Lee approves separate shelters for sex offenders

Lee County commissioners took less than 60 seconds tonight to unanimously approve an emergency shelter for sexual predators and offenders.

There was no discussion among the commissioners, and only one comment from Commissioner Ray Judah expressing his appreciation to Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott for moving on the ordinance to create the shelter so quickly. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.

The ordinance, which requires all sexual predators and offenders to report to one designated shelter during a time of emergency, went into effect immediately after the one-minute hearing, said Chief Deputy Charles Ferrante with the sheriff's office. Some of the predators and offenders will be housed in the Lee County Justice Center on Monroe Street, and the sheriff's office is currently looking for more space, Ferrante said.

Any sexual predators or offenders violating the ordinance will face a $500 fine and up to 60 days in prison. Lee County is the second county in the state to create an emergency shelter for sex predators and offenders. Hendry County recently passed a similar ordinance.