yacht club events cape coral

The Yacht Club in Cape Coral – A Landmark in Transition

The Cape Coral Yacht Club, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Florida’s gulf coast just outside of Fort Myers is currently undergoing a significant transformation. This beloved landmark, established in the 1960s, has weathered many storms over the decades.

However, the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ian has necessitated an extensive rebuilding process that is projected to unfold over the next three to four years. The area around Fort Myers Beach especially and Sanibel Island were devastated in the hurricane .

Table of Contents

A Glance at the Past: The Origins of Cape Coral’s Yacht Club Area

The impact of hurricane ian on the yacht club, the road to restoration: challenges and expectations, the 50% rule and its impact on the rebuilding process, the community’s response to the rebuilding process, preserving the historical significance of the yacht club, the path forward: a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges, the role of insurance in the rebuilding process, a call for transparency and community involvement, the future of the yacht club in cape coral, here are some more frequently asked questions about the yacht club in cape coral:, what is happening with cape coral yacht club, what body of water is cap coral yacht club on, is cape coral beach open after hurricane ian, what beaches are in cape coral florida, what happens in a yacht club, how much is the seal beach yacht club, are the beach club and yacht club in cape coral connected, is the yacht and beach club in cape coral connected.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club was located in one of the first parts of Cape Coral to be developed, has a rich and varied history. It’s a charming blend of vintage 1960s residences and modern upscale luxury homes. Over the years, these properties have caught the attention of discerning buyers who have invested significantly in renovating or rebuilding the original homes, adding a contemporary flair to this vintage neighborhood.

The untamed force of Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on the Yacht Club, damaging almost every structure and forcing beaches in the area to close for extensive repairs. This situation was particularly disheartening for local beach residents who saw the Yacht Club as a key attraction and an integral part of their community.

Restoring the Yacht Club to its former glory is no small task. The extent of the damage has necessitated a complete overhaul, and construction of a process that is projected to take several years and potentially cost up to $100 million. These daunting figures have sparked debate in the community, with residents and officials alike expressing their concerns about the future of this historic site.

The Yacht Club after damage from Hurricane Ian,

The significant damage inflicted by the hurricane has brought facilities at the Yacht Club under the purview of FEMA’s 50% rule. This regulation stipulates that if a structure’s damage exceeds 50% of its repair costs, it must be rebuilt to meet current hurricane standards.

This requirement presents a significant challenge, as it mandates a comprehensive rebuilding process that must adhere to stringent safety standards including the swimming pool, fishing pier, yacht club beach, boat ramp and many more parts of the club.

The prolonged closure of the Yacht Club parking, has stirred feelings of disappointment and frustration among local beach residents. They long for the removal of the ‘No Trespassing’ signs and the reopening of their beloved beach area. The community, however, is not just concerned about the lengthy rebuilding timeline but also about the potential changes to the Yacht Club’s historic character.

There is a strong sentiment within the community to preserve the historical significance of the Yacht Club, particularly the main ballroom building. The city council’s current plan to demolish all buildings on the property has met with resistance from local residents who consider the Yacht Club a crucial part of Cape Coral’s heritage.

Despite the daunting obstacles, there are reasons for optimism. The Boathouse Restaurant, a popular local eatery that also suffered significant damage, is expected to reopen soon.

Also, the city council is considering reopening the pier and some amenities in stages to provide the community with much-needed access to the waterfront.

Navigating the insurance claim process is another significant challenge that the city is facing. The initial claim report estimated the damage to the main ballroom building at nearly $25,000.

However, considering the extent of the destruction across the entire property, the final claim amount is likely to be significantly higher.

Residents of the city of Cape Coral are seeking greater transparency from the city about the rebuilding process. They are eager for a clear picture of the damage and the city’s plan for restoration.

There is also a growing call for the press and the public to be allowed inside the Yacht Club Area to observe firsthand the extent of the damage and the progress of the rebuilding efforts.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club’s journey from a vibrant community hub to a hurricane-ravaged site, and its ongoing transition towards restoration, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Cape Coral community. Despite the challenges, there is a collective commitment to restoring this historic landmark while preserving its unique character and heritage.

