Free Property Fraud Alert Service From Lee County

NWNA Members:

Property fraud is a serious problem in the United States, especially in Florida.  The Lee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Office is offering a free alert service that notifies you if you are a potential victim. 

Check out this link to register for this free service. 

Register Here for Free Property Fraud Alert Service

I encourage everyone to sign up for this service and enjoy the peace of mind it provides. 

For more information on this free service, check out this video. 

A similar service is available at a cost.  Perhaps you have seen it advertised on television.  The ad states "no one is going to call you…."   Well, this service goes one step further and emails you when potential fraud is taking place. 

As always, thank you for being a member of the NWNA. 

Together we're better! 

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Burnt Store Road Town Hall Meeting

NWNA Members:

The City of Cape Coral is hosting a town hall meeting on the Land Use and Zoning for Burnt Store Road. This is an opportunity to hear the plans-to-date for a major commercial corridor in Cape Coral and for you to provide input. This meeting will also include some updates from the NWNA on other happenings in the Northwest. This meeting is open to the public and is a great next step in the development of Northwest Cape Coral. I hope to see you there.  

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Town Hall Meeting

The Northwest Regional Library
519 Chiquita Blvd.
Cape Coral, Florida
Saturday, July 30th
At: 10:00 am

Join us for this informational meeting to discuss the future plans for the last commercial corridor in our great city!

Cape Coral Capital Improvement Projects Update

On May 25, 2022 the City Council was given an update on all major Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Public Works projects currently ongoing in the City.  Attached is that presentation. 

This presentation touches on the project status of the Utilities Expansion Project; Parks Go Bond; Police, Fire and Fleet training and Maintenance Facilities; Road, Trail and Sidewalk programs; water quality projects, utility projects, and several other miscellaneous projects. We thought this was a thorough, albeit brief, update and worth sharing. The presentation is also available on the City's website.

CIP Project Status

Gopher Tortoise Monitoring/Maintenance Help

NWNA Members:

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), Members are seeking volunteers to assist with Gopher Tortoise Monitoring and Maintenance. 

To sign-up, click the link below (or cut and paste it into your browser) and provide the information requested: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/904496814071/false#/invitation

I plan to sign up. It's a great opportunity to do something positive for our community and for wildlife.  

Thank you
John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

If you have any issues with the sign-up, please contact Tammy at TCarterCCFW@gmail.com.

If you have questions about the Gopher Tortoise Monitoring/Maintenance please contact Cheryl Anderson: at azlebird@aol.com or Greg Borchardt: at stinkrats@gmail.com.  

Thank you

Register Here!

Clean-the-Cape was a huge success!

The NWNA Clean the Cape Event held on Saturday, April 9th, 2022, was a huge success thanks to a lot of dedicated people who worked very hard to make it happen.  Keeping our section of the Cape clean is paramount to the quality of life expected by the local residents and wildlife living in this beautiful area of Florida!

City Council Member Keith Long with daughter, Todd Hoagland, Code Compliance Manager with John Bashaw NWNA President.Sometimes you gotta bring out the big guns, right?Everyone is pitching in to help!

Did someone say pizza?

Check out the video of us after the clean-up at the pizza party!

Thanks for coming out today to help out!

It's Almost Time to Clean-The-Cape!

Can't Wait to See You All!

Clean the Cape
Saturday, April 9,2022 8:30-11:30 am
Tropicana Park - 4101 Tropicana Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33993

If you haven't done so already, please use the signup link below to register.  Note that registration helps us with estimates. Registration is not mandatory in order to participate.

Keep Lee County Beautiful Registration Link

Meet at Tropicana Park at 8:30 a.m.to get t-shirts (while supplies last), bags, safety supplies, and answers to any questions regarding the event.   PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES, A LIMITED SUPPLY OF WATER TO FILL THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE. YOU WILL WANT TO WEAR HATS, CLOSED-TOE SHOES, AND SUNSCREEN. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO BRING CHAIRS FOR THE PIZZA PARTY. Trash collected in bags will be brought back to Tropicana Park for disposal in the Waste Pro dumpster. DO NOT BRING BULK ITEMS TO TROPICANA.  Bulk items should be brought to the Bulk Waste Center at 1200 Kismet Parkway; (however, the bulk drop-off site entrance is off NW 14th Avenue, at the western portion of the complex).   We will collect trash throughout the morning and reconvene at 11:30 AM for a pizza party and conversation. This is a great opportunity to help your community or to receive those needed service hours! But in case you are wondering why this is important, take a look at this graphic????

