General Meeting October 10, 2023

NWNA General Meeting ("Open to All") October 10, 2023

Northwest Regional Library

519 Chiquita Blvd. N. Cape Coral, FL 33993

October 10, 2023 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Mayor Gunter

With Guest Speaker: Mayor John Gunter!

Guest Speaker - Mayor John Gunter
Presenting: "A Shared Vision of the Future of The NW Cape"

Mayor John Gunter

Meeting Agenda:

Committee Reports:

Don Apking, UEP Committee

New At-Large-Member

Don Apking - UEP Public Works Committee

• Lessons Learned and Information Package

Development Review Committee Chairman

John Smart

• 7 Islands Project "Gulf Gateway" update

• Coral Grove "Town Center" update

Waterway Committee Chairman

John Bashaw 2

John Bashaw

• Key Ditch Rock Removal

• Key Ditch NW Trail -Two Pines to Crystal Lake

• Minimum Wake Buoys N Spreader

Mayor John Gunter

John Bashaw, Waterways Chariman

Guest Speaker

Mayor John Gunter

"A Shared Vision of the Future of NW Cape"

NWNA President's End of Meeting Comments

Jerry Smith

• Promotion of NWNA Community Social on Nov. 9th!

"Meet and Greet new neighbors, developers, elected officials, city staff,

and business community leaders who are shaping the future of NW Cape"

Jerry Smith, President

Join us to learn more! - Together we're Better!

Communications News - September 2023

Lee Health Needs Assessment Survey

Lee Health is gathering input from our community through the attached community survey. This quantitative assessment will be supplemental to the current Community Health Needs Assessment underway for 2023. We ask for your support in distributing this survey to your networks and channels. Your leadership and collaboration are immensely valuable to our community as a whole in order to drive impactful programming. At the conclusion of the survey, we will share the data collected with your organization and the broader community.

To take the survey and support Lee Health
Click Here

Public Works Update 1-23

Cape Coral Public Works Weekly Update - September 11, 2023

As we continue to monitor the progress of the Utilities Project in the NW Cape, We are providing our members with weekly updates on both road closures and construction progress.

READ REPORT

News from the President

Jerry Smith, President

Presidents Updates for August 2023

The heat index this summer in many areas of Cape Coral has been unprecedented.     As a matter of fact, I had the opportunity to go offshore into the Gulf of Mexico to find 92-degree surface water temperatures 27 miles due west, from Boca Grande Pass.     Heading back home, my Garmin navigation system displayed a 102-water temperature in Matlacha Pass heading south toward the bridge, last week.

Excessive heat can slow your pace or take your will to get things done.    NOT the case here with our loyal group of volunteers serving the NWNA.

Since our May 2023 General Open Meeting featuring Interim City Manager, Mike Ilczyszyn, much has been accomplished.    This President's Update will be quite extensive, so get comfortable here at home or at your summer residence abroad.

Michael Ilczyszyn, Interim City Manager

In June, we met with Mike Ilczyszyn at City Hall to pursue permitting from Florida DEP to grant signage installation and maintenance work in "The Key Ditch".   This initial phase of work is required to establish a marked canal access pathway from Crystal Lake to the Two Pines channel in Charlotte Harbor.   This project will extend the Calusa Blueway Kayak trail to Crystal Lake Park, a boat, and kayak launch, which is in the bidding process.   To complete this work, additional permitting for the pruning of hurricane-damaged mangrove branches overhanging into The Key Ditch impacting egress will need to be addressed to create unobstructed access.

On August 7^th, Mike and I visited with the Interim Manager of Charlotte Harbor, Nicky Ross from Florida DEP to discuss the signage permitting and work in The Key Ditch.    The office visit ended with a site visit tour of Crystal Lake, NWNA proposed "Trappers Trail" which connects Crystal Lake's northern walkway with the City of Cape Coral's property on the shore of Charlotte Harbor.  The tour ended at the entry to The Key Ditch on the Spreader Canal just south of Jacaranda Parkway at the end of NW 31^st Street.    Permit Applications are to be filed with FLDEP.

