Archived Messages from Your Mayor

June 2024

As we transition into June, let's acknowledge the significant events shaping our community. On May's closing note, the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency building unveiled various enhancements, including a striking mural, a testament to our partnership with the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau. When you're downtown, take a moment to appreciate this public art at 1231 Lafayette Street.

Moving forward, let's remember that June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season. All residents must prepare accordingly, knowing their flood zones and evacuation routes. Don't forget to grab a copy of the 2024 Hurricane Prep Guide and attend the Hurricane Preparedness Expo on June 15 at the German American Social Club. Sign up for Alert Lee at alertlee.com to receive critical storm updates.

June also brings the rainy season, prompting a ban on phosphorus and nitrogen-containing fertilizers until September 30. Let's protect our waterways by refraining from fertilizing. Spread the word and encourage responsible practices among friends and neighbors.

Congratulations to the 2024 graduates as they step into their next chapter. We salute your achievements and wish you success.

This month, we're hosting budget workshops and the City’s Annual Flag Day Ceremony at Four Mile Cove Ecological Park, so mark your calendars. Don't miss our new video showcasing our veteran-friendly city, highlighting our commitment to those who've served. The video showcases our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans in our community. Click here to watch the video. 

Lastly, I would like to recognize the achievements of our Fleet Management Division and the Office of Communications. Our Fleet Management Division secured positions on the "100 Best Fleets in the Americas" and the distinguished "Top 50 Government Leading Fleets in the U.S. and Canada" for the eighth consecutive year. The City’s Office of Communications earned several awards from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association. These achievements reflect the dedication of our staff.

I will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our community while moving our city forward. Together, let’s continue building a vibrant and resilient Cape Coral.

May 2024

As we embark on a new month, I want to provide you with updates on important developments and initiatives in our great city.

First, I'm thrilled to share our vision for the future of the Yacht Club Community Park. We're dedicated to revitalizing this iconic area, transforming it into a center for recreation, leisure, and community gatherings. With careful planning and collaboration, our goal is to create a destination that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Please visit the City’s website (CapeCoral.gov) for details about these plans.

As we prepare the budget for fiscal year 2025, fiscal responsibility and transparency remain our top priorities. Public safety continues to be a primary focus, and I encourage you to attend one of our public workshops to provide valuable input on resource allocation decisions.

Additionally, I anticipate an upcoming discussion on citywide beautification projects. As we invest in infrastructure and amenities, enhancing Cape Coral's aesthetics is also important for our future. Your input and feedback will be essential as we strive to create a more beautiful and welcoming community for all.

With hurricane season approaching on June 1st, it's crucial for all residents to take necessary precautions and have a plan in place to safeguard themselves and their families.

I'd like to recognize the hard work of our staff in maintaining our City's CRS (Community Rating System) rating of 5. Many of you have heard that FEMA recently announced plans to retrograde Cape Coral’s rating along with several other communities in Lee County. Our rating not only showcases our commitment to mitigating flood risks but also results in reduced flood insurance premiums for residents. FEMA is providing 60 days for communities to address any alleged deficiencies, and Cape Coral is actively addressing FEMA's concerns to ensure continued compliance and eligibility for these benefits.

In conclusion, I'm optimistic about Cape Coral's future and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your mayor. Together, we'll continue working towards making Cape Coral a place we're proud to call home.

April 2024

As we enter April, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and projects that will shape our community's future. Our staff is diligently working on the details of a partnership for a much-needed recreational facility at Lake Meade Park in NE Cape Coral. This project will offer valuable recreational opportunities and enhance our city's quality of life.

It's crucial to remember that our irrigation water supply is finite. We must use it wisely to ensure availability throughout the dry season. Despite the City's efforts to increase irrigation supply through projects like Caloosahatchee Connect, conservation remains paramount.

I'm pleased to announce that funding for two important Cape Coral projects is included in Florida's 2024 General Appropriations Act. There is $4 million for the Cape Coral Northeast Water Transmission Main and Regional Water Supply Project and $9 million to expand the City's Emergency Operations Center. These investments will enhance our infrastructure, irrigation water supply, and emergency response capabilities.

In April, the Council will conduct two public hearings on moratoriums for new permit applications for car washes and self-storage facilities. These public discussions aim to prevent these facilities from consuming essential commercial property too quickly and clustering too closely together. Given the limited vacant non-residential land for future commercial demands, careful planning is crucial to avoid adverse impacts on residents and preserve our commercial spaces.

As we say goodbye to many of our snowbirds this month, we eagerly anticipate upcoming public input meetings at the Cape Coral Yacht Club to shape the future of this cherished city park. Moreover, I'm proud to announce that Cape Coral has been recognized as a Statewide Leader in Urban Tree Canopy Growth, underscoring our commitment to preserving our natural environment and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Your voice is essential. Whether by attending public meetings or using our e-comment tool on the City’s website, you play a pivotal role in shaping our community's future. Let's continue to work together, listen to each other, and strive for progress and prosperity.

As we embrace April's changes and opportunities, let's do so with a shared commitment to building a brighter future for Cape Coral.

March 2024

I hope this message finds you well as we enter the month of March.

Before delving into the various announcements and updates, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and efforts towards enhancing our community. Their invaluable service, notably celebrated at the recent Police Volunteer Luncheon, is a cornerstone of any great city. 

In significant news, I am proud to announce the commendable achievement of our Fire Department in securing its inaugural accreditation award from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Fire Accreditation. This prestigious accolade places our department among a select group, with only 28 such departments in the state of Florida and slightly over 300 across the United States attaining this distinction. Please join me in applauding our Fire Department for this noteworthy accomplishment.

Turning to infrastructure and recreational developments, we recently commemorated the groundbreaking ceremony for Crystal Lake Park in northwest Cape Coral. The City is also reviewing recommendations from several plans and studies prepared by subject-matter experts for addressing traffic as growth is expected to continue. Hundreds of recommendations will be considered, such as speed limit reduction, lane repurposing, and replacing existing road impact fees with mobility fees. The Multimodal Transportation Plan, which should be completed this month, will provide a framework for keeping up with the city’s growth and increased traffic.

Amidst these developments, it is imperative to highlight the importance of community engagement and participation. Several exciting events are just around the corner, including the Special Populations Fashion Show & Lunch Fundraiser on March 9th and the Sounds of Jazz and Blues event on March 23rd. These special events not only foster a sense of unity but also showcase the diverse talents within our community.

Moreover, March is recognized as National Procurement Month, underscoring the significance of efficient procurement practices in governmental operations. To this end, the city will host a vendor forum on March 8th at Mercola Market, offering local businesses insights and resources to facilitate collaboration with the municipal government. If you do business with the City or would like to do business with the City, please consider attending.

Your City Council has been discussing the importance of water conservation efforts and adherence to the temporary watering schedule in place for areas of Cape Coral subject to the South Florida Water Management District’s water shortage declarations. These restrictions apply to properties with private wells in the identified area of NE Cape Coral. We continue to explore ways to help protect the groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.

