FWC Division of Law Enforcement North Central Region
North Central Region
The North Central Region is one of Florida's most unique and diverse areas. The richness of the region's habitat and geography is encompassed within 49 wildlife management areas, a national forest, water management district lands, state parks, state preserves, freshwater rivers and lakes, coastal estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. The 17 counties in this region offer abundant opportunities for boating, fresh and saltwater fishing, scalloping, hunting, birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking, and camping.
Contact Information
Phone
386-758-0525
Address
Regional Office
3377 East US Highway 90
Lake City, FL 32055
Regional Media Contacts
News and Updates
On Oct. 13, 2025, members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) North Central Region Dive Team prevented a potentially tragic outcome for boaters in Crystal River.
The team was heading offshore to investigate a previously located capsized vessel when they observed a recreational boat returning to shore that appeared to be experiencing mechanical trouble. A good Samaritan nearby hailed the officers over VHF Channel 16 to request assistance for the vessel. Upon making contact, officers discovered the vessel had begun taking on water, one of its motors had failed, and the operator was attempting to reach a nearby island to beach the vessel before it sank.
There were four people aboard, including an older woman with limited mobility. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the FWC officers pulled alongside the distressed vessel while it was underway. They safely lifted the woman and assisted two additional passengers onto the patrol boat, instructing the operator to put on a life preserver. Almost immediately after the transfer was completed, the vessel capsized and overturned.
The officers immediately directed the operator to move clear of the vessel as it overturned before rescuing him onto their patrol boat. Their swift actions ensured that all four individuals were safely removed from danger.
After ensuring everyone’s safety, the officers and the good Samaritan retrieved personal belongings floating nearby and assisted the vessel operator in contacting a commercial salvage company before transporting all four individuals safely back to shore.
“I am extremely proud of this team of officers,” said Maj. Scott Lee, FWC North Central Regional Commander. “They were in the right place at the right time and used their extensive training to manage a situation that could have had a very different outcome without their quick thinking and decisive actions.”
The FWC Dive Teams are specialized units designed around the agency’s unique law enforcement and emergency response responsibilities. Equipped with advanced training and specialized gear, these teams provide critical underwater capabilities across Florida’s waterways. Their missions include responding to boating accidents, derelict or sunken vessels, evidence and body recoveries, homeland security threats, and other specialized underwater operations.
Find more photos of this rescue.
On Oct. 4, 2025, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer arrested David Brotherton Cunningham (DOB 10/11/1985) and Nicholas Dean Kirkland (DOB 11/08/1980), both of Gainesville, for attempting to take or possess wildlife illegally using a gun and light.
Cunningham faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and introducing contraband into a detention facility.
While on patrol in Alachua County, an FWC officer observed a pickup truck traveling along County Road 325, shining a bright light from the passenger side window. The truck was also towing a trailer without rear running lights. The officer conducted a traffic stop to address the violation.
During the traffic stop, Cunningham and Kirkland informed the officer there were multiple firearms inside the vehicle. A deputy from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. Officers located several firearms, assorted ammunition and magazines, a spotlight, and a bag containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Following the investigation, both individuals were taken into custody and booked into the Alachua County Jail. During the booking process, cocaine was found in Cunningham’s possession.
On Aug. 29, 2025, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer responded to a witness complaint in Citrus County regarding an intoxicated boater operating a vessel without navigational lighting on Kings Bay. The complaint was reported as the vessel operator was preparing to leave the boat ramp.
While en route, the officer observed a vehicle towing a vessel matching the description accelerating across four lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 19. The officer contacted the Florida Highway Patrol and attempted to stop the vehicle. An FHP trooper was able to intercept and safely stop the erratically driven vehicle.
The FWC officer confirmed the driver, Nicholas Chase Bunts (DOB 05/06/1998) of Dunnellon, was the vessel operator in Kings Bay. Observable evidence indicated Bunts was under the influence of alcohol. He consented to perform Seated Field Sobriety Tasks, which led to his arrest and transport to the Citrus County Jail.
Bunts was issued a DUI citation for a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher and a Uniform Traffic Citation for failure to maintain a single lane.
On Sept. 5, officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a request for assistance from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office regarding an unmanned vessel circling at a high rate of speed.
Upon arrival, FWC officers recovered a deceased individual from the water. After multiple attempts to stop the runaway vessel, a Sheriff’s Deputy was able to safely board and shut down the engine.
The FWC extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
This incident remains under active investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
Photo courtesy of Steve Johnson
On Aug. 31, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Cody Clark and Richard Covington were patrolling the Santa Fe River near Sandy Point when they were flagged down by two distressed boaters requesting assistance for their dog named Booey, which had been struck by a boat propeller.