This commitment is a beacon of hope that shines brightly, illuminating the path towards a future where the Yacht Club once again stands as a proud symbol of Cape Coral’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.

It is recommended visiting the Cape Coral Yacht Club official website or contacting them directly to see their current status.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club is located on the Caloosahatchee River, a body of water in Southwest Florida that leads to the Gulf of Mexico.

Check the latest updates from the local government or news outlets for the most accurate information.

Cape Coral, Florida, is home to several beaches, including Yacht Club Public Beach and Four Freedoms Beach. Other nearby beaches include Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island.

A yacht club is typically a social club for people who are interested in water activities such as sailing and boating. Members often participate in racing, cruising, and educational events, and the clubs usually offer dining, leisure facilities, and social activities.

It is best to contact the club directly or visit their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In Cape Coral, the Yacht Club and the Beach Club are part of the same facility, known as the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, which features a beach, a pool, a boat ramp, and other amenities.

Yes, in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club and the Beach Club are part of the same establishment, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, where visitors can enjoy a variety of water and leisure activities.

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Yacht Club Beach - Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park

Yacht Club Beach , also known as Yacht Club Community Park , is a pristine public beach nestled in the coastal city of Cape Coral, Florida. Discover one of the best beaches, with its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, it offers visitors a serene and relaxing environment to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of nature. The beach is open to the public and provides free access year-round, making it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike.

UPDATE October 2023: Yacht Club Beach - The public beach is expected to reopen sometime around November 10, 2023.

Cape Coral is a vibrant, sun-soaked haven of natural beauty, and Yacht Club Public Beach is its crown jewel. Found on the southern outskirts of the city limits, visitors are greeted with powdery white sand and a blissful wave-lapped shoreline that stretches for miles.

Yacht Club Beach, located on the Caloosahatchee River offers more than just breathtaking views – it’s also home to an array of activities and amenities that will make your visit even more enjoyable. From lounging in the sun on a beach chair or swing, to trying out some water sports such as jet skiing or paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone here! The beach also has facilities like changing rooms and restrooms, plus a restaurant called The Boathouse that makes for a great lunch spot if you don't want to bring a picnic lunch after a long morning on the sand.  The Boathouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner right at the beach.  It's so nice to sit outside in the sun and see the views of Yacht Club Public Beach and the river.  Live music is played on weekends.

Even though our beach is small, it's perfect for families, and we don't have problems with partying spring-breakers, which is nice during March and April.

There's plenty of soft white sand and sunshine to please everyone. The beach is only a 15-minute drive from most of the Cape and parking is free.   Walk on the fishing pier, pack the beach toys, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the shoreline or a complete the day with a beautiful sunset and an evening of star-gazing.

 When I homeschooled, we would whoop it up a bit ... we'd grab our books, bikinis, beach gear, and hit the sand!

Kids will love the shaded playground when taking a break from sand and swimming.

Yacht Club Public Beach Recreation

At Yacht Club Beach , the fun never ends. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, visitors can engage in various water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. The beach also features volleyball courts, perfect for friendly matches under the sun. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, grab a book and relax under the shade of a palm tree, enjoying the gentle gulf breeze. The beach's amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, public boat ramp and convenient parking lot, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all.

It's fun to go to the Sunset Celebration, which happens the first Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM or 5-8PM,  depending on Daylight Savings, October - June.

You may be able to see hula dancers, fire eaters, and all kinds of musicians perform.

The video below will give you an idea of the fun going on:

During the celebration, there's a nice craft show at the ballroom pavilion.  

You'll find jewelry, clothing, food, herbs, plants, art, crafts, and gift items, or even tables set up by local businesses.

Sometimes there are special events, such as a car show ... and I have to say, my favorites from this show are the red cars and the snazzy orange one!

Make sure you stay late enough to watch the sunset ....... which can be spectacular!

