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April 12, 2024 through April 18, 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
Walton County
- Officers Letcher and H. Rockwell responded to a call about a human-wildlife conflict involving a gray fox. The victim was walking to her residence when a gray fox jumped on her, causing her to fall, and then bit her. The victim was transported to the hospital, treated for her injuries, and began rabies shots. Later, the fox attacked a pitbull and was killed. The fox tested positive for rabies.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING
Franklin County
- Officer J. Will, Regional Bear Biologist C. Spencer and Northwest Regional Director J. Creamer represented the FWC at the Franklin County “Cops and Kids” event. They spoke about the duties of biologists and law enforcement officers and answered questions about wildlife. They interacted with approximately 600 students and staff at the event.
 CASES
Clay County
- Officer Kingsley and Officer Waychoff were investigating a trespassing complaint within Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. They located a subject who had been contacted previously by the FWC for trespassing on the military installation. The subject, who was living in a tent, was arrested for trespassing and issued several citations for illegal camping and littering.
- Officer Heath responded to a residence regarding a possible wild turkey hunting violation. Upon arrival, he located turkey feathers and shotgun shells near a feeder. There was also cracked corn on the ground. After interviewing the subject and conducting an investigation, it was determined the wild turkey was taken within 100 yards of the bait. The subject was issued citations for hunting wild turkey over bait and for failure to log the wild turkey prior to removing it from the harvest location.
Citrus County
- While on patrol, Officer Specialist Ulrich reviewed the biological data sheet of wild turkeys harvested in the wildlife management area. Some of the information didn’t add up with what was recorded. The officer located the hunters who had harvested over the bag limit of the wildlife management area. Officer Ulrich educated the two subjects about the wildlife management area regulations and issued proper citations and warnings.
- Officer Specialist Ulrich was patrolling state land when he observed a vehicle he believed may have been hunting on a closed piece of public land. Officer Ulrich observed the occupants’ shining lights and could hear them discussing their search for game. Officer Ulrich contacted the individuals and determined they were hunting wild hogs in a closed area. Appropriate citations and warnings were issued.
Levy County
- Officer Jones was on land patrol in Cedar Key and observed an individual fishing while crossing the #3 bridge. The officer conducted a resource inspection and found the individual was in possession of two undersize red drum, one of which was not in whole condition. When asked if he had any other fish, the subject told the officer "no." Upon further inspection, Officer Jones found two more red drum and issued the appropriate citations and warnings.
OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL
- The crew of offshore patrol vessel Sentinel, Senior Officers Geib and Read, were patrolling federal waters when they observed a recreational vessel fishing a known wreck. During the marine fisheries inspection, Officer Geib found the occupants to be in possession of red groupers out of season, multiple undersize black sea bass and vermilion snapper. They also were not in possession of a rigged descending device as required by Code of Federal Regulations while fishing for reef fish species. The violations were documented and the case will be forwarded to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for disposition.
- The crew of offshore patrol vessel Sentinel, Senior Officers Geib and Read, were conducting joint enforcement agreement patrol in federal waters when they observed a recreational vessel fishing a known wreck. During the marine fisheries inspection, Officer Read found the occupants to be in possession of numerous out-of-season red snapper and several undersized vermilion snapper. The subjects were not in possession of a rigged descending device as required by Code of Federal Regulations while fishing for reef fish species. The violations were documented and the case will be forwarded to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for disposition.
- The crew of offshore patrol vessel Sentinel, Senior Officer Geib and Read, were conducting joint enforcement agreement patrol in federal waters when they observed a recreational vessel fishing a known wreck. During the marine fisheries inspection, Officer Read found the occupants to be in possession of red snapper out of season. They also were not in possession of a rigged descending device as required by Code of Federal Regulations while fishing for reef fish species. The violations were documented and the case will be forwarded to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for disposition.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING
Alachua County
Levy County
- Officer Specialist Ulrich coordinated and led a youth wild turkey hunt with Investigator Crane, Officer Specialist Hughes and Lieutenant Browning who assisted as guides. Three youth hunters were guided for a two-day hunt with the officers. The hunters learned about conservation and hunting and were able to harvest a wild turkey.
 CASES
Brevard County
- Officer Rivard observed an angler catch a snook at night and quickly place it in a cooler without measuring it at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Officer Rivard conducted a resource inspection that revealed the snook was over the legal slot limit. The subject was cited accordingly.
