol assisting Officer Schirbock, who had observed a subject catch an undersized black drum and put it in a nearby tacklebox. Officer Geib went and inspected the subjects. During the check, the subject told Officer Geib he did not have any fish. Officer Geib asked to look inside the subject's tacklebox and it was found the tacklebox contained an undersized black drum. The subject was issued a citation for the offense and other violations were documented appropriately. 
• Senior Officer Read was on patrol when he observed a group of individuals fishing from the bank under a local bridge with hand gear and line. Officer Read approached the group and conducted an inspection. It was found the subject had caught an undersized red drum and admitted to catching a total of five undersized red drum. The subject was issued a citation for the offense and other violations were documented appropriately.
• Officer Moran was on patrol on Hecksher Drive when she noticed individuals fishing from the Browns Creek Bridge. Officer Moran stopped and conducted an inspection. She found one individual did not possess a saltwater shoreline fishing license. Officer Moran learned the individual had three outstanding warrants for domestic violence and two driving violations. Officer Moran placed the subject under arrest and conducted a search that revealed the subject to be in possession of marijuana. Officer Moran booked the subject into the Duval County Jail and issued one citation for no saltwater shoreline license and a warning for less than 20 grams of marijuana.
• Officer Specialist Barry was on land based water patrol when she observed a vessel in Sawpit Creek with no navigational lights on. Senior Officer Tucker was nearby and arrived at the scene where they both watched the occupants fish. The operator finally pulled anchor and headed toward Sawpit Creek boat ramp with no navigational lights on where Officer Specialist Barry was waiting. Officer Specialist Barry asked the three occupants if they had any luck. The operator of the vessel stated they had a couple of fish on board. A fisheries inspection revealed six undersized black drum. Senior Officer Tucker and Officer Specialist Barry identified two of the three subjects who were fishing. When asked if they had valid fishing licenses both subjects stated they were expired. Officer Specialist Barry proceeded to conduct interviews with the two subjects and the operator stated he was the only one to catch the black drum and took responsibility for all six of them. Officer Specialist Barry issued the operator a boating citation for operating a vessel with no navigational lights and two citations for possession of an undersized and over-the-bag-limit black drum. Senior Officer Tucker issued a citation to the other subject for no/expired saltwater fishing license.
• Officer Moran responded to a situation involving a hunter being harassed by an individual with a gun. Officer Moran safely secured the scene upon arrival and through an investigation, the officer discovered the hunter (traveling in a kayak on the river) harvested two geese in a safe manner. An individual from nearby apartments came out bearing a firearm and yelling at the hunter and a verbal altercation ensued. Officer Moran investigated and discovered the subject was harassing the hunter and obtained a written statement. Officer Moran issued the subject two misdemeanor notices to appear for harassment of a hunter and for improper exhibition of a firearm.

Hamilton County

• Officers Burnsed and Cline were working on a detail focusing on early duck hunters in the Nutrien-White Springs Wildlife Management Area. This WMA does not allow the launching of vessels before 5 a.m. The officers arrived at 1:30 am and found two vessels already launched. While trying to locate the vessels, the Officers found another vessel launching at 4 a.m. This vessel was also violating the slow speed zone. All the vessel operators were located and cited for the violations. 
• Senior Officer Johnston was patrolling property owned/managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District when he observed two subjects operating off-highway motor vehicles within the district property. Officer Johnston attempted to conduct a stop to address the violation and one of the subjects fled. With the assistance of Senior Officer Nichols, the identity of the fleeing subject was determined. Officer Johnston spoke with the subject’s mother over the phone who stated her son would be willing to meet and talk at their residence. Upon contact, the subject, a young adult, agreed to tell the story of what occurred before his parents and other relatives who were present when Officer Johnston arrived. The subject was issued a notice to appear in court for operating an off-highway motor vehicle on land owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District.  He was also issued a written warning for resisting arrest without violence. 