In this video you can see the sun dropping below the horizon:

Even though the light is fading, Yacht Club Beach is still nice for a last little swim or a walk .

As you can see, our Cape Coral Beach is lots of fun all day long ...

*The beach pavilion has been torn down and there is now more room on the beach!

Yacht Club Public Beach in Cape Coral is a place unlike any other – not only does it offer stunning views of nature at its finest, but it also provides a sense of joy and peace that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and create memories with friends and family – a treasure that will stay in your heart for years to come. Visit Yacht Club Beach today and experience all the wonders this beachfront paradise has to offer! 

• Yacht Club Beach in Cape Coral, Florida, is a hidden gem and stands out as one of the best public beaches Cape Coral.
• It offers a stunning beach setting with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
• The beach provides a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, and water sports.
• Yacht Club Beach is part of the larger Cape Coral Yacht Club, which offers additional amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
• The beach is undergoing updates in 2023 to enhance visitors' experiences.
• The beach offers great photo opportunities with its scenic beauty and captivating sunsets.
• Visitors can enjoy excellent facilities and services, including restrooms, parking, and lifeguards.
• Important tips for visiting Yacht Club Beach include planning your visit during the best seasons and respecting beach rules.
• Yacht Club Beach is a cherished destination in Cape Coral, offering relaxation, adventure, and a memorable experience.

Related Pages to Yacht Club Beach

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Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park still down and out after Ian

It's been two months since Hurricane Ian left its mark on Cape Coral, and questions still surround the fate of the city's prize gem, the Yacht Club Community Park. 

The park's facilities had broken windows and damage to the buildings, the Boathouse restaurant collapsed and the fishing pier was destroyed, just to name a few things that happened in the area of south Cape Coral when Ian came ashore Sept. 28. 

The Yacht Club area, which includes the yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a riverside beach, has served as a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s.

City spokeswoman Kaitlyn Pearson says the area is closed until further notice with no timeline of when it will reopen to the public. 

A hurricane damage assessment was not available, and the city says it doesn't have a dollar estimate for the damages. 

'It's a bloody mess': Cape Coral residents upset about Hurricane Ian debris burning site

Cape Coral after Ian: Cape Coral residents weather Hurricane Ian: 'It’s been a catastrophic event for the city'

Resident Steven Averbach said he's frustrated to see the Yacht Club languish behind a fence. He lives near the area and would play tennis three times a week before Ian.

"They've got the whole thing roped off right now and since the hurricane, they haven't done anything," he said. 

The park area had been targeted for a major renovation.

In 2018, voters approved a $60 million expansion of the city's parks and amenities through the Parks and Recreation General Obligation (GO) Bond. Part of that is intended for the yacht club area.

The renovations include replacing seawalls and marina wet slips, replacing the harbormaster building and boat ramp, and building a parking garage and beach restrooms. The beach will also be expanded, and utilities will be relocated. The parking garage will be three stories tall.

But the project had come under fire when the city said it would need to close for two years. But permitting delays kept it open until Ian struck.

David Ruderman, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said the city's permits are still active and are continuing as planned. 

"Our project manager is not aware of any effect that Hurricane Ian has had on the permitting process, so it's status quo," Ruderman said. 

The city is continuing to coordinate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to comply with the Endangered Species Act, according to Ruderman. 

Cape Coral's 2022 election results: 2022 Election candidate profile: Cape Coral City Council races

Previous Yacht Club coverage: Cape Coral Yacht Club damaged, and renovations are on hold

Pearson said the city council will discuss the park's future at the start of 2023.

Averbach plans to attend those upcoming meetings and push the city to rethink its original plans for renovations of the park. 

He said he's against some of the previously discussed plans for the Yacht Club, like a potential financing plan and  the two-year closure for renovations . 

"The people down here are disappointed with what's going on with the Yacht Club," Averbach said. 

Bob Payne, another resident who lives near the park, said he used to take his kids to play out on the beach or launch his boat from the area. 