Cape Coral Social Club Meeting - Guest Speaker

NWNA Members:

Please join me at the next meeting of the Cape Coral Social Club. You may recall I spoke about this club at our membership meeting last December. I have been asked to speak at the upcoming CCSC meeting to be held at the German American Club on February 24, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Joining me will be Nita Whaley from the City of Cape Coral Office of Economic and Business Development.

I will speak on the NWNA's initiatives and Nita will update the group on Economic and Business Development in Cape Coral. Nita's material always interests the audience and provides insight on what development is coming to Cape Coral as well as the process followed to bring businesses here. You may also hear some interesting news on the 7 Islands. Don't miss it!

For more information on the Cape Coral Social Club and the upcoming meeting, please see their website and the latest newsletter.

Cape Coral Social Club Website Link

Cape Coral Social Club News Letter

I hope to see you all there. 

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000

Save the Date

Where:  German American Club on Pine Island Rd

When: Thursday, February 24, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM

Broadband Update and Secretary's Desk Notes for 2022

Hi Members: I want to update you with the latest information I have relating to the Internet Broadband being provided by Comcast that is coming to the NW Cape. My reliable sources tell me that.... "The permitting process is running very smoothly. The city and LCEC have been great about approving everything so far! At the moment we are still in Phase 1. I can't give you a timeline for Phase 2 (which is NW) at this point, but things are moving well! I should have a meatier update for you in a few weeks." Naturally, I will continue to provide any additional information to you all as soon as I have it to share. What else will we see happen in the NW Cape in 2022? Tropicana Park - construction starting in the spring Crystal Lake - construction starting in the early summer Updated Internet service - starting soon Boardwalk at Crystal Lake - construction starting Median beautification on Ceitus Pkwy starting very soon Clean-the-Cape Events - Spring & Fall Christmas Boat Parade - December The southernmost section of Burnt Store Road opening Wow! What a great year it's going to be for NW Cape Coral residents! We are growing fast and are so glad to be sharing information with our Lifetime Members like you. Together We're Better! Stay Healthy! Linda StevensSecretary for the NWNA secretary@nwcape.com

Interested in how the NW Cape will be Developed?

The recent City Council discussion on the property at Old Burnt Store Road and Kismet Parkway West is here for your review.  It's lengthy but worth watching if you are interested in how Northwest Cape Coral will be developed.  

City Notes - City of Cape Coral Communications'

A Message from Mayor John Gunter Happy New Year! Last January, I was appointed to be Mayor by our City Council, and being entrusted to lead this community is a great honor. As the New Year begins, let us reflect on the resiliency and spirit found in our community over the past year. The pandemic brought us unexpected challenges, however, it also highlighted the fellowship that exists in our great city. Both residents and businesses have been impacted by these challenges, but we have much to celebrate. Last year was one of our most successful years in terms of growth and development activity in Cape Coral. More than 4,000 new construction permits were issued in Fiscal Year 2021 and Census estimates expect our population to exceed 200,000. As your Mayor, I am committed to working with the City Council and our dedicated city employees to accomplish a full plate of projects, tasks, and goals this year. Together, we are excited to keep the momentum going with many projects and community improvements already in the works. The City's newest multi-year strategic plan will be finalized soon and will serve as the foundation for our future policy-making decisions. Public safety will remain a top priority in the new year with more staffing and new police and fire training facilities. Major improvements at the Yacht Club Community Park are expected to start this Spring, and construction is getting started at several of our new neighborhood parks. These construction projects are part of the citywide voter-approved initiative to expand parks and recreation amenities. Other plans for the new year include road resurfacing, canal dredging, sidewalk construction, median landscaping, expanded broadband services, alley paving, expansion of water, sewer, and irrigation services in the northern part of the city and the installation of bubble-curtain devices that will help to keep harmful algae in the River from entering many of our canals. Additionally, the City is working to bring good-paying jobs to Cape Coral in the new year. Your City Council recently approved an ordinance that will provide business development and job creation incentives to attract new jobs to the city. I am committed to working with residents, our business community, community organizations, and our state and local government partners to build a bright future for Cape Coral. I expect it will be a productive year for us and appreciate the ongoing support. Regards, John Gunter

