Man attacked in downtown Fort Myers early Saturday

A man said he got jumped early Saturday morning while attempting to leave downtown Fort Myers.

According to the Fort Myers Police Department, the “aggravated attack” happened just after 2 a.m. as the victim was walking to get a Lyft. FMPD says, however, that the attack had only one aggressor and one victim and did not involve a group, as was first reported.

Police did not have more information, but said they are investigating.

“We’ve had to call the police for help before,” said Nicole Grothae.

A few doors over, Kava Culture had just closed for the night. The laidback hangout spot closes at 2 a.m. on weekends.

But Grothae, who is the manager, makes sure she doesn’t work the late-night weekend shifts.

“I don’t feel safe,” she said. “It was definitely a change in my world when I started to work downtown because I used to work by the beach. And there’s a little bit more looking over your shoulder happening here. A little bit more watching your own back.”

Grothae said the attack doesn’t surprise her, but it does scare her.

“When I first started working here, my husband gave me a couple of Krav Maga lessons, just so that I can, you know, as being a woman, you’re always kind of looking behind, over your shoulder. And I definitely feel that more here than other places in town,” Grothae said.

She believes there is a solution.

“It seems like we need more presence, maybe authorities or, you know, just a… I don’t know. Presence of safety,” Grothae said. “I want all of my employees to feel safe. I want all of my guests to feel safe. And I’m doing everything I can to have that happen. But you know, there’s definitely more to be done.”