2 Florida Men Busted In Naples After Stealing 400 Sticks Of Deodorant

I know it's hot here in Florida, but 400 sticks of deodorant to stay fresh might be a tad overkill. But what got these 2 men busted in Naples was not their need to control perspiration, but that that fact that they stole the deodorant and a lot of other personal care items as well.

Detectives at the Collier County Sheriff's Office say Carlos M. Garcia –Ajete, 40, and Nivaldo J. Garcia-Vento, 41, are believed to be members of an organized retail theft ring that has been stealing from major retailers including Publix, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and Winn Dixie across Florida.

CCSO received information that that Garcia-Ajete and Garcia-Vento were suspects in a recent large-scale retail theft spree in Martin County and may be traveling to Collier County to commit similar thefts. That's exactly what they were doing. Until they got busted in Naples.

At about 2 p.m. Wednesday deputies located a vehicle matching the description of the brown GMC SUV that the pair was believed to be traveling in leaving the Walmart at 6650 Collier Blvd. off Tamiami Trail East. The driver, later identified as Garcia-Vento, ran a red light as the SUV exited onto Collier Boulevard. Deputies conducted a traffic stop. You gotta come to a complete stop in Naples before turning on red, they'll get you.

During the stop, the passenger, Garcia-Ajete, decided to make a run for it. He ran out of the SUV but was apprehended by deputies after a brief foot pursuit. If you're going to commit crimes, you really need to stay up on your cardio. That's how you get -

The pair told deputies they were coming from Fort Myers, Florida. A few miles to the north. Suspecting that was a lie and that the pair had just committed retail theft at the Walmart, deputies reviewed the store’s security video footage. The video showed Garcia-Vento in the personal care section of the store, grabbing a Gillette Razor pack which he concealed on his person, and then leaving the store without paying. Those razor packs are like $40! Inflation - right!!?? The two men were taken into custody, busted in Naples, which means - vehicle search time.

While conducting an inventory of the vehicle, deputies found six large trash bags filled with suspected stolen merchandise. The merchandise included 400 sticks of deodorant, razor blades, razors, fishing gear, cosmetics and other items and was valued at nearly $5,000. Deputies also found a device commonly used to defeat magnetic store security devices. You know, a magnet. When asked if they had receipts of the items - they did not. Who keeps receipts?

Garcia-Vento and Garcia-Ajete are charged with multiple felonies including grand theft. But now I have questions. What got the two busted in Naples was the stolen pack of razors. Just one. So how many stops did they make to collect this much stuff? That's 400 sticks of deodorant! And why didn't you stop somewhere to drop some of this off, coulda kept it to a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Not a smart move.

I get it, the two guys that were busted in Naples go to jail, but what do they do with all this deodorant and razors and make up? Evidence lock-up? Nah - my first thought is that those Collier Deputies are gonna be hella fresh and clean in this hot Florida weather. But in reality, if they can't locate which stores it came from this will probably be donated to a shelter.

You might be excited that football season is finally in full force. But there are also lots of things going on if your team is not in action, or football is not your thing. Check out these 5 Southwest Florida events to join this weekend.

The entire region is getting ready to mark the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers Beach was one of the hardest hit spots in the state. Only a handful of hotels have reopened. It's been slow going for many restaurants and businesses to find their footing as well.

One weekend event hopes to help that. It's Revive The Vibe Fest. The second annual event is meant to bring people together and support beach businesses. Not to mention entertain you.

Fort Myers Beach is ready to host visitors this weekend for the Revive The Vibe Fest.

Sizzle Dining continues with restaurants from Marco Island to Sanibel and everywhere in between offering amazing pre-fix dining deals. Click here for a preview of the lunch menu at Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples. They also have a special chef demonstration next week. Check Sizzle Dining's website for details.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 13th through September 15th. Have fun at these 5 Southwest Florida events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

This is the second annual festival on Fort Myers Beach. It is intended to support local businesses and musicians while bringing people together following the destruction of Hurricane Ian two years ago. There will be two stages for music and also theater performances. Also enjoy games, food trucks, vendors and more. The fun is at Bayside Park, on the corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street Saturday, 11am to 10pm. Free. More info here.

Art is Essential is an ongoing campaign by Lee County Alliance for the Arts to raise money after having their budget slashed by Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Plan to attend the outdoor concert with Tampa blues singer and guitarist Damon Fowler. There will be food trucks on site as well. Saturday, 7pm at the Alliance on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $20. More info here.

If you love butterflies make plans to visit the Peace River Botanical And Sculpture Gardens Saturday. There will be tours, demos and vendors. Also enjoy food, yard games, butterfly releases, a bounce house  and activities for the kids. 9am-noon. $20 general admission, 17 and under FREE. More info here.

This is a great way to try new restaurants as well as enjoy a new experience in some of your faves. Participating places offer a series of pre-fix dining options for three, four and five course meals. Lunches are $19 and $29. Dinner are $29, $39, and $49. Some also have a $59 option. For every meal sold $1 is donated to Blessings in a Backpack to help feed food insecure children. You get to eat and feed others at the same time. Bonus. It runs through the 25th. More info here.