And he's confident the city will eventually get the park back in shape to get the facilities renovated. 

"They've been wanting to fix the yacht club or do this and do that to it for 20 years, maybe more," Payne said. "They'll get around to it one day, and this is just a minor hiccup."

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

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City of cape coral to discuss yacht club rebuilding plans.

During a council meeting last month, members had three design options for the yacht club on the table.

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The City of Cape Coral is moving ahead with their plans to rebuild the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

Barriers currently surround the building as it awaits demolition this month.

The deconstruction process has already begun.

The new community center will be two stories high, totaling around 47,000 square feet.

The redesigned yacht club will also have a new pool, more than 140 boat slips, and a massive 500-plus space garage.

During a council meeting last month, members had three design options on the table for the yacht club.

They decided on option one, described as a "Key West aesthetic."

We spoke with neighbors back in March who are optimistic about the new community space.

“I’m just excited to watch the progress starting. It will be exciting to see changes made. I know it will be slow, but it’s still going to be exciting because it’s a sign that we're in for something better,” Cape Coral resident Deb Chang said.

During Tuesday night's meeting at the Mercola Market, the community will be able to ask questions and provide feedback starting at 6 p.m.

Cape Coral hosts open-house style events for updated Jaycee Park designs; critics continue

C ape Coral is hosting an open house-style design review on Tuesday for the planned improvements at Jaycee Park, even as some residents are working to halt the plans.

Because Jaycee Park has hit its 30% design benchmark, residents can see the designs, speak with experts, and provide feedback.

The event is in the city's Public Works Operation Center, 815 Nicholas Parkway E., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Jaycee Park is an 11.8-acre park that opened more than 40 years ago and includes large open green spaces, a playground, a picnic area, restrooms, a walking path, and a gazebo.

The city held a similar event in September 2023, which was attended by many with the "Save Jaycee Park" movement, a group dedicated to preserving the character and feel of the neighborhood park.

For months, residents have been up in arms, showing up to the city council meetings and demanding that they halt any plans.

Clare Dooley, chairwoman of The Cape Coral Preservation PAC, said her organization continues to oppose the plans for the park.

"We are adamantly opposed to the city's design plans for the park that will destroy the beautiful natural green space that so many city residents enjoy," Dooley said.

The PAC was created to stop the overdevelopment and wasteful spending supported by the current mayor and city council by placing two referendums on the 2024 ballot, one to stop the development of Jaycee Park and to repeal the council's recently approved stipends.

"We are working hard to get the 22,000 signatures we need to get our initiative on the ballot, but we need help from everyone who loves the park the way it is," Dooley said.

Pennoni Associates, a consulting engineering firm, had been contracted for the preliminary and updated designs, which currently include two docks, both at the north and south ends, for 24 boat slips, a splash pad, two beach volleyball courts, a bistro/piazza area, areas for six food trucks, and a bandshell.

Updates to the designs include a revised parking lot concept with 128 spaces, ADA boardwalk accessibility, more shade trees, and shaded seating options.

Improvements to the park are estimated to cost $12 million for construction, and the city plans to issue a long-term debt to pay for the project, which means city residents and future residents will bear the cost.

Cape Coral plans to seek grant funding to offset some of the project's costs.

Previous coverage Cape Coral's Jaycee Park: Neighbors, council face off over update plans for beloved park

Recent Jaycee Park news Cape Coral residents putting plans for Jaycee Park, council stipends on the 2024 ballot.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral hosts open-house style events for updated Jaycee Park designs; critics continue

June 24, 2024

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Cape Coral City Council candidates discuss reasons for running at forum

• BY David Dorsey
• June 19, 2024
• Photo Credit:David Dorsey

A half hour before the Lee County candidate forum began, there were empty tables and only a handful of people setting up in a conference room at Mercola Market in Cape Coral.  

By 6 p.m., the forum, sponsored by 92.5 Fox “Right All Along” radio, had reached a critical mass, with 30-some candidates for political office gathered, and a wall-to-wall crowd of potential voters, looking to learn about their campaign platforms and what they hoped to accomplish in office.  

