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Cape Coral, Florida
City of Cape Coral
Cape Coral from the air
Cape Coral from the air
Flag of Cape Coral, Florida
Flag
Official logo of Cape Coral, Florida
City Logo
Nickname(s): 
Venice of America
Location in Lee County and the state of Florida
Location in Lee County and the state of Florida
Cape Coral, Florida is located in Florida
Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral, Florida
Location in Florida
Cape Coral, Florida is located in the United States
Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral, Florida
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  Florida
County Lee
Founded 1957
Incorporated 1970
Government
 • Type Council-Manager
Area
 • City 119.41 sq mi (309.26 km2)
 • Land 106.03 sq mi (274.61 km2)
 • Water 13.38 sq mi (34.65 km2)  9%
Elevation
7-20 ft (0.9 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City 194,016
 • Rank US: 130th
 • Density 1,829.84/sq mi (706.51/km2)
 • Metro
760,822
Time zone UTC–05:00 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-04:00 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
33904, 33909, 33914, 33990, 33991, 33993
Area code(s) 239
FIPS code 12-10275
GNIS feature ID 0279997
Website www.capecoral.net
ISS047-E-84351 Cape Coral, Florida (annotated)
Cape Coral from the International Space Station, 2016

Cape Coral is a city located in Lee County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1957 and developed as a planned community, the city's population has grown to 194,016 as of the 2020 Census, a rise of 26% from the 2010 Census, making it the 130th most populous city in the United States. With an area of 120 square miles (310 km2), Cape Coral is the largest city between Tampa and Miami in both population and area. It is the largest and principal city in the Cape Coral – Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city has over 400 mi (640 km) of navigable waterways, more than any other city on earth.

History

Cape Coral was founded in 1957. Real estate developers Leonard and Jack Rosen purchased a 103-square-mile (270 km2) tract known as Redfish Point for $678,000 in that year and, in 1958, began development of the city as a master-planned, pre-planned community.

The Gulf American Land Corporation (GALC), was formed to develop the area. Canals were dug, streets paved, houses and businesses built. Cape Coral was promoted like no other Florida development. Celebrities were brought in to tout the benefits of "the Cape", as it is known locally. The first building was the Rosens' company headquarters, at the corner of Coronado and Cape Coral Parkway. Cape Coral's first permanent resident was Kenny Schwartz, the Rosens' general manager. Cape Coral's first four homes were completed in May 1958, on Riverside and Flamingo Drives.

Development continued through the early 1960s, mostly on Redfish Point, south of Cape Coral Parkway. By 1963, the population was 2,850; 1,300 buildings had been finished or were under construction; 80 mi (130 km) of road had been built, and 160 mi (260 km) of canals had been dug. via Del Prado Boulevard and over the Edison Bridge to cross the river.

There was a lot of hype, promotion and advertising. Celebrities like Bob Hope, Anita Bryant, and Hugh Downs were brought in. A movie with Phyllis Diller, The Fat Spy (1966), was filmed in Cape Coral and so were episodes of the TV show Route 66.

The city incorporated in August 1970, and its population continued to grow rapidly until the real estate slowdown that gripped the region beginning in 2008.

In 2016 Forbes Magazine named the City of Cape Coral as # 9 of the "Top 25 Cities To Retire in the United States"

Geography and climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 120 square miles (310.8 km2), of which 110.09 square miles (285.1 km2) is land and 9.91 square miles (25.7 km2) (9%) is water. Cape Coral is a large peninsula and is bordered in the south and east by the Caloosahatchee River and in the west by Matlacha Pass. The city of Fort Myers lies across the Caloosahatchee River to the east, and Matlacha and Pine Island lie across Matlacha Pass to the west. Matlacha Pass is home to Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge and the state's Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve.

Canals

The city has over 400 miles (640 km) of canals, more than any other city in the world.

Climate

Cape Coral features a climate on the border between a humid subtropical (Cfa) and a tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification system. The area averages 355 days of sunshine each year, but experiences precipitation on 145 days per year. While the summers are very warm, humid and rainy, the winters in Cape Coral are dry with moderate temperatures. Cape Coral receives about 54 inches of rain each year, the majority of which falls from June to September. During the summer months, afternoon rains are heavy yet brief. The city is affected by the annual hurricane season, which begins officially on June 1 and continues through November.

