Abandoned boat in Lehigh Acres removed by Solid Waste

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.--An abandoned boat that had been causing concern for neighbors in Lehigh Acres was picked up by solid waste services and is on its way to the landfill.

Residents reported the boat on Monday, located at West 6th St. and Henry. Neighbors worried about the safety of children who might play on it. With the boat now removed, the focus has shifted to understanding how it ended up there in the first place.

Lehigh Acres neighbors concerned over boats dumped on roads

Two boats were mysteriously dumped just streets apart in Lehigh Acres, leaving neighbors puzzled and concerned. Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office say they are working with county officials to address the dumped boats.

Another boat was reported first, on Friday at Palmetto St. and West 18th St. The boat was quickly removed because it was partially blocking the road. The sheriff's office confirmed that the boat found on Palmetto St. was not reported as stolen before being abandoned.

Illegal dumping is not uncommon in Lehigh Acres. Neighbors often find trash, tires, and other discarded materials on side streets and corners.

Ron Jenkinson, a local resident, often goes out with his family to pick up trash in the area. However, he finds larger items, like boats, beyond his control.

"I think if people want to get rid of construction trash or just anything, it's easier for them to pull up in the middle of the night and in a section of wooded area and just dump it. It's easier than taking it to the dump or whatever," said Jenkinson.

The sheriff's office is investigating how the boat on Henry St. ended up on the side of the road. They continue to seek answers, and WINK News will provide updates as more information becomes available.