Florida Authorities Arrest 10, Seize 239 Slot Machines in Lee County Arcade Raids

Florida authorities arrested ten people and seized 239 slot machines in coordinated searches of five arcades in Lee County on 27 October. The operation targeted Royal on Palm Arcade and 77 Arcade in Fort Myers, King’s Paradise Arcade in North Fort Myers, Sneaky Pete’s Lucky 7 Arcade in Bonita Springs, and Spin City Arcade in Fort Myers.

Those arrested were Dennis Martin, Ronald Longo, Timothy Fandry, Melissa Olarte, Dijela Ivezaj, William Holman, Debra Wolovlek, Angela Vittitoe, Harold Hauck Jr. and Stamena Gacevic. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Economic Crimes units led the effort, relying on surveillance and undercover agents to develop evidence before serving warrants.

Officers seized $715,272 in cash and $661,454 in gold coins and bars. They froze $383,573 in bank assets, producing a combined total exceeding $1.76 million. Ten vehicles were also taken, including two Bentleys, a Mercedes-Benz, several Cadillacs and a 2026 Cadillac Escalade.

Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Alana Zimmer stated the action followed months of preparation, with support from Pennsylvania law enforcement. The raids form part of ongoing state efforts against unauthorized gambling businesses, as reported by Focus Gaming News.

Connection to Prior Enforcement

In September the Commission seized 163 illegal slot machines and $247,285 in cash from two St. Petersburg locations under Operation Final Spin. Action Arcade yielded 90 machines and $142,020 with notices to appear issued to two people. The Zoo Sports Club and Grille produced 73 machines and $105,265 along with one notice to appear on related counts.