May 03, 2025 04:46 ET | Source: Redington Beach Residents | Submitted by Redington Beach Residents
Pictured: Marquis Fitzgerald, charged with felony threats, now employed as Code Enforcement Officer in Redington Beach.
REDINGTON BEACH, Fla., May 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redington Beach residents are calling for the immediate termination and investigation of Redington Beach Code Enforcement Officer Marquis Fitzgerald, after verified reports revealed his prior arrest for felony threats to kill his wife and others in 2023.
From Felony Threats to Local Enforcement Authority: How Did This Happen?
According to official records from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (Case 23-078), Fitzgerald — then employed as a sheriff’s deputy — was arrested on May 31, 2023 for Written Threats to Kill or Do Bodily Harm, a second-degree felony. The arrest stemmed from a series of disturbing communications he sent to his wife and mother-in-law, including:
- Graphic images of bullet-riddled shooting targets
- A text to his mother-in-law: “Come get your daughter before I kill her”
- A violent video of a stabbing, sent with the message: “Just wanted you to see what some people do… There are crazy people in this world.”
Fitzgerald admitted to sending the threats and was placed on unpaid administrative leave. His authority was revoked, and he ultimately resigned from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of termination.
Hired by Mayor David Will Despite Known Felony Threat Charges
What has outraged many Redington Beach residents is the fact that Mayor David Will and his staff knowingly hired Fitzgerald after these charges were already public. Despite his violent history and what many described as “severe anger problems,” Fitzgerald was given a municipal code enforcement badge and empowered to patrol neighborhoods, issue citations, and confront homeowners directly.
“This is the same person who sent death threats to his own wife and then was given the authority to knock on our doors, issue fines, and intimidate families,” said a local resident. “It’s not just poor judgment — it’s an insult to every citizen’s safety and dignity.”
Unlawful Entry Onto Private Property Sparks Alarm
In one incident reported by residents, Officer Fitzgerald entered private residential property without a warrant, notice, or legal justification, completely disregarding multiple “No Trespassing” signs visibly posted on the lawn. The resident, who had no active violations and had not been notified of any investigation, described the intrusion as “hostile and completely unlawful.” No warrant was ever presented, and no emergency or legal cause was documented to justify the entry.
“This is beyond code enforcement — this is intimidation,” the resident said. “When someone with a violent past ignores clearly posted signs and walks onto your property with a badge, it’s terrifying.”
Residents Demand Oversight and Accountability
Redington Beach residents are urgently calling for:
- Immediate termination of Marquis Fitzgerald
- A full audit of all citations and enforcement actions he’s issued
- A formal investigation into the hiring process carried out by Mayor David Will and town staff
- Oversight from Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and State Rep. Linda Chaney
Conclusion
Redington Beach has placed one of its most sensitive public-facing roles in the hands of a man with a documented violent past — and now residents say he’s abusing that power. From criminal threats to unlawful trespassing, the evidence is mounting: this hiring decision was reckless. Redington Beach residents are calling for immediate action to protect their safety, privacy, and civil rights.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.fox13news.com/news/pinellas-county-deputy-arrested-and-resigns-after-sending-death-threats-to-wife-detective-sayhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45fc5758-023b-4404-bbec-d69c20f6718b
Official Arrest Record:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office – Arrest Release #23-078
Email: [email protected]