Officer Covington assisted Steve Johnson, better known in the Lake City and Live Oak area as WQHL 98.1’s “Cowboy Stevie D,” and his fiancée, Rosaly Lugaro, in securing their boat and transferring their belongings to their vehicle. Meanwhile, Officer Clark contacted a nearby emergency veterinary clinic, providing details about the dog’s injuries and alerting them that the couple was on the way. He then applied a tourniquet to Booey’s lacerated leg, which Johnson had already wrapped with his shirt to control bleeding.
“When we say our officers are here to protect the people, the land and the wildlife of Florida, we mean it,” said Maj. Scott Lee, FWC North Central Region Commander. “Officers Clark and Covington were in the right place at the right time and used their skills and training to help bring a happy ending to what could have been a heartbreaking day on the water.”
Booey was transported to the Trenton Animal Hospital, where the veterinary team was ready and waiting. Officer Clark later followed up and was relieved to learn that Booey, who suffered three deep lacerations and a hairline fracture, is now on the road to recovery.
“I always have Booey Boy in a life jacket when he rides with me, and we were having a wonderful day on the water,” said Johnson. “We were idling, barely moving, when Rosaly and I heard a loud yelp. I don’t know who suffered more from the shock, Booey or me.”
The veterinarian confirmed the tourniquet was critical in stopping the bleeding and said Booey is expected to make a full recovery in the coming months.
“I am just glad we were able to help someone out by just doing our job,” said Officer Cody Clark.
Photo courtesy of Steve Johnson
Video
Media Contacts
- North Central Region: Ashley.Williams@MyFWC.com
- Law Enforcement: Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
On July 31, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Michael Jovanov, Seth Dean and Daniel Jones responded to a U.S. Coast Guard request for assistance with a vessel taking on water just outside Cedar Key in Levy County.
FWC officers launched two patrol vessels and met the USCG at the scene. The sailboat had capsized, with its mast submerged. The vessel’s sole occupant, 68-year-old Michael Theriot of Lee County was wearing a life jacket and treading water.
USCG officers pulled Theriot from the water and, with assistance from FWC officers, transported him to a nearby boat ramp. He was evaluated by EMS and released without injuries.
A routine check of Theriot’s driver’s license revealed an active Florida warrant for a derelict vessel violation. Theriot was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail for failure to appear on charges of leaving a vessel in derelict condition on state waters.
FWC will follow up on the sunken vessel where Theriot was rescued.
Media Contacts
On June 27, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) K-9 teams assisted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office following a shooting that occurred the previous day at an Arby’s restaurant in Lake City.
After a vehicle pursuit, three suspects were apprehended. During the pursuit, a firearm and other evidence were thrown from the fleeing vehicle along I-75. FWC K-9 Camo successfully located and recovered the discarded firearm.
All recovered evidence was turned over to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, which is the lead agency in this ongoing investigation.
“Our FWC K-9 teams take great pride in supporting our local law enforcement partners,” said FWC Captain Philip Glover. “Working side by side with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
Retired K-9 Friar, who began his distinguished FWC career in 2012, died April 2, 2025.
K-9 Friar was acquired from the Southeastern Guide Dog Service. He was assigned to Officer Bret Gill and provided over 10 years of dedicated service, specializing in article searches and man-tracking. He was instrumental in hundreds of cases, locating critical evidence, tracking missing people, and apprehending suspects attempting to evade arrest. K-9 Friar’s exceptional abilities earned the respect and admiration of many law enforcement agencies, including Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Corrections, and numerous sheriff’s offices and police departments, all of whom frequently sought support for their investigations from Officer Gill and K-9 Friar.
Those who knew and worked with K-9 Friar found it a privilege to watch such a highly trained and capable K-9 team. Upon his retirement in 2022, K-9 Friar was adopted by Officer Gill and spent his remaining years as a beloved companion and cherished member of the Gill family.
On Monday, March 17 at about 5 p.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded alongside multiple agencies and community volunteers to search for two 16-year-old girls reported missing while paddleboarding in Cedar Key.
FWC officers joined forces with the U.S. Coast Guard, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Levy County Fire and Rescue, Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park (DEP), Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Key Police Department, local commercial anglers, fishing charters, and volunteers from surrounding communities.
FWC initially deployed five vessels, including an airboat, offshore and inshore boats, a helicopter, and an airplane to aid in the search efforts, which continued into the night.
The following morning, March 18, additional FWC officers from neighboring counties arrived with additional inshore boats. At approximately 8:20 a.m., a Good Samaritan spotted the missing girls on an island south of Waccasassa near Lowes Bay and called 911. An airboat operator from Ozello Keys Marina reached the girls and transported them to the Waccasassa boat ramp, where they were reunited with their family before being evaluated at a nearby hospital.
