Florida
Razor-clawed carnivorous invasive reptiles spreading in South Florida pose bigger threat than iguanas, officials say
They swim with paddle-like tails, climb trees using hooked claws and hunt on land. Nile monitor lizards, powerful carnivores that can grow longer than six feet, are spreading through South Florida, earning a reputation from wildlife officials as one of the most dangerous invasive reptiles in the state.
Data show sightings have grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the Florida Peninsula, where entire neighborhoods in Cape Coral are now considered their established habitat.
According to EDDMapS data, Lee County, in the Tampa Bay area, leads the state with 1,616 reported sightings, followed by Palm Beach County with 299, Miami-Dade with 76, and Broward with 68.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classified the Nile monitor as an invasive species and added it to Florida’s Prohibited species list in April 2021.
Where do Nile monitors come from? And how did they get to Florida?
The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest lizard species in Africa, and according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the largest and most dangerous non-native lizard established in the United States.
Adults can stretch more than 7.5 feet long and weigh over 20 pounds, according to USGS. FWC said a typical adult in Florida averages about 5 feet and roughly 15 pounds.
They’re olive green to black with yellow striping on the head and jaw. Their tails are long and flattened like a paddle, which experts say helps them swim. They can stay underwater for 12 to 15 minutes and are just as comfortable climbing trees as they are moving through canals.
USGS said they’re also smart, adaptable and highly mobile, traits that make invasive species especially difficult to control.
In Africa, Nile monitors are found throughout much of the continent, especially near rivers, wetlands and lakes.
In Florida, wildlife officials believe most populations stem from the pet trade.
According to FWC and USGS, monitors likely arrived through escaped or intentionally released pets. They can break out of cages using their claws or push open enclosures. Some may have escaped during hurricanes that damaged reptile facilities. Others may have been released when they became too large or difficult to handle.
Once established near canals and waterways, they found ideal habitat. South Florida’s extensive canal system essentially acts like a highway network for a semi-aquatic reptile, experts say.
Why are Nile monitors considered dangerous?
Nile monitors are powerful wild predators that are generally not aggressive toward people unless cornered, wildlife experts said.
FWC described them as “generalist feeders,” meaning they eat almost anything they can overpower. That includes fish, frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and their eggs, small mammals and even young crocodiles.
Because they raid nests, they pose a risk to protected species such as sea turtles, gopher tortoises, burrowing owls and the American crocodile, according to FWC and USGS.
USGS noted their size and defensive behavior make them potentially dangerous to pets and, if cornered, to humans. They can bite with strong jaws, slash with sharp claws or whip their muscular tails.
FWC warned residents not to attempt to capture them.
In Cape Coral, where the largest known population exists, residents have reported monitors digging burrows along canal banks and roaming residential streets.
“There are a lot of invasive monitors, especially in our neighborhood,” Cape Coral resident Jack Schwartz told local television station WZVN on Feb. 20.
Alane Passero described one running inside her home.
“[Out of the] corner of my eye, I see this huge monster running in my house straight to the back door. The nails are clacking on the floor. I’m screaming my head off,” she said.
Florida Nile monitors vs. green iguanas
South Florida residents are used to seeing green iguanas, especially after cold snaps. But Nile monitors are a different animal.
Green iguanas are mostly plant-eaters. Nile monitors are carnivores that actively hunt vertebrate prey.
Monitors are bulkier, with longer necks, narrower snouts and thicker, more muscular tails. They also have a blue tongue, a distinctive trait noted by USGS.
And while iguanas can grow large, no native or commonly seen lizard in Florida approaches the Nile monitor’s size and strength.
Where are Nile monitor sightings growing the most in Florida?
According to EDDMapS:
- Lee County: 1,616 sightings
- Palm Beach County: 299
- Miami-Dade: 76
- Broward: 68
USGS stated the species is firmly established in Lee County and spreading into Charlotte County. FWC confirmed established populations in Lee and Palm Beach counties, with additional reports across South Florida.
Recent confirmed sightings include:
- Cape Coral in Lee County, Aug. 7, 2025
- Boynton Beach in Palm Beach, Sept. 10, 2025
- Broward, Jan. 16, 2024
- Miami-Dade, Nov. 19, 2021
While some counties report isolated individuals, experts caution that single sightings should not automatically be dismissed as escaped pets.
Can Florida stop the spread of Nile monitor lizards?
Florida wildlife experts say full eradication is no longer considered feasible, according to USGS and researchers at the University of Florida.
FWC actively removes Nile monitors from known populations and encourages residents to report sightings through the IveGot1 app or by calling 888-483-4681.
The reptiles can be humanely killed on private property without a permit. The City of Cape Coral operates a local trapping program, and federal partners manage populations at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
For now, wildlife officials say early reporting is key.
And for South Florida residents, the message is simple: if you see what looks like a small dinosaur near your canal, don’t approach it — take a photo and call it in.
Charmaine Hickey, of Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was named in KNOW Women’s “100 Women to KNOW in America” list.
