𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 🚨🌟

As we prepare for a new school year, our SROs are undergoing specialized training to prepare for active threat situations. This critical training ensures they remain ready to protect the students, teachers, and staff in every Lee County school, reinforcing our commitment to providing a safe learning environment from day one.

The safety of our children, and the security of our schools will always be my top priority. That’s why we continually invest in our deputies by providing them with the highest level of training and the best equipment available. When it comes to protecting our students, teachers, and staff, we will never settle for anything less than excellence. Safe kids and safe schools aren’t just goals, they’re a promise to our community.

—Sheriff Carmine Marceno ... See MoreSee Less

A night of recognition for those making our roads safer! 🌟🚔🚨

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit, Traffic Unit, and Court Operations proudly attended the 2026 MADD Florida Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet, joining agencies from across the state to celebrate the fight against impaired driving.

A huge shoutout to our very own Staff Officer Stacy Beck, who was nominated for her outstanding dedication to the Teen Driver Challenge Program and her efforts to prevent underage drinking. This incredible honor reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting our community and empowering the next generation of safe drivers.

#MADDFlorida #CommunityFirst #TeenDriverChallenge #MakingADifference ... See MoreSee Less

𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝙶𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝙻𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜.... 🍋✨

Deputies Drummond and Cambria made a 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 stop in San Carlos Park today to cool off with some ice-cold lemonade from these young entrepreneurs. We'd say they made a pour-fect decision!

Thanks for helping us 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞 a little extra sweetness into a hot summer day on patrol, little ladies! 🌞🕶️

#SqueezeTheDay #LemonadeStand #BeatTheHeat #ShopLocal #TeamLCSO ... See MoreSee Less

🌟𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘🌟
𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝙲𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚔: 𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚊

After 17 years as a medical assistant to an area orthopedic surgeon, Michelle Catania was looking for a change. She found it in 2024 by joining the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Clerk at the downtown jail.

“It’s definitely a big change from the medical field to jail,” she said, “but I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and being part of a team that is dedicated to serving our community. The challenge in the beginning was learning our system and lingo, but I love what I do.”

Catania works 12-hour shifts in a role that varies from day to day. She can work control – remotely opening and closing locked doors at the jail; intake where those arrested first arrive at the facility; processing sexual offenders who are required to check in, or a myriad of other related roles.

“That’s what is enjoyable about it. It’s always different each day and offers a chance to learn new things,” she explained.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Michelle and her family relocated to Southwest Florida when she was 13 years old. After graduating from Fort Myers High School in 1990, she began working as a medical assistant at Lee Memorial Hospital before assuming a similar role with an orthopedic surgeon.

While working, she also earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Her father was a member of the Cleveland Police Department and her brother started with LCSO as a Corrections Officer before moving to the Cape Coral Police Department.

Among the challenges of her role, Catania lists dealing with the public as number one. “Whether it’s in person or on the phone, inmates and their families are often times not happy as they try to post bond or learn our procedures,” she said. “But there are also ones that are very nice. It’s a mix and we always try to remain professional and courteous.”

Catania finds her reward is helping others. “I enjoy the responsibility that comes with my position,” she said. “I find it rewarding to know that my work contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the jail facility.”

Since 2012 Michelle has volunteered with Florida Guardian ad Litem, representing foster children in the court system. The organization lists its purpose as: “To provide the most vulnerable children in Florida with an adult from their community who will be a consistent, positive presence in the child’s life as part of a team that includes an attorney, child welfare professional and community volunteer providing the highest quality community advocacy and legal representation to protect each child’s legal interests.”

Volunteer work is Catania’s passion. She volunteers with her church and dedicates as much of her free time as possible to such endeavors. “Going over and beyond for other people is something I enjoy tremendously,” she said.

Away from work Michelle also enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old granddaughter, reading, and watching reality television shows.

In terms of her LCSO career, Catania likes that individuals can chart their own course within the agency. Becoming a Victims’ Advocate or Corrections Officer are roles she is considering.

“It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals at the jail,” she said, “and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Lee County with integrity, professionalism, and pride.” ... See MoreSee Less