Waste Pro is reporting staffing shortages due to COVID-19, and in response, the City of Cape Coral is advising residents they may experience delays in yard waste pickup beginning Monday, January 10. Cape Coral residents should continue to put out their garbage, recycling, bulk waste, and yard waste on their normally scheduled days. To help mitigate Waste Pro's current staffing challenges, the City has asked the company to prioritize utilizing the majority of Waste Pro's available staff on the collection of garbage, recycling, and large bulky waste items, and then yard waste. Residents should know: If you experience delayed service regarding yard waste, recycling, trash or bulky waste you are encouraged to report missed pick-ups to the City Call Center at 311. The City and Waste Pro are asking residents to be please mindful of the amount of yard waste they place at the curb and reduce it, if possible. Regular collections will resume as soon as collection crews are able to return to work. *These changes do not impact the switch to Same-Day Pick-Up or the Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site. Same-Day Pick-Up will commence Monday, January 10, and the Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site is scheduled to open Tuesday, January 11.

City employees here in Cape Coral have chosen to collaborate with and give back to the community in many ways. Their efforts benefit several outstanding local organizations that support people in need right here in Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Police Department gives back annually through its Fill the Boat Toy Drive, 3H Exchange Food and Toy Drive, Shop with a Cop Event, and Holiday Heroes Food Drive. The Cape Coral Police Department collected toys to provide to local children in Cape Coral in hopes of brightening their Holiday Season. The department raised over $2,600.00 in monetary donations and $100.00 in gift cards used to purchase additional items for families with teenagers. During Shop with a Cop, police officers were paired with local children selected through an application process, and a gift card was provided by the "Do the Right Thing Program" so that the children could buy a gift for themselves and a family member. During the 3H Exchange Food and Toy Drive, the Cape Coral Police Department had donation bins in the lobby of their headquarters where people could drop off donations for the 3H Exchange that went to homeless, in need students and their families throughout the Lee County School District. During the Holiday Heroes Food Drive, Cape Coral Police Officers were stationed at the city's two Neighborhood Walmart locations. They collected 2,673 pounds of food and $2,239.59 in cash for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. These donations will go directly to those in need right here in our area. Throughout December, the Cape Coral Fire Department collected toys and gifts for children in our community who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties. Cape Coral Fire Department collected donations for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years). With these efforts, the Fire Department was able to give each of the children with the foster families a gift from the man in red himself at this year's Breakfast with Santa event in December. Finally, the entire staff came together in another initiative last month. The City of Cape Coral collected nearly 1000 lbs. of food during our recent employee food drive benefiting Cape Coral Caring Center, an emergency food pantry for SWFL and partner of the United Way. Our employees have joined forces with hard-working organizations and given back to the community in various ways. These are just a few. Cape Coral is a great place to live and work because of the relationships forged between our local city staff, key organizations with the mission to give back to those in need, and residents of Cape Coral.

Bulky Waste Now Included in Same-Day Trash Collection

Cape Coral is teaming up with Waste Pro to start the New Year with a clean slate.

Beginning the week of January 10th, bulk waste, garbage, recycling, and yard waste will all be collected on the same day.

Be a part of the solution, not pollution!

Learn More

Utility Bill Updates

There are some updates and improvements coming soon in the new year that will make it easier to access and manage all your water bill information in one place!

Stay tuned to our city website for more information at the link below

Learn More

Cape Coral Police Chief Earns Top Honor Congratulations to Chief Anthony Sizemore, selected by his peers as the Southwest Florida Police Chief Association's 2021 Outstanding Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. City Manager Rob Hernandez congratulated Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore at our last City Council meeting in December on this well-deserved recognition.