See more search and rescue photos.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming response from partner agencies in Levy and surrounding communities, the support from Cedar Key City Commissioner Jeff Webb, the fishing community, and the public,” said Maj. Scott Lee, FWC North Central Regional Commander. “Our officers were committed to searching until they were found, and this is the best outcome we could ask for.”
On Feb. 18, FWC officers patrolling Little Trout Creek in Levy County observed a vessel with one occupant and another standing on an oyster bed nearby. Harvesting oysters in this area of Little Trout Creek is prohibited. As officers approached, the vessel’s occupant discarded a burlap bag and the contents of a basket into the water. Upon retrieval, officers found the bag contained undersized and unculled oysters.
The two individuals were charged with nine misdemeanors, including obstructing an FWC officer, harvesting oysters in a prohibited area, failure to cull oysters, and multiple vessel and licensing violations. Both were booked into the Levy County Jail.
FWC officers arrest two for illegal oyster harvest.
The FWC Division of Law Enforcement Aviation recently partnered with the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section to conduct prescribed burns using a delayed aerial ignition device. So far this season, the teams have completed two burns at Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area, covering 1,500 and 1,800 acres.
Delayed aerial ignition devices offer the safest and most effective method for large-scale prescribed burns, enabling teams to treat 1,500 to 3,000 acres in a single day. In contrast, traditional ground-based burning could take up to two weeks to achieve the same coverage, requiring crews to ignite fires manually on foot or using ATVs—an approach that increases risks of injury, equipment failure, or entrapment. Aerial ignition also reduces smoke impact by consolidating emissions into a single event, typically starting around 10 a.m. and clearing by 5 p.m.
This collaboration builds on past efforts, with previous burns conducted in the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area as well as Aucilla and Big Bend WMAs. Prescribed burning plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife species. Learn more about prescribed fire.
Find more photos related to using a delayed aerial ignition device to conduct prescribed burns.
Community Outreach
First Baptist Church of Perry hosted its eighth annual back-to-school bash, welcoming 140 families with 320 free backpacks, 600 meals, and a carnival-style day of bounce houses, games, and giveaways. More than 20 community partners participated, including Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers Lt. Doug Lloyd, Officer Courtney Edwards, Officer Craig Anderson, and Officer Zachary Dicks. They shared tips about boating and water safety, hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife conservation, and outdoor ethics. Through their outreach, FWC officers helped connect families with resources, build trust, and highlight how law enforcement supports community safety and natural resource stewardship.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently led a coordinated effort to locate and mark storm debris near Keaton Beach, improving boater safety and supporting long-term coastal recovery. FWC’s Law Enforcement dive team coordinated with patrol officers and Boating and Waterways staff to identify submerged hazards left behind by strong nor’easter storms.
Several channel markers were damaged, and a section of dock was displaced, posing serious risks to boaters navigating the area. During the operation, FWC divers used sonar and visual inspections to locate underwater obstacles, while patrol officers ensured safety and recorded GPS coordinates. The dive team marked several navigational hazards with large buoys to alert boaters and keep the public safe until permanent repairs are made.
Marking debris serves several critical purposes: it reduces the risk of vessel damage and injury, maintains navigable waterways, and facilitates environmental cleanup. By clearly identifying hazards, crews can safely return to remove debris and prevent long-term ecological impacts.
This operation highlights FWC’s proactive approach to public safety and resource stewardship. By working together, FWC teams are helping to ensure that Keaton Beach remains a safe, navigable, and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
North Central Region Public Information Officer Robert Lentz recently earned a special shoutout from Atlantic Beach Elementary School in Duval County after his visit to the school’s “Let’s Go Fishing!” Leadership Pod. Lentz captivated students with a hands-on presentation that included the impressive display of a manatee rib – sparking wide-eyed curiosity and excitement.
Lentz also delivered essential safety guidance, shared practical fishing tips, and explained key Florida fishing regulations in a way that connected with young anglers. Most importantly, he inspired students to embrace the outdoors and take full advantage of Florida’s natural resources responsibly.
His enthusiastic outreach and ability to engage young minds underscore the region’s commitment to education, conservation, and community connection.
Lieutenant Aubrey Ransom and Officer Seth Dean joined other law enforcement agencies and public service branches for Real Life Superheroes Day at the Rafter Cross Cowboy Church in Williston. This event provides children and teens the opportunity to engage with local first responders, learn about their roles, and get hands-on experience with job-related equipment.
Officer Dean and Lieutenant Ransom shared insights into the duties and responsibilities of an FWC officer, highlighting the agency’s mission to conserve Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. They also shared information about wildlife and let attendees see a juvenile alligator.
Safe Boating Tips from FWC Officers
Florida is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World” and leads the nation with over a million registered vessels across the state. FWC officers provide safe boating tips in the videos below.
Safe Boating Webpage