NWNA has received funding and permission to remove rocks in The Key Ditch to prevent damage to shallow draft boats.    The donation and funding were made possible by Ed Stafford, the developer of proposed community North Cape Estates on the spreader canal between NW 42^nd Place and NW 41^st Ave off Gulfstream Parkway.     The contractor A-1 Seawalls and Docks provided a very budget conscious bid to provide the work.     THANK YOU, ED STAFFORD, AND A-1 SEAWALLS for supporting NWNA and our members.    This work will be scheduled in a few weeks.    NWNA Waterways Chairman, John Bashaw was responsible for the fundraising, securing the contractor and provided the vision for "The Trappers Trail".   

Permits for Crystal Lake Park development have been received and all work is out to BID.    Please review the site plan at Crystal Lake on the Cape Coral City website for the most recent renderings.   Please focus on the boat ramp and launch egress into the spreader canal system.    This will be an area of public use to include restrooms and facilities.   If you have visited or utilized the Burnt Store Boat Ramp just south of Embers Parkway off Burnt Store Road (almost 6 miles to the south) , you will undoubtedly realize this existing boat ramp can be a busy place at times.     Having additional access to the spreader at Crystal Lake Park on Caloosa Parkway will fill a void for those who wish to enjoy boating or kayaking in our quiet waters of the northern Lee County boarder spreader waterway.     This new remote access offers wonderful recreation opportunities.

Kith Long, District 6

On July 11^th, our District Council Member- Keith Long addressed our members and neighbors at the NWNA General Membership meeting held at the Kiwanis Club facility on Santa Barbara Blvd.     The "Town Hall" style meeting provided all attendees the opportunity to engage in a one-on-one dialogue.   Burnt Store Road corridor commercial zoning and Pine Island Road development dominated the subject matter.     Standing in front of a crowd and handling rapid-fire questions and comments without a moderator for 60 solid minutes can be grueling.   Those of you reading this who attended, know I tried to step in and give Keith a break.   He was just fine relentlessly moving forward to handle everyone's comments and questions.  We are lucky to have Keith on our side representing the residents in the NW Cape.   We have been represented well and the leadership of NWNA and Keith remain in close contact on the issues.     Mayor Gunter attended our meeting to spend time listening to the concerns raised by attendees.   We appreciated his support and for attending.

Watch the July 11th meeting Video - Click Here

Cape Coral Police Department was represented.  Members of the newly formed "Cape Coral Community Policing Unit" attended and educated attendees of this new initiative established by the department

I was asked to speak at the August 10^th, Southwest Cape Coral Action Committee (SWCCAC)-General Members Meeting at The Omelet Shop in Cape Coral.   Steve Collins, President of SWCCAC introduced me to the membership and my presentation was geared toward seeking residents to show up at City Council Meetings to support or oppose important issues. Consider volunteering or being part of a committee.   Don't Be a Wasn't- quoting Dr. Suess.     I made it clear that the NWNA is open to exploring synergistic collaboration with the SWCCAC.   The NWNA is forging new relationships with Interim City Manager, Mike Ilczyszyn and Florida DEP.   Together we can work toward the protection and preservation of the estuary and find responsible ways to expand the recreational use of our waterways.

Don Apking, President of Friends of Cape Coral Environment, Non-Profit 501 (c) 3 announced with Council Member- District 2, Dan Sheppard of a planned partnership to reduce the costs of Median Beautification.   "A million dollars per mile" cost index was shared, to accommodate the costs associated with development, irrigation, and installation of plant material of medians.    Plans are in the works to significantly reduce this burden.    Toward this end, we learned through Dan Shepard the city has invested in curb machines to cut costs with the reliance of outside contractors.    DPW will be trained and utilize the new equipment.

Council Member, Dan Sheppard shared an interesting point that really resonated with me.    Dan mentioned the importance and impact of any effort to increase the value of residential homes in our city.    Many of our residents and members in NW Cape have voiced displeasure of the abundance of dollar store and storage unit development.  I have been a vocal opponent.    The increase of the median price of homes in a community greatly impacts marketing demographics.    Reaching a certain plateau on the median price index scale deters future development of these types of applications.   There is also data supporting the closures of existing stores.   Important factors for us to consider.   SMART Development in the NW Pine Island Corridor and along Burnt Store Road North is paramount.

