Editorial | 2025 on the horizon
If ever a calendar page-turner marked a potential for change, it’s the upcoming flip to 2025.
Voters casting ballots from the top of the ticket down to the most local level of governance here in Cape Coral opted for some new, albeit familiar faces, for the path ahead.
Here in the Cape, there are some exciting things perking.
Like the five newly sworn-in Cape Coral City Council members, not all of the upcoming projects are newly minted with their values to be determined in the months ahead.
High in the queue is a key first step toward the development of a project best known by its unique land mass — the so-called Seven Islands, manmade “hammerheads” strung along the North Spreader Waterway off Old Burnt Store Road.
Derived from concept plans approved by the then-sitting city council in 2016, the mixed use development was intended to attract a “destination” project to lynchpin the opportunities of the Cape’s then barely-tapped — and literal — great north.
In keeping with its commitment with Gulf Gateway Resort and Marina LLC, which agreed to pay $20 million for the 47 acres the city purchased as part of a multi-parcel foreclosure package at the bottom of the housing bust, the city has jointly applied for permitting.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits are required because the creation of the “mixed use residential, commercial, and recreational development to include boating access to stimulate development within northwest Cape Coral” will impact the North Matlacha Pass Frontal Watershed. The development must comply with both the federal Clean Water and Rivers and Harbors acts.
What’s coming if the permits are approved?
Infrastructure first — dredging, seawalls, docks and boat slips.
Nearly 1,000 residential units – 890 condo or apartment units and 71 “fish houses.”
A landmark hotel and resort with conference center and lagoon.
Eateries and shops.
And, perhaps of particular interest to residents, a community center, park, food truck court and more on the island directly across from Tropicana Park.
It’s an exciting project with Council to weigh in as the development moves through both the Corps’ permitting and the city’s approval processes.
There are at least four other long-in-the works, large-scale projects expected to see progress in 2025.
Permits for the new Yacht Club complex are pending; the city has broken ground for Festival Park, and the passive recreational component Yellow Fever Creek Park is near completion although controversy concerning the city’s plan to carve out 14 acres for a large water storage and pump station utility complex continues to swirl.
Also expected to move forward in the new year is the renovation of Jaycee Park.
The Australian trees along the river have come down. Plans that include new walkways, a boardwalk, a band shell, possible boat slips, and a food court complete with an adult-beverage bistro got previous council support.
But nearby residents continue to hope for a less-intense modification.
The new year will be an interesting one.
One full of promise — and promises made.
May the new year be one of happiness and prosperity.
For you and your family.
For our city and Southwest Florida.
For our country.
Breeze editorial