A Treasure Coast woman was named in a “100 Women to know in America” list for 2026.
KNOW Women is a global media company dedicated to giving women leaders connections and visibility. The company released a list of “100 Women to know in America” for 2026 to highlight the most influential women in business and leadership.
Charmaine Hickey, who works for Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was on the list.
“Charmaine’s recognition on a national stage like this comes as no surprise,” said Scott Agran, president of Lang Realty in a news release. “Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to both her profession and her community exemplify what this award stands for. She represents the very best of our industry.”
Hickey holds many industry designations and is known for her expertise in complex real estate transactions, as well as her client-first approach defined by honesty, patience and attention to detail, according to the news release.
Her community involvement includes serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting initiatives focused on education, women, families and youth.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among such an inspiring group of women,” said Hickey in the news release. “This award reflects not just individual achievement, but the power of community, mentorship, and lifting others as we grow. I’m grateful to be part of a network of women who are building meaningful impact every day.”
To see the full list go to theknowwomen.com.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
A Florida surgeon who is facing criminal charges after allegedly removing a patient’s liver instead of his spleen has said he is “forever traumatized” by that person’s death.
In a deposition from November that was recently obtained by NBC, 44-year-old Thomas Shaknovsky described the death of 70-year-old William Bryan as an “incredibly unfortunate event that I regret deeply”.
Bryan died after the botched surgery; and in April, a grand jury in Tallahassee indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of manslaughter.
“I’m forever traumatized by it and hurt by it,” Shaknovsky added, also saying that wrong-site surgeries can happen “during difficult circumstances”.
The deposition provided Shaknovksy’s first detailed account of the operation that killed Bryan and eventually garnered national news headlines.
According to Shaknovksy’s deposition, after removing Bryan’s liver, the surgeon instructed a nurse to label the organ as a “spleen” – and he also identified it as a spleen in Bryan’s postoperative notes. Shaknovsky later said he had been “mentally compromised” at the time of Bryan’s death, explaining that he was “devastated, demoralized, crying over his passing, felt that I failed him”.
A lawsuit filed by Bryan’s widow, Beverly Bryan, accuses Shaknovsky of medical malpractice. The suit alleges that he “wrongfully omitted any reference to Mr Bryan’s liver being removed in order to ‘cover up’ his gross negligence/recklessness and to hopefully avoid the embarrassment due to such derelict care”, as NBC reported.
In April, the Walton county sheriff’s office said in a statement that Shaknovsky’s actions inflicted on Bryan “catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table”.
Shaknovsky’s deposition testimony described the chaos in the operating room after Bryan began bleeding extensively, causing his heart to stop. Medical staff performed chest compressions, and Shaknovsky attempted to find where the bleeding was coming from.
“I couldn’t tell the difference because I was so upset,” he said, referring to the organ he mistakenly identified.
“It was like a overflown sink that’s clogged up, and I am looking for a fork at the bottom, trying to feel and find the bleed, and I was not able to do so,” Shaknovsky said. He added: “After 20 minutes of struggling – desperately trying – to save his life, that’s when the wrong-site event took place.
“It’s a devastating thing, which I will have to live with the rest of my life,” Shaknovsky said in the eight-hour deposition reviewed by NBC. “I think about it every single day.”
After the medical team was unable to resuscitate Bryan, Shaknovsky said he went to the hospital’s medical library. “I went there to cry because I was devastated,” he said. “I didn’t want the staff to see me like that.”
Despite a spleen typically being significantly smaller than a liver, Shaknovsky said he believed Bryan’s spleen was “double the size of what is normal” because of a mass on it. Beverly Bryan’s lawsuit, however, states that a medical examiner told her that her husband’s spleen was anatomically “nearly normal”, according to NBC.
Shaknovsky would face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if eventually convicted as charged.
Omelet, taco and chicken salad joints are in, while spaghetti gelato, pizza and (for now) wing places are out.
At least when it comes to recent openings and closings on the Southwest Florida foodie scene, that is.
Let’s begin this recap of events in Cape Coral, where a popular breakfast-and-lunch restaurant made its long-awaited debut.
This is where the omelets come in…
House of Omelets
The fourth location of this popular breakfast and lunch restaurant made its highly anticipated debut along Cape Coral Parkway on Monday, May 4.
“It’s amazing,” owner Toni Dedaj said. “I’m very happy. I like this area, the way Cape Coral is growing. And this building is beautiful.”
That building is the eye-catching Bimini Square off Cape Coral Parkway. House of Omelets, which anchors the first-floor northeast corner unit, has a classic European feel. With seating for 89 inside and 40 outside, it’s about half the size of Dedaj’s Pine Island Road location.
“We like it,” he said. “We still have the big menu, but we like the smaller seating area. Service is more personal.”
And speaking of that menu (the same you’ll find at all House of Omelets locations), it is indeed huge, with about 30 signature omelets alone. Add in all the egg dishes (House Slam is a best seller), favorites (like corned beef hash and chicken & waffles), off the griddle dishes (multiple pancake, French toast and waffle options), Benedicts and crepes, and we’re already up to huge without even getting to the lunch items.