Dan Sheppard, District 2

Many good things have come from our May 2023 General Membership Meeting with Mike Ilczyszyn.   The working relationship with the Florida DEP is promising, as I mentioned in the past paragraphs.    We also requested NWNA representation at the 7 Islands Development Meetings held each month with Forest Development and the Economic Development City Staff of Cape Coral.    After securing permission from the developer, we were invited to these important meetings.   Development Review Committee Chairman, John Smart and I attended our first meeting in August 2023.

I believe we were well received.  Our goal is to offer guidance and collaboration on a true local level to help produce the greatest waterfront community in all of SW Florida.    A special destination offering access to marine life, estuary life and offering a Florida lifestyle, until now, found only in a dream.

Keep in mind that the 7 Islands property has not officially closed yet.   A significant investment in engineering studies on land and in the waterways has been realized.  The takeaway from our first meeting is the developer has demonstrated a commitment to attention to detail.    The architect is very engaged and seems to bring the project to life as he shares his vision.    John Smart and I will share information as it becomes available from the developer and this city.

In early November, NWNA is planning an evening indoor/ outdoor social gathering at an area restaurant.   On our invitation list to engage with NWNA Members and neighbors of our community will include-

• Developers Defining NW Cape
• Business Leaders
• Elected City Officials
• Elected County Officials
• Advocacy and Civic Groups

I look forward to seeing you at our next General Membership Meeting this fall.     Stay cool and stay connected.

Kind Regards, Jerry

Jaycee Park Community Forum 8/31/23

SUPPORT JAYCEE PARK REVITALIZATION

Come out and support the development and revitalization of Jaycee Park!

The city of Cape Coral is hosting a Community Forum for the public to learn more about proposed plans for Jaycee Park. The forum will be held on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 2-6 p.m. at Mercola Market, 125 SW 3rd Place.

The Community Forum is for informational purposes and will be open house style. Residents are encouraged to drop by and view site plans and renderings, speak with subject matter experts and provide feedback on the proposed designs.

Proposed improvements to Jaycee Park, 4215 SE 20th Place, include a boat dock with finger piers, a splash pad, additional walking paths in the park and along the shoreline, and a food truck court, among other items.

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required to attend.

Jaycee Park Concept Design
Click Here!

Communications News - July 2023

Update on Vote by Mail Ballots

Notice to Members - Vote by Mail Update

Excerpt from Ch2 News - July 14, 2023:

Did you know that a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis requires counties to purge requests before every general election? In order to continue to receive your absentee ballot visit your county site below.

Voters who don't want to pay a visit to the election office can request a ballot online or call the Supervisor of Elections office. Request your ballot online Click Here

• Lee County Supervisor of Elections: 239-533-8683
• Collier County: 239-252-8683
• Charlotte County: 941-833-5400
• Hendry County: 863-902-3393
• Glades County: 863-946-6005
• DeSoto County: 863-993-4871

Coral Grove Development Update

Coral Grove City Center details available

Coral Grove City Center will be a defining project for the Northwest Cape, if not the city as a whole.  You may have seen the vision on a sign on the north side of Pine Island Rd. where the project will sit between the electric power station and Bubbas.  But the sign doesn't do the vision justice.  If you go to the two websites below, you can get an in-depth look at what developers are planning for your dining, shopping, and entertainment future.

L&L Development Co., a successful New York City firm that has moved into the Florida market is behind the project.  The design was completed by Design 3 International, a worldwide architectural and planning firm (South America, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA).  This project has big money and big ideas behind it.  Their goal is to capture the classic Florida charm with the latest modern amenities.

How good could this be?  How does a cinema, a bowling alley, a comedy club, and an outdoor multi-purpose entertainment area sound?  Cafes, brewery pubs, coffee shops, retail, fitness center, hotel, offices, and a grocery store, not to mention five sites along Pine Island Rd. for commercial or office use.  The project will also include over 1200 residences in apartments and townhomes on the site's edges and along the town square with retail shops below.

The project has been in permitting since December 2022.  Let's hope city staff prioritizes this one because when it's done, it will be a game-changer for our area and a gathering place for residents and visitors.