- Officer St. Martin and Lieutenant Eller were on water patrol when they observed a group of people cast netting under a bridge. One of the subjects walked over to a nearby bush and retrieved a stringer of fish he had hidden. The fish were put into a white cooler and carried out of sight. The officers contacted the subjects and none of them admitted to having a white cooler. After interviewing them, Officer St. Martin convinced the individual last seen with the cooler to take them to its location. An inspection revealed six undersized snook, which had been taken by illegal method with the cast net. The subject also possessed six times over the legal bag limit. The subject was arrested and transported to the Brevard County Jail.
- Officers St. Martin and Rivard along with Captain Gaudion and Lieutenant Eller observed a fishing vessel returning to Sebastian Inlet from offshore. The officers stopped the vessel to conduct a resource inspection, which revealed he was in possession of one large red grouper out of season. The subject was cited accordingly.
Indian River County
- While on night patrol, Lieutenant Lightsey observed a truck enter a closed area of a public small game hunting area. After the truck exited the area, the officer conducted a stop and found the operator had been fishing and was in possession of gamefish taken by illegal method. Three of the passengers were identified as having prior gamefish violations. A notice to appear was issued for the violations.
Orange County
- Officer Specialist Hallsten and Officer Crespi were patrolling private property and observed a subject enter the area, shoot multiple times at an alligator and dump many tires from his vehicle. The officers conducted a traffic stop and placed the subject under arrest for tire dumping, attempting to take alligator, unregistered motor vehicle, trespass, and driving in possession of an open container.
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Osceola County
- Officer Specialist Hallsten and Officer Crespi responded to a report from Officer Osborn about a baited alligator hook in a retention pond. Officer Osborn collected evidence and Officers Crespi and Hallsten contacted the subject to interview him. The subject admitted to trying to remove the alligator from the pond and was charged with attempt to take alligator out of season.
St. Johns County
- While on federal water patrol, Senior Officer Thomas and Officer Specialist Lawrence observed a vessel returning from fishing. Upon stopping the vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection, the operator admitted to having red snapper on board. He stated he was aware he was not allowed to possess red snapper in federal waters. Upon inspection, six red snapper, an undersized black sea bass, and an undersized vermilion snapper were located. The operator claimed possession of all fish and was issued three federal citations accordingly.
Putnam County
- Officer Carroll observed a subject fishing and throwing a cast net into the creek at a public boat ramp and conducted a resource inspection. Upon inspection, the individual was found to be in possession of seven gamefish and did not have a valid fishing license. The subject also was found to have a confirmed warrant out of Putnam County. The individual was cited for taking freshwater gamefish by illegal method. Officer Carroll also arrested the subject for the active warrant.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING
Indian River County
- FWC officers hosted a fishing clinic for 29 fourth graders at Fellsmere Elementary School. The students learned about fishing and conservation in Florida. Additionally, they received a fishing rod and a goodie bag containing youth conservation materials, coloring books and more. This event continued the great relationship officers have in the Fellsmere community.
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  CASES
Hernando County
- Officers Hunter Caldwell and Clayton Heitt conducted a resource inspection on a vessel west of Hernando Beach. The captain was operating a hired fishing charter and acknowledged he was in federal waters. During the inspection, the vessel was found to be in possession of one red drum and one gray snapper. The captain will be cited federally for fishing without a permit, harvest of red drum in federal waters, and no charter vessel/head boat permit for reef fish.
Manatee County
- Officer Specialist Miller observed two individuals fishing around the Robinson Preserve. A resource inspection revealed they had caught and kept two undersized seatrout. The subjects were issued a notice to appear for the violations.
Pinellas County
- While on land patrol, Lieutenant Bibeau observed a fishing vessel return to a boat ramp. He contacted the three individuals onboard the vessel and conducted a fisheries inspection that revealed a small part of a fish hidden in the vessel hull. Lieutenant Bibeau located a line leading inside the hull of the vessel and removed it and found the line contained one out-of-season gag grouper, one undersized hogfish and one undersized triggerfish that had been tied to the end of the line. Lieutenant Bibeau issued the operator of the vessel three citations for the fisheries violations.
Sarasota County
- Senior Officer Hinds was on land patrol around New Pass when he observed an individual fishing from a vessel catch and keep and undersized gag grouper. Senior Officer Hinds tracked the subject to a boat ramp and issued the subject a notice to appear for the violation.
