When the sheriff comes to town ...

scotts on_a_cart

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott was on hand Wednesday to meet the citizens of one of the most far-flung outposts of his watch, Gasparilla Island. He discussed with those who attended beach access issues and a brand-new island golf cart.

The Gasparilla Inn & Club hosted the sheriff, who is up for re-election this year. The Fire Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Department were present as well.

In a short speech, Scott reassured those gathered that Lee County was listening to their concerns, especially with regard to the issue of public beach access between 1st and 19th Streets.

The sheriff mentioned a public meeting of concerned citizens held earlier in the week, and said that he wished that he had been able to attend. He suggested that island residents get the cell phone numbers of deputies so that they can contact them faster if residents have concerns about illegal activity on the beaches.

n a brief statement, Sgt. Jeff Corkhill encouraged communication between island residents and local law enforcement on the issue. He mentioned progress that had been made at the 19th Street access point, which he attributed to communication between the homeowners on that street and island deputies.

The sheriff encouraged all Lee County registered voters who will not be here for either the Republican primary in August or the general election in November to fill out absentee ballot request forms and mail them in, so that they can vote in this year’s elections.

At the end of the evening, Caddy Carts presented Sheriff Scott with a shiny new lifted Club Car for use on the island. When the most recent cart was taken in for repairs, it quickly became obvious that it was time it to retire. Caddy Carts has been quietly providing the Gasparilla Island deputies with their carts since 1992.

The old cart was sent to be used by resource officers at local schools.

The new cart comes fully equipped with lights and sirens; Scott hopped in to test them in front of the crowd gathered on the south lawn of the Inn