Cape Coral Police Department Receives Award Cape Coral Police Department Receives Award The Cape Coral Police Department has been awarded CALEA Accreditation in Law Enforcement and Communications effective November 19, 2021. These awards remain in effect for four years, and the agency retains all privileges associated with this status during that period. CALEA Accreditation serves as the International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies. The process of CALEA Accreditation begins with a rigorous self-assessment, requiring a review of policies, practices, and processes against internationally accepted public safety standards. This is followed by an assessment by independent assessors with significant public safety experience. Additionally, public feedback is received to promote community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with select agency personnel and others with knowledge to assess the agency's effectiveness and overall service delivery capacities. A governing body of twenty-one Commissioners renders the decision to accredit following a public hearing and review of all reporting documentation. CALEA Accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well-managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency. To this end, an agency must maintain its accredited status by remaining in compliance with CALEA standards at all times. The Cape Coral Police Department continually demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence through accreditation. The CALEA Accreditation indices are the Marks of Professional Excellence and will be displayed proudly by the Cape Coral Police Department. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Detective Jennifer Silko and Detective Morgan Mills. We appreciate their tremendous knowledge and consistency in preparing our department for this enormous task. See more from the Cape Coral Police Department's Newsroom Learn More Cape Coral Fire Department Holiday Wrap Up The Cape Coral Fire Department promotes two community campaigns during the holidays, "Keep the Wreath Green" and Toy Drive/Breakfast with Santa. Now that the holidays have come to an end, the Department would like to share the results of these important community programs. Keep the Wreath Green Each year the Department hangs a wreath of green bulbs at Fire Station 4 on Santa Barbara Blvd. Green bulbs are replaced by red if a preventable fire such as cooking, smoking, space heaters, candles, etc., occurs between December 1 and January 1. This is the ninth year of the campaign, and for the first time in its history, it ended with NO red bulbs on the wreath! While there were fires during this time, none were classified as preventable. We are so proud of the Cape Coral community for being vigilant about fire safety during the busy holiday season!!! Toy Drive Thanks to the generosity of the Cape Coral community, the Toy Drive and Breakfast with Santa holiday events were a huge success. The CCFD works with charities and individual families to give toys and gifts to children living in Cape Coral with special needs, cancer, and other chronic illnesses or lifelong conditions and their siblings. Our Fire Department gives to children in foster care and to children whose families are suffering financial hardships. This year 300 children received gifts, and, thanks to the incredible number of toys donated (over 2000!), each child was able to receive multiple age-appropriate gifts and stocking-stuffers to open…helping to make their holidays a lot brighter! Learn More

Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site for Residents Set to Open January 11th

The bulk waste drop-off site is a pilot program that will be implemented for one year.  After evaluating public response, the City will decide whether or not to open a permanent location.  The site will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The bulk waste drop-off site is located on the west side of the North Cape Government Complex. The address for the complex is 1200 Kismet Parkway; however, the bulk-drop off site entrance is off NW 14^th Avenue, at the western portion of the complex.

In addition, don't forget about the quarterly drop-off event located at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral. It will take place on Saturday, February 5, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and provides residents an opportunity to bring and properly dispose of bulk items and chemical waste.

Learn More

Irrigation Water Storage Tanks Construction Begins

The SW Pine Island Water Storage Tanks project is currently under construction. It is located in an existing commercial area on Commercial Park Place, about one block north of SW Pine Island Rd. The project consists of two (2) 5 million gallon storage tanks and high service pumps to store and deliver treated irrigation water to north and west Cape Coral residents. During peak City watering times, irrigation piping alone does not hold enough water to meet residents' demands. Tanks and pumping facilities can store water during low demand periods and deliver them at the required pressures during high demand periods to offset peak demand.

The current project construction cost is $11.4M and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2022.

Learn More

Nicholas Parkway East Improvements Update

The city of Cape Coral is beginning a construction project to replace water mains and install new storm drainage along an approximately 1-2 mile area of Nicholas Parkway East from Santa Barbara Boulevard to Country Club Boulevard.  Other improvements consist of installing a new curb and gutter and wale work.  The roadway pavement will be reconstructed to help motorists better navigate the curves along the parkway.  Early offsite work includes constructing storm drainage improvements from Nicholas Parkway East north along SE 2nd Avenue, east on SE 10th Term north on Se 1st Pl, then east between the houses located on the south side of SE 9th Ter and Hunter's Run Golf Club.  More information will be mailed to residents and businesses in a project newsletter later this month.  We encourage you to visit the project website now at www.NicholasParkwayEast.com and sign up for construction updates.

Learn More

Parks and Recreation

GO Bond Updates

After breaking ground in the fall, the selected contractor, Waypoint, began park construction at Cultural Park and Gator Circle Park on Monday, January 3. The initial work will consist of setting up erosion and site control fencing and then performing any vegetative clearing and rough grading of the site. This work will be followed by the installation of storm drain pipes and detention ponds.

In addition, Cape Coral City Council received a quarterly update on the status of the entire Parks GO Bond during the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting at City Hall on Wednesday, December 8.

--> See the GO Bond Quarterly Update from 12/8/21 Meeting

Much of the Council's discussion focused on the renovations at the Yacht Club Community Park, which are scheduled to begin in April 2022, and anticipated two-year park closure during construction due to safety concerns. For more details on the Yacht Club Community Park project, visit www.CCYachtClub.com.

