Breaking News

Breaking News

City announces temporary closure of Chiquita Lock for FEMA inspection

The city of Cape Coral will temporarily close the Chiquita Lock to all boat traffic for a required FEMA inspection, beginning on Oct. 20. The lock will remain closed for approximately five days and is expected to reopen on Oct. 25, barring any unforeseen circumstances, officials said in a release issued today. "The closure is necessary to dewater the lock for the inspection, which is scheduled to take place on October 22 and 23. The lock will be closed two days prior to and after the inspection to allow for proper preparation and restoration," the release states. "The City ...

Sen. Scott visits Fort Myers Beach

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL, visited Fort Myers Beach Sunday as part of a tour of counties throughout Florida hit by Hurricane Helene. In an interview with the Breeze Newspapers, Scott said he would be working with FEMA to get Fort Myers Beach aid to help with its ongoing stormwater drainage ...

Lee County update post-Hurricane Helene for debris removal

Lee County Solid Waste resumed normal operations on Monday while working in partnership with contracted crews to begin cleaning up storm debris from neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Lee County. To facilitate storm debris removal, Solid Waste will collect three types of storm debris. Each type must be in a separate pile for collection, and will be collected in multiple passes: • Construction and demolition debris: This includes carpet, furniture, drywall and other materials resulting from storm damage to homes and structures. • Vegetation: This includes tree branches, ...

Final budget hearing set for Wednesday

Due to Hurricane Helene, the final budget hearing – at which Cape Coral City Council is expected to adopt the 2025 property tax rate – will be held this Wednesday. The proposed rate is 5.2188 mills, or $1 for every $1,000 of assessed taxable valuation. The not-to-exceed rate of 5.2188 mills was included in the TRIM notice mailed to residents in August and was set at the first public hearing earlier this month. This tentative millage rate is 2.55% higher than the 5.0888 “roll-back rate,” the rate at which the city would receive the same amount of revenue as last year. The parks ...

Cape Council to consider contract for damage inspections

Cape Coral City Council on Wednesday is expected to vote on a contract award for substantial damage/substantial improvement inspections. Council will vote on a resolution that would award Substantial Damage Inspection Services to C.A.P. Government Inc. and Joe Payne, Inc for approximately 1,200 properties for an estimated annual amount of $210,000. The contract is for field inspections in Cape Coral’s Special Flood Hazard Area within a project period of 30 to 45 days. Each property will be visited and a document finding, and estimates will be provided for estimates that can be used ...

Cape Council to consider new regulations impacting car washes, self-storage facilities

Cape Coral City Council will discuss revisions to the city's car wash facilities and as self-storage facilities ordinances during a first public hearing Wednesday afternoon. Council-approved moratoriums on each expire on Jan. 17, 2025. Car wash facilities Regarding car washes, the land development code sections include a revised car wash facility definition, revised use table and a new car wash. The definition has been revised to state “car wash facility, is a temporary or permanent area or structure which is used for the placemaking exterior and/or interior washing and cleaning of ...