More copper wire stolen from Fort Myers Beach streetlights as thieves strike again

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

More copper wire is being reported stolen from streetlights on Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach leaving some streetlights dark, according to the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

Not every streetlight down Estero Boulevard is turned on because the copper wiring stored underground is being stolen as the project to light up the road is still in progress.

The thefts and damage is prompting the Florida Power and Light company to work on repairs on some streetlights from Margaritaville to Town Hall.

Kody Kanas, visiting from Wisconsin, said, "If the lights don't work, it's darker for them to steal the wire, right? So it's kind of a revolving door."

Just as the town says the Fort Myers Beach streetlight project was almost complete, someone started cutting the lights out from under it.

Thomas Hoolihan from Fort Myers, said, "When they come in and steal it, it's not like they're going to immediately come back and put like the wiring in and everything like that. So it's definitely tough because you need the street lights at night especially."

The town reported that more copper wire was stolen from the streetlights after 15,000 feet of copper wiring was taken earlier this year as reported in February.

Seasonal residents like Tia Simpson expressed concern, saying, "Somebody doesn't care about the safety of people here to be doing something like that. I can't imagine why they would do that."

Locals and visitors are disappointed to hear about the ongoing thefts near Delmar Avenue, Chapel Street, Bahia Via, and by Margaritaville. Another seasonal resident said, "They are probably turning it in somewhere to make money. Unfortunately."

Workers were seen making repairs along Estero Boulevard Thursday. FPL contractors informed Lee County deputies last month that around $20,000 worth of wire was stolen, and it will cost an estimated $40,000 to repair.

Abigail Eberhart, Fort Myers Beach public information officer, said, "Copper wiring is very expensive. It's very important to get our roadways well lit, and also lit with turtle compliance now that we're going to be going into turtle nesting season."

The town stated that any coverage for the stolen materials and repairs would fall under the contractor’s insurance, not taxpayers.

"There are thieves that just don't want to see that project advance. They continue to steal our copper wiring. And the contractor is doing their best to keep up with the theft and continue to put the copper wiring in to try and get this lighting project underway. But obviously they're just having, you know, some impediments," said Eberhart.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said thieves steal and resell the copper, but deputies are still working to identify those responsible. An arrest has not been made as the town is warning the public to stay vigilant.

Despite the losses, FPL said restoration isn't slowing down, with crews working to bring the island back to light after sunset.

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