The 6th Annual David Lee Root, Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament has been organized as a benefit for the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital.  Lee Memorial Hospital on Cleveland Avenue has the only certified Level II Trauma Center between Tampa and Miami.  Full-time trauma surgeons are available 24-hours a day to meet the needs of our community involved in vehicle accidents or other serious mishaps.  Lee Memorial Health System continues to struggle to provide funding for the vital Trauma program without taxing authority.  

On July 4th 2001 at the age of 18, David Lee Root Jr. was fatally injured in an auto accident in St. James City. David is the son of Dave & Debbie Root that own and operate D&D Matlacha Bait & Tackle on Matlacha, and in memory of their lost son the tournament is held annually. For several years, fishermen from the Lee County area have come to fish the event & show their support. There’s food & prizes for both anglers and public visitors. Proceeds from the event benefit the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital.