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Mayor

Mayor's Message

March 2024

Dear Residents of Cape Coral,

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.

Warm regards,

John Gunter
Cape Coral Mayor