Those include appetizers, salads, signature sandwiches (from lobster grilled cheese to Philly steak), burgers & melts, and pitas & wraps. Free parking can be found in the parking garage, shared with neighboring Bimini Basin Seafood.
“It’s easy in and out,” Dedaj said. “Very easy. Come visit us.” Find it at 440 Cape Coral Parkway; (239) 360-8083; there are two locations in Cape Coral and one each in Fort Myers and Naples. Go to houseofomelets.com or follow on Instagram.
Chicken Salad Chick
More than 100 customers were waiting outside when this chicken salad-loving, fast-casual restaurant opened its new Cape Coral location on April 29. Located in the Shops at Del Sol (near Swig!), Chicken Salad Chick has 13 different types of chicken salad, including traditional, fruity & nutty, savory and spicy flavors. Get it in one or two scoops, in a sandwich, in a melt (Bacon cheddar or chicken) or in a BLT. A turkey club is also available. It’s all scratch-made, just like the sides which include broccoli, grape and pasta salads, fresh fruit, mac ‘n cheese and soup. A few desserts (white chocolate layer cake and signature cookies) are also on the menu. Get it all by dining in, driving through, taking out, or by delivery. It’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Go to chickensaladchick.com or follow on Facebook for more.
Point Ybel Brewing
We recently checked out this brewery’s new downtown Fort Myers location off First Street in the Fortiner Building, and we love it. It’s all the good things from the original San Carlos Boulevard location plunked down in a lighter, brighter space (and it’s next to another Chocolattes location!!!). With 17 taps, you’ll find all the same award-winning beers Point Ybel is known for — including Sanibel Light, Snook Bite IPA, Sanibel Red and (our favorite) The Full Breakfast stout. Even though it’s only been open since April 11, it’s already right at home with a full slate of events — from live music and yoga to trivia and music bingo.
“This is a new chapter for us,” owner and brewer Jordan Weisberg said. “We’re excited for it. We want to build the same community downtown that we have (in south Fort Myers).”
It’s off to a great start. Drop by 2451 First St., Fort Myers; (239) 603-6565; pointybelbrew.com and on Facebook
Turco Taco
With three locations in Naples, this fast-casual taco joint has finally come to downtown Fort Myers. It opened April 24 at 2451 First Street. In a former office space, it’s across from Fort Myers Regional Library, on the northwest corner of First and Bay streets. Turco Taco is known for its fresh and bold gourmet Mexican-Turkish fusion tacos, gourmet quesadillas and organic salads. We can’t wait to check it out. (239) 344-7732; theturcotaco.com or on Facebook
Capriotti’s
We’ve already reported that this popular Delaware-founded chain opened a Cape Coral location on April 28 in the Shops at Del Mar off Pine Island Road. But can we just say that The Bobbie — billed as the original Thanksgiving sandwich — lives up to the hype? The slow-roasted turkey (cooked overnight and hand-pulled in the morning), house-made stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo combination won us over on the first bite. Order it hot or cold, in 4, 8, 10 or 18-inch sizes. And if you’re not feeling Thanksgiving-y, Capriotti’s has plenty of other options, including cheesesteaks, tuna, classic Italian, BLT, meatball, Capastrami, Wagyu beef sandwiches and more. Find it all at 327 SW 10th Place, unit 202, Cape Coral; (239) 471-0469; capriottis.com or follow on Facebook.
Closings
The Fat Apple: The sign is down and the doors of this pizza joint in North Fort Myers are locked. After nine years, this staple in the Publix-anchored Eagle Landing plaza off Bayshore Road has permanently closed. It steadily built a loyal following after Guy Beekman, who owned the legendary Birdie’s Pizza in Fort Myers for 20 years, opened it in July 2017.
Spaghy Gelato: This small Cape Coral shop in Chelsea Place off Del Prado Boulevard has closed. “Cape Coral … thank you,” an April 28 post on its Facebook page read. “Because of your support, your love, your energy … we’re taking the next step. We are officially relocating to the East Coast.” It was known for its viral spaghetti gelato — handcrafted gelato shaped into spaghetti form and topped with a variety of toppings. “Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and for believing in something a little different,” the post concluded.
Wingnuts: After spending the last 15 years at 231 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral, this popular chicken wing restaurant is closing. For now, anyway. “Our time at this location has come to an end,” an April 30 post on the Pub & Grub’s Facebook page read. “Our last day will be May 16th. HOWEVER, we will be moving to a new location soon.” It’s currently in Moderna Plaza, north of Cape Coral Hospital and south of Hancock Bridge Parkway (where the recently closed Misto Bar & Grill was). “Although it will take us time to relocate the restaurant, we will keep you posted, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY,” the post continued. “… We look forward to seeing you in the very near future. Our thanks again for all your support.” Follow along on Facebook for updates.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
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