Placida, Fla. (WFLA) – Three people were arrested on Saturday for choosing palmetto berries, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office answered a call about 7pm reporting a suspicious vehicle parked in a bush near Brig Circle East in Pracida.
On the scene, lawmakers said they found three people: Maria Inez Sanchez, Amilka Mezia Sanchez and Mrs. Martinez Epinosa.
In Florida, harvesting harvested palmetto berries requires both permission and written permission from the landowner. Even on your own land is illegal without permission.
Deputies said they searched the vehicle. There, we found three large garbage bags filled with berries. They also confirmed that the three had no permission or permission from the landowner, and were unable to prove the status of their legal residence in the United States.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested the trio and charged them with a third felony, the illegal harvest in Saw Palmetto Berry.