Hope and nostalgia filled the air as community members gathered at the site of the Boathouse Tiki Bar in Cape Coral. Despite the restaurant’s current state, hopes for its future remain high.
Nearly a year ago, the restaurant reopened after Hurricane Milton, only to be struck by a fire hours later.
Since then, owner Zak Kearns and the city of Cape Coral have been in discussions over demolition and a new concessionaire agreement.
The Boathouse’s charred and blackened roof was crushed into debris, a sight that brought tears and laughter among the crowd. The emotions underscored the significance of the Boathouse to both the city and the Southwest Florida community.
Kathy, whose daughter worked at the Boathouse, showed her support by wearing a “Boathouse Strong” shirt.
Nancy Carr shared her personal connection to the Boathouse.
“This was my peaceful place where I would come and get my happiness,” said Carr. “So a part of me is dying with this teardown, but I still love coming to the beach. I still look at the Boathouse, but now I’m looking forward to a new and better Boathouse, and somewhere now I can bring my family to a new place.”
Mayor Gunter echoed this sentiment.
“Sometimes you got to take two steps back before you take two steps forward,” said Gunter. “I think today is the two steps forward. I just want to thank everybody involved. It took us a little while to get there. I think both sides are happy with the outcome, and just like everyone else in the community, we can’t wait for this particular establishment to open back up again.”
Many others expressed their excitement for the new restaurant’s opening. Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said the reconstruction will take about two years.