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SPD releases weekly blotter

By SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT 3 min read
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The Sanibel Police Department issued the following weekly police blotter, which includes recent information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.

ARRESTS

– Michael John Gelardi, 56, of 7701 Knightwing Circle, Fort Myers, was charged on Sept. 26 with one count of battery touch or strike.

OTHER ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

– On Sept. 26, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for not having a valid driver’s license and a citation for speeding. The vehicle was removed from the scene by a licensed driver.

– On Sept. 27, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for a faulty taillight. A records check revealed the driver had never been issued a Florida driver’s license. The driver was given a warning for the taillight and a notice to appear for never having a driver’s license issued. The vehicle was removed from the scene by a licensed passenger.

ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS STATISTICS

From Sept. 26 to Oct. 2:

– Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

– Total 911 calls: 21

– Traffic crashes: 1

– Radar details: 52

– Traffic stops: 84

  • Citations issued: 35
  • Written warnings issued: 1
  • Verbal warnings issued: 48
  • – Residential area checks: 297

    – Business area checks: 227

    – Total area checks: 767

    – Reported burglaries: 0

    – Reported thefts: 1

    – Total CAD calls: 1,288

    September:

    – Alarm calls (business and residential): 33

    – Total 911 calls: 108

    – Traffic crashes: 5

    – Radar details: 219

    – Traffic stops: 268

  • Citations issued: 120
  • Written warnings issued: 0
  • Verbal warnings issued: 159
  • – Residential area checks: 1,549

    – Business area checks: 1,076

    – Total area checks: 3,645

    – Reported burglaries: 0

    – Reported thefts: 4

    – Total CAD calls: 5,710

    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.

    To reach SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT, please email