Lastly, I wish to emphasize the city's unwavering commitment to prudent financial management and transparent governance. As we embark on the budget preparation process, citizen input will be sought through several upcoming public meetings. Additionally, public safety, efforts to address transportation challenges, and planning for future growth remain some of my top priorities.

In conclusion, I urge each of you to embrace the opportunities for engagement, connect with fellow residents, explore our city, and actively contribute to our progress. Together, let us continue to foster a vibrant and resilient community of which we can all be proud of.

February 2024 

As we step into the second month of 2024, I am delighted to share some exciting updates and plans for our growing and vibrant community.

We continue to focus on growth management, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan, also known as the Growth Management Plan, provides a foundation for land use regulation. This document articulates our City's future and translates it into tangible policies, programs, and public investments. To accommodate the projected influx of over 100,000 new residents in the next 25 years, we are diligently updating our population and housing data for strategic long-term planning.

In our pursuit of responsible growth, we are nearing the completion of our first Transportation Master Plan, which encompasses more than 200 recommendations. These recommendations address the challenges posed by our rapid growth and include improvements such as intersection enhancements, extended turn lanes, speed limit adjustments, and the implementation of mobility fees for new developments to provide flexibility and help fund improvements needed to address our growing population.

Our recent City Council budget workshop for Fiscal Year 2025, held on January 18-19, provided a comprehensive overview of our updated growth model. The discussions centered around meeting the increased demand for services and infrastructure, particularly north of Pine Island Road. The budget process involves thoughtful prioritization of resources to meet both short and long-term needs, with the final budget adoption scheduled for September.

As we continue to shape the future of Cape Coral, we invite your input on crucial matters such as the Final Site Plan for the Yacht Club Community Park and the ongoing Multimodal Transportation Public Survey, closing on February 9. Your feedback will play a pivotal role in crafting a comprehensive Master Plan for transportation that will define our community's options and landscape for future generations.

Amidst these plans and developments, let's remember to enjoy the beautiful weather that February offers in Cape Coral. Join us on February 2 for our unique "Ground Owl" Day celebration, where we anticipate a delightful spring forecast from our resident burrowing owl.

February also marks the return of citywide events, including Cape Bike Night, Music & Arts Fusion on SE 47th Terrace, and the 23rd Annual Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park. Stay updated on these events and others by checking the calendar on the City's website.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the people who make our community special. Whether it's your family, friends, neighbors, first responders, businesses, city employees, or volunteers, they all contribute to this great City.

I am honored to serve as your Mayor and am committed to setting high expectations for our community while propelling our City forward.

January 2024

Happy New Year to you all! As we embark on 2024, I am thrilled to share that Cape Coral continues to thrive, and our focus remains steadfast on our mission to provide services and resources that enhance the quality of life for those who live, learn, work, and play in our City.

This month holds significant events, notably the official opening of the Caloosahatchee Connect pipeline, which will provide up to 12 million gallons of reclaimed water daily from Fort Myers to Cape Coral. This project provides additional irrigation water for residents for lawn watering and eliminates nutrient discharges into the river by the City of Fort Myers.

Also, in January, the City will host budget workshops. These workshops are crucial for future planning, allowing us to prioritize resources effectively to address infrastructure, transportation, and beautification/landscaping needs. Our goal is to ensure that Cape Coral continues to grow responsibly while maintaining public safety excellence. These workshops will enable us to align our resources with the demands of our growing community and strategically invest in critical areas.

As your Mayor, I am committed to sustaining this positive momentum. Collaborating with the City Council and our dedicated city employees, we are actively working on various projects, including finishing the parks GO Bond projects, road resurfacing, canal dredging, sidewalk construction, median landscaping, and expanding water, sewer, and irrigation services in the northern part of the City.

I am excited to inform you about the ongoing progress of the City’s Multimodal Transportation Master Plan update, guiding transportation projects across the City. Residents can now explore a new interactive map displaying existing pedestrian, multi-use trail, and bicycle networks, along with proposed improvements from the Multimodal Master Plan. We are gathering input on these plans from our community until February 8th. Additionally, the South Cape Downtown Parking Management Study, addressing parking challenges in the South Cape Downtown area, is expected to conclude this month.

Beyond the administrative aspects, our community is buzzing with exciting events. The 39th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival on January 13-14 and the 33rd Anniversary of Tour de Cape on January 20-21 promise to bring residents joy and showcase our City's beauty. These events provide recreational options and support local businesses, contributing to the growth of our local economy.

I am devoted to collaborating with residents, the business community, community organizations, and our state and local government partners to shape a vibrant future for Cape Coral. As we enter this new year, I appreciate your ongoing support, and I am confident that together, we will build a bright and prosperous future for our residents.

December 2023

Happy holidays to our residents and visitors, and welcome back to our part-time residents.

To kick off the holiday season, everyone is invited to join us in front of City Hall tonight (Thursday, November 30) at 6:00 p.m. for our Annual Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting event. The City’s Christmas tree is over 50 feet tall this year!

As we embark on another holiday season, it’s a good time to reflect on the City’s accomplishments and how far we’ve come over the past year. The 2023 hurricane season ended without any major storms hitting Cape Coral, allowing our community to continue recovering from Hurricane Ian. The reopening of the Yacht Club Beach is one small indicator of the progress being made throughout the city. Other accomplishments this year include the groundbreaking of the new police and fire training facilities.

This month, we will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two new parks funded by the 2018 Parks GO Bond. Sands Park is a new neighborhood park with a covered playground, picnic shelters, tennis/pickleball courts, and a putting green. Joe Coviello Park will be our newest environmental park dedicated to the late Mayor for his service to the city. Joe Coviello Park features walking paths and outdoor classrooms. We appreciate the community’s enthusiasm and support for the new park projects in our city. While there have been some delays in the construction process, attributed in part to unforeseen circumstances, such as Ian and regulatory permitting delays, parks play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Parks provide recreational spaces for families, promote community engagement, and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of our city.

At our December 13 meeting, the City Council will appoint a representative to fill the vacant District 4 seat. The City Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community. Choosing a representative who understands the unique needs of our city is crucial to maintaining a strong and vibrant community.

Also happening later this month, we welcome the return of the Holiday Boat-a-Long at Four Freedoms Park on December 16 and begin a new holiday tradition on December 31 at the City’s Inaugural New Year’s Eve Celebration on SE 47th Terrace in the South Cape. I encourage everyone to join the fun and help us ring in the New Year.

As we head into 2024, the City Council remains committed to our state and federal legislative priorities, including protecting local decision-making authority, environmental stewardship, improving water quality, infrastructure/transportation investment and planning, and hurricane recovery and preparedness.

From our family to yours, I offer you all my warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year.

October 2023

October 1 represents the beginning of the new fiscal year for the City of Cape Coral. 

Cape Coral City Council adopted the FY 2024 budget on September 21 following two public hearings and months of preparation. This budget, slightly over $1 billion, maintains the millage rate of 5.3694 mills. 

