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
News and Updates
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 downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
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
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 texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and details of the violation.
See photos related to this case.
See the video about this case.
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.