Some candidates did not show up. But the ones who did had plenty to say about their aspirations for running for office. Cape Coral C ity C ouncil candidates led the way in terms of attendance, with at least 11 candidates on hand.  

Here’s a look at the Cape Coral C ity C ouncil candidates who attended — their backgrounds and why they are running.  

District 2  

Dan sheppard  .

Sheppard is the incumbent, and he said he’s running again because he wants Cape Coral to continue its upward trajectory. Sheppard owns Sheppard Landscaping and Palm Source, a palm tree farm.  

“Everyone says, ‘We want a Costco here,’” Sheppard said. “ And, ‘ We’re tired of dollar stores.’ They all do demographic studies. Dollar stores follow a demographic. You have to implement the magnet for what you want. With all these changes taking effect, I don’t want to walk away.”  

Laurie Lehmann  

Lehmann , a retired nurse, moved to Cape Coral in 2004 and said she is running in part because the city has made too many drastic changes since then.  

“People can’t afford to live in Cape Coral anymore, and that’s not right,” Lehmann said. “There’s wasteful spending by the city, and I don’t like it. I want us to be the Cape Coral that we all moved to. And it’s not that anymore.”  

Craig Unroe  

Unroe works as a technician for a phone company. He wants to reduce taxes.  

“I’m tired of taxes going up, but I don’t see any improvements being made,” Unroe said. “Nobody is doing anything about the street signs displaced by Hurricane Ian.”  

Unroe said he also was concerned by too much development in the city without the necessary infrastructure to support it.  

“Let’s take one step back so we can take two steps forward,” Unroe said.  

District 3  

Derrick donnell  .

Donnell served on C ity C ouncil in 2007-11 and in 2011- 15. He teaches science at Dunbar Middle School and anatomy and physiology at Florida SouthWestern State College. He said he’s running because citizens deserve leadership that will listen to them.  

“That’s the way my temperament is,” Donnell said. “The citizens are really upset. There’s mistrust in government. Let me figure out a way to fix it.”  

Note: Chad Bruening, Daniel Ludlow and Deborah Lee McCormick will be on the August primary ballot and either did not attend the forum or could not be found for comment. Incumbent Tom Hayden will not run for reelection.  

District 4  

Richard carr  .

Carr is the incumbent, having been selected by C ity C ouncil from 13 applicants following the removal of Patty Cummings last year for living out of district. Carr, a retired police officer, said he’s running in part because he wants to get Jaycee Park back on track. The city voted to redo the park in 2023, but an outcry of community voices and a petition urged the city to reverse course. Citizen groups want to keep Jaycee Park as greenspace instead of the city’s current course of developing it into a food truck park.  

“I’m not a believer in double taxation,” Carr said. “You pay for the park now, and then you have to pay for the park again to use it. A citizen park, it should be free.”  

Jennifer Nelson  

Nelson will run again after being unseated in the 2020 election by Cummings.  

“I miss serving,” said Nelson, executive director of Dress for Success Southwest Florida, a non profit organization that helps prepare women for the workforce. “Two years after the fact, people still reach out to me on how I can help.”  

Nelson would like to see council members’ stipend lifted and then decided by the voters in a referendum.  

“I would support that,” she said. “That stipend can be rescinded. If anything, we should have put it on a referendum and given the voters a chance to decide.”  

Bob Sutter  

Sutter is retired from an internet technology job with Northrop Grumman, which had defense contracts with the U.S. Army.  

“I’ve got 40 years of management experience,” Sutter said. “This is my first time running.”  

Sutter wants to improve city safety.  

“There are not enough streetlights and sidewalks,” he said. “We need to get ahead of that curve instead of playing catchup.”  

Note: William Matthews also will be on the August primary ballot and either did not attend or could not be found for comment.  

District 5  

Robert welsh  .

Running to retain his District 5 seat, Welsh said he wanted to finish what he started.  

