Gov. Scott vows to help combat Fort Myers gun violence

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Governor Rick Scott pledged to help stop gun violence in Fort Myers during a closed door meeting with Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, and Fort Myers Interim Police Chief Dennis Eads.

“We talked about several things. We talked about crime, we talked about ideas in coming together, how to reduce it and combat it,” said Chief Eads.

The governor arrived in Southwest Florida Thursday to show support for local enforcement following last week’s multiple shootings in which seven people were shot in just seven hours.

“It’s been impressive the way senior officials in Florida and Washington are coalescing around this opportunity to support law enforcement, to give a show of commitment to getting this solved and I’m very encouraged about that,” said Mayor Henderson.

The mayor previously announced plans for a task force to help combat the community violence which he says will begin meeting next week.

Joint patrols have also begun between Fort Myers police and Lee County deputies.

“The governor understands that our community need not be defined by criminals, and we need these streets on our side, in our corner,” said Sheriff Scott.

Scott says the sheriff’s office and FMPD have also been in contact with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but he’s confident in their new tactic to join forces, explaining a big arrest made Thursday.

Scott says deputies and officers working together arrested gang member Jonathan Griffin, 20.

“An individual had a stolen gun out of Cape Coral. He’s a documented gang member with the Lake Boyz and he’s in our jail right now. This is one of many examples to come, where we will continue to go ‘night night, termite,” said Sheriff Scott.