Learn More

Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring Program Guide Now Available

Be sure to check out the new 2022 Winter/Spring Program Guide which contains details about all of the programs, day trips, and special events being offered in January-April.

In addition to the electronic version, a limited supply of printed copies are available to pick up at all of our Recreation Centers, Cape Coral's two public libraries and City Hall.

*  Note: The online version is completely interactive with over 300 links making it even easier to get details and register online!

Get the Guide

Your City Council Members

Advertising Information

We have extended an advertising opportunity to member businesses in our area. If you don't have a business but know of a business that would like to advertise, please forward this information to them.

For now, the program is open to businesses that are in the "Northwest Cape" section of the city. Space is limited and priority is given to NWNA Cape Member businesses.

Please fill out the application form below to be added to our Sponsors page and send a digital image of your business card to: treasurer@nwcape.com.

Application Form

Rate: $100/yr.* Annual Sign-up period:  January 1 to February 1 of each year. *Any business wishing to become an NWNA Sponsor after the annual sign-up period has ended can do so, and the fee will be prorated accordingly. Details: ·     The advertising cycle runs from February 1 to January 31. ·     Advertisers may provide a business website link for inclusion into their ad space. ·     NWNA will encourage sponsor page traffic through social media posts.

President's Message - Bulk Waste Drop Off

NWNA Members: We will be hosting several Clean-the-Cape events in Northwest Cape Coral in 2022. Sponsors are lining up and many of you have reached out to ask when the events will be held. The news will follow on those events shortly from Patricia White, our Environment Committee Chair. You will also hear about Adopt-a-Spot, another 2022 initiative that will bring us together as a community and move us toward our goal of making Cape Coral the cleanest city in Southwest Florida.  We have many new residents and I thought a friendly reminder on the rules of the road for trash collection would be helpful. The City of Cape Coral has done a great job of putting all the information together for us. Please see the attached email from Melissa Mickey, in the Office of Communications. Everything we need to know is contained in the message.  There are several factors that contribute to the waste we all see strewn in vacant lots and on the side of the road. Please understand it is a complex issue and we are trying to address all of the factors, but the easiest one to tackle is how we put out the trash for pick up. Thank you to all of you who have participated in our Clean-the-Cape events and to the many residents I see picking up trash while you walk. It is making a difference.  John Bashaw (920) 449-2000

Good afternoon John,

Per our conversation earlier this week I am sending you some links to information regarding trash, yard waste, recycling do's, and don'ts. 

The following is a link to our webpage which includes FAQs that may be helpful/useful, See below.

All Residential curbside services start at 6:00 AM, all items for collection should be placed curbside by 6:00 AM to avoid missing any of the collection vehicles. 

City ordinance dictates that items for collection cannot be placed curbside until after 5:00 p.m. one day prior to your collection day.

Extra garbage that does not fit in the brown garbage can be placed out for collection in plastic bags set next to the can. Each bag cannot weigh more than fifty (50) pounds and be stacked neatly at the curb.

Remember to keep a three (3) foot clearance between and around each can for collection and that the wheels and handle are to face the house. Please remember to also keep at least a five (5) foot clearance from mailboxes, trees, parked cars, etc.

Webpage Link Including FAQ's

The follow the link below to our webpage on solid waste, recyclables, horticulture, and bulk trash removal  - if you scroll through this page there is a lot of information and several videos created by Waste Pro on how to properly dispose of trash, the holiday schedules are listed, and there is additional helpful information.

Also, just FYI this year we have a post-Christmas holiday recycling event. It is at the Bulk Waste Drop Off located at the North Cape Government Complex on Kismet. The entrance to the Bulk Waste Drop Off is on NW 14^th Ave. 

The event runs from December 26 through the 30^th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is for recyclable cardboard only.  

Cape Coral Webpage on Solid WasteBulk Waste Drop Off site on NW 14th Ave.

Northwest Cape Coral 1st Annual Christmas Boat Parade

Thank You All So Much.....

NWNA Members:

Please see the message below from Dean and Jan Fox, the Boat Parade organizers. What a turnout!!!! Look for news next November on the 2022 Parade. I am sure it will be even bigger.

My very best to all of you for a safe and happy holiday season and a great Christmas!

