Thanksgiving thefts deserve more than bad karma
To the editor:
Having grown up on Fort Myers Beach, I can remember a time when our community could leave its doors unlocked and live freely without concern for theft.
It saddened and shamed me to no end to arrive Thanksgiving morning at my parents’ home on the Beach only to find that they had been robbed in the early morning hours and on a holiday of all days. Not only did they feel violated and their privacy invaded, but also the loss they feel is immeasurable. The items taken weren’t simple material objects that could be replaced and with a shrug of the shoulders they could say, “lesson learned.” The stolen goods were sentimental family heirlooms of an old Florida that no longer exists.
My great uncle, a long-retired Sanibel-Captiva charter captain, passed down 13 antique and uniquely-rigged fishing rods and reels that amounted in the range of $1,400 to my family; some were $600 and $300 a piece. They were only in their possession about 9 days.
Unfortunately, because of the short time, my parents are unsure as to exactly what was taken. However, we were able to come up with a small list in hopes that we might be able to plead with our close-knit community to band together and keep a sharp eye out for any items similar to these and/or the people who may be selling our family memories for money.
Two 9-foot Ugly Stik surf rods with yellow line and bait-casting reels, two Pflueger reels, a small spinning reel with braided pink line and three reels were set left-handed. Every rod was a one-piece rod. Please help us out in retrieving these stolen items.
If you or anyone you know has any information, please contact us, not only for my family but also for the sanctity of our community. If you do not have any information, we still need your help. Please join our efforts and alert everyone that you know. Maybe someone you know has some information or has seen something.
And to those who acted so selfishly next time you’ll be on camera, so smile. Thank you so much for all your time and consideration, your help is so valuable to us.
Jennifer Scott and Terry Wysong
Fort Myers Beach
239-823-9940