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Town rangers and sheriff coordinate enforcement for leash, vehicle and waste rules on Fort Myers Beach
Summary
Town emergency operations and rangers briefed the task force on enforcement priorities: motorized assisted devices remain banned on the beach, approved beach vehicles are limited to 6 mph, waste from trailers into storm drains is prohibited and should be reported to a town dispatch number; rangers can issue summons up to $250.
Town rangers, emergency operations staff and task force members discussed code compliance, beach vehicle rules, dog and waste reporting, and enforcement procedures during the April 10 meeting.
Thomas (Tom) Yazzo, Emergency Operations Director for the Town of Fort Myers Beach, told the task force that beach vehicle operations and public-safety lighting issues are under ongoing review with town staff and outside partners. "Vehicles that are on there for the reclamation space for the beach, they've all been approved through environmental," Tom said, adding that approved vehicles must meet tire-pressure and signage requirements and that the maximum speed for approved beach vehicles is six miles per hour.
Tom also described enforcement and reporting channels. Residents who witness violations such as dogs off-leash, unapproved vehicles or discharge from trailers into storm drains should call the town dispatch line at (239) 463-5888; rangers will respond and can write summons. "If you do see that in any manner, please make sure you contact code. We do take that seriously," Tom said, referring specifically to reports that some trailers may have been discharging waste into storm drains.
Rangers are quasi-law enforcement without arrest powers; they may ID and issue summonses and call Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) for more contentious incidents. Tom said the ranger-issued summonses can be up to $250 depending on the violation and repeat offenses, and that LCSO provides additional patrols during high-use periods such as spring break.
The task force discussed ongoing concerns about stray bicycles, e-bikes and motorized assisted devices on the beach; Tom confirmed those remain prohibited pending council actions on sidewalks and other access. The committee also reviewed island vehicle policies for temporary food-truck trailers and RVs, and Tom said permit and storm-preparation requirements apply to special exceptions.
Committee members pressed staff on lighting that affects sea-turtle nesting; Tom said some safety-critical fixtures (for example, sheriff tower lighting) may be required and would need to be addressed with the responsible agency. He also confirmed that public-works handles large debris removal requests and asked residents to report location and a clear description when they call dispatch so rangers can be dispatched efficiently.
The task force recorded the briefings and requested staff continue education and outreach on beach rules ahead of nesting season starting May 1.