[video mp4="https://nwcape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/coral-grove-lifestyle.mp4" poster="" ][/video]Discover Coral Grove - CLICK HERE NOW!Discover Town Center Details - CLICK HERE NOW

City Median Beautification "Open House"

City to Host Open House for Embers Parkway Median Improvement Project

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! For those of you who are interested in median beautification here is a chance to weigh in! You may have heard through the NWNA meetings or bulletins or maybe on Nextdoor about the two median beautification programs available in the city. There is the City managed 5-year Median Improvement Program and the residents/business-managed Median Beautification Program.

The City is working on a Median Improvement Project on Embers Parkway between Burnt Store and Old Burnt Store Road. The project includes both median beautification and access management elements. The project was delayed for a bit due to IAN and other issues but it is picking up steam again. The city would like to hear your thoughts by attending an OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, June 28, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the City of Cape Coral Public Works Building, 815 Nicholas Parkway East. After the meeting, there may be an opportunity to hear about other beautification projects underway by the Friends of the Cape Coral Environment organization.

More Info Here

NWNA Reminder on Fertilizer Ban

Dear NWNA Members,

We wanted to remind you of the fertilizer ban currently in effect until September 30. As you may already know, the ban is part of our commitment to protecting our local waterways from harmful runoff and ensuring the health and safety of our community.

During this time, we ask that you refrain from using any fertilizers on your lawns or gardens. Instead, consider using natural alternatives like compost or organic fertilizers. If you do need to use fertilizer for any reason, please make sure to follow the guidelines outlined by your local government.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the health and beauty of our environment. Thank you for being a part of our efforts to promote sustainability and protect our natural resources.

Here We Grow Again - May 2023 Newsletter

Development Projects Updates

While apartments seem to be taking up all the oxygen, there is other development going on in our area.  Here are some of the retail and restaurant projects coming to our area.

Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, a Louisiana-based chain of restaurants/sports bars that features Cajun and Louisiana-style food, is proposing to build one in the parking lot of the shopping center on the north side of Pine Island Rd. just east of Aldi, home to the Around the Clock Fitness Center and one of the most colorful storage facilities in Cape Coral.  Po Boys and Gumbo are coming your way!

Walk On Bistro

If you've seen construction going on at the NE corner of Skyline and Veterans during your travels, that would be for an Outback Steak House. 

The old Golden Corral on Pine Island Rd., which we reported was bought with plans for a new restaurant and possibly some retail, will be the location of a Texas-based sports bar and restaurant known as Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks bills itself as the ultimate sports lodge reminiscent of a comfortable cabin in the mountains with down-home cooking, plenty of specialty beers and all served by the Twin Peaks Girls.

Twin Peaks

Groundbreaking for a 30,000-square-foot retail project in our area is expected to begin this summer on the north side of Pine Island Road at SW 10th Place, just east of Boaters Paradise. The Shops at Del Mar will consist of four single-story buildings with 370 feet of frontage on Pine Island Road. The shopping center will offer a drive-thru unit and parking. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2024.

The Shops at Del Mar

On the north side of Tropicana Pkwy., just a lot or two east of Burnt Store Rd., there is a plan to build a Dollar General Store.  While there are a few already in our area, you can never get enough convenience and consistency.   

Will Burnt Store Rd. be a Storage Facility hub?

Eventually, there could be four storage facilities dominating the scenery along Burnt Store Rd. between Embers and Tropicana Parkways.  How all this plays out with City Council's moratorium on new Storage Facilities and the restrictions placed on them along Burnt Store Rd. remains to be seen.

The 3-story Embers Storage facility on the north side of Embers and the west side of Burnt Store Rd. is in permitting.  Area residents are voicing their disapproval of the project to City Officials because of building size and increased traffic in proximity to surrounding homes.  Now, there's a proposal to build another storage facility on the north side of Embers, but on the first block east of Burnt Store Rd. It's called Marble Creek Self-Storage.

