August 2024

A Message from

Mayor John Gunter

Dear Cape Coral Residents,

As we embrace the peak of summer in August, I want to take this opportunity to update you on several important developments and initiatives that are shaping our community.

First and foremost, I am proud to announce that Cape Coral has been honored with the prestigious Triple Crown Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This marks the first time our city has received this distinguished recognition, which celebrates excellence in financial reporting and budget presentation.

In other significant news, we recently celebrated the grand opening of Fire Station No. 13 in the NE part of our city. Read more from the Mayor-->

Sincerely,

John Gunter

Mayor

FEMA Decision Allows City to Maintain CRS Rating

The City of Cape Coral received positive news from FEMA, confirming that the city's current Community Rating System (CRS) classification of 5 will be maintained. FEMA documented their decision in a letter received on July 19.

This decision ensures that residents will continue to benefit from discounts on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums, saving them up to 25%. City staff remains committed to working with FEMA to meet and exceed NFIP regulations and correct or remedy any additional outstanding compliance issues. Read more-->

City Celebrates Grand Opening of Fire Station 13

The Cape Coral Fire Department is excited to announce that Fire Station 13, located at 2025 NE 6th St., is now in operation.

The station is 9,161 square feet and houses a four-person fire engine that provides fire suppression and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, a battalion chief, and a brush truck which will be cross-staffed.

Fire Station 13 incorporates areas previously covered by Fire Stations 2 and 5, the City’s two busiest stations. The addition of the station was necessary to match the increasing demands for service and growth of the City and to improve response times in this area that is not only rapidly developing with both commercial and residential projects but is a major thoroughfare in and out of Cape Coral. Each year, this station is anticipated to mitigate over 3,200 emergency incidents.

City Manager Releases Proposed FY25 Budget

Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, setting the standard for community investment and fiscal responsibility.

With a budget under $1 billion, Ilczyszyn's proposal emphasizes financial prudence and enhances essential services and infrastructure across Cape Coral.

One feature of the proposed budget is a recommended decrease in the property tax (millage) rate. Read more-->

Final Budget Workshop & Public Hearing Dates Set

The City of Cape Coral will host its Fall Budget Workshops on August 6, 13, and 20 (if needed) at 2 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The Budget Workshops are open to the public and will provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed 2025 budget, outlining key priorities, projects, and allocations. Public input is encouraged.

Public hearings to adopt millage rates and the Fiscal Year 2025 annual budget are scheduled for September 12 & 26 at 5:05 p.m. in Council Chambers.

City Launches Flood Risk Information Portal

The City of Cape Coral is partnering with Forerunner to give residents easy access to flood risk information for their properties.

Some of the ways residents can utilize Forerunner include:

· Flood Risk Check: Use any address to find the property's flood zone, Base Flood Elevation, Design Flood Elevation, and other floodplain information.

· Elevation Certificates: Search for existing Elevation Certificates and important flood documents to avoid the cost of getting new ones.

· Substantial Improvement/Damage Review: Check a property's previous improvements or damages to understand possible limitations before making changes.

· Get Help: Contact your local floodplain management team through Forerunner’s Get Help page.

Access Flood Risk Data on Cape Coral Properties

Cape Coral Receives Upgraded Credit Rating

The City of Cape Coral is pleased to announce that Fitch Ratings has upgraded the City's credit rating from "AA-" to "AA" on Special Obligation Bonds, two steps away from the highest rating a municipality can receive. Fitch Ratings also affirmed the City’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and General Obligation (GO) Bond rating at “AA.”

The new rating reflects the City’s financial resilience and rapid population growth. Other key factors in achieving this rating are growth in governmental resources and continued maintenance of reserve levels. Read more-->

Utility Rates Increase to Address Rising Costs

Cape Coral City Council approved Resolution 222-24, allowing for an 11 percent increase in utility rates for 2024-2026.

Like many other utilities nationwide, Cape Coral faces rising operational costs due to inflation. Despite this increase, Cape Coral will still have the lowest water, wastewater, and irrigation rates compared to neighboring utilities. Read more-->

Back-to-School Safety Reminders

While it may be hard to believe, it is "Back to School" time! According to a report by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, now is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians.

Below are some safety tips to follow as summer vacation wraps up and students return to school.

1. Respect the big yellow bus. Yield when they are attempting to merge, maintain a significant distance behind them, and never pass a stopped school bus.

2. Get in the zone. Always abide by school zone speed limits (usually 20mph) and look out for pedestrians.

3. Watch for pedestrians. Pedestrians must also remain visible and abide by the rules of the road.

4. Do not be distracted. Stay focused on driving. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by phones, GPS, electronic devices, etc.

5. Buckle up. Always keep your seatbelt fastened. It’s the law, and it saves lives!

The Cape Coral Fire Department is offering FREE backpack reflective flashers to help students be more visible as they wait for the bus or walk to school in the mornings.

Please stop by any of the City’s 13 fire stations or the Fire Administration building to pick one up!

--> For more information on station locations, visit the CCFD website at www.capecoralfire.com/fire-station.

Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting August 3

Volunteers are needed for a tree planting event at Coral Pointe Canal on Saturday, August 3, at 8 a.m.

The City of Cape Coral is providing 60 trees in total, 20 each of Slash Pine, Sea Grape, and Gumbo Limbo.

Those who wish to volunteer for the event should meet at the planting site, which is across the street from the lot at 2022 Four Mile Cove Parkway. Parking will be along the north side of the road or inside the fence gate.

For more details, contact Joe Cruz at cppjjc@gmail.com or the Preserve 4 Mile Cove Facebook Group.

CRA to Host Median Beautification Meeting

The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will host a public meeting about the Country Club Beautification Project on Wednesday, August 14, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Public Works Operations Center, 815 Nicholas Parkway E.

The landscape plans are at 60% design, with completion of the design expected this fall. The median beautification project is being completed alongside median construction and curbing activities. Read more-->

Cape Coral Certified as Better City for Pets

The City of Cape Coral has earned City Certification through the Better Cities For Pets™ program from Mars Petcare, showcasing its commitment to creating a pet-friendly community.

This certification recognizes The City of Cape Coral’s efforts to welcome pets, offer pet-friendly programs and amenities, and help keep people and pets together in tough times.

At least 60 percent of households in the U.S. and Canada include at least one pet. By leading in pet-friendliness, our city can make the benefits of pet ownership accessible to more people and be even more attractive to an ever-growing group of pet-loving residents and visitors.

City Earns 2023 Tree City USA Growth Award

The City of Cape Coral received its sixth consecutive Tree City USA Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

As a Tree City USA-recognized city, Cape Coral earned the award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care. This includes major milestones and annual activities in five categories:

· Building a team

· Measuring trees and forests

· Planning the work

· Performing the work

· Building the community framework