September 2024 City Newsletter

September 2024

A Message from

Mayor John Gunter

Dear Cape Coral Residents,

As we enter September, we find ourselves approaching the peak of the 2024 hurricane season and reflecting on the second anniversary of Hurricane Ian. This serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of Florida’s Second Disaster Sales Tax Holiday, which runs through September 6, to restock essential disaster preparedness items. Additionally, please use the City’s Hurricane Guide, a valuable resource designed to help you and your family stay safe during this critical time.

Earlier this summer, we received reassuring news that Cape Coral residents will continue to benefit from discounts on National Flood Insurance Premiums. This was a significant relief, especially as we enter the most active part of hurricane season. Read more from the Mayor-->

Sincerely,

John Gunter

Mayor

City Working with FEMA & Residents to Maintain Flood Insurance Rating & Discount

In early August, City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn mailed letters to over 68,000 households in Cape Coral to provide an important update and reassurance regarding the city’s efforts to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to retain valuable discounts on flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In addition, FEMA was mandated to send a letter to Cape Coral residents in August about the status of the NFIP. Residents who received letters from FEMA are urged to verify whether their properties require any action, particularly if they have experienced damage and repairs were not permitted.

The City of Cape Coral understands that some of the language in FEMA's letter is causing concerns among residents, so the video below contains step-by-step instructions for residents to ensure their property is in compliance.

City to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

To commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the City of Cape Coral will hold a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, on the front lawn outside of City Hall Council Chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The ceremony will include the presentation of colors by the Cape Coral Fire and Police Honor Guards, a moment of silence, an invocation, and remarks from Mayor John Gunter, the Police Chief, and the Fire Chief. It is free and open to the public.

Public Hearing Dates Scheduled to Finalize City's FY25 Budget

The City of Cape Coral has scheduled two public hearings to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget. Both hearings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1015 Cultural Park Blvd).

First Public Hearing: Thu, Sept. 12 at 5:05 p.m.

The tentative millage rate and budget will be set at this meeting.

Second Public Hearing: Thu, Sept. 26 at 5:05 p.m.

The final millage rate and budget will be set at this meeting.

State law requires two public hearings to discuss the budget. Your attendance and input are encouraged.

LK Racquet Center is Now Open - Save 50% on Annual Memberships for a Limited Time

The City of Cape Coral officially opened a state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball facility at Lake Kennedy on August 28, 2024. The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center features 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts.

To celebrate the opening, Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is offering a limited-time "Founders Discount" of 50% off all annual memberships for the first year. This special offer is valid through October 28, 2024. Read more-->

City Council Approves Transformative Developments

August 7, 2024, marks a momentous day in the history of Cape Coral as the City Council approved three landmark initiatives that will transform the city’s landscape and propel it into a new era of growth and prosperity.

In a decisive and visionary move, the City Council approved the purchase and development of three major sites that will redefine the future of Cape Coral. These include the acquisition of nearly 19 acres in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) District, the purchase of the long-vacant former golf course, and the approval of the Cape Coral Grove development in the northwest part of the city.

Together, these projects represent a bold step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance community vibrancy, attract new businesses, and provide residents with modern amenities. Read more-->

Major Roadway Milling & Resurfacing is Underway

As part of the FY 24 Major Roads contract, crews began milling and resurfacing the following roadways the week of August 26:

El Dorado Parkway W: from SW 28th Place to Chiquita Blvd

Sands Boulevard: from El Dorado Pkwy W to Beach Pkwy

Agualinda Boulevard: from El Dorado Pkwy to Beach Pkwy

Cape Coral Pkwy: from Santa Barbara Blvd to the cul-de-sac at the western end, west of Sands Blvd

Every effort will be made to minimize the impact on local traffic during the work period. The projected duration of this project is approximately eight weeks, contingent on weather conditions and crew availability.

Read more-->

Parks & Recreation Fall Activity Guide is Ready to View

The Parks & Recreation Fall Activity Guide, which covers the months of Sep-Dec 2024, is now available to view at www.CapeParks.com.

The online version contains clickable links to online registration making it easy to learn about upcoming classes, programs, and events, and sign up to participate.

There will also be a limited supply of printed copies that can be picked up after September 9 at City Hall, Cape Coral's recreation centers, and the two libraries in Cape Coral.

Oasis Charter Schools Achieve Grade "A"

All four Oasis Charter Schools earned an "A" rating from The Florida Department of Education for the 2023-2024 school year.

The municipal charter school system also scored high in student learning gains, achieving impressive double-digit increases. Oasis South and Oasis High saw their student scores rise by 32 points each, while students at Oasis Elementary North improved by 19 points. Read more-->

City Earns Silver Designation for Mental Health Efforts

The City of Cape Coral's Human Resources Department earned the Silver Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America (MHA). This national certification recognizes employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces for their employees. Read more-->