Climate data for Cape Coral, FL
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 90
(32)
92
(33)
93
(34)
96
(36)
99
(37)
103
(39)
101
(38)
100
(38)
98
(37)
95
(35)
95
(35)
90
(32)
103
(39)
Average high °F (°C) 75
(24)
77
(25)
80
(27)
85
(29)
89
(32)
92
(33)
92
(33)
92
(33)
91
(33)
87
(31)
81
(27)
77
(25)
85
(29)
Average low °F (°C) 54
(12)
56
(13)
59
(15)
63
(17)
69
(21)
74
(23)
75
(24)
75
(24)
74
(23)
69
(21)
62
(17)
56
(13)
66
(19)
Record low °F (°C) 27
(−3)
27
(−3)
33
(1)
39
(4)
50
(10)
58
(14)
66
(19)
65
(18)
63
(17)
45
(7)
34
(1)
24
(−4)
24
(−4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.94
(49)
2.24
(57)
2.88
(73)
2.18
(55)
2.65
(67)
10.09
(256)
9.04
(230)
10.14
(258)
8.31
(211)
2.88
(73)
1.96
(50)
1.71
(43)
56.02
(1,423)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 7 8 7 6 10 18 22 22 20 11 7 7 145
Source: Bestplaces.net

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1970 10,193
1980 32,103 215.0%
1990 74,991 133.6%
2000 102,286 36.4%
2010 154,309 50.9%
2020 194,016 25.7%
Sources:

As of 2018, Cape Coral is the eighth largest city in Florida by population. More than 60 percent of the population is between the ages of 15–64 and residents under 25 outnumber residents over 65. Southwest Florida's 18–24 age group is growing at a faster rate than the state of Florida and the United States.

Cape Coral Demographics
2020 Census Cape Coral Lee County Florida
Total population 154,305 618,754 18,801,310
Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 +50.9% +40.3% +17.6%
Population density 1,460.2/sq mi 788.7/sq mi 350.6/sq mi
White or Caucasian (including White Hispanic) 88.2% 83.0% 75.0%
(Non-Hispanic White or Caucasian) 73.5% 71.0% 57.9%
Black or African-American 4.3% 8.3% 16.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 19.5% 18.3% 22.5%
Asian 1.5% 1.4% 2.4%
Native American or Native Alaskan 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
Two or more races (Multiracial) 2.3% 2.1% 2.5%
Some Other Race 3.3% 4.7% 3.6%

As of 2010, there were 78,948 households, out of which 23.0% were vacant. In 2000, 29.5% households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.85.

In 2000, the city's population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $43,410, and the median income for a family was $47,503. Males had a median income of $32,320 versus $25,068 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,021. 7.0% of the population and 5.3% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.2% were under the age of 18 and 5.6% were 65 or older.

Languages

As of 2000, 87.18% of residents spoke only English at home, while 7.61% spoke Spanish, 1.70% spoke German, 1.20% spoke Italian, 0.61% spoke French, and 0.41% spoke Tagalog. In total, 12.81% of the total population spoke languages other than English.

Culture and recreation

The city features a sandy beach and fishing pier on the Caloosahatchee River at the public Yacht Basin & Club. Cape Coral is home to the SunSplash Water Park, more than 30 recreational parks, and seven golf courses. Cape Coral offers a variety of Gulf beaches within 15 miles, such as Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach. The area is known by birding enthusiasts for a wide variety of wildlife and the largest population of burrowing owls in the state of Florida.

Senior activities include: Lake Kennedy Senior Center Tony Rotino Senior Center Friendship Centers of Cape Coral

Cape Coral's 400-mile (640 km) canal system provides many residents with waterfront living with access to the Gulf of Mexico via the broad Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains three public boat launching facilities. The Gulf of Mexico provides access to smaller tropical islands, rookeries, and sports fishing grounds.

Cape Coral's cultural assets include the Historical Museum, the Art Studio, the Cape Coral Art League, and the Cultural Park Theater, a 187-seat performing arts facility that serves as home to community actors. In addition, there are several regional arts and performance venues in the immediate area, including the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

Several parks and ecological preserves allow observation of the local wildlife. Elevated nature trails wind through the mangroves at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

Mike Greenwell founded an amusement park called "Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park" that opened in February 1992.

