Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter hopes to have Yacht Club beach reopened at summer’s end

CAPE CORAL, FL — Cape Coral’s cherished Yacht Club and its accompanying beach facilities have remained closed and inaccessible for over eight months, leaving residents eagerly awaiting the day they can once again revel in the crystal-clear waters and bask in the glorious sunsets. However, amidst discussions regarding significant changes to the Yacht Club facilities, Mayor John Gunter has taken an active stance, pushing for the beach area to be reopened to the public by September.

The Yacht Club Community Park, a beloved community hub, suffered substantial devastation when Hurricane Ian, a formidable Category 5 storm, made landfall on September 28. In the aftermath, the park’s facilities, including The Boathouse restaurant, endured severe damage, with the restaurant’s roof collapsing. While the restaurant is anticipated to reopen soon, planned renovations were put on hold, and the park was closed as the city and its residents focused on recovery.

In January, the Cape Coral council convened and made the decision to embark on a “clean slate” approach to renovating the extensively damaged facilities. Proposed changes include the construction of a new two-story ballroom, the removal of the existing tennis courts, and a reconfiguration of the area to accommodate a parking garage and restaurant.

In May, plans were unveiled to demolish the main buildings, a decision that met with opposition from some members of the community but has since continued. However, the city has expressed a commitment to preserving certain aspects of the original ballroom building. Meanwhile, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission have utilized the area to dismantle and crush boats, citing safety concerns.

Melissa Mickey, a spokesperson for the agencies involved, highlighted the current safety hazards at the beach. Mickey pointed out the absence of electricity and bathrooms, and the need to ensure that the shoreline area is free from debris hazards. The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are expected to be present at the Yacht Club area until August, prompting the city to work diligently towards reopening.

Mayor Gunter emphasized the importance of first formulating a plan to clean up the area and ensure its safety. He also pledged to clear debris from the waterway to eliminate any potential dangers for swimmers. Gunter proposed implementing the project in phases to ensure the beach’s accessibility, suggesting the possibility of partitioning off the northern section of the Yacht Club for improvements while simultaneously reopening the beach.

While expansion of the beach or renourishment may be considered in the future, those aspects are expected to be addressed at a later date. For now, the focus remains on getting the Yacht Club beach facilities operational and creating a safe and welcoming environment for the community to enjoy once again.

As Cape Coral anticipates the reopening of the Yacht Club and its beach facilities, residents find solace in Mayor Gunter’s proactive efforts and the city’s commitment to restoring this beloved recreational haven. September looms as a month of hope, heralding the prospect of rejuvenation and a return to the joyous days spent on the sandy shores and relishing the mesmerizing sunsets of Cape Coral’s Yacht Club.