Most of the growth in our budget is the direct result of our need to expand services to keep up with the needs of our growing City. Public safety remains a top priority, and we are adding eight police officers and 11 firefighters. These new positions will help reduce response times and be utilized to staff the new police and fire training facilities under construction. Infrastructure is another priority in this year's budget. We have allocated $7.4 million for road resurfacing and $3 million for traffic lights and intersection improvements at four key locations. These improvements will make our residents' commute to and from work safer. We also are advancing the planning and design for the future widening of Pine Island Road. The Stormwater Fund will provide new positions to help reduce the backlog of drainage improvements and maintenance needed for our extensive stormwater system to help mitigate localized street flooding. City Council continues to focus on enhancing the aesthetics of our community by dedicating funding to increase beautification throughout the City, including median landscaping. We are also replacing trees and shrubs lost during Hurricane Ian because the state and federal governments do not fund landscaping reimbursements.

In addition to passing the FY24 budget, the Council recently appointed Michael Ilczyszyn to fill the City Manager position permanently. Since February, he has served as Interim City Manager and successfully demonstrated his ability to do the job well. The Council is confident Mike will continue to lead the City forward into the future. 

With cooler temperatures on the way, the City will kick off our special events season with the return of Cape Bike Night on October 14 and the Second Annual "Trunk or Treat" at City Hall on October 27. These free events are open to the public, and we hope you will join us.

Thank you to everyone who attended the "Resilience Rally" on September 29. This event marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Ian, and it allowed us to give back to local charities who gave so much during and after Hurricane Ian. In addition to collecting hundreds of donations to help restock the shelves of local non-profit organizations, the event reminded us how far our community has come in the year since the devastating storm.

Speaking of Ian, we are still in hurricane season, and I would like to remind our residents to have a plan in place before a storm strikes. The 2023 Cape Coral Hurricane Preparedness Guide is an excellent resource with evacuation and shelter information and how to stay informed before, during, and after a storm. 

I encourage residents to stay informed about city issues that are important to them. There are many ways to participate in the decision-making process, and provide us with your input. I look forward to what we can accomplish when we work together as a community in the new fiscal year.

The path to recovery from Ian remains a lengthy journey, akin to a marathon rather than a sprint. Nevertheless, I take pride in witnessing the strength and resilience of our community in the face of adversity and the remarkable progress we've made over the past year.

We are fortunate we were spared the worst of Hurricane Idalia’s impacts, unlike some of our Florida neighbors.

In addition to monitoring the weather, September is budget season for the City of Cape Coral. Adopting the annual operating budget is one of the Council's most important responsibilities. As Mayor, I will ensure the budget allocates the limited resources across our Strategic Plan priorities that are vital to both our organization and our community. Cape Coral's status as one of the nation's fastest-growing cities brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Public safety will remain a top priority as we continue to grow. There also is an effort to improve community beautification in our residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors, which is reflected in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget. I look forward to working with my colleagues on City Council as we create a balanced budget that provides the appropriate level of service you expect.

As we transition into the fall season, I invite to our residents to venture out and explore some of our newest parks that were funded by the Parks GO Bond. The newest parks include Giuffrida Park, Del Prado Linear Park, Gator Trails Park, and Cultural Park. Several other new parks will open soon (Sands Park, Coviello Park, and Yellow Fever Creek Preserve).

I also implore our residents to stay well-informed and actively involved in matters that hold significance for them within our city. There are numerous opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and provide your input.

As always, it is an honor to serve as your mayor, and I remain committed to establishing high expectations for our community while steering our city toward a brighter future.

As we find ourselves amid hot summer days and prepare for a new school year, I want to extend my appreciation for your continued dedication to our community.

We must remain prepared with hurricane season in full swing until November 30. I urge you to utilize the Cape Coral Hurricane Prep Guide, it's a new resource to help you and your family get ready for any potential storms.

August is busy, and much of our efforts will be spent on the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The City's operating budget is a municipality's most important work product. State law requires us to adopt a balanced budget annually. As a community member, understanding the budget and process will give you a voice in your community's priorities. Budget workshops will be held on August 8 and August 15, and you are encouraged to share your input during these public meetings. 

The budget serves several functions.  It prioritizes our community's needs and services, allocates resources among departments, reflects the City Council's legislative priorities and policies, and controls how much each department may spend. While public safety remains a top concern, we are devoted to addressing infrastructure, economic development, and water quality improvement.

Regarding water quality, the City's fertilizer restrictions prevent the use of phosphorous and nitrogen-containing fertilizers. These nutrients contribute to harmful algae blooms in our waterways. Bubble curtains were installed in 10 canals along the Caloosahatchee River last year to keep algae from the river out of our local waterways. However, many of our canals do not have bubble curtains, and reducing stormwater runoff is essential.

We will honor Purple Heart recipients with a new dedicated parking spot at City Hall this month. There also is a Purple Heart recognition ceremony planned for August 2. Later in the month, we are hosting a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Police Training Facility, which is crucial in ensuring our officers maintain the highest standards.

As the new school year begins, rest assured that the City of Cape Coral and the Police Department are fully committed to the safety and security of our students. Please use caution and drive carefully, allowing our students and school buses to safely travel to and from school.

It is truly an honor to serve as your Mayor, and I am dedicated to upholding high expectations for our exceptional community while propelling our city forward.

Thank you for your support and commitment to making Cape Coral a remarkable place to call home.

May is Water Safety Month. As our weather’s temperature rises, so does activity in and around the water. Swimming and aquatic-related activities play a vital role in good mental health and physical activity. It enhances the quality of life for all Floridians and visitors to our wonderful state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ten people die from accidental drownings every day, with about one in five being children 14 years and younger.

It is very important for everyone to be aware of water safety rules and programs to prevent drownings and recreational water-related injuries. Some of the basics to remember; children should always be supervised by an adult; barriers, such as pool fences, should be installed; children should be given swimming lessons at a young age; and everyone, especially our caretakers, should learn CPR and have safety equipment such as floatation devices in arms reach. We live in a boater’s paradise where many can spend hours on the water. Making sure that your boat is operating properly is the key to safety. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks. The safety check usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your vessel, and can be done at your docking location or your driveway.  

Our Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of safe, fun, and affordable summer activities for children of all ages. Some of the benefits of participation for children include: a place where they can explore, learn, and grow; provides a safe environment for children to develop social skills, decision-making skills, and building of positive relationships. The Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Guide and Summer Camp Guide were recently released and are available on the city website with links to online registration.

The City Council will host a City Council Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 10, in Council Chambers. The event will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. This meeting will allow the residents to learn about the Lee County Recovery Task Force and provide input to assist in the recovery-planning process.

The city has two ribbon-cutting events in May. The first event will be to celebrate the opening of Sands Neighborhood Park. It will take place on Friday, May 5, at 10:00 a.m. The second event to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the SUN Trail will take place on Friday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. The SUN (Shared-Use Nonmotorized) Trail is a paved trail corridor for bicyclists and pedestrians that will eventually run from Del Prado Blvd to El Dorado Blvd, connecting with Van Buren Parkway and the Burnt Store Trail. The total project length is approximately 6.5 miles. The public is invited to both events, so I hope to see you there.

