Lee County vaccination sites hit capacity on day 2 well before first shot given

In Lee County, hundreds of people lined up again overnight for their shots on Tuesday, with the situation turning hostile at times.

All three sites — one each in Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers  — were at capacity before the clinics were set to open at 9 a.m.

Lee County

BONITA SPRINGS

In Bonita Springs, people who waited in the early morning lines called it “mayhem,” with people pushing and shoving, but deputies got it under control fairly quickly.

People in line were given a red ticket with a number on it, which meant they were going to get the vaccine. Then, some people got a half ticket, which meant they were on standby to get the vaccine if enough were left. There were 800 doses available, officials said.

Everyone in the line had a story about why they wanted the shot. To them, it means freedom.

Some people tried to get the vaccine Monday at the Estero site, but were turned away and got in line in Bonita Springs early Tuesday. They came prepared with blankets, chairs, water, and some even brought games to play.

Initially, Lee County said there would be 400 shots at each location, but the numbers are fluid and changing.

FORT MYERS

People were already lining up Monday evening at the S.T.A.R.S. Complex in Fort Myers.

The county is advising people not to camp out, but it isn’t stopping anyone from doing so.

The crowds were calm and cooperative, as they waited for the shots to begin.

“It’s just unreal how they did it. It was perfect. Everything was they told what was going on, how long it was going to be,” said Tom Lauzon of Cape Coral. “They had the military here. Everything was well organized, hundreds of people to make this thing happen today.”

Officials say printing out the consent form at home and having it ready helps keep the line moving.

NORTH FORT MYERS