Hideaway Storage is already operational on the south side of the 7/11 at Tropicana and Burnt Store.  A facility known as Burnt Store Self-Storage features six 2-story buildings and is currently in permitting for the NW corner of Tropicana and Burnt Store.  They are, however, selling a 1-acre lot at the corner to be used for commercial purposes such as retail or restaurant.  That's a positive sign as Tropicana and Embers are the main entry points into the resort to be built on the Seven Islands.

Burnat Store Storage

Even though it's known for its 644 apartments, the project on the southwest corner of Veterans and Pine Island Rd. also features a commercial portion.  Fischler Real Estate is marketing the commercial space which is about 6.5 acres at the corner of Veterans and Pine Island Rd. The advertisement has a conceptual site plan showing what the project may look like as concepts can always change.  The first phase of 316 apartments in six buildings and a clubhouse are in permitting now along with infrastructure.  In the concept below, suggestions are for a hotel in the blue section, restaurant/retail in the pink, "other commercial" in the orange, and a stormwater management pond in the green.

There are another six buildings slated for later construction on the western side of the property. Take note of the access road that separates the commercial portion from the residential but also connects eastbound Pine Island Rd. to Veterans.

Conceptual Site Plan

General Meeting Summary May 2023

General Membership Meeting RECAP- May 2023

Once again, in my office at 7:02 AM sipping coffee and reminiscing about our meeting the other night. My first Open Public Meeting as president and we attracted more attendees than expected. New rows of seating seem to appear in the blink of an eye, just before commencement. Thank you all for pitching in! I noticed the press, some new faces, neighbors, and family members. These gatherings are so important for our members and residents to obtain "unfiltered and pure information" on important issues impacting our way of life in NW Cape.

Jerry Smith, President

Click the link below to see the video of our meeting

General Meeting Summary May 2023Michael Ilczyszyn, Interim City Manager

Interim Cape Coral City Manager, Michael Ilczyszyn, provided answers. He handled all our questions in a lighthearted, cordial way. This resonated with the crowd. It did not take long for everyone to settle in.

Michael was invited to present a new interactive map outlining economic development projects in the city which was recently released out of his office. This is a tremendous asset for our Development Review Committee. Progress of development projects can be followed daily. Upon completion of the presentation, Michael graciously agreed to stay with us for the entire meeting. This was much appreciated. He jumped back into many discussions and was invited to close out our meeting. He smiled.

Link to Interactive map Click Here

Our members were delighted by the announcement of the formation of the NW Cape Waterways Action Committee, led by our immediate past president of NWNA- John Bashaw. This committee was formed to respond to the overwhelming request of our members to create a direct access pathway (EXIT) from the North Spreader Canal directly to Charlotte Harbor. John's presentation discussed three options under consideration.  It was agreed that all three options are needed however, option 1 presents the least path of resistance and will be the focus for the near term. The path for Option 1 may be viewed using the link below:

Link to Option 1 Path

John Bashaw, Waterways Chariman

John's presentation included an immediate request for funding from members and the business community to remove large rocks blocking boat egress in the KEY DITCH. A contractor has been secured to provide this service. The Key Ditch was utilized prior to Hurricane Ian by (shallow draft) boaters to directly access Charlotte Harbor. The entrance to Key Ditch is located just south of Jacaranda Parkway in the North Spreader and the exit to Charlotte Harbor is at Two Pines Channel. A Request for a Proposal from a qualified contractor will be pursued to prune and trim mangroves hanging in the Key Ditch waterway. This work and other maintenance will be pursued under a maintenance permit held by the city. Installing Paddling Trail markers to identify The Calusa Blueway Trail can also assist boater navigation departing the Key Ditch and entering open areas and islands approaching the Two Pines channel to Charlotte Harbor. This project can benefit kayakers and boaters of Cape Coral and all of Lee County.

If you would like to contribute toward the NORTH SPREADER WATERWAY EXIT, please contact John Bashaw or myself, directly. Contact Jerry or Contact, John

Again, special thanks to the Interim, Cape Coral City Manager, Michael Ilczyszyn for attending and remaining on site after the meeting to handle many one-on-one discussions. Much appreciated! Having Michael Ilczyszyn at the meeting gave him the opportunity to understand our needs and to educate us on the jurisdiction of our waterways, and the limitations and opportunities involving this project.