Nassau County

• Senior Officer Stuhr was sitting at the state line on U.S.1 north of Hilliard. Senior Officer Stuhr conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle coming from Georgia not displaying a tag light on the vehicle’s license plate. Senior Officer Stuhr noticed fresh blood on the tailgate as he approached the passenger side of the truck. Senior Officer Stuhr contacted the subject and explained the reason for the stop and asked if he had been hunting today. The subject stated he had been hunting in Georgia. The officer discovered the subject had deer meat with high-risk parts including bone in the cooler on top of the dog box. Senior Officer explained the significance of chronic wasting disease and educated the subject about rules that prohibit possessing or importing deer, elk, moose or caribou carcasses or high-risk parts from anywhere outside of Florida. Senior Officer Stuhr issued the subject a notice to appear for the importation of bone-in meat into Florida from outside the state. Senior Officer Stuhr also issued a warning for the traffic violation. 

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING 

Citrus County

• Officers Pietroburgo, Jacobs, Midolo, and Ulrich, along with Lieutenant Ransom visited the Yankeetown School and America’s Angels School to promote outdoor recreational activities while educating the students about wildlife, boating safety and living with alligators, including the dangers of feeding wild alligators. The students saw displays that included live alligators and received hands-on experiences in a patrol vessel to learn more about safety equipment and tips to enjoy a safe experience on the water. Approximately four hundred students were in attendance.

OFFSHORE PATROL

• Offshore patrol vessel Fincat, crewed by Officer Specialist Hughes and Lieutenant Willis, was on patrol off the coast of Citrus and Hernando counties when they observed a commercial stone crab vessel working their traps at night. Officer Hughes noticed the vessel was working traps over half an hour in advance of the one hour before sunrise legal time. The vessel was boarded, and the captain was issued a citation for the offense. 
• Offshore patrol vessel Sentinel, crewed by Senior Officers Geib and Read, was on patrol in Duval County when they observed an inshore commercial fishing vessel trawling. The officers stopped the vessel and inspected the vessel's turtle exclusion devices. The officers noticed the nets were heavy in the water and appeared to be over the 500 square feet size allotted by law. The officers and vessel returned to the dock for a closer look. Once there, it was found both nets were over 800 square feet each. The subject was issued numerous citations for net size, net circumference, and turtle exclusion devices violations.

CASES

Brevard County

• While conducting land patrol at a wildlife management area, Officer Specialist Ames heard a gunshot in an area closed to hunting. Officer Ames went toward the shot and at a distance saw a subject wearing orange. The subject was facing the ditch next to a walk-in area on the WMA and another shot was heard from the subject's location. Officer Ames contacted the subject and after questioning, he admitted to hunting from the walk-in corridor and shooting an antlerless deer, which are out of season. An antlerless deer was found in the ditch where the subject was standing. The subject was cited accordingly.
• While off duty, Investigator Parrish, along with Officers D. Hudson and Pecko, were participating in a duck hunt on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge when they observed several individuals take over their bag limit of lessor scaup. They notified Officer Specialist Hallsten who was on duty. Officer Hallsten contacted the subjects and found they had shot over their limit and had left litter throughout the area. Citations were issued accordingly.
• While on night patrol, Lieutenant Lightsey and Officer Osborn were alerted to potential illegal hunting at a wildlife management area. The officers went to the location and searched for the subjects and vehicle. After locating the subjects, the officers conducted a resource inspection. The officers’ inspection revealed the subjects had hunted and captured a wild hog with dogs at night, which was in violation of that WMA's rules. A notice to appear was issued for the violation.