 CASES
Broward County
- Officer Hammad was conducting land patrol at U.S. 27 when she heard several rounds of gunfire. She traveled in the direction of the shots to investigate and contacted three subjects on a utility task vehicle. The officer located a firearm on the back of the UTV with a barrel hot to the touch and empty shell casings nearby that matched the caliber of the firearm. Hammad issued all three subjects notice to appear citations for public discharge of a firearm.
- Officer Hammad conducted patrol at the A-1 FEB and observed a vehicle with two subjects fishing in a closed area. The area was posted with signs designating the area as closed to the public. The officer issued both subjects notice to appear citations for trespassing in a designated closed area.
- Officers Rigali and McCollin-Davis stopped a pontoon vessel that violated the slow speed zone in state waters near the Hillsboro Inlet. Further investigation revealed the vessel was a rental. The officers escorted the vessel back to the dock where they contacted the subject who rented out the vessel. Pursuant to that conversation and vessel inspection, Rigali issued the livery operator notice to appear citations for improper number of lifejackets onboard and no livery permit.
- Officers Rigali and McCollin-Davis observed a subject fishing inside the spillway, which was posted and fenced as a designated “No Trespassing” area by the South Florida Water Management District. The officers contacted the subject who advised he saw the no trespassing signs but entered the area anyway. Rigali issued the subject a notice to appear citation for trespassing.
- Lieutenant Ryan conducted water patrol near the Port Everglades Inlet where he observed a vessel returning to the inlet from fishing. Ryan stopped the vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection, which revealed a greater amberjack. Ryan issued the subject a notice to appear citation for possession of an out-of-season greater amberjack.
Hendry County
- Senior Officer Polly and Lieutenant Kleis were off duty and driving on CR 858 when they passed a subject who stopped on the roadway near a gopher tortoise. As they passed, Lt. Kleis noticed the gopher tortoise was alive and moving. The officers then observed the subject pick up the gopher tortoise and put it in his vehicle and drive away. Lt. Kleis and Senior Officer Polly provided Officer Pridgen with a description of the subject and the vehicle. Officer Pridgen stopped the vehicle and located the gopher tortoise in the bed of the pickup truck. The subject was issued a notice to appear for possession of the gopher tortoise. The gopher tortoise was returned to the resource.
Palm Beach County
- Officers Jacob Lardakis and Aljuwon Harris were on patrol when they observed subjects hunting on a right of way. An investigation revealed the operator did not have a driver’s license. The subject was cited for driving without a driver’s license.
- Officers Jacob Lardakis and Officer Aljuwon Harris observed a vehicle on South Florida Water Management District lands. The officers located four subjects who were cast netting the L8 reservoir. They had one black crappie, one largemouth bass, and three bluegill in their possession and all fish showed signs of being caught by cast net. All four subjects were issued citations for taking gamefish by illegal method and the driver was issued an additional citation for unauthorized motor vehicle on South Florida Water Management District lands.
St. Lucie County
- Officer Miano responded to a boat crash involving two individuals. According to a witness, a female was ejected from the vessel and was retrieved by the other individual. The witness observed the female lie down in the boat and upon contacting them, both individuals refused assistance. The witness immediately called 911. Officer Miano located the vessel tied up to a seawall close to the inlet and learned the female had been transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other individual was not located. A boating accident investigation is ongoing.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING
Broward County
- Investigator Teems and Lieutenant Laubenberger attended the South Florida Honor Flight ceremony at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Lt. Laubenberger commanded the Broward Police Multi Agency Honor Guard Colors team and platoon for this event and Inv. Teems was in the marching platoon. The Honor Flight Ceremony provided a flight to and from Washington, D.C. for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. There were approximately 800 well-wishers (patriotic Citizens, US military, cheerleaders, Boy/Girl Scouts) at this event. The Honor Guard escorted the veterans from the gate and through the terminal to a cheering crowd in celebration of their welcome home.
- The FWC, in collaboration with the Florida Panthers Kids Club, planned and organized a youth fishing clinic at Markham Park in Sunrise. This event aimed to promote conservation education among the future stewards of Florida's natural resources. Several Florida Panthers Kids Club members participated in this event and learned about various fish species and their habitats. Most participants experienced fishing for the first time! The event was a great success in part due to the following volunteers: Ashlee Sklute, Arielle Callender, Susan Mclean (and husband), Graysen Boehning, Beau Yeiser, Leo Villar, Officers Hammad and Norbrothen, Investigators Teems and Phillips, Lieutenants Harp, Kleis, McDonald, and Warne, Captains Hart and Davis, and Lt. Colonel Escanio. A special thanks to Commissioner Steve Hudson and Assistant Executive Director Rett Boyd for their support.