With the next Hurricane season due to begin in only a few short weeks on June 1, I encourage all residents to take the time to get prepared early. The City of Cape Coral will host an Inaugural Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Wednesday, May 31, from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Mercola Market. City representatives and local businesses will be on hand to provide information to help residents prepare before, during, and after a storm.

To the young men and women of the graduating class of 2023, I would like to extend congratulations on your upcoming milestone achievement! The time you have invested in learning over the past years, along with the social and personal experiences along the way, have made you what you are today. As you embark upon the next venture in your life, I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors. Congratulations again to all graduating seniors of the Class of 2023!

I am both humbled and honored to serve as Mayor of the City of Cape Coral. I will continue to ensure that the city works together to accomplish a common goal; a safe, thriving, happy community we can all be proud of.

April 2023

April means spring is officially here. Spring is a hopeful season. It signifies new beginnings. Cape Coral continues to have a robust economic climate where individuals and businesses have opportunities to thrive in our region. The Office of Economic and Business Development has launched its CapeCompetes Incentive and Grants Programs to encourage organizations of all sizes to consider expanding or relocating to Cape Coral. 

Progress is being made on several capital improvement projects, including recent groundbreakings for the Caloosahatchee Connect, Fire Station #13, and the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center. The Caloosahatchee Connect Project is a large, reclaimed water pipeline the City of Cape Coral is constructing between Cape Coral and Fort Myers that will provide additional irrigation water to residents.  This project, slated for completion this year, will allow Cape Coral to purchase millions of gallons of reclaimed water from the City of Fort Myers that would otherwise be discharged into the Caloosahatchee River. This type of project will be the first of its kind in the world, and Cape Coral with continue to break barriers while moving our city forward.

City Council will also continue to discuss topics of interest to our residents, including ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, infrastructure support, and preparation for the upcoming storm season. I encourage Cape Coral residents to make their voices heard by coming to public meetings or submitting input via E-comment. Active citizens do make a difference. Your elected officials are here working for you. As your Mayor, I have been appointed and serve on the Lee County Recovery Task Force and will continue to fight for the needs of our community.

As snowbirds prepare to head north, we want to remind our residents to secure their homes and belongings. Create a checklist that will serve as a reminder of everything that you will need to do before you leave.  The city will host a Family “Movie on the Lawn” night at City Hall on Saturday, April 1, and the season's final Cape Bike Night on Saturday, April 8, on 47th Terrace. Special Events are a wonderful way for residents and visitors to come together to enjoy free entertainment and experience a sense of community. Our staff is presently identifying additional special events we can have throughout the year to bring more sense of community to our city. Strong communities are critical because they're often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values, and goals is essential to enjoying a fulfilling life.

Later in the month, on Friday, April 21, at 10 a.m., the city will host a ribbon-cutting celebration at Cultural Park. After opening Gator Trails Park on March 31, we are thrilled to open Cultural Park as the second of seven new neighborhood parks funded by the 2018 Parks GO Bond to come to fruition. Cultural Park will host its first major event, “Culture Fest,” on April 22.

Every year on April 22, the nation celebrates Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. We ask that our residents come together to promote a cleaner and safer environment by joining the Citywide Clean-Up event from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. This will help to beautify our community, and with enough participation, Cape Coral could even break a record for the largest community-wide cleanup!

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the City of Cape Coral’s award-winning Finance Department. They were recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year 2021. This marks the 36th consecutive year that the City has achieved this prestigious award. This certificate is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.  

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the month, I encourage our residents to focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. It gives a voice to people who want to be heard and understood. Simple things, like sharing awareness information on social media, can be powerful.   Let’s commit to standing together to make a world of difference for people on the spectrum.

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues to implement the best policies for our residents. I can assure you that I always have the best interest of the community in mind.

March is when spring officially begins and when we turn our clocks forward. There are lots of reasons to look forward to spring: warmer weather, spring break, and Daylight Saving Time, which begins on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2:00 a.m. At this time, we “spring forward” one hour!

Last month City Council appointed Interim City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn. After careful consideration, we made our decision. The City of Cape Coral must operate with a clear vision of responsiveness, trust, and transparency. Our city is rapidly growing, and with this comes the need to overcome many new and existing challenges.  I believe the decision to appoint Mr. Ilczyszyn reflects our commitment to move forward and serve those we represent. Mr. Ilczyszyn is trustworthy, respectful, easily approachable, and possesses strong listening skills.

Last year, we broke ground on four of the City’s neighborhood parks and began improvement projects on other existing locations. This year we have begun scheduling ribbon-cutting events for those parks as they come to completion. Our parks are essential to the well-being of our residents. They promote health and wellness and encourage physical activity.

In addition to recreational opportunities, Cape Coral is thriving with new businesses and economic development. I am happy to report that the CapeCompetes Economic Development Incentive Fund, approved by City Council last year, has generated a lot of initial interest from the business community.  Our goal is to attract larger businesses with higher-paying jobs so they may be offered to the residents of our community.

We are in the midst of our dry season, and, as such, the City and I are urging residents to conserve water.  Current rainfall is almost two inches behind our average at this time of year, and water levels in drinking water aquifers are lower than at this time last year. Though groundwater conditions typically improve with the onset of the wet season in June, reducing usage now is vital to protecting Cape Coral’s water resources.

Remember that lawns need less weekly watering during the dry season. You can do your part to reduce water consumption by optimizing your irrigation system for high efficiency and following the City’s year-round watering schedule. 

As always, I encourage you to stay engaged by following the City of Cape Coral on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our website for the latest press releases and other pertinent information.

Looking forward to the opportunities we have on our horizon, I am excited for our city and to see what the future holds. This is a remarkable place to live, and I’m honored to serve as your mayor. I’m committed and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our exceptional community while moving our city forward. At the end of the day, we are a city that works together to accomplish a common goal; a safe, flourishing, cheerful community we can all be proud of.

It’s hard to believe we’re already a month into 2023; time is flying fast. We anticipate that 2023 will be an extremely busy and productive year.

Some of our top priorities will continue to be the recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Ian. We have made great strides in our cleanup efforts, but we still have more to accomplish. We also need to continue improving our city's day-to-day operations while planning for our city's future. While moving our city forward, our priorities will continue to be public safety, utility expansion, commercial growth, and progress on our strategic plan. Our strategic plan includes managing the city’s increase in population and ongoing development while providing exceptional services to our community. 

Two of my personal priorities while serving our community for the next four years will be EMS response for our residents and having the appropriate healthcare facilities in our city. Presently, our ambulance service is provided by Lee County. We have recently engaged in a conversation with them to evaluate our city’s needs and how to implement any identified improvements. Additionally, I feel we need to complete a needs assessment on the appropriate number of healthcare facilities, with identified services needed for a city of our size. As a growing city, we must recognize our current needs while planning on future needs to maintain an exceptional level of healthcare for the residents of our community.

