FWC Division of Law Enforcement Southwest Region
Southwest Region
The 12 counties in the Southwest Region vary from densely populated urban areas to expansive inland rural areas and beautiful beaches that attract many visitors each year. The region encompasses over 30 wildlife management areas and a vast Intracoastal Waterway system between the barrier islands and the coastal counties. Along with numerous state parks, preserves and water management district lands, this region encompasses the Port of Tampa, one of the busiest in the nation.
Contact Information
Phone:
863-648-3200
Address:
Regional Office
3900 Drane Field Road
Lakeland, FL 33811
News and Updates
A successful mangrove restoration event was organized by the Charlotte County chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) with support from the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Preserve Program, Charlotte County, and the Florida Public Archaeology Network.
Together, the team planted 362 red, black, and white mangroves on a local key, contributing to the recovery of critical coastal habitat impacted by recent hurricanes. The project not only enhances shoreline resilience but also provides essential habitat for Florida’s wading birds.
This effort is a great example of teamwork, showing how state agencies and local partners can work together to advance conservation goals and protect Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
On May 6 at approximately 4:02 p.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a reported alligator incident near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee in Polk County.
Preliminary information indicates that a woman was canoeing with her husband when they encountered an alligator, causing both individuals to fall into the water. An 11-foot, 4-inch alligator bit the woman and pulled her underwater. The woman, Cynthia Diekema (DOB 04/12/1964) of Davenport, was later found deceased and recovered from the water.
FWC officers, along with local emergency personnel including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, were on the scene. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper also arrived, removed the alligator from the water, and dispatched it. FWC officers and the trapper will remain in the area to ensure public safety.
The incident remains under investigation, and no additional details are available at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
See the press conference regarding this incident.
The FWC works to keep Floridians and visitors informed and recommends the following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators:
- Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) team recently conducted a series of commercial fishery inspections on shrimp boats operating in Tampa Bay. As a result, they issued seven warnings and six federal citations for various violations.
These proactive inspections are part of the OPV team's continued commitment to protecting Florida’s marine resources, even as they await the arrival of a new heavy endurance vessel to enhance their offshore capabilities.
In addition to enforcement efforts, the OPV team is crucially involved in mentoring area patrol officers. By sharing their hard-earned experience and specialized knowledge, the team is helping to develop the next generation of OPV officers and strengthen the FWC’s statewide commercial enforcement presence.
See more commercial fishery inspection photos.
Southwest Region Special Operations Group (SOG) Officers Justin Price and Thomas Georgevich recently completed the intensive SOG Basic School, a rigorous training program designed to prepare FWC officers for high-risk tactical operations.
The training curriculum covered essential tactical skills, including advanced firearms training, close quarters battle, man tracking, tactical combat casualty care, and woodland patrol operations. Throughout the course, Officers Price and Georgevich demonstrated outstanding commitment, skill and teamwork, all hallmarks of the SOG mission.
These efforts were quickly put to the test. On April 17, 2025, both officers responded to a real-world active shooter incident at the Florida State University (FSU) campus. Deploying alongside other tactical units, Officers Price and Georgevich assisted in the search and securing of campus facilities, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and first responders.
Their swift response and effective execution under pressure reflect the high standards expected of all SOG members and the unwavering dedication of FWC specialty teams to public safety—in Florida’s diverse outdoor environments and its urban centers.
See the FWC video statement from Major Evan Laskowski regarding this incident.
On April 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a serious boating accident near Memorial Causeway in Clearwater, Pinellas County.
Preliminary information indicates that a 37-foot recreational vessel, with approximately six persons aboard, collided with the stern of a 40-foot commercial passenger vessel, carrying 44 individuals. The collision resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality.
Following the collision, the recreational vessel departed the scene and traveled to Belleair Boat Ramp. FWC personnel, with assistance from the Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard, responded swiftly to render aid, secure the scene, and initiate a multi-location investigation. Injured individuals were triaged at Seminole Boat Ramp and transported to various local hospitals for treatment. No additional fatalities have been reported at this time. Both vessels involved have been secured as evidence.
