The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Day Work Program was created as a collaboration between the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, Lee County Probation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as an alternative to incarceration.
The male and female offenders that qualify to participate have the opportunity to serve their sentenced time while maintaining a responsible work and home life. The program operates Monday through Saturday and typically consists of a nine-hour day, with a thirty-minute lunch break and two fifteen-minute breaks. Participants report to 2501 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers to work varied daily assignments, and their manual labor benefits the entire community.
The sentencing Judge may order a special condition upon commitment for the offender to attend and complete a specific number of days with the Day Work Program in lieu of jail time. The day workers choose a minimum of 2 days per week to work until their sentence is complete.
The American Cancer Society
United Way
Heart and Homes for Veterans
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank
Habitat for Humanity
The Animal Refuge Center and others
Program participants also pick up trash along Lee County roadways
10,025 offenders signed up for the program
8,500 offenders completed the program
1,479 offenders were removed from the program for noncompliance
942,347 total hours were completed