Popular discussion topics from our residents include the future of the Yacht Club Community Park, permits, and affordable housing.  City Council has begun discussions with City staff to determine the future of the Yacht Club.  After Hurricane Ian passed, parts of the Yacht Club Park were severely damaged that were not a part of the original project plan.  The Yacht Club is the Jewel of our City, and we will continue to remember its history. As we move forward, we recognize this facility has served us well over the last 50 years, but we will also be planning so this facility will continue to serve our city for another 50 years. This park is a foundation for celebrations and community events, and we are committed to continuing its legacy. 

The City recently launched 12 push-button permits, dramatically decreasing the turn-around time of permits to 0 days. To receive most types of roofing, electrical, fence, garage door, plumbing re-pipe, or shutter/awning permits immediately, you can apply through the City’s Self-Service portal at www.CapeCoral.gov/energov. If you need assistance applying at EnerGov, visit our EnerGov Citizens Self-Service kiosk at the south end of the Permitting Counter. The Permitting Counter now only accepts and verifies permit application documents. While we have made several improvements in our permitting process, we still have more to accomplish. We aim to have an outstanding permit process for our community and are committed to achieving that goal.

City Council is aware of our community's rising concerns regarding workforce housing. Recently, a legislative bill has been introduced to help with workforce housing throughout our state, and we will continue to monitor its path. We will continue to identify any current and future opportunities for our community that will assist in this regional problem.

The February edition wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Valentine’s Day. As we all know, family is the most important to us, but sometimes we forget to mention that in our busy schedules. Please take the time on this special day to tell your loved ones how much you care. I wish your family a Happy Valentine’s Day on this day and throughout the year.

I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our community while moving our city forward. Thank you for the opportunity to represent our beloved city. My life has always been about public service, and it will remain so. I thank my colleagues and the city staff for their dedication to our city.

January 2023

As I look ahead to 2023 and reflect on the past year, I am reminded how fortunate I am to have been elected to represent this incredible community. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you as your Mayor.  It’s my hope for all residents that 2023 is filled with opportunity and joy.  I hope we come together and celebrate when amazing things happen and rally around those in need of support. We are stronger when we work together.

As the New Year begins, we reflect on the resiliency, and tremendous goodwill found throughout our community in 2022! Hurricane Ian brought us some unexpected challenges, uncertainty, and worry; however, it also demonstrated our great city's profound thoughtfulness and compassion. We embraced neighbors and found ways to support our local businesses. I witnessed a community join together and stand strong in the face of adversity.  Hope is a powerful thing, and it will inspire us to do the impossible and help us carry on during difficult times. 

The State of our city is strong, resilient, and focused on the future. We are a growing and vibrant city that we want you to call home. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented community. Our highly rated schools, churches, parks, safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, and state-of-the-art medical facilities are extraordinary and speak for themselves.

I am committed to working with City Council and our state and local leaders to continue our efforts into the New Year on projects and community improvements that are critical to strengthen our vital infrastructure and improve access to essential services for working families while growing the City of Cape Coral’s economy. Going into 2023, we are gaining momentum and moving forward together. We all need to keep working together, think creatively and tackle our challenges.

The City has finalized its strategic plan, Cape Compass, which will serve as the foundation for our policy-making decisions. This is a vital tool to ensure that priorities set by the City Council are conveyed in the organization’s goals. It will be the foundation for the city’s overall, long-term vision for the future. A blueprint which will allow our city to achieve these goals and measure our success.  While we cannot predict exactly what the future of our city will look like, we continue to make strides on having a well-planned and collaborative roadmap. 

Improvements we will continue to work on in 2023 include road resurfacing, canal dredging, sidewalk construction, median landscaping, expansion of broadband services, alley paving, and the expansion of water, sewer, and irrigation services in the northern part of the city. We continue looking for ways to attract new businesses; voters approved the Ad Valorem Tax Referendum, which will provide incentives for business development and job creation. We can best support our businesses by empowering them to succeed.

As your Mayor, public safety remains a top priority of mine.  We are committed to keeping residents, visitors, and businesses safe. We continue to make substantial investments in public safety, increasing the number of police officers and firefighters and acquiring cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art training.  

We continue to keep those impacted by Hurricane Ian in our prayers. We remain committed to ensuring all residents have the resources and assistance needed to rebuild their homes and lives.

Whether you’ve lived here for a long time, or just moved here recently, I am thankful that you have chosen to be a part of this vibrant community. From my family to yours, my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.  Join me as we stride forward into the New Year always together, always resilient, with the strength of community.

December 2022

As we embark upon the holiday season, family, and friends, near and far, will gather to share stories of what has transpired in their lives during the past year.

As I continue my term as Mayor of the City of Cape Coral, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our residents for their civic engagement and continued support. During these times of uncertainty and change, I can reassure you that my leadership will be authentic and straightforward. As your leader, I will continue to negotiate and work with others that will enable our community to thrive. 

Despite the challenges of Hurricane Ian, this has been a productive year. Cape Coral experienced significant economic growth.  We have several large-scale multi-family developments in the works and several thousand square feet of commercial projects under construction. More than 4,000 new construction building permits were issued in 2022, and our population continues to grow. 

One of the primary responsibilities of the City Council is to adopt the annual operating budget. Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 budget in September, and we lowered the millage rate from 6.250 mills to the rollback rate of 5.3694 mills. This budget allows us to expand public safety and invest in our infrastructure. It is the single most effective way to stimulate our economy and rebuild our city to be more resilient, equitable, and prosperous. We want Cape Coral to remain one of the safest cities in Florida.

We held ribbon cuttings on several projects completed over the past year, including the SW Irrigation Tanks and High-Service Pump Station, the completion of Giuffrida Neighborhood Park, and we unveiled the Utility Box beautification project and the roundabout art sculpture project, both located in downtown Cape Coral on SE 47th Terrace. These projects are crucial to the city's success because they stimulate the economy, enhance property values, instill a sense of civic pride, reduce crime, and help current businesses and attract new ones.

City Council remains committed to improving water quality and will continue to work closely with other local, state, and federal officials on solutions to water quality issues. The Waterway Advisory Board, created by your City Council, provides valuable input and recommendations concerning decisions regarding the city’s waterways.

As we head into 2023, we will continue moving forward with extending utilities to property owners in the northeastern part of Cape Coral. The extension of our utilities is necessary for the environment and the city’s future economic development.

Recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Ian continue and are likely to continue for months and possibly years.  As debris is removed from the streets, some areas look almost back to normal, but I’d like to remind you that many of our friends and neighbors continue to face challenges in the wake of the storm.  The City is prioritizing the work ahead of us, a crucial element of our community’s recovery.  Recovery efforts will demonstrate the importance of building new infrastructure that is stronger and better equipped to meet our city’s needs. 

We encourage our residents to visit our website capecoral.gov and click on the Hurricane Ian Recovery button.  There you will find answers to your questions related to emergency permitting, individual and business assistance, hurricane debris collection, internet provider contact information, and more.

