FWC Division of Law Enforcement South "A" Region
South Region A
The South A Region's mix of rural and densely populated urban areas leads to a variety of conservation and enforcement activities. The region includes numerous wildlife management areas, state parks and preserves. There are world-renowned bass fishing and other recreational opportunities on Lake Okeechobee. In addition, the coastal counties provide excellent boating, diving, and fishing activities for residents and tourists.
Contact Information
Phone
561-625-5122
Address
Regional Office
8535 North Lake Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Regional Media Contact
Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
News and Updates
On Sept. 27, 2025, while on patrol in Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Lt. Peter Knutson and Officer Michael Oldsen spotted a vehicle stuck in the mud off a paved road. The driver’s side door was open and the rear windshield wiper was running.
As they approached, the officers discovered the vehicle was occupied. Officer Oldsen checked on the woman inside while Lt. Knutson had dispatch run the tag number. Dispatch confirmed the woman had been reported missing from Lee County the previous day, and a Silver Alert had been issued. She appeared disoriented and was unsure how she ended up in the area.
“Lt. Knutson and Officer Oldsen were just doing their job, but their training and quick actions likely saved this woman’s life,” said FWC Capt. Randy Yanez. “The location was extremely remote, and she had no water or way to communicate. It’s difficult to imagine what might have happened if they hadn’t found her.”
The woman was transported to Picayune Headquarters, where EMS evaluated her before taking her to a local hospital for further care.
“We were relieved to learn from her family that she is doing well,” said Lt. Knutson. “I’m grateful Officer Oldsen and I were in the right place at the right time.”
On Sept. 14, 2025, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Jacob Lardakis responded to a resource-related call near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in Palm Beach County.
When he approached four individuals fishing under a bridge, they fled on foot, leaving behind a vehicle key, a backpack, fishing equipment and their catch. The fish included six mangrove snapper and one schoolmaster snapper, all under the legal size limit. The group also exceeded the legal bag limit for mangrove snapper.
Officer Lardakis returned to his vehicle and activated his lights and siren, attempting to stop the individuals, then pursued them on foot when they continued running. After a short distance, all four stopped and complied until backup units arrived.
None of the individuals could provide identification or a valid fishing license. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified and the subjects were transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Citations were issued for multiple resource violations and for obstructing a law enforcement investigation.
At 3:20 p.m. on Aug. 20, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Chris Lejarzar was traveling south on U.S. 1 in Monroe County when he responded to a single-vehicle accident. He observed an overturned sedan leaking fuel and beginning to restart on its own, with one severely injured adult female trapped upside down inside the vehicle.
Fearing a fire and finding the vehicle doors inaccessible, Officer Lejarzar immediately began attempts to free the victim. Squeezing through the broken rear windshield, he removed part of the backseat and cut the victim’s seatbelt. Additional help soon arrived and, together with Monroe County Fire Rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Lejarzar secured the vehicle and safely extracted the victim while Monroe County Fire Rescue stopped the fuel leak.
“I commend Officer Lejarzar and our Monroe County partners for their swift and courageous response,” said Lt. Col. Alfredo Escanio, FWC South Region Deputy Director. “Their actions demonstrate their bravery and dedication to protecting the community.”
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The FWC extends its sincerest thoughts and well wishes for her recovery.
Media Contacts
- South Region - Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
- Southwest Region - Hailee.Seely@MyFWC.com
- Law Enforcement - Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
On Aug. 16, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer responded to a request for assistance from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office regarding an alligator that had been caught on a set line in a canal in the Viking area of Okeechobee County.
The officer located a steel line with the alligator still attached and a short time later spotted a truck with five occupants pulling into the location. As the truck began to leave, the officer stopped it and discovered an alligator in the bed of the vehicle that had been shot, with the steel line still attached.
The five individuals were arrested and received multiple charges related to the illegal take of the alligator and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail. One of the individuals was able to provide valid identification and the remaining four were issued detainers by ICE.
The FWC takes wildlife violations very seriously and encourages the public to report them by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
On Aug. 9, at around 11:45 a.m., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Kevin Tarr and his K-9 partner, Rambo, responded to a call regarding a missing diabetic man in the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area in Palm Beach County.
Within 15 minutes, the team located the man’s vehicle along the Miami Canal east levee. K-9 Rambo sniffed the driver’s side door handle, then Officer Tarr led him to the wood line and gave the command to track. After about 30 yards, Rambo pulled hard into the woods, navigating through thick brush for approximately 200 yards. Officer Tarr began calling the missing man’s name and received a reply.
Rambo continued tracking for another 200 yards before locating the man at approximately 12:37 p.m. After a brief health assessment, the man was escorted safely out of the woods and reunited with his family at his vehicle.