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CASES
Collier County
- The crew of the offshore patrol vessel Gulf Ranger, Officers Yurewitch, Reams, Delgado and Lieutenant Knutson, conducted a resource inspection on a commercial shrimp trawler in federal waters. The officers observed stone crab traps caught in the shrimp net. The officers asked if there was any resource on board other than shrimp. The captain stated they had stone crab claws. An inspection showed the stone crab claws had been moved from where the captain thought they were. It was discovered crew members had moved them to keep the officers from locating them. Officers found eight of the claws were under the legal-size limit. Appropriate citations were issued.
- Officer Jackson was on patrol when the driver of a vehicle in front of him littered on the street. Officer Jackson conducted a traffic stop to address the violation and found the operator’s driver license was cancelled and the driver was aware of that. The driver also had a red flag on his name for impersonating people. The Collier County Sherrif Office was contacted for assistance in identifying the subject and Officer Aliff arrived on the scene to assist. The subject was arrested and transported to the Naples Jail Center.
Monroe County
- Investigator Chris Mattson was on federal water patrol around Turtle Reef and observed a boat idling in the area with a hard-to-see dive flag. Investigator Mattson observed a free diver in the water who was spearfishing in the Key Largo Existing Management Area. An inspection revealed speared fish onboard the vessel. The subject received a federal citation for spearfishing in Key Largo Existing Management Area.
- Investigator Mattson was on the north side of Turtle Reef and observed a boat displaying a dive flag and free divers in federal waters. Investigator Mattson observed four subjects spearfishing. An inspection revealed the subjects had 11 fish on the boat. All four subjects were issued a federal citation for spearfishing in the Key Largo Existing Management Area.
- Officers Richards, Foell, Piekenbrock and Sturgeon were onboard FWC’s offshore patrol vessel Trident. They conducted a fisheries inspection on a commercial shrimp vessel northeast of the Dry Tortugas National Park. Upon approach, the subjects onboard were fishing on the stern. The officers observed numerous lane and yellowtail snapper lying on the deck and multiple bags of assorted snapper hidden beneath bags of shrimp in the below-deck freezer hold. A total of 334 lane snapper, yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper were located onboard, which was 274 snapper over the allowable Gulf of Mexico, federal water aggregate snapper limit. The officers also located 22 egg-bearing blue crabs and two spiny lobster tails during the closed season. The subjects onboard were cited accordingly for the state and federal fisheries violations.
- Officer Riana Sargent responded to a residence on Stock Island regarding numerous caged animals kept in the backyard. The officer observed cages occupied by 47 chickens, six pigeons and three doves. All the cages were unsanitary and many had little to no food or water. The owner of the birds was charged with 53 counts of animal cruelty.
- Officer Garcia was conducting water patrol with the U.S. Coast Guard and observed a vessel heading back to shore with several fishing rods and individuals on board. During a boating safety and resource inspection, it was discovered the vessel was a commercial charter with paying customers on board. There were several safety violations on the vessel that were addressed and cited by the USCG. In addition, there were 10 undersized yellowtail snappers onboard. The officer issued appropriate citations to the charter captain and first mate.
- Officer Specialist Michael Alvarez had two arrest warrants approved by a 16th Judicial Circuit judge regarding derelict vessels, one of which was a habitual derelict vessel offender. A third arrest warrant was for title fraud related to a subject selling a vessel that did not belong to him and had different registration numbers displayed on the vessel to disguise the identity of the vessel.
- Officer Specialist Michael Alvarez conducted a traffic stop on an individual he was attempting to locate regarding a derelict vessel case related to a 45-foot barge capsized off the ocean side of the Seven Mile Bridge. The individual was given a notice to appear for the derelict vessel and a warning for the traffic infraction.
- Officer Specialist Michael Alvarez met with an individual who was identified as a responsible party of a derelict vessel since he is the current registered owner and was last seen operating the vessel. The officer issued the subject a notice to appear citation regarding a derelict vessel. The subject also received documentation as an interested party of another derelict vessel where he is the registered owner but had a friend residing on it.
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