Cape Coral is a great and unique city with a bright future, for which there is much love and admiration. Because of that, we’ve become something we never set out to be; a big, striving, and prosperous city. A great place to start and raise a family. A place that we can call our own. We ask that everyone be good stewards of our environment and continue that kindness and support.

From our family to yours, I offer you all my warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year. I look forward to a new year, which offers exciting opportunities for a fresh start and new beginnings.

November 2022

A little over a month ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall, which devastated our region. Hurricane Ian was the deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935. We are still feeling the aftermath of its destructive force.  In the storm’s wake, millions of us were without power.  The devastation left behind could be seen for miles, with snapped power poles and power lines littering the roadways. It heavily damaged our homes and building structures, many of which took on water, and the impact of the storm surge could be seen all along the coast as well as inland. Many people were forced to flee their homes, and sadly some had no homes to return to.

As soon as it was safe, our Public Work crews were in full force and could be seen clearing the debris off of the major roadways. This allowed our search and rescue teams to access those in dire need of assistance and provide aid to those in distress or imminent danger. As many of you know, it will take months, even years, to rebuild. As we continue to recover, please know that you are not in this alone. Many of you are experiencing emotional distress, overwhelming anxiety, and constant worrying. Together, we must remain strong and remain unified as a community.

We encourage our residents to visit our website capecoral.gov and click on the Hurricane Ian Recovery button.  There you will find answers to your questions related to emergency permitting, individual and business assistance, hurricane debris collection, internet provider contact information, and more. If you don’t have a means of going online, our 311-call center is available from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. Monday – Friday for Hurricane information as well.

In the hours after the storm passed, millions of residential and business customers were without power. Thousands of utility workers traveled to Florida to help with the daunting task of restoring the power grids. As of today, over 97% of accounts have been restored. LCEC urges customers remaining without power to inspect the damage to their homes or business due to Hurricane Ian. It is essential to understand what LCEC is responsible for and what the customer is responsible for. Please www.lcec.net/reliability/storm-center/hurricane-repair for additional information.

If you are experiencing internet connectivity issues with Xfinity, Comcast, CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber, and/or Lumen, customers are encouraged to contact their provider(s).  For contact information on each provider, visit capecoral.gov, select the Hurricane Ian Recovery button, and scroll down; it’s on the main page.

Over the last several weeks, FEMA has deployed additional Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) in Cape Coral to assist residents with the initial registration and application for FEMA assistance. As of Friday, November 4, FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Lake Kennedy Center, 400 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral, to help residents with their initial registration and provide recommendations and assistance for individuals based on their unique needs. The site is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. To check your FEMA application status or get more information about available resources, visit https://www.fema.gov/.

The challenges faced by many after a hurricane is evident, but at the same time, we need to channel our resources. We are prioritizing the work ahead of us, which is crucial to the recovery of our community. The recovery efforts will demonstrate the importance of building new infrastructure that is stronger and better equipped to meet the modern needs of our city. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay strong. We are all going to pull through this together as one. #CapeCoralTogether

September 2022

Council is currently reviewing the budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).  We have been successful over the past several years by having sound financial policies in place. Although we have been divided on selecting the millage rate, no matter which rate is selected, Council is looking to reduce your property tax rate. I am recommending the Rollback rate to ensure residents will not see a tax increase.

One of the primary responsibilities of your City Council is the adoption of the annual operating budget. The annual budget is among the most important documents a local government produces, and the budget process is an undertaking that requires a great deal of consideration by the City Council. The budget allocates limited resources among various priorities deemed important for the organization and the community.

Cape Coral is among the fastest-growing cities in the nation. This impressive growth presents both benefits and challenges.  We intend to ensure that the FY23 property tax rate allows us to keep pace with the growth we are continuing to see. We will not only maintain our current level of service but will exceed it in many areas.

Two local referendums passed in the primary election in August.  The Filling of Vacancies of Mayor and Council Members as well as Authentication, Codification, and Availability of City Records.  There will be an additional referendum on the November Ballot; for details on the referendums, visit our City website at www.capecoral.gov. 

I, along with city staff, am working diligently with other elected officials, and the Army Corp of Engineers, in the final stages of developing the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). This agreement will be in place for many years, and we must ensure we make the right decisions to protect the best interest of our city and this region involving water quality. One of my priorities will always be water quality, and as we all know, water quality is essential for the success of our community.

On September 9, the city is hosting a ribbon-cutting event at Giuffrida Park.  The event will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.  The park improvements include two Pickleball courts, a multi-use path, upgraded parking, improved landscaping, a shade structure over the playground, new concrete curbing, installation of sod, and more. This is another neighborhood park improvement in our city that will better serve our residents.

I encourage residents to stay informed and engaged about city issues that are important to them. There are many ways to participate in the decision-making process, and provide us with your input. I look forward to what we can accomplish when we work together as a community. As we work together, I forecast a brighter future for our community.

As always, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our community while moving our city forward in a positive direction.

August 2022

It’s August already, and as our rainy season continues, I encourage residents to continue to refrain from the use of phosphorous and/or nitrogen-containing fertilizers.  Runoff from these nutrients feeds algae in our waterways and can cause harmful algae to bloom and affect our quality of life.   

The hurricane season began June 1, and being prepared for severe weather is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Our city is well-prepared thanks in part to our Fire Department and its Emergency Management Division.  Hurricane season continues and I encourage residents to be prepared as storm threats remain through November 30.

Speaking of safety, the new school year begins this month, and your City Council and the Cape Coral Police Department’s school resource officers are committed to the safety and security of our students.  I’m asking all motorists to be extra careful so students can get to and from school safely.   City Council is doing its part with plans to continue to fund the construction of more sidewalks prioritizing those near schools.  Also, last year the city expanded the partnership between the city and the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Cape Coral by replacing deteriorating picnic tables at school bus stops with new longer-lasting benches.

City Council is in the process of setting the FY 2023 Operating Budget for the City. What is before us now is the responsibility of establishing a budget for the year ahead. We are working with the City Manager and his staff to develop a budget that will provide the level of service our community expects and to confirm our priorities for the next fiscal year. Public safety is always a top priority; however, we have several other priorities including infrastructure, economic development, and water quality improvement. City Council is also working on determining the millage rate with a strong consideration to decrease the rate. Input from our residents who volunteer their time to serve on the Budget Review Committee is important in establishing the budget. Public hearings on the budget will be held this month to gather input from our residents. 

One of our largest projects underway is the Caloosahatchee Connect joint project, which will reduce Fort Myers’ discharges into the river while providing more irrigation water to Cape Coral property owners for lawn watering and fire protection purposes. Cape Coral has one of the largest reuse water systems in the country. Our reclaimed water system has eliminated the City of Cape Coral’s discharges of treated wastewater into the river.  Another important water quality project is the installation of bubble curtains. City Council approved funding for these devices to help keep harmful algae in the Caloosahatchee River from entering 10 of the canals that open to the river.  We recently received the necessary state and Federal permits, and staff hopes to complete the installation process in the next few months. 