Media Contacts
While on joint patrol with Customs & Border Protection Air and Marine Operations on Aug. 5 in the Fort Pierce Inlet (St. Lucie County), Special Operations Group Officers Leon and Morgan conducted a vessel stop and resource inspection on a boat returning from the Bahamas.
During the inspection, Officer Morgan discovered multiple bags containing 12 wrung spiny lobster tails and queen conch meat.
The vessel operator was issued two misdemeanor citations: one for the prohibited harvest of queen conch, and another for possession of wrung spiny lobster tails. The evidence was photographed and returned to the water.
On July 15, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers stood in proud support at the official opening of the Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir, a key milestone in Florida’s ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. The 10,000-acre reservoir, located in Hendry County, will play a critical role in improving water quality, protecting coastal ecosystems, and expanding the state’s water storage capacity. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attended the event, where FWC officers provided security and reinforced the agency’s commitment to conservation and public safety.
On July 16, a stranded adult loggerhead sea turtle was successfully rescued in Martin County, thanks to the quick action of a good Samaritan, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer, and Martin County Fire Rescue (MCFR).
While taking sunrise photos on the beach, a photographer spotted a large sea turtle wedged among the rocks near the shoreline and called FWC for help. Upon arrival, FWC Officer Kris Landers requested assistance from Martin County Fire Rescue to move the approximately 300-pound female loggerhead. Working together, Officer Landers and MCFR personnel carefully lifted the sea turtle out of the rocks. Once freed, the turtle made her way back to the ocean unharmed.
Resources
- If you see an injured or distressed sea turtle, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
- For more information about sea turtles, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.
On July 6, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers patrolling near the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County observed a vessel on plane operating within 50 yards of another vessel displaying divers-down flags. Vessels must operate at slow speed with minimum wake when within 100 yards of a divers-down flag, as required by Florida law.
Officers conducted a vessel stop, and observing spearguns and wetsuits on board, asked the four individuals if they caught any fish. The group denied having any fish but officers noticed blood on the deck and on one of the wetsuits. After further questioning, they eventually revealed speared fish hidden in the vessel’s live well.
The officers recovered five speared snook and one schoolmaster snapper. The snapper was undersized and the snook were outside the legal slot limit. Snook is currently out of season and may only be harvested using hook and line.
“These rules exist to protect our fisheries and keep them healthy,” said FWC Captain Austin Warne. “When ignored, it puts long-term sustainability at risk and reduces opportunities for future generations.”
With assistance from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office marine units, the four individuals were arrested and charged with several misdemeanors and infractions. They were transported to jail without incident.
Find more information about snook regulations and snapper regulations.
The public is encouraged to report boating violations by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
For more regional and statewide FWC news visit: MyFWC.com/LENews
On June 17, contractors installed new signs to mark a boating restricted area in a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway known as Jupiter Narrows in Palm Beach County. The markers are positioned approximately 100 feet outside the east and west sides of the channel, in front of Coral Cove Park, about 700 feet north of marker 59.
In February, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) established this year-round slow speed, minimum wake zone to enhance public safety in an area known for high vessel traffic and congestion. The restricted zone begins at Cato’s Bridge and extends approximately 2,225 feet north.
FWC officers patrolling the area will prioritize educating boaters during the initial phase of the new zone.
A vessel traffic study was conducted to assess waterway usage and vessel traffic within Jupiter Narrows. The study, which took place from May 23 to June 5, 2024, used shore-based stationary and drone video analysis over 14 consecutive days. Following the study, FWC Boating and Waterways staff held one in-person public meeting on Nov. 19, in Tequesta and another virtual public meeting on Dec. 17, to discuss the proposed rule change (68D-24.017) establishing the boating restricted area.
The study found that Jupiter Narrows experiences significant vessel congestion, with a mix of users including paddleboarders, kayakers, personal watercraft, motorized vessels of various sizes and swimmers from Coral Cove Park. At low tide, the already narrow waterway becomes even more constricted, forcing all users into closer proximity with high-speed motorized traffic.
To support public awareness and provide further context about the new zone, the FWC is offering limited ride-along opportunities for media to capture footage of the area and learn more about ongoing education and enforcement efforts.
To request a media ride-along, email Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
Find information about waterway management.
On June 16 at approximately 2 p.m., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers responded to a call from the Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD) regarding a missing person in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) also responded.
The individual was reported missing to BBPD on June 10. On June 14, GPS coordinates linked to the man's vehicle placed it within the WMA.
PBSO Air Support located the vehicle and the individual on a nearby trail. Moments later, FWC officers located the man and transported him to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, who then took him to a local hospital for treatment.
Media Contacts
On Sunday, June 1, officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), responded to a report of a downed single-engine Cessna Skyhawk aircraft in coastal waters near Blind Creek Beach, near the St. Lucie-Martin County line. Three individuals were reported to be on board at the time of the incident.