“I really enjoyed the past four years, helping the city grow and learning about the way things work,” Welsh said. “I really like helping citizens when they have problems.”  

Welsh was the only council member who voted against receiving stipends for also serving on the city’s redevelopment agency board. Welsh, a 2002 Mariner High School graduate, also operates his family’s Print 1 Group printing business.  

Joe Kil r aine  

Hoping to unseat in Welsh, Kil r aine previously ran in 2020 just as the pandemic began. He wants to focus on water quality.  

“Water is the lifeblood of the government in the Cape,” said Kil r aine, who is a retired chemical engineer.  

Charlie Pease  

Also hoping to unseat Welsh, Pease said he cares about the city’s future.  

“The median age is now mid-40s,” Pease said. “I’ve got a child in the school system. With the heavy growth of the area, thi s is a very important time in our history.”  

Pease, a 2001 Cape Coral High School graduate, earned his undergraduate degree at University of Florida and has an MBA from the University of Michigan. He is the director of Cape Coral Technical College and is overseeing a $25 million expansion project, looking to boost training for blue – collar workers. Pease said he wasn’t happy with the city’s handling of the demolition of the city’s Yacht Club.  

“I disagreed with the lack of transparency and the way that they did it,” Pease said.  

Note: Jason Conzelman also will be on the August primary ballot. He either did not attend the forum or could not be found for comment.  

District 7  

Rachel kaduk  .

Kaduk said she was driving along N ortheast 24th Avenue when an epiphany hit her in the form of a pothole.  

“I hit this pothole so big, I thought I lost my tire,” Kaduk said. She called to complain, and she said the pothole since has been filled. But she said she decided then and there to run for office, because the pothole never should have been there.  

“The infrastructure is a problem here,” said Kaduk, who is a loan officer with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.  

Note: Michael Harper also will be on the ballot. He either did not attend the forum or could not be found for comment. Incumbent Jessica Cosden reached her term limits.  

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Yacht Club redevelopment

By staff | jun 20, 2024.

To the editor:

I walked around The Boathouse area today after the city demolished the Yacht Club building, the pool and the senior center. It is flat vacant land. It is unfortunate that the City Council, in its infinite wisdom, chose to spend nearly $1 million to demo this area when their insurance company said there was only $25,000 worth of damage to the Yacht Club Ballroom due to Hurricane Ian.

Now that the area is vacant, I am imploring Council to abandon its inane plan to build a community center building, resort-style pool and four-story parking garage. Please go slow with the redevelopment of this land. The only good ideas in their plan are to add a second restaurant, to move the boat launch into the marina and to expand the beach.

The new restaurant should be built directly north of The Boathouse where the old pool used to be. The rest of the vacant land should be used for free ground-level parking. This area does not need a resort-style pool that you have to pay to get into, nor does it need a four-story garage that you will have to pay to get into in order to enjoy the beach and restaurant(s). The community center is just plain inappropriate for this area, too.

Go slow! See how a second restaurant, a wider beach and additional free parking affects the usage of this area before jumping in with grand plans that may not pan out, especially if we have to pay to go to enjoy this area.

The Council plan also includes adding a new seawall parallel to the existing seawall all around the perimeter of the marina and the canals to the east and north. Is this necessary? Was there an engineering study that said the existing seawalls were in poor shape? We have been waiting two years for this seawall to be replaced. They haven’t even started the seawall and it may take another year or two to finish it.

In the meantime, the city kicked out all the boats in the marina two years ago. The city used to rent out about 110 slips in the marina. I heard the monthly rental of a slip was around $400. This means that over the last two years, the city lost about $1 million in rental income and will lose another $1 million in the next two years while replacing the seawall!

I encourage everyone to go visit the Yacht Club area right now and walk around the vacant site and imagine the best use of this land for the citizens of Cape Coral. Do you want a laid-back, old-Florida feel for our city or a “destination” area that you have to pay to get into?

Then let your voices be heard by the City Council.

Ken Kendrick

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