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you all had as great a time as I did, participating in the parade. I want to thank all the Captains and their crew for their participation and creativity. It was truly amazing! I would also like to thank all the homeowners for their decorations and parties! It was so nice to have so many homes cheering us on. Your contributions were fabulous. Thank you to all the people that participated on bridges and the empty lots holding lanterns and on golf carts - your cheers were much welcomed and we saw you!  The boats on Wazee Lake that contributed with decorations and horns were a pleasing sight in the dark of night. Thank you also. The best count we had was 48 boats in the canals and 6-8 on Wazee so about 55 boats contributed. Wow! Last but not least, a special thank you to John Bashaw and Randy Cantrell for their help with planning and Linda Stevens for her video -- she was definitely Head Cheerleader! Her video is on the public Facebook link "Northwest Central Cape Coral 1st Annual Christmas Boat Parade" for you to view and add pictures if you wish.    I cannot thank you all enough for your comments and nice thoughts. Best to wish you a very Merry Christmas and prayers to all for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!            ~ Dean & Jan Fox

X-Mass Parade on the Spreader Canal 12/18/2021

Posted by NWNA on Saturday, December 18, 2021

Cape Coral Fire Dept. - Annual Open House

Hi Members On Saturday, November 6, the Cape Coral Fire Department will host our annual Open House. From 9 am until 12 pm, the public is invited to visit any of our eleven fire stations for the opportunity to meet firefighters and learn about the fire apparatus, equipment, and services. In addition, a variety of fun and educational activities and displays, many from our partner public safety agencies, will be available at each station. Some of these include: • Friends and Family CPR Instruction • Blood Donations • Coastie and the Coast Guard Auxiliary • Public Works Vehicles • Lee County Mosquito Control District Helicopter and Educational Bug Display • Interactive, Inflatable Fire Safety Smoke House • Vehicle Extrication Demonstrations • Junior Firefighter Obstacle Course • Car Seat Checks with Safe Kids • Lee County EMS Ambulance and Helicopter • Pet Safety and Adoptable Dogs from the Cape Coral Animal Shelter • Scavenger hunt, face painting, and more. Come out and visit the Fire and Rescue stations around Cape Coral and bring the whole family for a fun day!

Flood Insurance Changes - FEMA Risk Rating 2.0

Town Hall Meeting Summary

On behalf of the NWNA, I would like to thank Councilmember Gloria Tate for hosting this very informative and important meeting pertaining to the FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 implementation and possible Flood Insurance implications.

Following is a summary of the issues that were discussed at the meeting. 1.   FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 will utilize the Cape Coral Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) maps for determining the cost of future FEMA Flood Insurance. FEMA will no longer use elevation or home values in determining the price of FEMA Flood Insurance. 2.   The current SFHA maps identify flood zones for Cape Coral residents. In District 6, all the homes West of Burnt Store Road are classified as Special Flood Hazard Area. 3.   The Cape Coral City Representative identified that the SFHA maps would be revised and some of the homes in the NW East of Burnt Store on canals may also be included in this Special Flood Hazard Area classification. 4.   The insurance discussions identified that we can expect an increase in the cost of FEMA Flood Insurance using the FEMA Risk Rating 2.0. Several examples were briefly discussed that were in our flood designation areas (Special Flood Hazard Area) and they identified that the costs went up 2 or 3 times more than past costs. Realtors need to educate their buyers that new homes under construction will have higher costs for Flood Insurance under FEMA Risk Rating 2.0. For new construction, the 10/01/21 implementation of FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 is in effect. 5.   The FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 went into effect on 10/01/21. For current flood FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 insurance holders, the new flood insurance rates will be effective 4/01/22. 6.   There are processes such as Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) that residents can use to ask for an exemption based on such factors as elevation, history, costs, etc. However, the cost for either is currently $450.00 which requires Engineering support. Talking with the City representative it would be very hard to get an exemption if you were in the Special Flood Hazard Area. 7.   The presenters identified Senator Marco Rubio as leading an effort in Congress to get the FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 implementation either delayed or deferred. It will be an effort that requires bipartisan support. With today's current issues in Congress, he needs all of our help to get the attention in Congress. They suggested we all write, email, or phone our Senators and Representatives voicing our displeasure with the FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 implementation and rising costs of Flood Insurance under this system.

