Cape Coral approves over $195K for city hall security upgrades plan

Isaias SotoCAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral City Council has approved a $195,000 plan to upgrade city hall’s security system after an assessment revealed risks of unauthorized access to restricted areas.

Michael McCary, a Cape Coral resident of over 15 years, said he is familiar with the current security setup.

“You only can come in one way, and they won’t let you go out the back, so. And the cop’s sitting right there in front. So I don’t see any issues,” McCary said.

City leaders said the assessment identified flaws that need to be addressed. The upgrades will include new doors and a storefront system to control access.

Some residents expressed concerns about the cost of the project.

“It sounds like a big joke. You know, I mean, who can do it? You have to be crazy. $200,000. You know, for a normal, city paper taxpayer. You know how much you have to work to save $200,000, and they just can throw our money just like that,” said Virginia Butler, a Cape Coral resident.

Another resident, Lynn Guilmette, said, “There’s definitely other places that it could be used wisely.”

McCary also questioned the necessity of the upgrades.

“That’s crazy. They don’t need it. That money could be used for something else. You know, something better,” he said.

He suggested alternative uses for the funds.

“It could be used for schools or something for kids or families or people you know that are homeless, maybe some meals or something. I mean, that’s a lot of money that could go a long way for something else,” McCary said.

While some residents voiced opposition, others, speaking off-camera, supported the new security measures, citing the importance of protecting city workers and public servants.

The city said work on the project will begin as soon as possible now that it has been approved.

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