Kind regards,
Jerry Smith, President-NWNA[video mp4="https://nwcape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/May-2023-Regular-Meeting_Final.mp4" poster="" ][/video]

May 1 - Deadline for Canal Porta Potty Removal

Alert: Call for Porta-Potty Removal

PORTA POTTY COLLECTION IN CANAL SYSTEM EXPIRES MAY 1, 2023 ****PLEASE REPORT THE LOCATION FOR REMOVAL****

May 1, 2023

The City Contractor assigned to remove PORTA POTTY debris from the city canal system is requesting the location of remaining PORTA POTTY units in the waterways, west of Burnt Store Road.

Please report the full address of the Porta Potty in the waterway and a brief description of the location.

Examples:
-in mangroves directly across my dock
-beneath my dock
-partially visible in the undeveloped lot next door

We appreciate your assistance and for coming together to join in the efforts to keep our canals clean and vibrant! The contract with the city will expire on May 1^st, 2023, so please report the location to us today.  Click the link below to send us an email:

Click Here

NWCape Holds "Clean the Cape" Event

   The NWNA would like to thank all of our volunteers who came out for our "Clean the Cape" neighborhood cleanup this past Saturday. April 1. This event was part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup held every year at the beginning of April's "Earth Month".

The Keep Lee County Beautiful organization provides supplies and insurance while NWNA organizes the actual cleanup as we have done for the past 23+ years.  Because of your outstanding community spirit, I am proud to say that our cleanup was the largest in Lee County.  We had 73 volunteers plus our organizers and covered areas from Pine Island Road north to Crystal Lake Park and east from the spreader canal to Santa Barbara Blvd.  

Special shout out to Dominos for their pizza donations enjoyed by our volunteers and Cape Coral Fire Department.

Waste Pro estimates nearly 4 tons of trash were removed from our area and I must say it is easy to see the improvement.  No doubt there is much more to be done.

Hopefully, we can get as much participation in the city-wide cleanup to be held on April 22 (check out the link below on how to participate)

April 22 Earth Day Event

Again thank you all for your participation! 

Snakes of Cape Coral

The Florida Kingsnake is a beautiful, docile reptile.  Typically, adults are 3-4 ft.  Unfortunately, these attributes make it highly prized by collectors, and it has become quite rare.  I picked up the one shown here in the NW Cape, and it made no fuss when I drove it to my house for a photograph. 

Florida King Snake

Snakes get a lot of bad press, going all the way back to the Bible.  Also, some are venomous, and many bite when handled, but not all.  But you must give them their due.  Without legs, they can climb, swim, and are adept hunters.  There are dozens of species in our area.  I will not attempt to mention them all, concentrating on some of the most common or interesting species.

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is relatively rare, and to be avoided.  It is thick-bodied and large, typically 3-7 ft, with a record length of 8 ft.  This one was about 3.5 feet (I did not attempt to measure it!), from the south side of Crystal Lake.  If you see one, just leave it alone and let it go its way.  Most snakebites result from people getting involved with the snake in some manner.

Eastern Diamondback SnakeSouthern Black Racer

The Southern Black Racer is probably the most familiar snake in the area, often found in yards.  Its shiny black color and thin body make for easy identification, as does its speed (for a snake), for which it is named.  Up to 5 ft, but usually 3-4.

The Yellow Rat Snake is another docile snake that is easily handled, as is the case with most rat snakes.  If you are inclined to keep a local snake as a pet, this species is a good choice.  Usually 3-5 feet long; record 7.25 feet.  Often found around structures.  They commonly feed on lizards, frogs, rodents, and birds and their eggs.

Yellow Rat SnakeFlorida Brown Snake

The Florida Brown Snake in this (fuzzy) picture is an adult found swimming in my pool.  The maximum size if about 19 inches, thus being one of our smaller snakes.  They are common and found in several forms (subspecies) throughout the middle and eastern United States.

The Eastern Garter Snake is widespread in the eastern portions of the US and southern Canada.  For those from the north, this is likely to be the snake you saw most often.  Like many water snakes, they do not tolerate handling and will struggle, bite, defecate, release a smelly musk, and do whatever else they can to convince you to release them.  They are moderately sized, up to 4 feet, but usually 2-3.  The one in the photo is also from my pool, which seems to be something of a snake trap.

