December 2024 City Newsletter

December 2024

A Message from

Mayor John Gunter

Dear Cape Coral Residents,

As we approach the end of the year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community we are building together in Cape Coral. This is truly an exciting time for our city, and I’m pleased to share some significant updates with you as we celebrate the holidays.

First, I am thrilled to announce that after many months of hard work, Cape Coral has successfully retained its FEMA CRS Rating 5, meaning that our residents and business owners will continue to benefit from a 25 percent policy premium discount on flood insurance. This achievement highlights the dedication and commitment of our outstanding team, who work tirelessly to provide high levels of public service and ensure we continue to be more resilient.

In addition, we recently swore in five new City Council members, each of whom brings new perspectives and ideas that will shape the future of Cape Coral. Read more-->

Sincerely,

John Gunter

Mayor

Cape Coral Retains 25% Flood Insurance Discount

The City of Cape Coral is pleased to announce that our residents and businesses with a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) will retain the Class 5 rating under the NFIP and will not face probation.

This means Cape Coral residents and businesses will continue to enjoy a 25% discount on their NFIP flood insurance policies and uninterrupted access to FEMA assistance in the event of a disaster. Read more-->

Five Council Members Take the Oath of Office

Five newly elected representatives were sworn in during the Cape Coral City Council meeting on November 20, including:

District 2: Laurie Lehmann
District 3: Dr. Derrick Donnell
District 4: Jennifer Nelson-Lastra
District 5: Joe Kilraine
District 7: Rachel Kaduk

These newly elected officials join Mayor John Gunter, District 1 Council Member Bill Steinke, and District 6 Council Member Keith Long. Click here to view a map of the City's seven districts.

Thank you to outgoing members Dan Sheppard, Tom Hayden, Richard Carr, Jessica Cosden, and Robert Welsh for their service to the citizens of Cape Coral.

Groundbreaking Held for Tropicana Park

The City of Cape Coral recently broke ground on Tropicana Park, located at 4101 Tropicana Parkway.

Tropicana Park will provide waterfront access for recreational purposes and non-motorized boats, with amenities to include a beach area, launch docks, a boat tie-up dock, and an accessible kayak launch. Additional amenities will include an observation pavilion, playground, walking paths with fitness stations, parking, and restrooms.

Council approved Resolution 350-24 at the Oct. 30, 2024, City Council Meeting, awarding a contract to Burke Construction Group, Inc. for the Neighborhood Park Improvements at Tropicana Park. Anticipated completion is set for winter 2025. Click here to see more details on Tropicana Park.

Fourth Quarter City Updates Available

The City's fourth-quarter reports for FY2024, covering August through October, have been finalized and are available to view on the City Website or by clicking each link below.

- Business & Economic Development

- Capital Improvement Projects

- Communications

- Development Services

- Grants

- Parks Update (CIP Projects)

- Public Works

- Utilities Projects

Learn about upcoming City meetings and watch the live stream of City Council meetings on the Agendas and Videos page of the City's website.

Education Session for Irrigation Industry Set for December 9

New high-efficiency irrigation standards take effect citywide on December 1, and professionals in the Irrigation Industry are invited to join us for an informational session on Monday, December 9, from 8-9:30 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.

Learn about the updated permitting, review, and inspection requirements directly from City staff. The session will cover key topics, including review standards, what to include in permit applications, and the new inspection process. After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an in-depth Q&A with reviewers and inspectors. No reservation is required.

"Keep the Wreath Green" with Fire Safety

Though fire safety should be a year-round priority, particular precautions must be taken during the hectic holiday season, and the “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign serves as a reminder.

Each year since 2012, Cape Coral firefighters have placed a wreath illuminated with green bulbs at Fire Station 4, located at 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd. If a preventable fire, such as cooking, smoking, candles, etc., occurs between December 1 and January 1, one of the green bulbs will change to red.

Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody.

Keep decorations away from heat sources.

Never leave candles unattended. Extinguish them when you leave the room.