Representative Byron Donalds
https://donalds.house.gov/contact/Senator Rick Scott
https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/contactSenator Marco Rubio
https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Risk Rating 2.0: Projected Premium Changes by Zip Code - SFH Policies

Please click on the button below to see the latest FEMA information showing the areas that will see an increase and approximately how much it will be.The 'Dashboard" will have several sections and a lot of information so look for the data for the state of Florida by selecting it from the filter in the window in the upper right corner. Then look for your zip code at the bottom corner window.

FEMA Data Dashboard Link

Please take the time to review all of the handouts from this meeting attached below. Each one has eye-opening data and information you may want to consider in your communications with our Senators and Representatives.

Special Flood Hazard Area City MapHow to Buy Flood InsuranceFlorida - Risk Rating 2.0The Truth about Flood Risk Rating 2.0

New Fertilizer Ordinance Goes Into Effect

Changes to City Fertilizer Ordinance

Members, On Wednesday (Oct 6) the Cape Coral City Council passed Ordinance 79-21, effective immediately. The ordinance pertains to the use of fertilizer in the City of Cape Coral and strengthened the current requirements for Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes to protect the local surface and groundwater quality. As our city grows at a rapid pace, it is critical to take steps now to achieve further reductions in the discharge of pollutants and improve our waterways, currently characterized as "impaired" due to excess nutrients. The changes will help and are as follows:   1. The width of the fertilizer-free zone extended from 10 ft to 15 ft from the top of a seawall or any water body or wetland to ensure no fertilizer is dispersed directly into the water.  2. A voluntary educational program for residents and fertilizer retailers has been added and is in development.  3. Fertilizer containing phosphorus is not allowed at any time unless a soil test was performed within the past two years showing phosphorus deficiency. *Note that soil tests have been conducted throughout the city and a negligible number of samples indicated a deficiency.  4. Commercial fertilizer applicators are required to hold a 4-year license, subject to a validity check.  5. The City Manager has the authority to extend the Prohibited Application Period to include the month of May, for a total of 5 months (Currently June 1 to September 30 - 4 months)  6. Code Enforcement is authorized to sample fertilizer tanks and spreaders and submit them for analysis at the City's expense. The ordinance markup document (link below) will be added to the city website in the Codes, Land Use, and Charter section (Chapter 9 Article VI). *Note that additional ordinances addressing the use of fertilizer on golf courses and city parks are also in development. Let's all get on board with these changes and do our part to help protect the waterways in our little piece of paradise! You'll be glad you did! Thank you for your support! Patricia White Environment Committee Chair

New NWNA Member App is now available for Download

About Us - Current Leadership Website - All Access Notifications - All Bulletins Email Council - Access City Leaders Facebook - NWNA Page Our YouTube Channel Forum - Ask a Question Your Membership Card Join/Donate Pictures of Us Upcoming Events and More....	About Us - Current Leadership Website - All Access Notifications - All Bulletins Email Council - Access City Leaders Facebook - NWNA Page Our YouTube Channel Forum - Ask a Question Your Membership Card Join/Donate Pictures of Us Upcoming Events and More....
About Us - Current Leadership Website - All Access Notifications - All Bulletins Email Council - Access City Leaders Facebook - NWNA Page Our YouTube Channel Forum - Ask a Question Your Membership Card Join/Donate Pictures of Us Upcoming Events and More....

New District 6 Council Member

Members:

I am excited to share the good news with you on the new District 6 Council Member. Council Member Long was appointed last night at the Council Meeting on the first round of voting. 

You will find Council Member Long to have vision, passion, and a solid grasp of the issues before our great city. He comes to the position armed with all the tools needed to keep us on the right track.

The NWNA will support him, advise him, and work with him and all of the Council Members to continue to make this city an amazing place to live. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Long.

Thanks
John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Cape Coral City Council appointed Keith Long to fulfill the District 6 vacancy at tonight's City Council meeting. He will fulfill the remainder of the term, which expires in 2022. Congratulations Councilmember!

Unlicensed Contractors in our City!

Hello Members:

We wanted to pass on this link to keep you all informed about this important subject.

Our city is being flooded with unlicensed contractors causing dangerous and possible serious risks to you and your property.

An unlicensed contractor's possible lack of education, possible criminal background, possible lack of insurance, or lack of qualifications can result in an extensive financial loss to the property owner and financial liability.

To verify if a contractor is properly licensed and insured contact the City of Cape Coral Licensing Division at (239) 574-0430.

John Bashaw, President
(920) 449-2000WINK News Report - Unlicensed Contractors