Authorities seek help identifying bikers linked to damage at Lehigh Acres country club

Residents of the Ibis Landing Country Club in Lee County say trespassing bikers caused over $2,500 in damages to the private golf course and facilities less than a week ago.The bikers reportedly left tire marks on the fairways and greens with their electric bikes and clogged and vandalized the restroom facilities. Patty LaRose, a resident of Ibis Landing for over a year, said she has noticed an increase in trespassing bikers. "We've been noticing, like, an uptake in these kids, either electric bikes or little motorcycles. Coming around the course," LaRose said. She added, "You see the running through there, and they've been fishing. You see fishing poles on their backs. There's been two, three, four, different ones or same kids. And there's this zipping in and out the roads very quickly." Neighbors of the gated community said the incident occurred less than a week ago. The Lee County Sheriff's Office has set up a surveillance tower and signs warning trespassers that they are being watched. Anthony Suarez, another resident of the community, expressed his surprise at the incident. "I'm a little surprised to hear that there was vandalism in a gated community. So, it was kind of. It's kind of a little shocking, but what's the point of it being gated if people can still get in?" Suarez said. Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers posted video footage of the bikers on social media, asking the public to help identify those involved.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.