The Sanibel Police Department issued the following weekly police blotter, which includes recent information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.
OTHER ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
– On Oct. 20, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle that had its high beams activated while driving past multiple vehicles. A records check revealed the attached dealer license plate was not valid and the vehicle itself was not registered. The driver was issued a notice to appear for misuse of a dealer tag, a notice to appear for operating an unregistered vehicle, and a warning for failing to dim the headlights. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
– On Oct. 22, officers responded to the report of an alligator stuck in a drain. Upon arrival, officers located an approximately 8-foot alligator trapped in a storm drain. The state trapper was contacted and the alligator was safely removed and relocated without incident.
– On Oct. 24, officers responded to the report of a dog in distress in a pond. Upon arrival, officers discovered a dog trapped in a pond due to its physical condition. Several officers entered the pond and were able to successfully remove the dog from the water. The dog was not chipped, so it was transported to Lee County Animal Services, where it was later reunited with its owners.
ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS STATISTICS
From Oct. 17-23:
– Alarm calls (business and residential): 6
– Total 911 calls: 27
– Traffic crashes: 3
– Radar details: 72
– Traffic stops: 86
Citations issued: 25
Written warnings issued: 3
Verbal warnings issued: 62
– Residential area checks: 305
– Business area checks: 213
– Total area checks: 719
– Reported burglaries: 1
– Reported thefts: 0
– Total CAD calls: 1,345
October to date:
– Alarm calls (business and residential): 21
– Total 911 calls: 77
– Traffic crashes: 8
– Radar details: 205
– Traffic stops: 244
Citations issued: 78
Written warnings issued: 5
Verbal warnings issued: 169
– Residential area checks: 981
– Business area checks: 748
– Total area checks: 2,504
– Reported burglaries: 2
– Reported thefts: 3
– Total CAD calls: 4,417
TIPS AND REMINDERS
– The free “Sanibel Bound” app provides live feeds from traffic cameras stationed across Sanibel. It is available for Android and iOS devices in the Google Play and Apple App stores.
– When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way. Officers directing traffic give priority to off-island traffic on Periwinkle.
– For information on the school zone speed enforcement program at The Sanibel School, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/523/School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement.
– For information on the E-bike city ordinance, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/318/Bike-Hike-on-the-Shared-Use-Path.
– Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine.
– Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day at the boat ramp. Parking and boat launching on weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only. Parking fines for violations are $500.
– The 2025 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid through Nov. 30.
BEACH PARKING CONTACT INFORMATION
– Assistance with paying for parking: 239-472-3111, option 3
– Police non-emergency questions: 239-472-3111
– Parking citation questions: parking@mysanibel.com
HURRICANE RE-ENTRY PASSES
The SPD will continue to use the 2024 residential and commercial hurricane re-entry passes for the 2025 season. They may be picked up Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m at the 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. To access the residential pass application, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/DocumentCenter/View/1069/2024-Residential-Hurricane-Pass-Application-PDF. To access the commercial pass application, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/DocumentCenter/View/1070/2024-Commercial-Hurricane-Pass-Application. Email the completed application, along with the required documentation, to hurricanepass@mysanibel.com. The permit is mailed once the application is processed.
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:
– Text the keyword SANIBEL, followed by a space, and then the tip to 847411.
– Web tips can be submitted at https://tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=22450.
– Use the free “Sanibel PD” app available from the Google Play and Apple App stores.
Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPolice.