Resident deputy program important to island, Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Last week, the Beacon raised the issue of the hurricane-damaged Sheriff’s Cottage in Boca Grande, which had been moved years ago, and may be demolished for a replacement (See Feb. 21 edition for history). It is at Wheeler Road Community Park.
The program is an important one to the department, and to Boca Grande. Sgt. Shara Rodriguez, public affairs at Lee County Sheriff’s office, said that there are seven resident deputies on the barrier islands.
“Three residences are rented through private entities for the Captiva-based deputies,” wrote Rodriguez. “The Boca Grande deputies are housed in two Lee County-owned houses in Boca Grande and two privately owned houses nearby in Charlotte County.”
She said that housing deputies in Boca Grande is critical to the success of the resident deputy program.
“The Boca Grande policing model is based upon a close working partnership between Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the community. Residents, business owners, and community groups benefit by knowing their local deputies and from the deputies having a strong knowledge of community needs and culture. More importantly, as residents of Boca Grande themselves, the deputies are personally invested in community safety and the outcomes of every incident on the island.”
The resident deputy program services citizens and the deputies themselves.
“The Lee County Sheriff’s Office resident deputy program is a sterling example of a plan in which all stakeholders are well served,” she said. The program delivers high quality policing specifically tailored to community needs. It operates at a cost savings to taxpayers compared to operating as a regular patrol zone. Last, but not least, the deputies get to live and work in a terrific community, Boca Grande.
The cottage at Wheeler is not in the Boca Grande Historic District. Last week, Lee County told the Beacon that the plan was for a replacement for the current cottage. The house was originally moved from 1st Street, where there are similar cottages. Below, a few views of the current cottage from the air, as well as its sister cottages on 1st Street.
