FWC Division of Law Enforcement South "B" Region
South Region B
The South “B” Region is a busy area that includes Broward and Monroe counties as well as Miami-Dade, the most populous county in Florida and the seventh most populous county in the United States. The region also includes Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves. Major recreational opportunities throughout the region focus on fresh and saltwater fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, spearfishing and many types of boating. Commercial fishing, including spiny lobster and the stone crab harvest, are big business in the area as are charter boat operations.
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 infomation 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
- Media contact: Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
Officers Miguel Despian, Henry Martinez, Ricky Veiga, and Kasia Williams teamed up with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office, the National Park Service, and the Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resource Management for a beach cleanup along Elliott Key's oceanside. Their efforts contributed to preserving the natural beauty of Miami-Dade County’s coastal resources. Thank you to all the officers and staff who participated in this important environmental initiative!
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.
Wild in the City Outreach Event in Ft. Lauderdale
FWC officers in Broward County held their inaugural “Wild in the City” community outreach event Feb. 28 at Esplanade Park in Ft. Lauderdale. FWC officers were joined by their partners from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Participants had opportunities to learn about animals they may not typically encounter. FWC officers also shared information about their role in conservation law enforcement. A special thanks to RiverWalk Broward and Irie Fauna for helping to make this fun event a success!