‘Gator Girls’ Capture 9 Foot Alligator That Was Stalking Neighborhood Dogs

Things are never boring in Florida, but we've had enough of Florida Man getting all the credit for the insanity. The 'Gator Girls' of the Martin County Sheriff's Office have proven that they're every bit as fearless as their counterparts as they captured a 9 foot alligator that was threatening the Sailfish Point, Florida community.

The alligator was captured after it was spotted in a patch of sea grapes near a popular place to walk dogs in Sailfish Point. The 9-foot gator caused concern when spotted a few days earlier crossing from the riverside to the beachside and concealing itself. Again, near the popular walking area for people and their pets. Yesterday, the gator returned to the beachside and moved into the lanai of a community condominium. That's when it was decided the gator needed removed.

The 'Gator Girls' are Martin County Sheriff’s Sergeant Crystal Nash and Deputy Dawn Ferris. They responded to the call and confirmed that the gator was indeed too close for comfort for dog walkers and the community. The deputies were able to contain the gator, which measured over 9 feet. A professional trapper was called and the gator was captured and relocated.

Alligators are everywhere in Florida, but when they stop being afraid of human interaction is when they can get dangerous. This thing wasn't hiding in the sea grapes just to stay cool, it was likely waiting on it's next meal. According to the FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Programs (or SNAP), a gator is considered a nuisance when it's at least four feet in length and is believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. This thing was definitely that. As someone who has a Yorkie that I take on walks, I'm always on alert. This one was taped up and relocated with the assistance of one of the 'Gator Girls'.

With all of the new construction in Florida, these monsters find themselves closer and closer to people. Interactions with them are going to continue to increase, so if you're signing up to be a cop in Florida, this might be part of your job. Arrest meth heads, and tape up gators. Like I said earlier, it's never boring here in Florida.

The weekend is here, and it is time to close the computer, get out and have some fun. From music to food to beach cleanups, there are all kinds of things to do. To help you plan, here are 8 fun happenings in SWFL this weekend.

It's the final weekend for Sizzle Dining 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. Check Sizzle Dining's website for delicious details.

One of the biggest music events of the year kicks off this weekend. The annual Island Hopper Music Festival. The ten-day event brings in singers and song writers from around the country for a variety of events on Lee County barrier islands as well as a few spots inland.

Finally, Clips For Cancer is one of those "feel good" events for the entire family. It's for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Yes, there will be a big shaving event. Details below.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 20th through September 22nd. Enjoy something different at each of these 8 fun happenings in SWFL this weekend.

*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.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Clips for Cancer is an annual event to raise money for Barbara’s Friends, Golisano Children's Hospital's cancer fund. The highlight of the event is the shave. You're invited to shave your head in honor of kids going through cancer treatments and prove that bald is brave. The family fun is Saturday at Dave and Buster's located at The Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. Saturday, 10am 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. It's also the last full weekend to do so. Participating places offer a series of pre-fix dining options for three, four and five course meals. Lunches are $19 and $29. Dinners are $29, $39, and $49. 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. 

It's the 10th anniversary of this annual celebration of music and it kicks off Friday. For the next ten days dozens of singer-songwriters can be heard at venues across Lee County.  Country singers Scotty McCreery and Jeffrey Steele headline this year's event. Concerts and other events are on Captiva September 20-22, Cape Coral the 23rd and 24th, downtown Fort Myers the 25-26 and wrapping up the 27th-29th on Fort Myers Beach. Most shows are free but it doesn't hurt to double check. More info here.

This big event is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The family friendly festivities include lots of live music, dancing, comedy, and delicious food. Twenty-five percent of sales from the day will be donated to Guadalupe Center. The fun is at Felipe's Park Shore location in Naples, Friday from 4 to 9pm. More info here. 

This event kicks off Friday and runs through the weekend. Vintage Market Days celebrates and features small local businesses, their services and their unique goods. Find all kinds of treasures from vendors and get in some early Christmas shopping. Also enjoy live entertainment and food vendors.  Lee County Civic Center, 10am to 4pm Friday- Sunday. More info here. 

International Coastal Cleanup is this weekend and if you want to join, a big cleanup is taking place at Tigertail Beach in Naples Saturday. Just meet up at the beach kiosk to join. Wear shoes that may get wet. Cleaning supplies and t-shirts will be provided.  8 to 11am.  More info here. 

This annual festival is being put on by the Naples Italian American Foundation. Gather to celebrate Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples, with lots of food music and vendors. The party is outside at the Italian American Club on Airport-Pulling Road. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More info here. 

https://www.niafoundation.org/events-1/feast-of-san-januarius

In honor of International Peace Day this event is intended to cultivate a culture of peace in our community. There will be food, music, yoga, vendors, kids activities, food and more. There's also a food drive for the Pine Island Food Pantry.All proceeds from the event will benefit the Matlacha Hookers' Hooked On Education Scholarship Program. Saturday 10am to 4pm. St James City Civic Association More info here.

Get your home and garden ready for fall and holiday guests. Find everything under one roof to help you do it here. Enjoy vendors, demos and lots more at this annual show. Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. More info here.