Month: August 2022

The City of Sanibel Police Department has arrested Dana Alan Caruso, a New Hampshire resident, for video voyeurism at the Bowman’s Beach Park since July 28, 2022. As a result of the investigation and coordinated assistance from several other agencies, Caruso was arrested on August 19, 2022 in Chicago, IL, and is awaiting extradition to Lee County.

On July 28, 2022, employees with Sanibel’s Public Works Department noticed a new fire alarm device had been installed on the wall of the family restroom located at Bowman’s Beach Park. After verifying the device had not been installed by staff in the Public Works Department, the Sanibel Police Department was notified.

Sanibel Police Department officers responded to the scene and verified that the device was not an actual fire alarm and suspected it could contain a video recording device. The Sanibel Police Department obtained a search warrant to check the contents of the device and discovered it contained a video camera. Images of the device installed by the suspect are shown in police photos below:

On August 9th, the Sanibel Police Department secured an arrest warrant for the suspect. After further investigation, the Sanibel Police Department was able to identify a suspect who may have installed the unauthorized video recording device. The police notified other law enforcement departments in Southwest Florida so restrooms and changing areas in other jurisdictions could be checked for similar devices.

On Friday, August 19, 2022, law enforcement officers in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport arrested the 58-year-old white male, Dana Alan Caruso for the warrant. The arrest warrant lists several felony and misdemeanor charges for Caruso. The Sanibel Police Department is working with other members of the law enforcement community to facilitate extradition and prosecution in this case.

The information concerning this crime was not released earlier to prevent the police investigation from being compromised. Chief Dalton said, “The suspect was thought to be moving through various communities in Florida, and our Detective was working through the leads quickly with the help of the State Attorney’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff. We had to stay focused on the investigation until he was apprehended.”

Sanibel Police have learned that several beach patrons were recorded while using the family restrooms at Bowman’s Beach Park on July 28th, 2022. The Sanibel Police Chief is asking residents and patrons who may have used the family restrooms on this date to contact his staff. “The person who installed this video camera to capture unsuspecting patrons using the family restroom will be brought to justice,” said Chief Dalton. “I ask that anyone who used the family restroom facilities at Bowman’s Beach Park on July 28th to contact Detective John Eicher by calling 239-472-3111. We would like to identify victims of this crime so additional charges against the suspect can considered.”

As we celebrate National Dog Day today, a day dedicated to our furry friends. It was first established in 2004 by pet & family lifestyle advocate Colleen Paige. The aim of promoting this day is to raise awareness about adopting these animals who are currently in rescue centers. In addition, on this day promote dog ownership of all breeds, pure and mix. Embrace National Dog Day as an opportunity for all dogs to live a safe, happy and abuse-free life.

Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend?

We believe that dogs are not just a pet, but they are family members and they also deserve the tropical weather, stunning beaches, majestic sunsets,  and lots of other outdoor activities our Islands have to offer.

Therefore we have brought to you a list of all pet-friendly properties listed for sale on Sanibel & Captiva.

 

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the 2022 snowy plover nesting season started earlier than it has in the last few years, with the first nest initiated in late March. Five nesting pairs have made nine nest attempts so far, and of the nine nests, seven have successfully hatched out chicks.

One nest was lost to depredation by crows, and one was lost to a tropical weather event in early June. Another nest was inundated during the same storm, but the birds returned to incubate the following day and it eventually hatched two chicks that were 1 month old and near fledging as of July 20.

Of the 17 chicks hatched as of July 20, three had survived to fledging age, two were getting close, and another five were recently hatched and still very small and vulnerable.

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The Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Love That Dress! fundraising event on Aug. 24 starting at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, at 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero.

Described as the ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year, it will feature shopping, music, silent auctions and cocktails, with all proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services.

In 2021, the fundraiser featured a record-breaking collection of 9,000 high-quality, brand-new boutique and gently used dresses, shoes, handbags and accessories, helping raise $65,000 to support Pace Lee. Pace also brought 15 Pace girls to join the Love That Dress! fun, providing a special shopping session with opportunities for the girls to dress up, shop and honor the female spirit.

Proceeds from the event provide academic programs and counseling services to girls and young women ages 11-18 who are working to overcome risk factors such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member, mental health and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Admission is $30 in advance, with a limited number of VIP passes available for $150. VIP shoppers will enjoy early access to the shopping and exclusive access to the VIP Suite Level, which features private dressing areas, express check-out and complimentary beverages, hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

For more information or tickets, visit LoveThatDressLeeCounty.com

The state of Florida reported that consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2022 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run now through Aug. 7.

Items exempt from sales tax include:

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less
• Most school supplies selling for $50 or less
• Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less
• Computers and accessories (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) selling for $1,500 or less

The holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, it does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information, visit https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.

The City of Sanibel has received hard copies of the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps that become effective on November 17, 2022.

The following changes have been made to the flood maps:

• Type of Flood Zone – VE Zone, AE Zone, AO Zone, X Zone
• Flood Elevation
• Addition of the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) Line – AE Zones waterward of the LiMWA are now defined as Coastal A Zones (CAZ)
• The new maps supersede previously issued Letters of Map Revision (LOMR)

These new maps may be viewed in person at City Hall in the Planning Department. Electronic versions of the maps may be viewed and downloaded through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center search by entering the State, County and Community in the drop down menus.

The city of Sanibel reported that in a continued effort to improve and maintain the reliability of the electric system on Sanibel, Lee County Electric Cooperative will complete vegetation and maintenance trimming on the island beginning in early August. LCEC’s contractor for the work is Asplundh.

Crews will work Monday, August 8th through Thursday, August 11th from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The city reported that intermittent lane closures are expected, and drivers and pedestrians are asked to please proceed slowly and cautiously through the area when workers are present.

LCEC will provide schedule updates, which will be posted at https://www.mysanibel.com/.

For more information, contact LCEC at 239-656-2300.