The Sanibel Police Department reported that it was informed this morning that a bomb threat had been sent by email to a member of the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The SPD secured the site where Bat Yam holds its services, which is also the location for the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office also deployed assets to search the property. The SPD reported that the threat was deemed not credible after a thorough sweep of the building and surrounding area.

“The Sanibel Police Department and our partner law enforcement agencies take these threats very seriously,” Deputy Chief Anthony Thompson said in a prepared statement at the time. “The threat was deemed a hoax and the scene has been cleared by the Sanibel Police Department.”

“I’m thankful for the quick response by the Sanibel Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to secure and clear the church and synagogue grounds,” Mayor Richard Johnson added. “It is unfortunate that this threat against Sanibel’s Jewish community took place, and I am grateful everyone is safe.”