While en route, FWC officers received confirmation that a USCG helicopter had located two individuals in the water. FWC officers navigated to the scene and successfully rescued the pair. The USCG recovered the third individual shortly afterward.
Indian River Fire Rescue was on scene to provide medical assistance. All three individuals were transported to USCG Station Fort Pierce for further evaluation. They were reported to be in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the appropriate aviation authorities.
See the body camera video.
Media Contacts
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proudly announces that Senior Officers Jeremy Foell and Jason Richards have been awarded the 2024 Gulf Council Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for their outstanding service and dedication to protecting marine resources.
Based in Key West, Officers Foell and Richards operate the offshore patrol vessel Trident, routinely patrolling some of the region's most remote and environmentally sensitive waters. In 2024, the Trident team logged over 334 patrol hours, significantly exceeding annual operational expectations.
Their exceptional enforcement efforts led to several high-profile federal fisheries cases, including:
· The seizure of more than 330 illegally harvested snapper and out-of-season lobster and crab from a commercial vessel operating near Dry Tortugas National Park.
· Critical support of NOAA’s Turtle Excluder Device Operational Plan, identifying six major violations that posed direct threats to sea turtle populations.
· The documentation of illegal fishing activities within protected Ecological Reserves helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of vital reef ecosystems.
The Council’s Team/Officer of the Year award acknowledges service above and beyond duty requirements and recognizes distinguished service, professionalism and dedication to enforcing federal fishing regulations in the Gulf of America. Nominees may be submitted from each of the five Gulf State Law Enforcement agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA Fisheries’ Office for Law Enforcement.
Pictured left to right: FWC Marine Fisheries Management Division Director Jessica McCawley; Senior Officer Jeremy Foell; Senior Officer Jason Richards; and FWC MFM Section Leader Dr. C.J. Sweetman.
“We are extremely proud of Officers Foell and Richards for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to conserving Florida’s marine life,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Their work represents the very best of what it means to serve and protect our natural resources.”
Media Contacts
May 6, 2025, press briefing about the fatal wildlife attack involving a bear near Jerome in Collier County. The incident occurred Monday, May 5, in the early morning hours in the area of State Road 29 and U.S. 41, just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
View press briefing
While on patrol in St. Lucie County on March 16, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer observed an individual in possession of a lobster while snorkeling and spearfishing in the mangroves. The officer approached the individual to conduct a resource inspection and instructed him not to discard any items. The individual failed to comply or to provide positive identification. He was found in possession of a speared, undersized lobster and snook.
As a result, the man, later identified as Maynor Vasquez-Villeda (DOB 02/23/1992), was arrested for interference with an FWC officer, possession of undersized snook and lobster, and illegal harvesting methods of snook and lobster. He was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail, where jail staff contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which requested a detainer be placed on the subject.
The FWC takes wildlife violations very seriously and encourages the public to report them by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
On Feb. 26, 2025, following a yearlong investigation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested Jorge L. Alfonso (DOB 05/26/1987) of Homestead on charges related to the illegal sale and trade of species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Poachers use elaborate traps, often suspended in trees or hidden in tall grasses, to capture these birds, which are then illegally sold — sometimes to unsuspecting buyers. These actions violate federal law, which protects migratory birds from unlawful capture, trade and harm.
“We are proud of our officers' dedication in bringing this investigation to completion and shutting down another operation in the illegal bird trade,” said FWC Maj. Alberto Maza, South B Regional Commander. “We are especially grateful that all the birds were safely released back into their natural habitat. It’s important for the public to know that possessing a migratory songbird is illegal. If you see or have knowledge of someone trapping or selling these birds, please report it.”
In total, 57 migratory birds — including painted and indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and cardinals — were rescued and released back into the wild. Officers also seized an aviary and 11 cages.
The public can report suspected wildlife violations by calling FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
See photos related to this case.
See the video about this case.
On March 8, during a joint patrol as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, near Whale Harbor Bridge in Monroe County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Highway Patrol observed two divers in the water with spearguns and without a visible dive flag.
As officers approached, they spotted a large tarpon struggling in the water nearby. One diver complied with the officers' commands to stop for a resource inspection, while the other ignored them and attempted to swim away. When officers tried to apprehend the fleeing diver, the initially cooperative diver attempted to escape on foot. FWC officers pursued the diver in the water, while FHP officers pursued the diver on land.
FWC officers successfully apprehended the diver in the water, identified as Yosbel Salazar Hernandes (DOB 6/30/84). Unable to locate any records for Hernandes, officers contacted Customs and Border Protection, who took him into custody. The second suspect remains unidentified and is still at large. He was last seen leaving Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill Restaurant in Islamorada heading southbound in a brown Ford F-150 truck.
At the scene, officers recovered two speared tarpon and an undersize speared snook. A warrant has been issued for the violations.