Indian River County

• While on patrol of a wildlife management area, Lieutenant Lightsey observed a vehicle in an area closed to vehicle access. The vehicle was shining two lights out of the windows in an area where wildlife was present. A traffic stop was conducted to address the access violation. After interviewing the subjects, it was determined they had entered and remained in an area closed to vehicle access and did not possess a day pass or camping permit for the area. A notice to appear was issued for the violation.
• While on night patrol at a wildlife management area, Lieutenant Lightsey observed a vehicle leave the roadway and travel over a levee, shining a light into an adjacent field. The vehicle continued off road and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver was found to be in full camouflage but did not possess a weapon. Additionally, an open container of beer was in the center console. After interviewing the subject, a notice to appear was issued for operating a motor vehicle off road on St. Johns River Water Management District property and a citation for open container.
• While on night patrol at a wildlife management area, Lieutenant Lightsey heard a gunshot coming from the area. A short while later, he was able to find a single vehicle coming out of a restricted area. As Lieutenant Lightsey approached to conduct an inspection, the subject vehicle quickly fled. The officer attempted a traffic stop but the subject vehicle was not able to be stopped. Local law enforcement was called and given a description and direction of travel. The vehicle was then stopped by Fellsmere Police Department and the subjects were interviewed. After investigating, the two subjects were arrested on numerous charges including fleeing and eluding, failure to allow FWC inspection, hunting during closed season, and hunting with a gun and light at night. Two shotguns, ammunition and a thermal imaging device were seized, and both subjects were booked into the Indian River County Jail.
• While on patrol of a local wildlife management area, Lieutenant Lightsey observed a vehicle enter and shine a light at wild hogs in a pasture. The subjects pursued the hogs with dogs. Lieutenant Lightsey conducted a resource inspection that revealed the subjects were hunting wild hogs during a closed season. Notice to appear citations were issued for the violation.
• While on early morning patrol along private property, Lieutenant Lightsey received a call regarding illegal hunting encountered by an Indian River County deputy. Lieutenant Lightsey arrived at the location and was able to advise on all possible charges regarding the poaching activity. After a thorough investigation, two subjects were placed under arrest for use of a gun and light at night, hunting from the right of way, hunting wild hogs on private lands without written permission, no information on dog collars, and possession of 18 grams of cannabis.
• Officer St. Martin was on patrol when he received a tip about a group of anglers using only cast nets in an area commonly known for people taking saltwater product by illegal method. Officer St. Martin arrived on scene and observed the subjects using their cast nets. Officer St. Martin called Officer Snyder to assist with the potential violations. Officers St. Martin and Snyder concealed themselves and observed the subjects until they returned to their vehicles. The officers contacted the group to conduct a resource inspection. The subjects told the officers they had no fish, but an inspection of a bucket revealed they had multiple fish violations. When asked again if it was the only bucket with fish, the subjects said yes. An inspection of another bucket with a cast net on top showed more fish. In total, the subjects harvested three undersized snook, one out-of-season spotted sea trout, four mangrove snapper (two of which were undersized), and six undersized black drum. All fish were harvested using a cast net, thus the snook and mangrove snapper were harvested by illegal method. The subjects were cited accordingly.
• While on night patrol, Lieutenant Lightsey received information about a gunshot in a wildlife management area. He arrived at the location and observed a truck traveling off road on a nearby levee while shining a light outside the window. After observing the vehicle, a stop was conducted to address the violation. Once stopped, Lieutenant Lightsey observed a loaded rifle and shotgun next to the driver as well as the spotlight. The vehicle also smelled of cannabis and an open container of alcohol was present. A notice to appear and warnings were issued for the violations.

Lake County

• Officer Specialist Weber responded to a call from a complainant stating someone was hunting waterfowl in Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area during a closed season. Officer Weber contacted three subjects duck hunting from a vessel equipped with a blind and multiple waterfowl decoys deployed. During a resource inspection, Officer Weber located nine harvested ducks within the hunter’s decoy spread. The officer also learned one of the subjects had a warrant out of Volusia County for hunting with a gun and light. Officer Weber issued the subjects citations for hunting during a closed season.

Osceola County

• While on patrol at a wildlife management area, Officers Nall and Armstrong observed a van shining a light in the area. After watching the vehicle, a traffic stop was initiated. The officers spoke with the two occupants and found firearms and spotlights in the vehicle. The subjects admitted to hunting in the WMA and were issued a notice to appear for the violation.
• Senior Officer Phillips, Officer Specialist Scrambling, and Lieutenant Rice were conducting resource and boating safety inspections at Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area when they encountered several violations for no federal duck stamp, unplugged shotgun, expired hunting licenses, no migratory bird permit, no waterfowl permit, and various boating safety violations. All violations were addressed accordingly with notice to appear citations, noncriminal infractions, and written warnings.
• Senior Officer Shaw received information about waterfowl hunters possibly harvesting ducks past the legal shooting time in Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area. When Officer Shaw arrived on scene, he observed two vessels with one subject on each vessel attempting to take ducks. Officer Specialist Scrambling arrived to assist and the officers maintained surveillance on the subjects and documented them shooting 31 times after the time they were legally allowed to hunt. When the two subjects arrived back at the boat ramp, the officers issued them notice to appear citations for hunting after designated shooting hours.
• Lieutenant Rice was conducting license and resource inspections in Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area during one of the waterfowl hunting days when he observed a vessel come to the ramp with hunting equipment and several harvested ducks on the bow of the vessel. The single vessel occupant was dressed in camouflage clothing and stated they harvested their limit of ducks. During the inspection, Lieutenant Rice checked the hunter’s firearm used to harvest the ducks and discovered it did not have a plug and was capable of holding more than three shells. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for taking migratory game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.

