The Best Western Plus, located on the south end of Estero Boulevard, has been closed since Hurricane Ian hit in 2022 and remains under construction, with an opening date soon expected.
However, on Tuesday, a homeless man was able to pry open a locked door and spend the night inside one of the hotel’s rooms.
The hotel remains off-limits to the public, but somehow, the suspect, later identified as Jason Jocque, made his way onto the second floor and was discovered by construction workers the following morning.
The situation went unnoticed until Wednesday, when the construction crew arrived for work.
To their surprise, they found Jocque shaving his face in the hotel’s sink, clad only in his underwear. When confronted, Jocque claimed to be "Zeus" and told workers that he had been sent by the FBI. Deputies later confirmed he was not, in fact, "Zeus," but rather, Jason Jocque.
Neighbors in the area expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety in a community largely dependent on tourism.
"I feel empathy for the homeless," said David Reber, a nearby resident. "But we don't want to be subject to those issues on the beach or where we live. We’d rather him be somewhere safe and appropriate." His wife, Sasha Reber, shared a similar sentiment: "It's a really sad situation, but we need to keep it safe for everyone. Tourism is vital here."
Beyond simply staying in the room, Jocque took it a step further, vandalizing the property. Deputies report that he defaced the mirrors and TV with graffiti, drawing stars and circles in permanent marker. He also left an unpleasant surprise in the bathroom — along with what can only be described as a “masterpiece” on a towel.
"It's heartbreaking," said Sasha Reber. "We need to provide support to people in these situations, but we also need safety and security for everyone, especially with families in the area."
Deputies arrested Jocque nearby at Lynn Hall Park. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lee County Jail.