Cape Coral’s canal system, spanning over 400 miles, is experiencing a surge in popularity as new developments enhance its accessibility and appeal. Captain Paul Petersen, owner of “We Go Fish” in Cape Coral, spends nearly every day navigating these sparkling backwaters.”We catch fish and we see the dolphins; we see the manatees,” Petersen said. He noted that when he moved to the Gulf Coast about 16 years ago, it was practically a boating desert. “Now everybody has a boat,” he said. “A lot more boat traffic on the water for sure.”New homes are rising along the water, and visitors are flowing in. “People come here to enjoy all that Cape Coral can offer with all these amazing canals,” said Elena Saylor, a Cape Coral resident. Petersen emphasized the need for more facilities to accommodate the growing interest. Sharon Woodberry, Cape Coral’s economic development manager, said new projects are underway to help people enjoy the water. “Jaycee Park is going to, at some point, include boating accessibility there,” Woodberry said. “We worked with Slip Away as part of a partnership because of the boating and waterfront access to that.” She added that the conceptual plans for the Yacht Club include expanding the number of boat slips.The Bimini Square project, located off Cape Coral Parkway, is the largest development. Larry Nygard, president of Crown Development, is leading the project, which includes a new waterfront restaurant, Bimini Basin Seafood and Cocktails, slated to open by December. “A lot of people say we’ve got a really nice community, but you can’t really get to the downtown by boat,” Nygard said. “You can really throw a stone and be in the water so close.” As part of the project, the city is creating a 25-slip marina, connected to a walkway leading up to Cape Coral Parkway. Nygard envisions the project as a way to better connect Cape Coral’s water life with its urban life. “If you improve that area, create something really cool, then that will cause somebody else to sort of think, ‘Hey, we could do this over here,'” he said.Woodberry said there is one big challenge the city faces. “There’s a lot of the city that’s just mostly single-family homes that have waterfront access, which is wonderful for them, but not necessarily for the public,” she said. Petersen believes people are gravitating to Cape Coral for boat access.”I really believe people are gravitating here for that reason to use their boats and have access,” he said.From dolphins to development, Cape Coral’s canals are more than just a view — they’re the city’s lifeline. With each new project, they’re pulling more people to the water’s edge.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’s canal system, spanning over 400 miles, is experiencing a surge in popularity as new developments enhance its accessibility and appeal.
Captain Paul Petersen, owner of “We Go Fish” in Cape Coral, spends nearly every day navigating these sparkling backwaters.
“We catch fish and we see the dolphins; we see the manatees,” Petersen said.
He noted that when he moved to the Gulf Coast about 16 years ago, it was practically a boating desert.
“Now everybody has a boat,” he said. “A lot more boat traffic on the water for sure.”
New homes are rising along the water, and visitors are flowing in.
“People come here to enjoy all that Cape Coral can offer with all these amazing canals,” said Elena Saylor, a Cape Coral resident.
Petersen emphasized the need for more facilities to accommodate the growing interest.
Sharon Woodberry, Cape Coral’s economic development manager, said new projects are underway to help people enjoy the water.
“Jaycee Park is going to, at some point, include boating accessibility there,” Woodberry said. “We worked with Slip Away as part of a partnership because of the boating and waterfront access to that.”
She added that the conceptual plans for the Yacht Club include expanding the number of boat slips.
The Bimini Square project, located off Cape Coral Parkway, is the largest development.
Larry Nygard, president of Crown Development, is leading the project, which includes a new waterfront restaurant, Bimini Basin Seafood and Cocktails, slated to open by December.
“A lot of people say we’ve got a really nice community, but you can’t really get to the downtown by boat,” Nygard said. “You can really throw a stone and be in the water so close.”
As part of the project, the city is creating a 25-slip marina, connected to a walkway leading up to Cape Coral Parkway. Nygard envisions the project as a way to better connect Cape Coral’s water life with its urban life.
“If you improve that area, create something really cool, then that will cause somebody else to sort of think, ‘Hey, we could do this over here,'” he said.
Woodberry said there is one big challenge the city faces.
“There’s a lot of the city that’s just mostly single-family homes that have waterfront access, which is wonderful for them, but not necessarily for the public,” she said.
Petersen believes people are gravitating to Cape Coral for boat access.
“I really believe people are gravitating here for that reason to use their boats and have access,” he said.
From dolphins to development, Cape Coral’s canals are more than just a view — they’re the city’s lifeline. With each new project, they’re pulling more people to the water’s edge.
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.