Marion County

• Officer Specialist D. Dickson and Lieutenant Seiler patrolled a wildlife management area around 5 a.m. when they noticed a slow-moving jeep with two forward-facing LED light bars and two small LED spotlights facing outward. After observing the vehicle for about 20 minutes, they concluded that the vehicle's operation was consistent with illegal night hunting and pulled it over. Upon conducting the stop, they discovered the driver had a loaded rifle that was easily accessible. The driver was cited for the violation.
• Officer Roberts was on patrol at a wildlife management area when he observed a pickup truck drive past him with a deer on a dog box in the truck bed. Officer Roberts stopped the truck to perform a resource inspection. During the inspection, the deer was found to have antlers that did not meet antler point regulations for that deer management unit. The subject was cited accordingly.

Putnam County

• While patrolling an area known for night hunting, Officers Lambert and Norris encountered a vehicle shining a spotlight. After observing the occupant illuminating the wood line and other areas with the light and disclosing the presence of deer, the officers conducted a vehicle stop. The subject was found to have a spotlight as well as a loaded shotgun. The subject was cited accordingly.
• Officer Carroll and Lieutenant Jones received information about multiple subjects illegally hunting within the Murphy Creek Conservation Area. Through the investigation, it was revealed there were two hunters and three dogs within the conservation area. When contact was made, one of the subjects was found to have been charged for illegally hunting in the same area the previous year. The subjects were cited accordingly.

Seminole County

• Officer Specialist Fahnestock observed a subject cast netting on the St. John’s River. He later conducted a resource inspection at the subject’s vehicle. Upon inspection, the subject was deceptive and said he did not have any luck while fishing. Officer Fahnestock then looked through the windows of the vehicle and observed the mouth of a black crappie sticking out of a wet paper bag on the back seat. Officer Fahnestock removed the bag containing numerous freshwater gamefish including black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish that were recently caught. The gamefish were still wet and had marks on their scales consistent with being caught by cast net. The subject was issued a notice to appear for the take of freshwater gamefish by illegal method. Interference with FWC officer and license violations were also addressed. 

St. Johns County

• While on water patrol, Officer Specialist Lemaster and Senior Officer Thomas received a tip that a subject fishing from a local pier kept undersized and out-of-season gag grouper. The officers responded and located the subject and the undersized gag grouper. Officer Lemaster issued the subject one citation for possessing out-of-season and undersized gag grouper.
• While on water patrol in federal waters, Senior Officer Thomas stopped a vessel approximately nine miles southeast of the St. Augustine Inlet. Upon inspecting the subject’s fish, she located an undersized mutton snapper and 20 bluefish. The allowed bag limit for bluefish is three per person. She issued the subject a citation for possession of undersized mutton snapper and a citation for possession of over-the-bag limit bluefish.

Volusia County

• While on patrol, Officer Mancino responded to the site of a gopher tortoise complaint and observed a property that was being developed. While onsite, Officer Mancino located a gopher tortoise digging out of its burrow, which had been disturbed by the construction. Officer Mancino contacted the property owner and discussed the violation. The owner took full responsibility and was charged for the illegal take of a gopher tortoise due to the disturbance of the active burrow.
• Officer Arroyo was on patrol when he observed an individual fishing near the side of the road, so he stopped and conducted a resource inspection. During the inspection, the individual admitted to catching two trout. Officer Arroyo inspected a cooler in the subject’s possession and found two spotted sea trout. Harvest of spotted sea trout is closed during November and December. Officer Arroyo cited the individual.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

Flagler County

• Area officers participated in Flagler County's Annual "Shop with a Cop" event. FWC officers were assigned a child to take shopping with a preloaded gift card from Walmart. All the officers and children in attendance had a fantastic time and enjoyed the holiday cheer.

Indian River County

• Officers Mock, Rivard, and St. Martin participated in Indian River County’s Annual “Shop with a Cop” event at the local Walmart. This program allows under privileged youth in the community to take part in the joy of Christmas by providing them with gifts they wouldn’t have otherwise received. These officers had the chance to mentor the kids throughout the day, building a positive view of law enforcement, and most importantly helped them pick out the Christmas gifts they wanted most.

