Former lieutenant cautions all during spring break time
To the editor:
I spent many years with the Sheriff’s Office rising to Lieutenant from Patrol Deputy. For nearly every year I worked at the Sheriff’s Office, I worked the Fort Myers Beach Spring Break event – either as a deputy or as a supervisor. I always enjoyed all the people.
Once again the time for Spring Breakers to flood our area is upon us. Shortly, our streets will be clogged with college-aged visitors bringing good times, fun, and tourism to our area.
We look forward to our yearly visitors. They provide a colorful backdrop to our beaches and provide a nice cash flow for our businesses.
But let’s remember a few things that can make this busy season easier. Remember that the intersection at Times Square will become very congested. Allow for extra time to get on the Island. Pedestrians and the trolleys often back up northbound traffic to Topps, and it can sometimes take an hour to get off the Island. My family lives on Donora, and it seems like forever sometimes for me to get there.
This time of year, let’s be safe. Remember that our visitors are not as safety conscious as we are and may unexpectedly walk out into traffic. Add in the fun times and some alcohol, and some of our guests may become a bit unpredictable.
Please do not leave valuables in your car. From Barefoot Beach to Bowditch Point, this is the time of year when car burglaries tend to increase. Reduce your risk of becoming a victim by removing all valuables (cash, coins, sunglasses, GPS units, firearms and cigarettes) from your car and make sure you roll the windows up and lock the doors! Avoid parking by the beach accesses if you can, as there is a lot of foot traffic in those areas.
Enjoy our tourist season as the Midwest comes here to celebrate Spring Break. Above all, be aware and be safe!”
Lee Bushong
Lehigh Acres, Fl