July 2022
A Message from
Mayor John Gunter

Cape Coral is flowing with possibilities!

On July 4, 1776, almost 250 years ago, Congress declared our independence and founded our nation on the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day with gratitude and the blessings of freedom, I would like to thank active duty and veteran members of the military for preserving our peace and security and protecting our freedom.

I encourage all Cape Coral visitors and residents to join us on July 4th for the City’s Red, White and Boom celebration. This is a free event that will include music, food, entertainment, and the best fireworks display in Southwest Florida. I will be attending, and I hope to see everyone there to bring our community together for this great yearly event.  

June was a busy month; we celebrated the groundbreaking of Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. The finished product will be an innovative park concept that will host a fantastic nature preserve with hiking, equestrian trails, a dog park, primitive camcampsites, and more! To get an idea of what it will look like upon completion check out the renderings on our Go Bond Project webpage.

The City’s Southwest Water Reclamation Facility received the first-place Earle B. Phelps Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Facility Performance Award for the third year in a row. I’m proud to report we are the only city in Florida to receive first-place recognition for three consecutive years... READ MORE-->

Sincerely,
John Gunter
Mayor

SUN Trail Phase 1 Construction Update
 
The Florida SUN (Shared-Use Nonmotorized) Trail is a statewide system of paved trail corridors for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Cape Coral Sun Trail Phase 1 construction began in May 2021. The project is about 75% complete and scheduled to be done by November 2022. Phase 1 SUN Trail runs along Van Buren Parkway, El Dorado Boulevard, and Kismet Parkway, from Burnt Store Road to Nelson Road. The total project length is 3.5 miles. 

The new multi-use trail has been installed with all associated earthwork, sodding, driveways, and road resurfacing finished along Van Buren Parkway and El Dorado Boulevard. The contractor is scheduled to complete the remaining work, including street signs and pavement markings, by the end of the summer.
The new multi-use trail and street curbing installations are underway along Kismet Parkway. Construction of the new pedestrian bridge at Zanzibar Canal has also started. The contractor is scheduled to complete this segment (and the project) by November of this year.
 
This multi-use trail, which is entirely grant-funded and being constructed within the City’s right-of-way, is planned to become a signature outdoor destination in the North Cape.
New Citywide Watering Schedule in Effect

City Council approved a new year-round two-day irrigation watering schedule that is effective immediately and applies to all Cape Coral residents. The new citywide irrigation watering schedule applies to all Cape Coral properties whether on private well or City water. 

Residents will still have the same number of hours for irrigation; however, the new schedule will add more time slots reducing demand by 40 percent. The new schedule will allow the City to better manage watering demand, pressure, and flow, and it will improve water pressure for reclaimed water fire hydrants.

Watering days and times depend on the last number of the home address. See the above image or click the button below for more information.  
"Red, White & BOOM" Set for Monday, July 4

Here comes the BOOM! The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to present "Red, White, & BOOM" on Monday, July 4 from, 5:00-10:00 p.m. at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge on Cape Coral Parkway. This FREE event will include a day full of patriotic family fun, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show.

This year's event will feature Country duo and National recording artist, LoCash, performing at ~8:00 p.m., followed by the best fireworks show in Southwest Florida. There will also be over 50 vendors offering food, drinks, jewelry, novelty items, and more.

Reminder: The Cape Coral Bridge will be CLOSED from 3:00 a.m. on July 4 until 3:00 a.m. on July 5.

For complete event details and the entertainment schedule, visit www.CapeBoom.com
July is National Park & Recreation Month and PGA Family Golf Month

Parks are one of the few places where it all comes together - good health, a sense of community, and respect for nature. National Park and Recreation Month is a great time to recognize the value of parks and recreation and join the fun! Click here for details on Park & Rec Month activities in Cape Coral.

The month of July is also recognized as PGA Family Golf Month, and Coral Oaks Golf Course is offering some special deals, including:

  • Free driving range token for a child (under age 18) with the purchase of an adult driving range token

  • Family of four (2 adults, 2 children under age 18) can play a round for $60 after 12 p.m.

For more details on PGA Family Golf Month, visit www.CoralOaksGolf.com, or get more Parks & Recreation information at www.CapeParks.com.
Remember to Practice Fireworks Safety

Did you know that every year there are over 10,000 injuries that require visits to the Emergency Room and almost 20,000 fires due to fireworks?

The safest and best option for watching fireworks this July 4th is to view a professional show like "Red, White & BOOM."