Flora and fauna

The area supports waterfowl, wading birds, migrant songbirds, gopher tortoises, dolphins and reptiles. Rotary Park is home to wading birds, raptors, butterflies, foxes and other wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can track exotic birds and native fish from the boardwalk at Lake Kennedy and watch the West Indian manatees at Sirenia Vista Park. Cape Coral is home to the largest population of burrowing owls in Florida.

Invasive species

Cape Coral is home to three invasive species. The green iguana and the spiny-tailed iguana and in 2009, the Nile monitor was discovered. The iguanas are found throughout southern Florida and generally do not pose a threat. The Nile monitor is however a large (7–9 feet), fast traveling, fast swimming, carnivore with a wide diet, which can include fish, fowl, and small mammals. The city's many waterways work against its capture and provide an easy transportation route around the city.

City events

  • The city holds an annual Independence Day fireworks festival known as Red, White & BOOM!! This is the biggest single day event in the city and a large July 4 display for Southwest Florida. Red, White and BOOM is presented annually by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.
  • Since 1985, the German-American Club holds an annual Oktoberfest, styled after the original held in Germany.The event draws on average 30,000 visitors.
  • The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts is held the second weekend of January every year. The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway and attracts over 100,000 visitors. Nearly 300 artists and craftspeople from across the nation line the street to make this one of the largest and best attended art festivals in Southwest Florida.
  • Since 1978 the Cape Coral Christmas Boat Light Parade has been held just before Christmas. The annual event features over 100 boats in all types of lighting decorations. The boats traverse the canals in the lower Cape starting at the Bimini Basin and 4 Freedoms Park.
  • Since 2001 the annual Southwest Florida Burrowing Owl Festival is held in late February at the Rotary Park Environmental Center in Cape Coral. This event educates attendees of the unique wildlife found here such as the Florida Burrowing Owl, the Gopher Tortoise and the Florida Scrub Jay. The Burrowing Owl is the official city bird.

Economy

The economy in Cape Coral is based on health care services, retail, and real estate/construction. The city's Economic Development Office promotes and incentivizes business relocation to Cape Coral. In 2016 the city's top five employers were the Lee Memorial Hospital, Lee County School System, Publix Supermarkets, City of Cape Coral and Walmart.

Education

Secondary Schools

Cape Coral has continuously expanded public and private school systems with high performance standards. Cape Coral is part of the Lee County School District, which is operated by the Lee County Board of Education. As of 2009, the Board of Education operated 8 elementary, 6 middle, and 5 high schools in the Cape.

There are four public high schools in Cape Coral: Cape Coral High School, built in the late 1970s; Mariner High School, which opened in 1987; Ida S. Baker High School, founded in 2004 and named after one of the early principals of Cape Coral High School, which opened in 2005; and the newest, Island Coast High School, which opened its doors for the 2008–2009 school year.

In addition, the City of Cape Coral has created a municipal charter school system consisting of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The charter schools use the Core Knowledge and Cambridge Curricula. Since the system is public, there is no tuition. The municipal charter schools are available exclusively to children who live in Cape Coral.

Higher Education

The main campus of Florida SouthWestern State College is located immediately east of Cape Coral in Fort Myers. The college offers associate and bachelor's degrees, plus technical training in fields such as allied health programs, computer networking & programming, business administration, paralegal, criminal justice and fire science. 2009 enrollment was more than 16,000 students on four campuses.

One of Florida's youngest state universities, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), opened in 1997 in nearby Fort Myers and now serves more than 12,000 students. FGCU has established a Cape Coral satellite facility, which provides Cape students with a growing offering of core courses. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, including an executive master's program, a college of business and engineering and biotechnology programs.

Other colleges and universities serving the area are Hodges University, Southwest Florida College and Rasmussen College.

Cape Coral is also home to the Cape Coral Technical College, a postsecondary educational institution operated by the Lee County public school system. It provides training in medical, computer and food-science fields. Employer-specific training, both on and off-site, is available through Business and Industry Services of Lee County which maintains an office in Cape Coral.

Libraries

Library Services include:

Cape Coral is a part of Lee County and it contains two of the thirteen branches provided by this system. This library system has over 1.5 million items available to patrons and circulates over 6 million items per year. A patron account with the Lee County Library System grants access to digital resources such as Libby, hoopla, Overdrive, Mango, and Rosetta Stone.

