NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS STAY SAFE
For more than 20 years, the Grandezza Neighborhood Watch program has helped preserve the safety, and strong sense of community that residents value so highly. Established by long-time resident Al Meyer, the program was founded on a simple belief: when neighbors stay aware and look out for one another, everyone benefits.
Today, each of Grandezza’s twelve neighborhoods has a dedicated volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator who serves as a local contact for residents and helps promote awareness, communication, and cooperation throughout the community. These volunteers play an important role in ensuring that information flows quickly and that residents know how to respond if they observe unusual activity.
To further strengthen this important initiative, the Grandezza Master Board member Mike Patricelli recommended and the Board approved several enhancements. Jeanne Basso has been appointed as the Lead Neighborhood Watch Coordinator to provide coordination and leadership across all neighborhoods. In addition, new Neighborhood Watch signs are being installed in each neighborhood to reinforce the message that Grandezza is an alert and engaged community committed to safety.
A well-attended Safety and Neighborhood Watch Town Hall meeting, held February 3 in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, provided residents with valuable information on recognizing suspicious activity, improving home security, and reporting concerns promptly. The strong participation demonstrated the community’s continued commitment to working together to maintain a safe living environment.
Neighborhood Watch is not about surveillance—it is about awareness, communication, and shared responsibility. Simple actions such as noticing unfamiliar activity, ensuring homes are well lit, checking on neighbors who may be away, and promptly reporting suspicious situations can make a meaningful difference. By remembering the guiding principle “Look out for your neighbors—See Something, Say Something,” every resident contributes to keeping Grandezza safe and welcoming for all.
New Neighborhood Watch Sign
The new signage reminds residents and visitors that all suspicious persons and activities should be reported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, reinforcing the “See Something, Say Something” message displayed on the signs.
COORDINATOR CONTACT BOX
Lead Neighborhood Watch Coordinator:
Jeanne Basso – Saraceno
Neighborhood Coordinators:
• Avalon – Peggy Dempsey
• Cypress Cove A – Mike Patricelli
• Cypress Cove B – Kevin O’Neil
• Grande Estates – Mike Bresson
• Oakwood I – Al Meyer
• Oakwood II – Lillian Bennett
• Sabal Palm – Mark Sherwin
• Santa Lucia – Celia Platt
• Saraceno – Jeanne Basso
• Savona – Sharmin McKenny
• Solemar – Bob Lindgren
• Ville Grande – Steve Bajinski
Safety Tips Sidebar (Gazette Callout Box)
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SAFETY REMINDERS
• Stay alert and aware of unusual activity in your area
• Report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• Ensure exterior lighting is working properly
• Pick up packages promptly and ask neighbors to assist when traveling
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and share contact information
• Lock the doors of your home and auto
• In emergencies, always dial 911
