TRYING TO PARK HIS CAR WHEN HE CRASHED INTO HIS NEIGHBOR’S HOME. >> TODAY, CONSTRUCTION FOR A MAJOR PROJECT IS SET TO BEGIN AT OF AMERICA’S 200 50TH BIRTHDAY CAPE CORAL’S WORKING TO BUILD A 250 FOOT FLAG POLE. THIS IS SET TO BE THE LARGEST LANDFALL IN FLORIDA. HOWEVER, THERE’S BEEN SOME PUSHBACK. >> BECAUSE NEWS REPORTER JACKI GUNTHER’S IN CAPE CORAL TODAY AHEAD OF CONSTRUCTION. >> A PROJECT SPARKING CONVERSATION ACROSS CAPE CORAL IS NO LONGER JUST AN IDEA. TODAY CREWS ARE SET TO BEGIN WORK ON THE 250 FOOT FLAG POLE HERE AT BERNIE’S BRAYTON PARK IN CAPE CORAL. ONCE COMPLETE, IT WILL BE THE TALLEST FLAGPOLE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER ALL OF US AND VALUE. YEAH. >> BECAUSE IT’S NOT A GIVEN AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE NEED TO TREASURE. SUPPORTERS SAY IT WILL SERVE AS A POWERFUL SYMBOL OF PATRIOTISM, BUT A DESTINATION FOR VISITORS AS THE COUNTRY PREPARES TO CELEBRATE ITS 200 AND 50TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. AIR FORCE VETERAN. >> AND I. SOMETIMES TEAR UP A LITTLE BIT I SEE THE FLAG IN THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. AND MEANS A LOT TO ME, BUT NOT EVERYONE IS WAVING THE FLAG FOR THIS PROJECT. THE COST IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT A HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. THE CITY HAS NOT YET REACHED ITS FUNDRAISING GOAL DONATIONS. CITY LEADERS SAY THEY AREN’T EXPECTING DELAYS. THE PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF MAJOR DONORS HELPING COVER ANY REMAINING SHORTFALL. >> AT THE SAME TIME, THERE’S THE ISSUE OF TRAFFIC CONSTRUCTION WILL BRING TRUCKS, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL DELIVERIES TO ONE OF THE BUSIEST AREAS OF THE CITY. RIGHT AT THE BASE OF THE CAPE CORAL BRIDGE NEAR THE WELCOME CENTER. THE CITY SAYS THEY’LL TRY TO SCHEDULE THE MOST DISRUPTIVE WORK OUTSIDE OF COMMUTE TIMES, BUT YOU SHOULD STILL EXPECT PERIODIC DELAYS OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS. PEOPLE LIKE VERONICA AND HER HUSBAND, SAM GREER, SAY THEY’RE WILLING TO DONATE TO MAINTAIN THE FLAG WE CAN CONTRIBUTE. CAN VOLUNTEER. THERE’S GREAT VALUE IN THAT. >> EACH OF US GET SOMETHING TO MAINTAIN WHAT WE HAVE CONSTRUCTION FOR THIS PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETE ON JULY 3RD, JUST IN TIME FOR THE COUNTRY’S 200 AND 50TH BIRTHDAY AND RED WHITE AN
Cape Coral begins construction on Florida’s tallest flagpole
Updated: 11:21 AM EDT Jun 1, 2026
Construction has begun on a 250-foot flagpole in Cape Coral’s Bernice Braden Park, which will honor America’s 250th birthday and become the tallest flagpole in Florida.Cape Coral officials have said the project is being funded through donations, but the fundraising campaign has not yet reached its goal of approximately $500,000. The city continues to accept donations and has discussed support from major donors to help cover the remaining costs. Despite the incomplete fundraising, construction is moving forward. Over the next few weeks, residents should expect heavy truck traffic and occasional slowdowns as materials and equipment are delivered to the site. The most significant backups are expected near the end of the Cape Coral Bridge, close to the welcome center. While the city plans to avoid the busiest commute times, delays may still occur. While some residents have expressed concerns about the project’s finances, others are supportive of the patriotic initiative. “Well, I’m an Air Force veteran, and I have to tear up a little bit when I see the flag, and the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ and it means a lot to me. I’m glad the city has that patriotic spirit about it,” said Michael Valentine, a Cape Coral resident. Construction is expected to be completed by July 3, just in time for America’s 250th birthday and Cape Coral’s Red, White & Boom celebration.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. —
Construction has begun on a 250-foot flagpole in Cape Coral’s Bernice Braden Park, which will honor America’s 250th birthday and become the tallest flagpole in Florida.
Cape Coral officials have said the project is being funded through donations, but the fundraising campaign has not yet reached its goal of approximately $500,000. The city continues to accept donations and has discussed support from major donors to help cover the remaining costs.
Despite the incomplete fundraising, construction is moving forward. Over the next few weeks, residents should expect heavy truck traffic and occasional slowdowns as materials and equipment are delivered to the site. The most significant backups are expected near the end of the Cape Coral Bridge, close to the welcome center. While the city plans to avoid the busiest commute times, delays may still occur.
While some residents have expressed concerns about the project’s finances, others are supportive of the patriotic initiative.
“Well, I’m an Air Force veteran, and I have to tear up a little bit when I see the flag, and the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ and it means a lot to me. I’m glad the city has that patriotic spirit about it,” said Michael Valentine, a Cape Coral resident.
Construction is expected to be completed by July 3, just in time for America’s 250th birthday and Cape Coral’s Red, White & Boom celebration.
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.