Copper wire theft disrupts Fort Myers Beach streetlight repairs

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.—A new concern is emerging on Fort Myers Beach along Estero Boulevard, where streetlights recently repaired after Hurricane Ian have been targeted by thieves.

Florida Power & Light (FPL) confirmed that copper wire has been stolen from some of the streetlights. 

The Lee County Sheriff's Office reported that workers installing streetlights informed deputies that wires had been cut from connection points between light poles along Estero Boulevard.

"Everybody wants to just come down here and have a good time, and we're just all here to be with our families," said Kelie Mathie, a visitor. "It just sucks that they just can't use their heads to just do the right thing."

The sheriff’s office report stated that the project manager estimated about 15,000 feet of copper wire has been taken from multiple locations, including Delmar Avenue, Chapel Street, Bahia Via, and Margaritaville. The wire is valued at approximately $20,000, and the cost to replace the wiring and repair the damage is estimated at about $40,000.

"I think it's terrible. What's this world come to? We don't need to be doing," said Danny Wish, a visitor.

"It's also dangerous, you know, you don't have any lights," said Michael Sanders, another visitor.

FPL assured that it has sufficient materials to complete the Fort Myers Beach streetlight project and that the project will not be delayed.

Fort Myers Beach officials urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity around streetlight infrastructure.