by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Per Council direction at the September meeting, the City terminated all external sharing of Sanibel Flock data on September 14, 2026. The City Attorney continues to work with Flock on an updated Memorandum of Understanding. City IT Staff has reviewed possible Flock Alternatives.
The Flock camera Sanibel uses has very limited capability. It is low-tech and highly limited, IT Director Bert Smith said. He called it the most fundamental camera, a license-plate reader only.
To date, Smith said, there has been no misuse of the Flock system. Council member Holly Smith said that Fort Myers Beach has removed their cameras. Cape Coral has removed their cameras. And pursuant to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, cameras have been removed from all state roads. So why shouldn’t Sanibel do the same?
But Police Chief Bill Dalton said it’s a very useful tool. City Manager Dana Souza added that it’s useful not just for crime, but for missing persons, silver alerts, and more.
“Investigative capabilities will be reduced definitely without the cameras,” Dalton said.
Council deferred the matter to its November 3, 2026, meeting.
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