A Message from
Mayor John Gunter
Last month, we mourned the untimely death of one of our own, our City Attorney, Dolores Menendez. She worked for the City of Cape Coral for 32 years. She served the City with admiration and virtue. She will be missed dearly. Deputy City Attorney Brian Bartos will fulfill Ms. Menendez’s role until the Council appoints a new City Attorney.
Before we know it, the start of summer will be upon us. June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season, the beginning of our fertilizer ban period, and the end of school for our children. I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023. Graduation is a great accomplishment in a young person’s life, and the entire Cape Coral Community is incredibly proud of your hard work and success. I wish all of you all the best in your next endeavors.
Over the past year, our community has shown resilience while facing adversity. While most storm debris collection has been completed, infrastructure repairs and recovery efforts continue months after Hurricane Ian’s landfall. Read more from the Mayor-->
Respectfully,
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Hurricane Season Has Arrived - Finish Preparing Now!
As Hurricane Season 2023 begins, the City of Cape Coral reminds homeowners to prepare their houses before inclement weather arrives.
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Check your insurance policy - Become familiar with your insurance policy and ensure you have the coverage you need.
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Check windows and doors and have a protection plan
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Trim trees/horticulture - Trimming your trees before a hurricane will help prevent damage to your property and your neighbors
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Clean gutters - Blocked gutters can damage your home or business and cause flooding.
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Make a hurricane kit - Don’t wait for a named storm to be on the way. Be proactive and buy your supplies now.
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Seasonal Fertilizer Restrictions Begin June 1
Now that we're entering the rainy season, the city reminds everyone that applying fertilizer containing phosphorus or nitrogen is prohibited from June 1 through September 30.
Eliminating the use of phosphorus and nitrogen during the wet season helps to protect our canals and waterways, quality of life, and economy.
Excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms that can kill fish, harm pets and wildlife, and potentially injure people who encounter them.
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Cape Coral Launches Business & Industry Roundtable Series
The City of Cape Coral has launched its inaugural Business & Industry Roundtable Series to provide an opportunity for open and honest conversations about how the city can help small business owners.
The program began in late May with a session targeting leaders in the lending industry, and it aims to meet the following objectives:
- Allow industry leaders to connect and discuss challenges specific to Cape Coral.
- Provide a forum for the economic outlook and opportunities for industries.
- Determine future initiatives and programs needed to retain businesses and industries to strengthen the local economy.
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South Cape CRA Announces Grant Program to Help Businesses Grow
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently launched a new grant program benefitting local businesses.
The CRA developed the Breaking Barriers to Business (B2B) program to assist with infrastructure-related improvements associated with Cape Coral's Land Development Code. Up to $50,000 in grant funding will be available to business owners looking to open, expand, and grow in the South Cape CRA area.
Eligible improvements include but are not limited to:
· Infrastructure design and construction
· Road improvements
· Landscaping and road beautification
· Parking lot improvements
· Relocation of utilities
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Cape Coral Police Department News
The men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department work hard every day to help keep our City safe. Follow CCPD on Facebook for regular news and updates.
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Reminder to Follow Residential Waste Removal Requirements
The City of Cape Coral utilizes contracted solid waste removal services to help keep our city's streets clean and safe.
Each residence is provided a tan bin for household waste and a green bin for recyclables. These bins are the property of the city and must remain with the dwelling. Residents should familiarize themselves with trash collection protocols to optimize available services and stay in compliance with city requirements.
- Garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste are all collected on the same day.
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Use Citizen's Portal or 311 App to Request Services
Cape Coral citizens can digitally report issues including, but not limited to:
· Code Compliance
· Permitting
· Lot Mowing
· Traffic Signs
The mobile app also features the latest news, city attractions, a public meeting calendar, contact information for city officials, a portal for contractors, and water billing and payment services.
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Participate in the Median Beautification Program
This program allows residents, businesses, and organizations to fund the “adoption” of a median by installing landscaping that the city would then maintain in perpetuity.
The city also provides signage to show appreciation to participants in the program, allowing the public to recognize the generous donation.
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Mayor Gunter Receives Home Rule Hero Award
Mayor John Gunter was recently honored with a Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities (SWFLC) for the second year in a row. The award is in recognition of Gunter's hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session to address local problems with local solutions and minimal state interference.
Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
Congratulations to Mayor Gunter on this outstanding achievement!
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Communications Manager & Office Recognized at FMCA Outstanding Awards
The City of Cape Coral's Office of Communications was recognized at the Florida Municipal Communicators Association's 2022 Outstanding Awards Program Ceremony on May 19.
Melissa Mickey, City of Cape Coral Communications Manager, earned the 2022 Rising Star Award, and the Office of Communications was recognized with an honorable mention for the 2022 Best Web Resource Award.
Cape Coral's first formal Office of Communications was established in 2021, and Mickey was promoted to Communications Manager in February 2022. In her first year, she compiled the City's first communications team, which led to an increase in the City's social media following by 231 percent, press releases distributed by 850 percent, and online engagement by 1,150 percent. Read more on the Comm awards-->
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Fleet Services Earns Spot on the "100 Best Public Fleets" List
The City of Cape Coral’s Fleet Services Division has again earned a spot on the “100 Best Public Fleets” list.
This is the seventh consecutive year Cape Coral has been recognized with the prestigious Top 100 annual award. The National Association of Fleet Administrators ranked Cape Coral No. 58 out of 100, surpassing larger cities like Phoenix and Orlando.
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First-Ever Popular Annual Financial Report Published
Cape Coral’s Financial Services Department published the city’s first-ever Popular Annual Financial Report.
The truncated report was created to enhance the city’s transparency and the public’s access to the city’s official financial reporting. The City of Cape Coral is now eligible to earn the Government Finance Officers Association's Triple Crown. See more on the Report-->
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Upcoming Activities Around Cape Coral
*Pre-registration required
Thursday, June 1
Friday, June 2
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"Another Man's Treasure" Exhibit Opens in the Main Gallery of the Cape Coral Art Center (on display thru 7/27)
Saturday, June 3
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Tree Giveaway at Rotary Park, 12:00-3:00 pm (while supply lasts; Cape Coral residents only; one tree per household)
Monday, June 5
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Free Butterfly House Tour at Rotary Park, 10:30 am (Note: Butterfly House tours are offered every Mon, Fri, & Sat at 10:30 am)
Friday, June 9
Saturday, June 10
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Vino's Picasso Paint pARTy at Rotary Park, 2:00-4:00 pm*
Monday, June 12
Tuesday, June 20
- Hurricane Preparedness Seminar City Hall Council Chambers, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, June 26-Friday, June 30
Tuesday, July 4
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Red, White, & BOOM on Cape Coral Parkway, 5:00-10:00 pm - See details at www.CapeBOOM.com
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