If you plan to use fireworks, please remember:

  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix

  • Never light a firework in your hand

  • Only use fireworks outdoors

  • Only light one firework at a time and stand back after

  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to dispose of used and dud fireworks

  • Keep pets and small children away from fireworks

Adhering to these guidelines provided by the Cape Coral Fire Department can help everyone to enjoy a safer and more fun holiday weekend!
Public Art Sculpture Unveiled at 47th Terrace Roundabout

On June 9, the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) hosted a public art unveiling at the roundabout located on 47th Terrace and Vincennes Boulevard. “Sailing” is a 10-foot-tall by 5-foot across original sculpture that features contemporary design elements to highlight Cape Coral’s 400+ miles of waterways and diverse atmosphere.

This is the CRA’s second public art installation in the South Cape this year and first commissioned sculpture. In April, 15 works of art by local artists were installed as Utility Box wraps on SE 47 Terrace from Coronado Parkway to SE 15 Avenue, with nine additional works of art approved to be installed on utility boxes in the coming weeks.
Groundbreaking Held at Yellow Fever Creek Preserve on June 24

The City of Cape Coral hosted its latest groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, June 24 at Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. Upon completion, this new environmental park will include walking trails, an environmental center, primitive campsites, and more.
 

The development of Yellow Fever Creek Preserve, along with three community parks and seven neighborhood parks, is being funded by the 2018 Parks GO Bond.
Cape Coral Police Department News
Turn Around - Don't Drown!

We are in the midst of our southwest Florida rainy season. During this time, the Cape Coral Police Department advises residents that if a road is flooded, turn around and find an alternate route. Don’t risk drowning by trying to cross it.
The men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department work hard every day to help keep our City safe. Click on the newsroom link to see recent news and follow the CCPD on Facebook for more regular updates.
Cape Coral Fleet Wins Two Prestigious Awards

Cape Coral’s Fleet Management Division has again earned a spot on the “100 Best Fleets in the Americas” and “Top 50 Government Leading Fleets” in the U.S. and Canada. This is the sixth consecutive year Cape Coral has been recognized with the prestigious Top 100 annual award and the fifth year recognized with the Top 50 award.

The "100 Best Fleets" program recognizes peak-performing fleet operations and identifies and encourages performance improvement and innovation within the public fleet industry. The "Top 50" program recognizes operations performing at a high level, particularly in fleet leadership, competitiveness, efficiency, planning for the future, and overcoming challenges. 
  
Fleet Management is a division within the Public Works Department that maintains and services an assortment of over 1,700 assets, ranging from bobcats to fire trucks. The City’s fleet encompasses ten departments, including the highly-visible response vehicles for Public Works, Utilities, Fire, Police, and the bus line for the Charter Schools.

Congratulations and job well done to the entire Fleet Management team!
City Maintains Flood Insurance Discount for Property Owners

The Development Services Department recently completed its annual Community Rating System (CRS) construction certificate review. The Building Division Plan Review Team achieved an excellent score on their reviews, resulting in the City of Cape Coral remaining a community in good standing with the CRS. Cape Coral is rated as a Class 5 CRS community which ensures that property owners in the Special Flood Hazard Area in the City of Cape Coral receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums.

About the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS):

The NFIP CRS is a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP standards and is designed to lower flood insurance costs.

CRS communities must maintain elevation certificates and all other required floodplain-related construction certificates on all buildings in the community’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that are constructed, substantially improved, and/or reconstructed due to substantial damage. Communities must review the certificates and ensure that at least 90% are correct according to the verification standards.
City Manager Receives Vocational Service Award

Cape Coral City Manager Rob Hernandez was awarded the Vocational Service Award from the Rotary E-Club of SE USA and the Caribbean.
 
President Alicia Bostdorff-Miller presented the award to Hernandez at the June 8 meeting. Each year, Rotary clubs nominate community members for the Vocational Service Award, and the Board of Directors votes on the winner. City Manager Hernandez was presented with this award for exemplifying outstanding professional achievement while maintaining high ethical standards.
 
In Rotary, the Vocational Service Award is presented to community members who adhere to and promote the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public. Vocational Service focuses on recognizing the worthiness of all useful occupations – not just those Rotarians pursue.

Congratulations to City Manager Hernandez for this recognition.
REMINDERS:
July Happenings Around Cape Coral

Friday, July 1

Monday, July 4

Saturday, July 9

Monday, July 11

Saturday, July 16
  • Free P&R Month "Beach Blanket Picnic & Bingo" at the Yacht Club, 10:30am-1:30pm
  • P&R Month Giveaway Day at Eagle Skate Park, 12:00-9:00pm

Saturday, July 23
Your City Council