Volusia County

• Officer Specialist Weber (public information officer) attended DeLand Middle School's career day. There were over 500 children in attendance. The children asked several questions about becoming an FWC law enforcement officer.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

St. Johns County

• Officers Dodd, Ramsey, Lemaster, Investigator Sexton, and Lieutenants Brock and Miller responded to reports of a boater who fell from his boat and disappeared in the St. Johns River. With the assistance of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Clay County Sheriff's Office, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, Jacksonville Fire Rescue, Clay County Fire Rescue, Green Cove Springs Police Department, and St. Augustine Police Department, the boater was ultimately found deceased. The boating accident investigation is still ongoing.

CASES

Hillsborough County

• While on land patrol, Officer Rivard observed a vehicle parked outside of a fish management area that is closed to public access at night. Officer Rivard entered the park on foot and observed two individuals fishing with the use of a cast net. Officer Rivard contacted the individuals and conducted a fisheries inspection. At the conclusion of the inspection, he found the individuals to be in possession of eight crappie, three largemouth bass and two bluegill. One of the individuals admitted to catching the fish with the net and was issued two citations for harvesting gamefish with a net and unlawful use of a cast net in a fish management area. Both individuals were also issued warnings for trespassing. 

Pinellas County

• While on land patrol, Lieutenant Bibeau observed three individuals loading fishing equipment into the back of a vehicle that was parked on the side of I-275. Lieutenant Bibeau contacted the individuals to conduct a fisheries inspection. At the conclusion of the inspection, he found the individuals to be in possession of one legal sheepshead. Lieutenant Bibeau then began conducting a fisheries inspection on another group of nearby anglers and observed one of the individuals from the previous inspection retrieve a black garbage bag from the nearby bushes and place it inside the vehicle. He contacted the first group of individuals again and asked them to see the garbage bag. While the individuals were retrieving the garbage bag, Lieutenant Bibeau observed a small cooler and asked them to retrieve the cooler as well. He inspected the cooler and garbage bag and located five undersized redfish and one undersized sheepshead. All three individuals admitted to catching at least one redfish and were issued citations for the fisheries violation along with warnings for harvesting over the daily bag limit of redfish.

CASES

Broward County

• Officer Constance conducted patrol at the STA 2 Waterfowl Public Small Game Hunting Area. There, he contacted three Individuals to conduct a hunting inspection. The officer’s inspection revealed all three individuals were in possession of over the bag limit of lesser scaup. All three Individuals were issued notice to appear citations for the violations. 
• Officers Bovee and Comartin and Lieutenant Laubenberger were on water patrol at the Port Everglades Inlet and observed a vessel trolling a fishing line in the inlet. They stopped the vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection, which revealed barracuda fillets on board. Officer Bovee issued the operator/owner of the charter vessel a notice to appear for possessing barracuda not in whole condition.  
• Officer Giani was conducting water patrol near the 14^th St. boat ramp and stopped a commercial charter vessel for the purpose of a fisheries inspection. His inspection revealed the captain of the vessel was filleting a mahi-mahi. Bovee issued the captain a notice to appear citation for mahi-mahi not in whole condition.
• Officers Bruder and Dudas conducted water patrol near the Port Everglades Inlet and stopped a vessel for a fisheries inspection. Their inspection revealed undersized triggerfish. Officer Bruder issued one individual a notice to appear citation for possession of undersized triggerfish. 
• Officers Beppel and Favrot conducted offshore water patrol east of Port Everglades and conducted a resource inspection on a vessel with a dive flag displayed. One diver was in the water spearfishing. Their inspection revealed the subject was in possession of a 17-inch red grouper and an 11-inch triggerfish. They issued the subject a notice to appear citation for possession of undersized red grouper and a warning for possession of undersized triggerfish.  
• Officers Bruder and Dudas were conducting offshore water patrol about two miles east of Dania Pier and observed a vessel with subjects fishing with trolling rod/reels. They stopped the vessel to conduct a resource inspection. One subject informed them he was a commercial angler. The subject told Bruder he caught two kingfish and two Spanish mackerel.  Inspection of the fish revealed the subject possessed four kingfish, and two were undersized. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for possession of undersized kingfish.
• Officers McCollin-Davis, Perez, and Olivera were on water patrol when they received a tip that two beach divers were in possession of illegal spiny lobster. Officer Perez navigated the vessel in the shallow water so McCollin-Davis could exit the patrol vessel and contact the divers. McCollin-Davis’ resource inspection revealed both divers were in possession of undersized spiny lobster and one diver possessed over-the-bag-limit of spiny lobster. The divers were issued notice to appear citations for undersized and over-the-bag spiny lobster. 