Do not overload outlets. Be sure to check that you are using surge protectors instead of power strips.

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the peak days for home cooking fires.

When frying, grilling, or broiling, stay in the kitchen. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen.

Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.

When simmering, boiling, baking, or roasting food, stay in the home and check on it frequently; use a timer as a reminder if necessary.

Ask smokers to smoke outside and use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and practice fire escape plans with all family members and holiday guests.

By taking simple precautions, Cape Coral residents and visitors can stay safe, avoid potential fire hazards, and help to “Keep the Wreath Green.”

Cape Coral Police Department to Host Two Toy Drives

The Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD) is asking you to join them for their 18th Annual Fill the Boat Toy Drive. This event will be hosted at the Super Walmart on Del Prado Boulevard for three days. The boat will be out on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All donations will be given to local children in need this holiday season.

In addition, the CCPD welcomes you to join them for their Stuff a Cruiser Toy Drive event. This will be hosted at Target, located at 2430 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral on December 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CCFD Toy Drive Continues Through December 16

The Cape Coral Fire Department is continuing to collect toys and gifts for children in our community who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties.

Donations are needed for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years). Gifts for teens are often in short supply. Please consider donating gift cards, makeup, body soaps and lotions, perfume or cologne, arts and crafts supplies, sports equipment, or entertainment items for this age group.

If you would like to contribute, please bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to any of Cape Coral's 13 fire stations or City Hall by Monday, Dec. 16. A list of fire stations can be found at capecoralfire.com/fire-stations.

Mayor Gunter Appointed to FLC Legislative Committee

The Florida League of Cities (FLC) appointed Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter to its 2024 Legislative Committee.

The purpose of the Legislative Committee is to review the recommended legislative priorities of FLC's five legislative policy committees. Based on this review, the Legislative Committee votes on a proposed Legislative Platform, which is then submitted to the full FLC membership for consideration and adoption. Read more-->

City Expands Senior Services with Friendship Dining in South Cape

The City of Cape Coral, in partnership with Senior Friendship Centers, has expanded its popular Friendship Dining program by adding a new location at the South Cape Community Center, located inside the Faith Presbyterian Church complex at 4544 Coronado Pkwy.

Friendship Dining, which is also offered at the Lake Kennedy Center (400 Santa Barbara Blvd.), provides nutritious meals and engaging activities that foster social connection.

Seniors aged 60 or older can enjoy meals and activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday at either location. To sign up, stop by the South Cape Community Center or Lake Kennedy Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or contact Senior Friendship Centers at 941-555-1234.

Reminder to Practice Safe Boating

Cape Coral’s canals make it a boater’s paradise, but safe boating is essential. As snowbird season approaches, remember that excessive speed and failure to maintain a proper lookout are top causes of accidents. Follow local waterway rules carefully.

Consider visibility, traffic, and navigational hazards like shoals or debris. Around 80% of drowning victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Ensure your crew wears properly fitted life jackets to stay afloat and reduce the risk of hypothermia.

For more safety information, visit:

City Set to Host Festive Holiday Events

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the City of Cape Coral's Special Events team is gearing up to help everyone celebrate!

Join us for the Reindeer Run 5K and Family Fun Run at Coral Oaks Golf Course (1800 NW 28th Ave) on Saturday, December 14 at 4 p.m. This is a fun way to get some exercise while showing off your holiday spirit!

A Cape Coral holiday tradition is back when the Holiday Boat-a-Long returns to Four Freedoms Park on Saturday, December 21, at 4 p.m. This year's event will feature food trucks, photos with Santa, and a free showing of the movie "Polar Express" on a giant inflatable movie screen after the boat parade.

The countdown to 2025 is officially on, and the City's New Year's Eve Celebration will be held on 47th Terrace on Tuesday, December 31, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

The event will feature stage entertainment, headlined by the Baha Men again this year, plus a vendor village, kids' activities, and TWO Ball Drops so all ages can participate in the fun!

See More Info on Special Events