Cape Coral mayor accused of tax evasion on luxury boat

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter is accused by a local watchdog group of buying a luxury boat and avoiding paying taxes on it, leading to calls for an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.Julia Ettari-Bartlett from Take Out The Trash said, “I found out that Mr. Gunter bought a boat from Nortek. It wasn’t registered in Florida.” The boat was spotted docked in the mayor’s backyard. Ettari-Bartlett sent a letter to both the governor and FDLE, alleging that Gunter did not pay taxes on the boat. “Florida has a luxury tax cap of $18k,” she said.Mayor Gunter was unavailable for an on-camera interview but provided a statement saying, “This is a spurious accusation which are undoubtedly politically motivated but has absolutely no connection to my official duties as mayor.” He also provided a dealer’s sales tax statement, claiming the $18,000 tax cap was paid in 2023.The Florida Department of Revenue stated that “information in sales tax returns is confidential,” and noted that the form would be filed with the Lee County Tax Collector. Kyle L’Hommediue from Take Out The Trash commented, “I just think again a government official should be held to a higher standard.” Mayor Gunter has not been found guilty of anything. Ettari-Bartlett emphasized, “It’s up to the governor to do due diligence and take action.” Take Out The Trash has not been informed of any formal investigation, while Mayor Gunter expressed that he welcomes one.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter is accused by a local watchdog group of buying a luxury boat and avoiding paying taxes on it, leading to calls for an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Julia Ettari-Bartlett from Take Out The Trash said, “I found out that Mr. Gunter bought a boat from Nortek. It wasn’t registered in Florida.” The boat was spotted docked in the mayor’s backyard. Ettari-Bartlett sent a letter to both the governor and FDLE, alleging that Gunter did not pay taxes on the boat. “Florida has a luxury tax cap of $18k,” she said.

Mayor Gunter was unavailable for an on-camera interview but provided a statement saying, “This is a spurious accusation which are undoubtedly politically motivated but has absolutely no connection to my official duties as mayor.” He also provided a dealer’s sales tax statement, claiming the $18,000 tax cap was paid in 2023.

The Florida Department of Revenue stated that “information in sales tax returns is confidential,” and noted that the form would be filed with the Lee County Tax Collector. Kyle L’Hommediue from Take Out The Trash commented, “I just think again a government official should be held to a higher standard.”

Mayor Gunter has not been found guilty of anything.

Ettari-Bartlett emphasized, “It’s up to the governor to do due diligence and take action.” Take Out The Trash has not been informed of any formal investigation, while Mayor Gunter expressed that he welcomes one.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.