The Florida Fish and Wildfire Commission charged a Merritt Island man with 20 misdemeanors after a snake discovery led to finding more exotic animals in his possession.
On Feb. 27, Brevard County deputies responded to a complaint about illegal dumping along the riverbank on Sykes Creek. Upon arrival, they found Daniel Dinovi, 46, actively unloading yard waste from a large open-top trailer into the waterway.
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According to a social media post from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Dinovi informed the deputies that the debris, estimated to weigh about half a ton, was from a recent job. When told that dumping along the waterway was illegal, Dinovi decided to stop cooperating with the deputies. Consequently, the deputies took him into custody.
During the vehicle inventory, deputies discovered an unexpected passenger— Dinovi’s pet, a juvenile rainbow boa constrictor, lounging on the passenger seat.
Brevard County Animal Services Unit responded and took custody of the snake. Meanwhile, the Brevard County Road & Bridge team arrived with a dump truck and equipment to remove the debris and ensure proper disposal.
On March 14 following a tip from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, FWC cited Dinovi with 20 misdemeanors related to prohibited species including possession, caging and improper sanitation violations.
FWC officers and deputies discovered multiple non-regulated reptiles, as well as four prohibited species in Dinovi’s possession including two Burmese pythons, one Nile monitor, and one black and white tegu. While the non-regulated reptiles were left in place, the prohibited species were relocated to licensed facilities.
“The FWC encourages responsible captive wildlife ownership,” said Maj. John Wilke, FWC Captive Wildlife Section Leader. “Individuals who do not follow established guidelines create a misleading and damaging perception of reptile owners.”