Cape Coral police, Lee County deputies return for second day of digging off Kismet Parkway
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Investigators spent a second day searching a vacant lot near Kismet Parkway and Northeast 19th Avenue in Cape Coral on Wednesday, but authorities have not said what they are looking for or why the extensive investigation is taking place.
Cape Coral police and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have been working at the site since Tuesday morning, with the investigation continuing into Wednesday evening.
Investigators were seen using excavators, sifting through piles of dirt beneath a tent and cutting down trees at the property. A forensics boat was also observed in a nearby canal as the search continued.
Despite the large law enforcement presence, officials have not released details about the investigation, leaving nearby residents and visitors searching for answers.
“I think that if it’s in our neighborhood, we should know what’s going on,” said Adora Urban, who is visiting Cape Coral. “Whether it was for not getting no end is just raising more questions.”
Cape Coral resident Eddie Alvarez said the lack of information has been frustrating.
“The secret shouldn’t be held from the community,” Alvarez said. “It is what it is. So therefore, I don’t understand why the secrecy. Enough secrecy. You say what it is. It is what it is. And just let the community know, because everybody’s concerned what’s going on. It’s basically us that live right here next door, and we’re not getting answers to anything.”
Another resident, Rosanna Isidoro, said she was surprised to learn investigators had been working in the area.
“Really? I’m stunned,” Isidoro said. “Yesterday was the first I heard of it. So I don’t know. That’s why I’m saying, yes, please let us know what’s going on. It shouldn’t be a secret.”
Urban said the ongoing search has only heightened curiosity among those living nearby.
“I’m not too sure what they’re looking for,” she said. “I think it’s quite important.”
Compared with Tuesday, fewer tents were visible at the scene Wednesday, but investigators continued methodically searching the property by sifting through dirt and examining the area.
Gulf Coast News watched crews clear the scene at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday. This time, crime scene tape was removed and no police officers were guarding the area. Cape Coral police have not released additional information about the investigation.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.