FWC Critical Incident personnel will continue canvassing the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses. Follow-up interviews with passengers and witnesses are planned as part of the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the United States Coast Guard is conducting a concurrent investigation into the commercial passenger vessel.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, as well as to all those injured and impacted by this tragic incident.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
On April 13, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, in coordination with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), successfully located and rescued a missing nursing home resident during a joint search-and-rescue mission in Poinciana.
The elderly man was last seen entering a dense, wooded area near a local nursing facility on the evening of April 12. FWC officers were called early Sunday morning to assist with the challenging search, which took place in swampy, uneven terrain with no visible paths.
FWC and PCSO deployed various search tools, including drones, K-9 units and aviation resources. Despite initial tracking efforts yielding few leads, officers followed a nearby creek, called out the man’s name and were relieved to hear a response. Moments later, the man stood up just 25 yards from their location.
FWC and PCSO teams quickly coordinated to reach the man through thick brush, using chainsaws and machetes to cut a path. After a brief on-site medical evaluation, he was escorted to awaiting EMS personnel for transport to a hospital.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and teamwork our officers demonstrated alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,” said Maj. Evan Laskowski, FWC Southwest Regional Commander. “This operation highlights how swift, coordinated action in tough conditions can lead to life-saving results.”
On April 12, a Pinellas Park man was cited for the illegal shooting of a protected great blue heron.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers responded to a report that someone shot a great blue heron in a residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers located the deceased heron along with a deceased mallard duck in the yard of Joseph Griffin White (DOB 7/25/82).
White admitted to shooting the heron with a pellet rifle to deter shorebirds and ducks from gathering near his pool. He was issued a notice to appear for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The FWC reminds the public that great blue herons and other native migratory birds are federally protected, and it is unlawful to harm or kill them. Anyone with information about wildlife violations is encouraged to contact FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at call: 888-404-FWCC (3922) or visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
After an extensive 2-day investigation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers cited a vessel operator for reckless boating on the Hillsborough River near the University of Tampa.
An FWC officer responded to reports of a reckless boater and worked closely with a local vessel rental company. The officer gathered multiple witness statements and reviewed video evidence of the dangerous vessel operation. The investigation led to the operator's identification, interview and citation for reckless vessel operation.
The FWC remains committed to ensuring the safety of Florida’s waterways. Boaters are urged to follow the rules, respect wildlife and prioritize the safety of others on the water.
To report reckless boating, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. For more information on boating regulations and safety, visit MyFWC.com/Boating.
See video of reckless boating on the Hillsborough River.
While patrolling Manatee County, FWC Officer Specialist Ryan Miller observed an individual wading in the water with a cast net and bucket near Frog Creek in the Terra Ceia Preserve.
Officer Miller conducted a resource inspection and discovered the individual was in possession of 10 snook—exceeding the legal bag limit by nine. All the snook were undersized, measuring less than the 28-inch minimum legal length and had been harvested using a cast net, which is a prohibited method.
The individual was issued a notice to appear for the violations and received a warning for not possessing the required snook permit.
Fishing, wildlife or boating violations can be reported anonymously to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program.
FWC Lieutenant Alberto Canamero and Officers David Moschiano, Orie Padgett, Miros Petru, Damon Pulaski, Michael Scinta, and Matthew Swindell conducted a target enforcement action (TEA) in Hernando County to ensure compliance with commercial shrimp fishing and vessel safety regulations and the sustainability of commercial shrimp fishing operations.
This operation underscores FWC’s vital role in promoting sustainable fishing practices. Collaboration between FWC, commercial anglers, and environmental organizations is essential as the shrimp fishing industry continues to evolve. By working together, these partners can help safeguard Florida’s fish and wildlife resources for future generations.
During the TEA, officers conducted educational outreach with fishing vessel operators and issued eight warnings and two citations.
As spring break brings increased vessel traffic, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) conducted proactive patrols at Redfish Point and Shell Point in Lee County. These areas, where manatee speed zones were recently reposted after Hurricane Ian, were a focus for educating boaters to ensure safe navigation and protect local wildlife in the Caloosahatchee River.
During the weekend of March 7-9, FWC officers interacted with more than 350 boaters, issuing 95 written warnings and 27 boating citations, primarily for speed violations in designated slow speed manatee zones.