Glades County

• Officer Watson received multiple complaints about people illegally entering and hunting a piece of land owned by the South Florida Water Management District. Previous attempts to locate the subjects were unsuccessful. Officer Watson received a call from a Glades County Sheriff’s Office deputy that the subjects were caught on camera entering the property again in a dark colored truck. Officer Watson and the Glades County Sheriff’s deputy worked together and located the subject and conducted a traffic stop on SFWMD property. The subject had hunting dogs and admitted to entering the property to hunt with his dogs. The subject received citations for illegally entering SFWMD lands and for hunting on SFWMD lands posted as closed to hunting. Multiple warnings were also issued for other violations.  

Okeechobee County

• Officer Dziewiatkowski was working surveillance along the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park’s south boundary when he observed a vehicle traveling slowly along the south fence line. While watching the vehicle, Officer Dziewiatkowski observed a light being displayed from the vehicle into the state park’s interior palmettos and grasslands.  The officer contacted the vehicle and through his investigations found the vehicle operator to be night hunting the state park from a roadway. The subject was issued the appropriate citation. 
• Officer Dziewiatkowski was working surveillance near the same location within the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park when he observed a vehicle traveling along the boundary displaying a light from the vehicle into the state park’s interior palmettos and grasslands. Officer Dziewiatkowski contacted the vehicle and through another investigation, found the occupants to be hunting from the roadway with the use of high-powered air rifles and spotlights. The subjects were issued the appropriate citations.

Palm Beach County

• While on patrol at STA 1 West Waterfowl Public Small Game Hunting Area during a quota waterfowl hunt, Lieutenant Brodbeck and Officer Specialist Norbrothen observed a subject fishing in the area with a cast net. No fishing is allowed in the area and entry is prohibited without a quota permit. The officers conducted a resource inspection on the individual and found him to have several tilapia and two black bass. The individual said he had taken the bass with the cast net and did not have a hook and line or rod and reel in his possession. The subject was given a mandatory court date for taking black bass by an illegal method and issued a warning for trespassing and not having a valid freshwater fishing license. 
• Officers Michael Rea and Micah Leon were on patrol on the L8 canal levee of South Florida Water Management District Property near Southern Blvd. This area is closed to vehicles. They observed a pickup truck with an expired temporary registration traveling on the levee and initiated a vehicle stop. Officer Rea conducted a brief interview concluding the driver obtained the gate code from an acquaintance. Despite the driver having been a Florida resident for many years he never acquired a valid Florida driver's license. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail with multiple charges. 
• Officer Harris responded to a call for service to assist the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). Harris was advised PBSO had already taken subjects into custody after they were observed shooting a great blue heron from a public roadway. The subjects were issued mandatory court appearances for a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unlawfully taking the great blue heron and for the discharge of a firearm from a public right-of-way. 

St. Lucie County

• FWC officers from St. Lucie and Indian River County teamed up to work "Operation Marine Liberation" organized by Officer Yosef Barghouty to target illegal monofilament gillnetting off Indian River and St. Lucie counties in December.  After several days of surveillance, officers caught multiple boat crews in the act of setting, recovering, and transiting Florida waters with illegal gillnets off the beaches of Indian River County. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of Spanish mackerel were seized and taken to market with the proceeds held in escrow until criminal prosecution is complete. Three gillnets estimated at several hundred yards in length were seized. Multiple felony charges are pending.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Martin County

• FWC dispatch received a call from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office regarding two hikers who needed to be rescued from the Lake Hiking Trail in the Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area. One of the hikers reported having a leg injury and could not walk out. Lieutenants Warne, Fillip and Hankinson responded along with Officers Harris, Leon, and Landers. The officers received a GPS coordinate from one of the hiker’s cellphone indicating the last known location. The officers were able to quickly locate the individuals and bring them to medical services standing by on the scene.