Community rallies around Fort Myers Beach ice cream shop after theft

FORT MYERS BEACH — Sweet Licks, a popular ice cream shop on Fort Myers Beach, was the target of a theft on Thursday, Jan. 22. According to the owner, 11 chairs and a table, valued at $1,275, were taken from the shop in Santini Plaza.

Adriana Maffei and her husband opened the shop in March of 2025 after falling in love with the island.

“I never thought something like this could happen here,” Maffei said. “Everyone is so wonderful in this community.”

Security cameras around Santini Plaza captured the theft in detail.

Footage shows a person in red shorts, a dark jacket, and a ball cap walking through the plaza at 11:01 p.m., returning at 11:27 p.m. with a cart, and rolling away with the chairs and table at 11:29 p.m.

A white van was seen driving by at 11:08 p.m., returning at 11:24 p.m., and leaving three minutes after the theft at 11:32 p.m.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to Sweet Licks on January 26 in reference to a past burglary.

While the thief hasn’t been caught, Maffei says the incident hasn’t overshadowed the generosity of the community. Neighbors and customers quickly rallied to help, raising the full amount to replace the stolen items.

“It’s such an overwhelming emotional feeling for us, and we’re so grateful to Fort Myers Beach, the community, the customers, Santini Plaza, and Beach Talk Radio,” Maffei said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing. The owner signed a desire to prosecute.