Police promise to patrol Fort Myers ‘problem park’

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Jefferson Park off of US-41 is a hotbed for underage sex and drug use, if you let neighbors tell it.

Dozens of residents attended a meeting at the park with police and city leaders on Wednesday to address what neighbors have called a growing safety issue.

“I would like to say that I feel safe to bring my kids here. I mean, this is my neighborhood and I love my neighbors but after dark probably not,” said a concerned parent Jenn Robinson.

Neighbor blame local teens for introducing drugs and trashing the park.

“They smoke. They smoke weed. They trash the place every single day,” Tami Martin said. “People are feeling intimidated about bringing their little kids here because they’re constantly dominating the area.”

Residents told police and city leaders that they would like to see increased patrols and better equipment. Councilman Michael Flanders said action would be taken to address their concerns.

“This is one of our greatest parks,” he said. “You know, there’s a lot of residents in this area so we’ll be addressing it soon.”

Police also promised to do more and encouraged residents to set up accounts on a neighborhood watch app called Nextdoor.