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VIDEO: Man On The Run After Stealing A Tarpon From Bass Pro In Fort Myers

man on the run after stealing a fish from bass pro shop in fort myers

Living in Florida, we see a lot of crazy things and there's a man on the run after stealing a fish from Bass Pro in Fort Myers.

I don't know for sure, but this guy has GOT to be a Florida Man. This is such a Florida Man thing to do. Every now and again we hear of people doing crazy things at Bass Pro. Back in 2020, there was a guy caught for diving into the tank at the Bass Pro in Estero. And now, another incident has taken place at the very same story. And this isn't good, seeing that it involves a very protected fish.

Man On The Run After Stealing A Fish From Bass Pro In Fort Myers

According to NBC2, an unknown man walked into Bass Pro Shop in Fort Myers, took a net from the fishing area and stole a 5o pound tarpon from the tank. I can't even imagine being there doing some shopping and seeing this whole thing play out. The crazy thing about the video, as you'll see, is how nonchalant he is about it, just walking through the store with a giant fish in his net.

Now, in this day and age of social media, I feel like this had to be a stunt. Because there were other people with him and they had a GoPro, so clearly wanting to get this whole thing on camera.

If you don't know, tarpons are protected fish here in Florida. What I worry about the most is that if they didn't put this fish in water relatively quickly after stealing it from the tank, it wouldn't survive. The Lee County Animal Cruelty Task Force is investigating.

If you have any information or know who this man in, you're encouraged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS or online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. You can also call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 239-477-1000.

10 Restaurants In SWFL Open On Christmas Eve And Day 2023

It's hard to believe Christmas is this weekend already and if you're wondering if there are any restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in SWFL, the answer is YES!

It's that time of year when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. There's a lot going on this time of year between Christmas parties at work, with friends and the overall hustle and bustle. The idea of cooking on Christmas might not be something you're looking forward to. I absolutely love the holidays. But hosting at my home in Fort Myers is just a little too overwhelming. The amount of food I would need to cook is a bit outside of my skill level. Sure, I could order in and have it catered, but that's a lot of planning too.

This year Christmas Eve arrives on Sunday and Christmas Day on Monday. You may be excited to see family and friends, sharing a meal and gifting, but what do you do if you don’t want to cook? The good thing, is that there are plenty of places this year where you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal with no prep and no dishes to worry about afterwards.

While Sunday and Monday are days that some restaurants are normally closed, some will open for Christmas. You'll definitely want to call and double check hours and availability, just in case reservations are required.

Thanks to News-Press, here are 10 local restaurants to SWFL, particularly Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs that are open on Christmas Eve and/or Day this year. You can see their full list here. Many restaurant chains and fast food spots will be open as well. Merry Christmas!

Front Porch Social

Front Porch Social will feature a special 3-course Christmas Eve dinner starting at 3pm. They'll have a limited a la carte menu as well.

4721 Vincennes Blvd- Cape Coral

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro

Located at The Westin in Cape Coral, Marker 92 will have their regular menu on Christmas Eve. On Monday, they'll offer a Christmas Day feast from noon-7pm. Call for a reservation 239-541-5942.

Bruno's of Brooklyn

Bruno's will offer a 3-course Christmas Eve menu with entrees including Dover sole filet francese, pappardelle frutta di mare, meatball parmigiano eggplant parmigiano or seafood fra diavolo from 5-8pm. Call 239-278-0211 for reservations.

2112 Second St- downtown Fort Myers

Il Pomodoro Restaurant

Il Pomodoro has a special Christmas Eve menu featuring braciole, osso buco and scallops in addition to their regular menu from 4-8pm. Closed Christmas Day.

9681 Gladiolus Drive- Fort Myers

Fresh Catch Bistro

Fresh Catch has some special offerings for Christmas Eve including prime rib and lobster in addition to their regular menu from 4:30-8pm. Happy hour is from 2:30-4:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.

4761 Estero Blvd- Fort Myers Beach

Two Meatballs in the Kitchen

Both Fort Myers and Cape Coral locations will have special Christmas Eve specials (crab cakes, lobster francese, prime rib, etc) and full menus available. Both locations closed on Christmas Day.

8880 Salrose Lane- Fort Myers

1403 Cape Coral Parkway E- Cape Coral

Old Captiva House at Tween Waters

Old Captiva House will have a Christmas buffet from noon-8pm that features chicken, pasta, seafood, a carving station, she-crab soup and more. Call 239-472-5161 x421 to make a reservation.

15951 Captiva Drive- Captiva

Roy's

Roys is open both December 24 and 25. There will be a Christmas Day 3-course meal served from 11am-9pm.

26831 South Bay Drive- Bonita Springs

Snug Harbor

Snug Harbor will be open 11am-9pm on Christmas Eve with their regular menu and a special menu served. Closed on Christmas Day.

645 Old San Carlos Blvd- Fort Myers Beach

Nick & Stella's Family Sports Pub

Nick & Stella's will be serving their full menu on Christmas Eve from 11am-midnight. Also open on Christmas Day from noon-midnight, plus a special prime rib dinner.

15271 McGregor Blvd- Fort Myers

MarijaEditor
Marija is a morning show host on WXKB/B1039 and midday host on WRXK/96KRock. She loves to write about food, travel, and things to do around the state of Florida.