CAPE CORAL, Fla. (CBS12) — An abandoned Cape Coral bank so overrun with iguanas that the reptiles spread into a nearby neighborhood finally came down on February 11, and residents say they couldn’t be happier.
The building sat empty since Hurricane Ian in 2022, becoming a haven for invasive green iguanas that multiplied and took over the property. Neighbors had considered the structure an eyesore and a nuisance as the animals made their way into yards across the street.
Demolition began earlier this month, and contractors say the iguanas appear to be clearing out as crews work through the site.
“This building was sort of an eyesore for quite some time, so when we noticed it was coming down we said okay, another advancement to the refresh of the area,” neighbor Robert Greene said.
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Another neighbor, Gary Colley, said he’s hopeful the cleared lot will bring new opportunities.
“It was gettin’ to be in bad shape, and everybody in the neighborhood is looking forward to some new shops, maybe penthouses, apartments, all kind of new things here,” Colley said.
Contractors expect the demolition to wrap up by early March. As of the most recent update, only three “die-hard” iguanas were still holding out on the property.