Eastern Garter SnakeFlowerpot Snake

The Flowerpot Snake, also called the Brahminy Blind Snake, is one of many non-native species of animals in Cape Coral (more on that later in another post), in this case originally from southern Asia.  It gained its worldwide distribution through its presence in the soil of potted plants, hence its name.  It spread rapidly partly due to reproduction by parthenogenesis (it is an all-female species), reproduction that does not require fertilization to produce offspring.  Its body form and small size (usually less than 6 inches) cause it to often be mistaken for an earthworm.  Close inspection will reveal its scales.  I find them frequently drowned in my pool, falling in from adjacent planters.

The Eastern Kingsnake in another species that is easy to handle.  Its name derives from the fact that it will eat other snakes, including rattlesnakes.  For our area, this large snake reaching up to nearly 7 feet, although typically 4-5.  The pattern is the source of a local name in some areas-the Chain Snake.

Eastern King Snake

If you have an inherent fear of snakes, that fear would be best replaced by respect.  They will run away from you if possible, or stand their ground, but they will not pursue you or lurk under your bed waiting for you to put your feet down in the middle of the night (not often, anyway).  And they are important cogs in our wild and suburban ecosystems in the NW Cape.

Gordon R. Ultsch, Ph.D.

Matlacha looks to the future with new vision!

A New Beginning for Matlacha

In the wake of IAN's catastrophic impact on Matlacha restaurants, businesses, and homes located along  Pine Island Road NW, a vision for a new beginning has emerged.

Michael Hannon, President of the Matlacha Civic Association shared a collection of renderings with neighbors and the local community to provide hope for the future.    The new elevated structures, docks, seawalls, and reclaimed dry land depict the return of the thriving waterfront destination that has been temporarily lost.

Tremendous progress has been made to clean up storm debris and temporarily restore utilities in the area.   The rebuild of Matlacha began and the promise for a better tomorrow is visible on the horizon.

"Coral Grove at the Cape" Promises to Be Special

Here We Grow Again!

We've been following the Cape Coral Town Center project for well over a year as we've heard this could be a game-changer for not only the NW Cape but the city as well.  Developers have worked through the planning process and have just now submitted permit requests for site development and commercial construction under the name "Coral Grove at the Cape". 

The 131-acre site is located along the north side of SW Pine Island Rd. from the electrical power station, east to Bubbas, and then up and behind the German American Club.  A public relations and branding campaign is providing a hint of what's to come.  Developers want to establish an active and exciting community center in Cape Coral with housing, retail, restaurants, hotel, and entertainment.  They believe SW Florida's Mediterranean Revival style of architecture is a timeless tropical style, uniquely suited for the laid-back Florida lifestyle, as well as the coastal landscape.  You'll see a modern approach to the area's vintage style keeping it contemporary and comfortable.  They call it - Cape Nouveau.

The developer, L&L Development Group, part of L&L Holding Co. of NY City, has a record of success in building and renovating structures from Broadway to 5^th Ave. to Times Square.  Its two leaders, Robert Lapidus and David Levinson were listed as #10 on the Commercial Observer's Top 100 in Commercial Real Estate for 2022.  Their first South Florida venture is the mixed-use Wynwood Plaza in Miami.  It appears Cape Coral will be home to their second venture. 

They've hired the firm Authentic, which connects brand, design and technology to real estate development. They've successfully been attracting businesses to the project

There are several phases with infrastructure and a 300 unit Multi-Family development as Phase I.  Permit valuations show this first phase comes in at about $70 million.  To give you an idea of what this phase could look like, the construction contractor is Brooks and Freund, who built some of the most familiar projects in our area.  This includes The Palms of Cape Coral, Midtown Apts., Aspire Apts., Savonna Apts. and Madison Square along Cape Coral Pkwy. 

For more information or email updates go to these two websites: coralgrove.com and authenticff.com.

SHIP-DR Homeowner Insurance Deductible Assistance

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

Hello Members,

Lee County has received funds to assist homeowners with their insurance deductibles.  We wanted to share this important information with you and ask that you also pass along this notice to your neighbors if you can.