  • Cape Coral Lee County Public Library: The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is a part of the Lee County Library System. The library is located in southwest Cape Coral and can be found at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33914. In 2001–2, this expansion to the library opened at this location with 175,000 books, 40,000 square feet, and 60 computers. This location provides access to the system’s online catalog, e-sources, circulating materials, public computers for library card holders and visitors, meeting rooms, study rooms, printers and copiers, and a butterfly garden.
  • Northwest Regional Library: The Northwest regional Library is a part of the Lee County Library System. The library is located in northwest Cape Coral and can be found at 519 Chiquita Blvd. N. Cape Coral, FL 33993. This location opened on December 12, 2009. It is located between Mariner High School and Mariner Middle School. The facility is 41,000 square feet and holds over 70,000 items. This location provides access to the system’s online catalog, e-sources, circulating materials, public computers for library card holders and visitors, meeting rooms, study rooms, configurable rooms, and printers and copiers.

Infrastructure

Cape Coral monument
Cape Coral Parkway

Roadways

Interstate 75 passes within 10 miles (16 km) of Cape Coral and connects northward to Tampa; and southeastward to Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Cape Coral borders on U.S. Highway 41. U.S. 41 and I-75 can be accessed from State Route 78 (Pine Island Road). Within the city a network of arterial roadways are established. Cape Coral has approximately 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of roadways. In general, the north/south routes are evenly spaced apart every one or two miles (3 km) and most of them have at least four lanes.

Bridges

Cape Coral is connected to the south side of the Caloosahatchee River by two bridges. The 3,400 feet (1,000 m) long Cape Coral Bridge connects Cape Coral Parkway to College Parkway in McGregor. The Midpoint Memorial Bridge connects Veterans Parkway to Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. A number of other bridges span the Caloosahatchee River just east of Cape Coral in adjoining North Fort Myers.

Public transport

Public transit services in Cape Coral are provided by LeeTran. LeeTran operates 18 fixed-route bus services, including six within Cape Coral.

Airports

Cape Coral is 14 miles (23 km) from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which serves nearly ten million passengers annually. The airport's new Midfield Terminal Complex opened in 2005, with three concourses and 28 gates. In 2010, eighteen national and two international airlines, as well as the two major cargo companies, served the airport.

In addition to Southwest Florida International Airport, Cape Coral is also served by Page Field, a general aviation airport in Fort Myers eight miles (13 km) from Cape Coral. Charlotte County Airport (PGD) is located in Punta Gorda, just 10 miles (16 km) north of Cape Coral.

Hospitals

Acute care is provided by Cape Coral Hospital. Trauma Services are provided by Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers or Tampa. In December 2012, the Lee County VA Healthcare Center opened on Diplomat Parkway, providing a large range of medical services to veterans.

Utilities

Northcapecoral-RO
Reverse osmosis water purification plant in north Cape Coral

In 1977 Cape Coral, Florida became the first municipality in the United States to use the reverse osmosis process on a large scale with an initial operating capacity of 3,000,000 US gallons (11,000 m3) per day. By 1985, due to the rapid growth in population of Cape Coral, the city had the largest low pressure reverse osmosis plant in the world, capable of producing 15 MGD (56,780 m³/day).

The City of Cape Coral operates water and sewer systems for the city. Sewage is collected and highly treated to produce reclaimed water, locally known as "rescued water". Reclaimed water is distributed throughout the city through a dual water pipe system, and used for irrigation. Alternatively, reclaimed water can be discharged into the Caloosahatchee River.

The Cape was among the first in Florida to deploy the new 4.9 GHz pre-WiMax wireless channel authorized by the FCC in 2003 for exclusive Public Safety use.

Notable people

  • Nate Allen, NFL safety
  • Pat Burke, NBA player
  • Stacy Carter, professional wrestler
  • Dustin Diamond, actor
  • Earnest Graham, NFL running back
  • Mike Greenwell, MLB player
  • Jessica Holmes, TV host and news anchor
  • Hilary Hemingway, author and niece of Ernest Hemingway
  • Jeff Lindsay, author
  • Joseph Mercola, physician and alternative medicine proponent
  • Seth Petruzelli, mixed martial arts fighter
  • Niko Price, mixed martial arts fighter
  • Jason Smith, Olympic curler
  • Greg Spires, NFL player
  • Angela Watson, actress
  • Michael Wendler, German singer
  • Karey Lee Woolsey, singer-songwriter
  • Mike Zunino, MLB catcher

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Cabo Coral (Florida) para niños

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