In the first week of August, the City is hosting a ribbon-cutting event for the SW Pine Island Reuse Pump Station Project.  The event will be August 5 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.  The new facilities include two prestressed, reinforced concrete ground storage tanks, a high service pump station, and an electrical room.  The new facility will provide up to 10 million gallons of additional reclaimed water storage and provides increased irrigation pressure and flow.

As always, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our exceptional community while moving our city forward.

July 2022

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.  The event is free for attendees and will have 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.

The City’s Fleet Services received awards in two categories, they were recognized as one of the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas by the National Association of Fleet Administrators, and as one of the top 50 Government Leading Fleets in the U.S. and Canada.

On June 1, the Lee County Property Appraiser provided the City with a tentative taxable value which indicates a 20.77% increase in value year over year.  The City Council also started budget discussions in June and will continue those discussions thru September. During these discussions, Council will need to determine the financial impact to our residents when developing our upcoming FY2023 budget due to the largest taxable value increase that Cape Coral has ever experienced.

I’d like to take this opportunity to tell our police and firefighters that I appreciate them and the work that they do for our community.  We are blessed to have a very safe city.  As our city continues to grow, I am committed to keeping our community safe and being proactive when it comes to crime in Cape Coral.  I have a long-standing respect for our police and firefighters, and I’m pleased to report that Cape Coral has great leadership when it comes to our Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Command Staff.

Finally, I want to remind Cape Coral residents to practice hurricane preparedness.  As Floridians we know it’s not “if”, but “when” the next storm will strike.  This hurricane season, I’d like to encourage all Cape Coral residents to have a plan in place to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared.  Visit our Storm Season Prep webpage for information and helpful links.

In closing, I hope to see you at Cape Coral’s Red, White and Boom event, and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer. Additionally, I’d like to remind you to continue to limit your use of phosphorous and nitrogen-containing fertilizers so we may experience the best possible water quality for our community.

As always, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our exceptional community while moving our city forward.

June 2022

It’s hard to believe it’s already June, which is shaping up to be a very busy month.  June marks the start of hurricane season, the beginning of our fertilizer ban period, and we have several City events to look forward to.

Officials are once again predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2022. While we keep our fingers crossed that no major storms hit our city, it’s important to be prepared.  I want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to review their emergency plans and assemble a hurricane supply kit to ensure you are well-prepared if a storm should impact our area. It is important to create a list of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate.

I strongly encourage all Cape Coral residents not to be complacent and begin your hurricane prep now if you haven’t already. As part of your preparations, please know your flood zone and determine where you would go if ordered to evacuate.  Check your insurance coverage, inventory your possessions, and remember to secure valuables and important documents. Please don’t forget to ask your neighbors if they need any extra help or assistance. Knowing where to turn for reliable, up-to-date emergency information is also crucial to making it through a disaster.  Be sure to regularly check the city’s website www.capecoral.gov and our official social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information.

Hurricane season is also our wet season.  During our rainy season, I want to remind all Cape Coral residents that fertilizer use rules changed on June 1. The application of 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 cause fish kills, harm pets, and wildlife, and potentially injure people who encounter them.  Keep an eye out for City messaging on this topic and encourage your friends and neighbors to “Be Wise, Don’t Fertilize.”   [link to webpage with more info.

Coming up on June 8, we will celebrate with the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency as the newest addition to 47th Terrace, an art sculpture is unveiled at the roundabout located at SE 47th Terrace and Vincennes Boulevard. Art sculptures are a distinguishing part of our public history and our evolving culture. The event will take place at 4 p.m. near the roundabout, and the public is invited, so I hope to see you there.

Then later in the month, we will have a groundbreaking ceremony at Yellow Fever Creek Environmental Park at 10 a.m. on June 24th.  City Government officials and Executive staff will be there for the event, and we hope the public joins us for this one as well. 

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the City of Cape Coral’s award-winning Finance Department.  They recently received two separate awards, one for Excellence in Financial Reporting and another for Distinguished Budget Presentation. The Finance Department was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2020.  This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. 

The Finance Department also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for their fiscal year 2022 Budget Presentation. The award represents a significant achievement by the City of Cape Coral’s Finance Department, reflecting the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.  The City of Cape Coral’s Finance Department is pioneering its efforts to improve the quality of budgeting. I am very proud of these accomplishments and thankful for the outstanding team who earned them.  I’m honored to say that the City’s work provides an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

In closing, I’d like to again encourage our residents to join us in celebrating the downtown art sculpture installation and the groundbreaking at Yellow Fever Creek Park and remind you to start preparing for Hurricane season and begin limiting your use of phosphorous and nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

As always, I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our exceptional community while moving our city forward.

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

As we spring into March, I am thankful for all the upcoming opportunities and enhancements coming to our City and our Parks.

Last year, we broke ground on four neighborhood parks and began improvement projects on other existing locations. With how popular sports and recreation are in our community, thankfully we have so many parks that while one is under construction there are many more to consider.

The Yacht Club Community Park is still set to begin renovations; however, it will happen a little later than originally anticipated. I encourage everyone to continue to visit the Yacht Club Community Park before construction begins, as spring is a perfect time of year to enjoy this waterside venue.

In addition to recreational opportunities, Cape Coral is thriving with new businesses and economic development. The Seven Islands project in Northwest Cape has selected a master developer and is currently negotiating the terms. In south Cape Coral, we will soon break ground on a transformational project, the Cove on 47th.

Council approved a city-initiated Future Land Use Map amendment from Commercial/Professional to Mixed-Use for about 182 acres referred to as “Academic Village,” located near the intersection of Kismet Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard North. The amendment will provide additional opportunities for light industrial and flex space which is a greatly needed development in our community.

I am happy to report the CapeCompetes Economic Development Incentive Fund, approved by City Council in December, has generated a lot of initial interest from the business community. The city is currently working on the applications and guidelines that will establish the process to begin accepting applications this summer. Our goal is to attract larger businesses with higher paying jobs so they may be offered to the residents of our community.

Looking forward to the opportunities we have on our horizon, I am excited for our city. I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our exceptional community, while moving our city forward.

February 2022

It’s only the second month of the year and already 2022 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year for Cape Coral. 

Some of our top priorities, which include the expansion of utilities, the addition and renovation of city parks, residential and commercial growth, public safety, and finalizing the strategic plan, have built significant momentum and continue to propel us forward.  Our strategic plan includes managing the city’s increase in population and ongoing development while providing exceptional services to our community. 

Like any large city, we have challenges we are working to overcome.  As many of you are acutely aware, our community is experiencing horticulture and bulk waste pickup delays throughout our city.  I am committed to resolving this issue, and I’m asking for your help.  I am asking residents to use our 311 Call Center to report missed waste collection pickups.  Reporting your missed pickup helps the city to analyze the magnitude of the problem, as well as to resolve individual concerns by identifying homes where waste collection has been delayed. Council will be discussing possible alternative solutions at our upcoming meetings. In the interim I appreciate your continued patience and support until we get this issue resolved.

