March 2025

A Message from

Mayor John Gunter

Dear Cape Coral Residents,

As we enter March, I am excited to share updates on several key projects and initiatives that will help shape the future of Cape Coral.

First, I’m pleased to announce that the City has secured the Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit needed to replace the seawall at the Yacht Club Community Park. This is a major step forward in the park progress and in protecting our coastline. We anticipate receiving the Army Corps of Engineers permit in April, which will allow us to begin the marine improvements work. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly over the past several years to secure the regulatory permits necessary for this project. Their hard work and persistence have been instrumental in moving this vital project forward. Read more-->

Sincerely,

John Gunter

Mayor

The Courts, Cape Coral Hosts Grand Opening Celebration

The Sports Facilities Company recently hosted a grand opening and brand unveiling for The Courts, Cape Coral, featuring an open house, programming activities, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The facility, located at 420 SW 2nd Ave., includes 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts, designed to host large-scale tournaments. The venue is expected to attract over 1,000 participants and become a key destination for local and national sports enthusiasts.

Over 2,600 memberships were sold in the venue’s pre-opening phase, indicating the overwhelming excitement and demand for a facility of this caliber.

Visit The Courts, Cape Coral Website

City Council Fast-Tracks UEP to Address Severe Water Shortage

In response to a severe and ongoing water shortage in northeast Cape Coral, City Council has taken decisive action to accelerate the Utilities Extension Project (UEP). On Wednesday, Council approved Resolution 65-25, prioritizing the North 6 UEP, expanding its boundaries to include more affected properties, and moving up the completion timeline by five years.

This fast-tracked initiative will improve critical water infrastructure to residents facing declining aquifer levels. Read more-->

Cape Coral Bolsters Affordable Housing Through "Live Local Act"

The "Live Local Act" is a groundbreaking initiative by the State of Florida designed to address the housing shortage, promote affordable housing solutions, and stimulate economic growth. Signed into law in 2023, the Act provides resources for local governments and developers to build housing that is accessible, affordable, and integrated with community services.

The City of Cape Coral has embraced this opportunity to enhance development efforts, expand housing options, and strengthen the local economy. Read more-->

Residents Encouraged to Apply for Statewide Mitigation Program

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has introduced Elevate Florida, a statewide residential mitigation program designed to strengthen homes and communities against natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.

Elevate Florida offers financial assistance to eligible property owners for projects such as:

Elevate homes to reduce flood risk
Rebuild homes to meet higher safety standards
Purchase and demolish flood-prone structures
Strengthen buildings against wind damage

Read more-->

Applications for Charter Review Commission Accepted Until March 7

The City is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on the Charter Review Commission. The City Charter is a legal document that defines the city’s form of government, identifies the functions of the Council and City Manager, and establishes procedures for filling Council vacancies.

Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, and resident of Cape Coral. The deadline to receive applications is no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025. Click here to access an application.

Chiquita Lock Set to Close for Removal April 1

The Chiquita Lock will close to boating access on April 1, 2025, for removal as part of the South Spreader Waterway Enhancement Project, which will enhance water quality and flow in the region. The removal is anticipated to conclude by June 2025.

We thank the community for their patience and encourage boaters to plan accordingly.

For the latest updates, please check the Chiquita Lock Project webpage.

Residents Encouraged to Participate in Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Adaptive Recreation Surveys

The City of Cape Coral invites residents to participate in two important surveys that will help shape the future of parks, recreation, and adaptive programs in our community. Each survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

“We encourage all residents to take a few minutes to complete these surveys,” said Joe Petrella, Parks & Recreation Director. “Your input will directly impact the future of our parks and recreation services, ensuring they remain inclusive and aligned with the needs of our community.”

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey (open until early June) is critical in updating the City’s long-term strategic plan for parks and recreational facilities. The plan will guide the department’s vision for the next decade, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of our growing community while preserving Cape Coral’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. Resident feedback is essential to help identify priorities and future investments in programs, parks, and facilities.

Additionally, the City is seeking input through the Adaptive Recreation Survey (open until the end of March) which is designed for those with intellectual or physical disabilities. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update or the Adaptive Recreation initiative, please visit www.capeparks.com.

City Manager's 2024 Annual Report Available Online

The City of Cape Coral is pleased to announce that the City Manager's 2024 Annual Report is now available online. This report highlights Cape Coral’s remarkable accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2024 and reflects the City's commitment to excellence in public service.

This report showcases the City's achievements, which are aligned with the goals of the City of Cape Coral's strategic plan, Cape Compass. Organized by department, the report provides insight into the City's progress, from infrastructure improvements and economic development to public safety and community engagement initiatives. Read more-->

EMR Department Offering CERT Hybrid Basic Training

The Department of Emergency Management and Resilience (EMR) is offering free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hybrid basic training to applicants ages 16 years or older. Priority will be given to applicants who live or work in the City of Cape Coral, and a background check is required.

The CERT program educates participants and volunteers in disaster response skills for hazards where they live or work. Training topics include:

Disaster Preparedness
Fire Safety and Utility Controls
Light Search and Rescue
Team Organization
Terrorism and CERT
Disaster Psychology
Disaster Medical Operations

The hybrid course allows participants to train on their own schedule, as the modules can be completed online. After completing all modules, participants will be required to go to the Cape Coral EOC on Wednesday, March 19, from 5-8 p.m. to practice the skills learned in these modules.

For more details, email vyoda@capecoral.gov or click here to register.

South Cape Community Center Offers Activities

The South Cape Community Center, located on the grounds of Faith Presbyterian Church at 4544 Coronado Pkwy, is a 17,400-square-foot facility offering diverse recreational programs and facility rentals for Cape Coral residents.

The center features a full-size, air-conditioned gymnasium with a basketball court and indoor volleyball, four indoor pickleball courts, and an event room for up to 400 guests, with parking available for 240 vehicles.

The center serves as a hub for adult fitness and recreation, with a focus on programs for adults 50+. It also hosts family-friendly and children’s activities throughout the year. Read more-->

City Receives Key Permit for Yacht Club

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued a critical permit for the Yacht Club Community Park renovation yesterday afternoon, bringing the City of Cape Coral one step closer to breaking ground on the park’s improvements.

The environmental resource permit will now be sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), with federal approval anticipated in April 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances. Read more-->

Cape Coral Named 2024 Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation designated Cape Coral as a 2024 Tree City USA community and awarded the City its seventh consecutive Growth Award for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

This marks the 33rd year Cape Coral has achieved the Tree City USA designation by meeting the program's four requirements: