Speedo lawsuit
By
Tami Osborne, WINK News
Story Created:
May 8, 2008 at 5:21 PM EDT
Story Updated:
May 8, 2008 at 5:33 PM EDT
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - A Bonita Springs man is taking steps to file a civil suit against the Lee County Sheriff's Office after getting kicked off the beach for wearing a skimpy suit.
Bob Hezzelwood, better known as "Beach Bob" says he has been sitting just South of Bonita Beach in Collier County for years.
Beach Bob says that routine was broken up when a Lee County Sheriff's Deputy issued him a citation for trespassing because the deputy felt Bob's Speedo swimsuit crossed the line.
Hezzelwood says, "he said you're going to have to find another beach and wrote a trespass notice."
Other local beach goers told WINK News that they've never had a problem with Bob's Speedo.
"He was ticketed for wearing a speedo, which was evidently too visual for the police officer," Chip Parfet said. "As far as I'm concerned, I've seen bikinis that show a lot more."
Hazzelwood says besides the accusation that his suit was too revealing, he was also upset because he was actually in Collier County when the Lee County deputy issued the citation. Hezzelwood took the citation to court, and a judge sided with him and tossed out the case. Hezzelwood is happy about that, but now is planning to file a civil suit for change.
"I'd like to get the thing on my record expunged, I'd like to get the deputy disciplined, I'd like to see the ethics seminars or something in the Sheriff's Office, bigger emphasis on truthfulness by the deputies. It'd be nice to get a sign out here to indicate where the boundary actually is," Hezzelwood said.
Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott says he stands by his deputy's actions in this case.
He also told WINK News that he's accepted the judges ruling, and for him the case has been closed since then.
Thursday, May 15 at 8:34 AM Mary Oz wrote ...
What if Beach Bob said "Is That so?" and "This too shall pass" and put his energy into now? Reporter Tami has great energy!
Wednesday, May 14 at 7:44 PM sandtart wrote ...
Bob has every right to his speedo. I have every right not to look. Too much big brother and not enough liberty is the sad result of the last 8 years.
Wednesday, May 14 at 4:36 PM Ted_In_AR wrote ...
Bob...wear whatever you want to the beach!!!
Wednesday, May 14 at 1:05 PM John wrote ...
I think Bob has the right to wear his speedo if he choose's. Just because I choose not to does not give me the right to censer him in his choice! I have the right to either look away or choose another location to enjoy my stay at the beach!
Wednesday, May 14 at 10:38 AM For Freedom wrote ...
Go Beach Bob! This is supposed to be a free country and speedos are not indecent exposure. What a bully and a waste of tiem and tax dollars by the LCPD. And for all those who say they do not want to go to the beach and see that, how naive,prudish and selfish in thier own wants. Grow up, look else where if you don't like the view, or better yet, you have the freedom to go to another beach. There are alot of things i dislike, but i live with it. Free America-Thongs and speedos allowed!
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:38 AM BoatGuy wrote ...
Without a known standard, beach attire is like the U.S. Tax Code, and nobody really knows how much is too much, or what isn't enough. Good for Bob to push for a standard, somebody get Barney's bullets before he shoots somebody over a traffic infraction. I think that cops should have a better standard for deputies, and perhaps half a brain should be a requirement. You can start with learning to write tickets in your own district, for example.
Tuesday, May 13 at 5:34 PM Kayla wrote ...
I'm beginning to think police men get bored and go around looking for someone to yell at. If he wants to wear a speedo then let him, sheesh. Guys wear them all the time, you see them all over the place; and it isn't much different than the tiny bikinis some girls wear and we all know cops wouldn't yell at THEM for that. Go find some people who are actually doing something wrong to yell at. Way to go Beach Bob, you get back out there in that speedo and show off what you've got. :D
Tuesday, May 13 at 12:36 PM Richard wrote ...
Bob probably has a bigger package than the Lee Deputy that uses his badge and gun to make him a man.
Tuesday, May 13 at 12:27 PM TJ wrote ...
Good for you Beach Bob for feeling secure with yourself to wear a speedo at the beach. And for all you people that don't want to see an older man in a speedo, then hell, don't look at him it's as simply as that. People who judge other people need to be judged themselves. Just because some people are so Insecure with their own bodies doesn't give them the right to through shots at someone who is secure. It's called jealousy people.