Finally, I can’t complete the February edition without mentioning Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a great time to recognize the people who are the most important to us. Please remember your family, friends, neighbors, first responders, city employees, and volunteers who make a positive impact in our lives. Our community is a great place to live because of the people who live and work here. Whether you give them a smile or send a thoughtful thank you message, a little goes a long way.

I am honored to serve as your Mayor and will continue to work diligently to set high expectations for our community while moving our city forward.

December 2021

Happy holidays to our residents and visitors. Welcome back to our snowbirds.

As I wrap up my first year as your mayor, it has been an honor serving the Cape Coral community. The end of the year is a time to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this has been a productive year. The City witnessed significant economic growth. The City has five large-scale multi-family developments in the works and several thousand square feet of commercial projects under construction. More than 4,000 new construction building permits were issued in 2021, and the most recent population estimates indicate that just over 200,000 live in Cape Coral.

One of the primary responsibilities of the City Council is to adopt the annual operating budget. Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2022 budget in September, and we lowered the millage rate from 6.375 to 6.250. This budget allows us to expand public safety and invest in our infrastructure. We want Cape Coral to remain one of the safest cities in Florida.

We broke ground on four new parks and looking forward to breaking ground on others in the coming year. These parks are part of the citywide parks and recreation expansion (Parks GO Bond) that our voters approved in 2018.

City Council is committed to improving water quality and will continue to work closely with other local, state, and federal officials on solutions to water quality issues. The Waterway Advisory Board, which Council created, provides valuable input and recommendations concerning decisions regarding the city’s waterways.

As we head into 2022, we will be extending utilities to property owners in the northeastern part of the city. Future expansion areas will be determined in the coming months. The extension of our utilities is necessary for the environment and the city’s future economic development.

Cape Coral is a great city with a bright future. We appreciate the continued support from our residents, visitors, and businesses.

I wish you and your family a happy holiday season.

November 2021

One of the primary responsibilities of your City Council is the adoption of the annual operating budget. The annual budget is among the most important documents a local government produces and the budget process is an undertaking that requires a great deal of consideration by the City Council. The budget allocates limited resources among various priorities deemed important for the organization and the community.

Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Budget at the end of September and this budget helps us to expand public safety, invest in our infrastructure, add more sidewalks than any previous year, attract businesses, protect our environment, and support our charter schools. We have been successful over the past several years by having sound financial policies in place and we reduced your property tax rate from 6.375 to 6.250 or $6.25 per $1,000 of assessed value. While I initially advocated for the rolled-back rate of 5.992, the additional $8.7 million in revenue will be used in part to increase staffing in our police, fire, and parks and recreation departments.

Cape Coral is among the fastest-growing cities in the nation. This impressive growth presents both benefits and challenges. The FY22 property tax rate is a good compromise that allows us to keep pace with the growth.

For the tenth consecutive year, the city’s property tax base increased over the previous year and property values increased 10.88 percent citywide. Florida’s “Save Our Homes” amendment restricts the annual increase of the assessed value of homesteaded properties to the lesser of three percent or the percent change in the National Consumer Price Index. For FY22, homesteaded properties are limited to an increase of about 1.4 percent. Non-homesteaded properties are limited to a 10 percent increase.

The FY22 budget went into effective October 1, 2021, as our fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. We will begin work on our next budget at the beginning of the new year.

In addition to passing the budget, your City Council recently adopted stricter fertilizer regulations to help improve our local waterways. The Waterway Advisory Board recommended changes to the fertilizer regulations that have been in place for more than a decade. The Waterway Advisory Board makes recommendations and provides input on decisions concerning the city’s waterways.

Looking ahead, the City’s updated strategic plan will be finalized in the coming months; and we hope to share some important economic development news about future projects planned for Cape Coral.

I encourage residents to stay informed about city issues that are important to them. There are many ways to participate in the decision-making process and provide us with your input. I look forward to what we can accomplish when we work together as a community in the new fiscal year. 

September 2021

Welcome to our new monthly e-newsletter, Cape Connect. Through recent surveys and information gathered by the Florida Institute of Government as part of our strategic planning process we learned that many residents prefer to receive city news and information delivered to their email inbox.

We are moving into the second half of the hurricane season. Let’s continue to be prepared as storm threats remain through November 30. The hurricane season began June 1 and being prepared for severe weather is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Our City is well-prepared thanks in part to our Fire Department and its Emergency Management Division.

Speaking of safety, the new school year is under way and your city council and the Cape Coral Police Department’s school resource officers are committed to the safety and security of our students. I asked all motorists to be extra careful so students can get to and from school safely. Your city council is doing its part with plans to fund the construction of more sidewalks especially near schools. Also, we recently discussed expanding the partnership between the City and the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Cape Coral to replace deteriorating picnic tables, that were placed by community groups, at school bus stops with new longer-lasting benches.

In Cape Coral, September is the month when the Council sets the budget and confirms our priorities for the next fiscal year. Public safety is always a top priority; however, we have several other priorities including infrastructure, economic development, and water quality improvement.

Recently, we opposed the Army Corps’ proposed version of plan CC of the Lake O System Operating Manual. The river and estuary have shouldered the burden of the Lake O releases and increasing these releases to the Caloosahatchee River as proposed is unacceptable. Cape Coral is one of the fastest growing communities in the country, with 409 miles of salt and freshwater canals. To help preserve our unique environment, the City has invested millions of dollars in infrastructure to improve water quality.

One of our largest projects underway is the Caloosahatchee Connect joint project, which will reduce Fort Myers’ discharges into the River while providing more irrigation water to Cape Coral property owners for lawn watering and fire protection purposes. Cape Coral has one of the largest reuse water systems in the country. Our reclaimed water system has eliminated the City of Cape Coral’s discharges of treated wastewater into the River. Another important project that helps to improve water quality is North 1 Utilities Extension Project (UEP). The engineering and design for this project is well underway. The North 1 UEP will eliminate about 3,000 septic systems. The North 2 UEP was recently completed and extended potable water, sewer, and irrigation services to abut 9,000 parcels in the northern part of the city. Septic systems are one source of excess nitrogen that contributes to poor water quality. Other water quality projects include the installation of bubble curtains. City Council approved funding for these devices to help keep harmful algae in the Caloosahatchee River from entering 10 of the canals that open to the River. The permitting process for these devices is underway and installation should be taking place soon. Later this month, city staff will be presenting a pilot project for another water quality improvement pilot project that may be helpful in removing nutrients from stormwater drainage areas before these nutrients can enter our brackish canals.

What is before us now is the responsibility of establishing a budget for the year ahead.

City Council is in the process of setting the FY 2022 Operating Budget for the City. We are working with the City Manager and his staff to develop a budget that will provide the level of service our community expects. Input from our residents who volunteer their time to serve on the Budget Review Committee is important in establishing the budget. Public hearings on the budget will be held this month to gather input from our residents. Details about the public hearings are available in this newsletter