While on patrol in the area, FWC officers were also the first to respond to an overturned commercial barge, ensuring all occupants were accounted for. Additionally, officers assisted with a second boating incident at a local marina, which resulted in vessel damage and minor injuries to the operator.
Beyond spring break patrols, officers aided in the rescue of two injured animals, a loggerhead sea turtle and a least tern, transporting them to appropriate wildlife rehabilitators for proper care.
The number of violations observed underscored the importance of patrol efforts in reinforcing the reposted speed zones and reminding the community about safe boating. The FWC will continue working with local and state partners to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all residents and visitors enjoying Florida’s waterways.
For a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, familiarize yourself with vessel safety requirements by visiting MyFWC.com/SafeBoating.
To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922) or visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
Media Contacts:
- Hailee Seely, Hailee.Seely@MyFWC.com
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
FWC Officers Kelly Zenoniani, Nicholas Ridgway, Ryan Hopper and Daniel Edge responded to a report of a distressed sea turtle near North Captiva Island in Lee County. The officers successfully rescued the turtle and transported it to shore, where it was relocated to a rehabilitation center for evaluation.
FWC officers William Bell and Tyler Faught responded to a report of a distressed pelican near Boca Grande Pass in Lee County. Upon arrival, they found a brown pelican entangled in fishing line. The officers successfully captured the bird, carefully removed the fishing line and hooks, and assessed it for injuries. After ensuring the pelican was unharmed, they safely released it back into its natural habitat.
Learn about the consequences of monofilament line left in the environment and how the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program encourages recycling through a network of line recycling bins and drop-off locations. Visit MyFWC.com/StashtheTrash and click on Recyle Monofilament Line.
Community Outreach
On April 5, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers engaged with participants at the 30th Annual Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby in Polk County. Held at the Derby Lake Recreational Facility, the event brought together young anglers and their families for a memorable day of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and fishing.
FWC officers answered questions, shared tips, and provided an opportunity for kids to see an alligator and learn about alligator behavior and conservation.
Derby Lake is a 16-acre former phosphate pit stocked with freshwater gamefish. The lake features seven fishing piers and a 200-foot boardwalk that are accessible for anglers of all abilities.
In addition to fishing, young participants enjoyed a casting contest, interactive wildlife exhibits, and other outdoor activities. Thanks to generous support from Publix Super Markets and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, attendees were treated to a complimentary lunch. Free bait and a limited supply of loaner rods and reels were also available for youth ages 15 and under.
The Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby continues to be a popular event, helping inspire the next generation of anglers and conservationists through fun, family-friendly experiences in nature.
FWC law enforcement officers helped staff the Red Barn, an FWC exhibit at the Florida State Fair that showcases live animals, sportfish and agency equipment. FWC officers were onsite during the 12-day State Fair, engaging with visitors answering questions, and sharing insights about Florida’s natural resources and conservation efforts. This annual event draws nearly 400,000 attendees and offers hundreds of vendors and exhibits.
FWC officers connected with participants at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival and parade. This event, which is hosted in Hillsborough County, draws crowds from across the state. FWC officers and staff at the event shared information about FWC conservation efforts, showcased specialized equipment and helped celebrate Florida’s rich agricultural and natural heritage.
FWC Officer Specialist Art Morrow participated in the CUB Crawl event, hosted by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, where he engaged with over 250 children in a fun and educational setting. The event focused on teaching kids about Florida’s native wildlife and ways to share the environment with them responsibly. Officer Specialist Morrow brought a small alligator, providing a hands-on learning experience that captivated attendees. Through interactive discussions, he educated families about wildlife conservation and showcased the vital work FWC does to conserve and protect Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.
Officer William Bell shared his knowledge about wildlife conservation and his work with FWC to conserve and protect Florida’s fish and wildlife resources with the students at Hancock Elementary School in North Captiva Island. He shared educational materials and provided hands-on experiences featuring several animals, including a small alligator.
Safe Boating Tips from FWC Officers
Florida is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World” and leads the nation with over a million registered vessels across the state. FWC officers provide safe boating tips in the videos below.
Safe Boating Webpage