Tuesday, May 13 at 4:38 AM Mark Fowlkes,,, Atlanta wrote ...
I am a long-time suppoter of police in their dangerous work, but every police agency in the US draws some really bad apples, bullies looking for an excuse. Lee county has one such in the officer who has bothered Beach Bob, and shame on him for doing so. Bob has the right to wear his bikini on the beach, his genitals and butt are covered, more than that, one can't ask of him. The niceties of "propriety" are met, completely, by Bob's bikini. Bob, go buy some MORE Speedos in, bright, loud colors!
Monday, May 12 at 4:49 PM Pat wrote ...
Heck, I don't want to see fat men and women on the beach. I only want to see 10's. I guess I won't be on the beach. Bring on the ankle lengthed burqa board shorts. Better yet, be free and wear a bikini or swim briefs. Freedom for America or freedom for the Beach-Taliban! You go, Bob!
Monday, May 12 at 3:18 PM ashley wrote ...
Beach Bob has always worn the speedo and always hung out in the same spot on the beach. It seems to me that if so many of us know about him and where he hangs out the LCPD would have known too and maybe they were looking for an issue. We love your speedo Bob... keep on wearing it!
Sunday, May 11 at 10:49 AM Alex Jenkins wrote ...
This is terrible. Anything the police can find to register anyone as a sex offender. It is getting worse. It seams all the police can do, is figure out ways to register people.
Friday, May 9 at 10:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...
i think speedos are gross. i dont want to see men wearing them and i dont think ladies should wear those thong bikini things either. me and some friends went to adventure island in tampa and some older guy was wearing a speedo thong thing! it was nasty!!! NOBODY wants to see that!
Friday, May 9 at 8:28 PM Steve wrote ...
Hey ForThe People next time don't call 911 but get some dude in a speedo.
Friday, May 9 at 6:26 PM BeachBum wrote ...
I sure don't want to see a couple of shriveled old coconuts next time I go to the beach. Just isn't right....
Friday, May 9 at 6:03 PM ForThe People wrote ...
Good for Beach Bob. These Lee COunty Deputies are looking more and more like "good old boys" from the deep south every day. What a waste of taxpayer's money. Go find some real criminals for once, you losers.
Friday, May 9 at 12:08 PM Nikki from Cape wrote ...
I have seen women in thongs on the beaches and I didn't want to see that but that is their right. Its legal. Beach Bob did not break a law by wearing a speedo and it should have anything to do with a ticket. The LCPD officer was in the wrong here. If the officer pulled over a woman ina low cut shirt would he give her a ticket for indesent exposure in public? I don't think so. I believe Beach Bob has a great case and I stand behind him. I have a daughter and I would take her to this beach anyways
Friday, May 9 at 11:11 AM Mort from Ohio wrote ...
My husband and I just had the opportunity to meet Beach Bob this Spring while at Bonita Beach. He was surrounded by friends. I didn't find his attire to be inappropriate.
Friday, May 9 at 8:17 AM Beach Bob wrote ...
Just to set the story straight, the deputy did not issue the trespass notice for my simply WEARING a speedo-style suit; he went beyond that and fabricated an allegation that amounted to indecent exposure as a basis for it, and then lied about both that and my location when he was deposed and in the actual hearing. Sheriff Scott and two of his IA sergeants both rebuffed my attempts to get them to do a proper investigation, which is the major (but not only) basis for my possible lawsuit.
Thursday, May 8 at 11:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...
im sorry but i disagree greatly. i dont wanna go to the beach and see a older man wearing a speedo its disgusting!!! NOONE wants to see that! i think he should get a ticket and speedos should be banned all together!
Thursday, May 8 at 11:35 PM Thomas Brewsaugh wrote ...
This case illistrates the double standerds we have in America, the officer most likely passed a large number of women in small swim suits with no problem just to decide this mans suit was to small. The last time I checked thong swim ware is still leagle on Lee County beachs and there is no distingtion as to the sex of the warer. This officer used his uniform to try and force his oppinion of proper beach ware on others. Were is our freedom of choise not very one wants to ware board short.
Thursday, May 8 at 11:18 PM Dianne wrote ...
I have known Beach Bob for many years and never had a problem with him or his attire at the beach while there with my children. I think it was an unfair act by the LCPD. And also feel that it should be expunged from his record. Its a joke. I have been known Bob for 10 years.. and now this?? Hes always worn a speedo.
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