If you would like to be considered for the program and meet the income guidelines, please send the following information to housing@capecoral.gov.

Name:
Address:

Phone Number:

Email:
Homeowners Insurance Carrier:

Deductible Amount:

Income Limits are as follows and are based on the gross household income of all persons over 18 in the household.

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Lee County, Florida
Income Guidelines Chart (2022)*
Gross Income of all HH members must not exceed
Household Size	80% Area Median Income (AMI)
1	$45,050
2	$51,450
3	$57,900
4	$64,300
5	$69,450
6	$74,600
7	$79,750
8	$84,900

Displaced Vessels & Marine Debris

Cape Coral Police Department 

 The Florida Department of Emergency Management has set up resources for people who wish to report vessels displaced by Hurricane Ian (both lost and found), as well as debris in and around the waterways created by the hurricane.The public should call 850-961-2002, email IanDebrisCleanup@cdrmaguire.com, or visit www.iandebriscleanup.com to report displaced vessels or marine-related debris.This applies to boats that are missing after the storm, as well as boats that have been found after the storm. This also applies to boats that are washed up on land, boats still in the water, as well as any debris in the water or on land, like docks or sections of docks, pilings, etc…Please visit www.iandebriscleanup.com, for additional information.

City of Cape Coral Candidates for Mayor & City Council - Election 2022

NWNA Members: The 2022 General Election is November 8, 2022. Four City Council races are on the ballot. To help you with your City Council and Mayoral decisions, I sent an email to all candidates in the races asking each to answer the following question. Describe in 200 words or less what specific action you would take on the dais that would benefit the members of the NWNA. Please omit general campaign promises and high-level campaign platform planks and focus on the key issues directly benefiting the NWNA membership.  The races and candidates on the Ballot are: Mayor - John Gunter (Incumbent) and Tom Shadrach District 1 - Bill Steinke and Carol Rae Culliton District 4 - Jennifer Nelson (Incumbent) and Patty Cummings District 6 - Keith Long (Incumbent) and Wayne Hecht  City Council elections in Cape Coral are "At Large," meaning regardless of where you live in the city, all races are on your ballot. Please take this opportunity to vote for your chosen candidate in all races in this important election. As you will see in the candidates' responses, many important NWNA issues are in play, and therefore who we elect is very important.   Please click the links below to see the unedited, verbatim responses from the candidates. Contact me if you have any questions.    John Bashaw (920) 449-2000

Mayoral Candidates ReplyDistrict 1 Candidates ReplyDistrict 4 Candidates ReplyDistrict 6 Candidaters Reply

Cape Coral, Fl Truth in Millage (TRIM) Update

NWNA Members:

I am excited to tell you the City of Cape Coral has adopted the Rollback Millage Rate for 2022 Taxes. In simple terms, this means our city leaders adopted a very conservative budget and lowered property taxes. For most of you, property taxes for 2022 (remember, taxes are paid in arrears), will be lower than the property taxes you paid for 2021. We looked at forty properties owned by NWNA members and found the reduction in individual property taxes to be hundreds of dollars each. 

The budget for Fiscal Year 2023 is $34 million less than the previous year's $978 million budget. Mayor John Gunter championed this historic reduction in both taxes and spending. Supporting Mayor Gunter was our Council Member Keith Long in District 6, Council Member Dan Sheppard in District 2, Council Member Jennifer Nelson in District 4, and Council Member Gloria Tate in District 1. These Council Members asked tough questions and were tenacious in their charge to lower the city budget and lower your property taxes. The vote was split, however, with the remaining three Council Members voting no on the Rollback Rate.

Please look at your TRIM Notice and compare Column 1 (YOUR PROPERTY TAXES LAST YEAR 2021) and Column 2 (YOUR TAXES THIS YEAR IF NO BUDGET CHANGE IS ADOPTED) to see the impact on your 2022 taxes. Column 2 is the Rollback Rate and the amount of property taxes you will pay.   

I want to thank all the Council Members who voted in favor of the Rollback Rate. On your behalf, I have sent emails to all Council Members who voted YES expressing our appreciation.  

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000