Anyone with information regarding the unidentified suspect is encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Media contacts:
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
For immediate release: March 4, 2025
On March 1, FWC officers responded to a hit-and-run vessel accident in Broward County. Preliminary information indicates an adult male was diving at approximately 3:05 p.m., two miles offshore of Ft. Lauderdale Beach, when he was struck by a vessel. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The striking vessel is described as a white cabin motorboat with a black stripe. It has no outboard motors and is 30 to 40 feet long. It was last seen heading northbound with two occupants on board.
FWC officers are actively investigating this incident; they are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have video footage or information to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Media Contacts
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
On Feb. 27, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, assisted by Lantana and Malapan police officers, worked to rescue and release a 14-foot smalltooth sawfish trapped in a net secured to a bridge. Acting quickly, they carefully freed the sawfish, collected a sample for Fish and Wildlife Research biologists and released the animal back into the water unharmed – all within minutes. There is no evidence to suggest this sawfish exhibited abnormal (spinning) behavior as was seen in the Keys last year.
The smalltooth sawfish population has been reduced to a small section of Florida’s southern coast and has been federally listed as endangered; their core range in the U.S. used to extend from North Carolina to Texas.
“Every specimen of this endangered species is vital to its genetic diversity, said Maj. Mike Davis, South A Regional Commander. “I am grateful our officers were able to return this one to its habitat safely.”
Please report sawfish sightings by email or telephone:
- Sawfish@MyFWC.com
- 844-472-9347(1-844-4SAWFISH)
For More Information
- See the sawfish rescue and release video.
- Read the news alert.
- Learn more about sawfish.
- Visit Wildlife Alert to learn how to report wildlife in distress or wildlife, fishing and boating violations.
FWC Officer George Reynaud responded to reports of a person at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park throwing rocks at a federally protected great white heron. The investigation revealed the individual was fishing and became angry when the bird ate his bait. In a cruel act, he threw rocks at the heron, severely injuring it. The subject admitted to the crime and was arrested and taken to jail. The injured heron is in the care of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where experts are working to rehabilitate it. Learn more and report fish, wildlife and boating violations at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
See the video about this case.
FWC Officer Catches Fishing Violations in Big Cypress
While patrolling I-75 in Big Cypress, FWC Officer Chase Pruett observed an adult and two youths exiting a hole in a fence, carrying fishing rods and a stringer loaded with various bass species.
Upon conducting a resource inspection, Officer Pruett discovered the group possessed 20 Florida bass—exceeding the legal bag limit by five, including two fish over the 16-inch size limit. Additionally, they had 25 butterfly peacock bass, surpassing the bag limit by 19.
The adult was issued a notice to appear for the violations. FWC reminds anglers to familiarize themselves with fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of the resource.
Community Outreach
For the past two years, Broward County FWC officers, under the leadership of FWC Evidence Custodian Lt. Lindsay McDonald, have been making a meaningful impact at the Flamingo Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary. The team has donated hundreds of pounds of seized deceased aquatic wildlife—fish, shrimp, and lobster—providing essential nourishment for the sanctuary’s animals. This initiative benefits the animals and reduces food waste, reinforcing FWC’s commitment to responsible conservation practices.
“Recently some birds of prey at the sanctuary refused to eat the food offered to them,” said FWC Broward County Capt. Jeffery Hart, “However, when they were served donated snapper, they ate it!”
Each donation is carefully handled, stored, and transported to ensure the highest level of care and safety for the animals. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in conservation, supporting the welfare of captive wildlife while promoting sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
See more photos related to this donation effort.
Officers Lonnie Brevik and Trace Meding along with other staff from the South Regional Office represented the FWC at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office’s Building Bridges with Law Enforcement event in Wellington. This multi-agency, family-friendly gathering focused on building positive connections with the community, particularly individuals with autism. FWC officers and staff engaged with attendees, sharing fishing and hunting regulations, answering questions, and showcasing specialized equipment—all while enjoying the many smiling faces!
Officers Lonnie Brevik and Trace Meding had the privilege of visiting the Tequesta Police Department in Palm Beach County to speak with the department’s Police Explorers. They shared insights into their daily responsibilities as state conservation officers and provided an in-depth look at the rewarding career opportunities within FWC.
Lt. Joshua Davis, Inv. Jonathon Wright, PIO Tyson Matthews and Officers Jason Crosby and Patrick Masden represented FWC Law Enforcement at the Indian River State College Career Fair in Okeechobee. Through interactive patrol vessel and airboat explorations, as well as engaging drone and K-9 demonstrations, they provided students and attendees with a firsthand look at the diverse responsibilities of an FWC officer. Their participation helped educate and inspire those interested in a career dedicated to protecting Florida’s natural resources.
An FWC officer tells students how officers and specially trained K-9s support a range of law enforcement responsibilities including evidence recovery, article searches, human tracking, and resource detection.