Mike Welch

The damage and danger caused by ATV drivers on property owned by the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District was addressed at the board’s monthly meeting.

On May 15, Board Chair Mike Welch explained that he regularly observes damage to the canals and other properties that the district maintains, which has been caused by ATVs. He said, however, his real concern is the safety hazard that ATVs pose to children when they ride the machines on district land.

“I see dozens of ATVs riding around in areas of Lehigh Acres – particularly when they have toddlers on the back held on by barely a strap – on the banks of our canal system and tearing up our grass,” Welch said. “Watching these kids strapped to the back of an ATV – it’s a tragedy waiting to happen.”

“I don’t think any of (the commissioners) want to see a kid killed,” he added.

Welch pointed out that the district could face legal action if an accident occurred on its property.

In an effort to address the damage caused by ATVs and curb their use on district land, LA-MSID District Manager David Lindsay explained that he has been meeting with officials at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to discuss increasing enforcement of trespassing and vandalism laws on the land.

He noted that district employees currently attempt to warn ATV drivers to stay off of the property, but the warnings are often ignored because there is a lack of law enforcement and legal repercussions.

“They know right now we can’t enforce, so they look at us and laugh,” Lindsay said.

“They run from the sheriffs and the sheriffs have a no-chase policy,” he added.

According to officials, the LCSO’s no-chase policy mainly stems from a deputy’s inability to pursue an ATV driver into the canals or wooded areas in a law enforcement vehicle if the driver flees the area.

Welch said one option being considered is purchasing ATVs for the LCSO deputies, so they would be able to more effectively pursue violators. The cost of the ATVS would be paid for by the LA-MSID.

Lindsay intends to increase signage and raise public awareness about the issue by letting residents know that operating an ATV on district land violates the law and can have serious consequences. He said it is his hope that the actions, coupled with visible enforcement by the LCSO, will be enough.

“Hopefully, that will get the message out,” Lindsay said. “That’s what we’re looking for.”

The LA-MSID Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at the meeting to have Lindsay continue working with the LCSO on enforcement and return with an estimated cost for the board’s options.

The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District will hold its next meeting on June 19 at 6 p.m. at the LA-MSID, at 601 East County Lane.

For information, visit the LA-MSID?website online at: www.myecwcd.net/.