SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — A missing navigation warning sign in Cape Coral raised safety concerns that are now being addressed after WINK News pressed for answers.
The sign used to stand beneath a power line that stretches across the South Spreader Waterway and feeds power to Sanibel Island. It was destroyed during Hurricane Ian and never replaced.
James Thomas shared photos with WINK News showing what used to be a navigation clearance sign, now gone, with debris from the damage left behind. He said the sign warned boaters of the clearance between the water and the power line above.
“My concern is a sailboat mast might hit it. If the 69 kV line is knocked out, that is Sanibel’s entire supply system. The island will go dark, and that’s not a good thing for the people of Sanibel,” Thomas said.
Thomas said he spent years raising the issue, contacting city leaders and speaking before city council. But the sign still hadn’t been replaced.
He believes the fix is simple.
“One sign replaced. That’s not hard to do,” Thomas said.
After WINK News reached out, Lee County Electric Cooperative initially said it was reviewing possible safety measures for the area. In a follow-up statement, LCEC said its engineering team determined there is no signage requirement at the crossing and that the area falls under the City of Cape Coral’s jurisdiction.
The city said it is reviewing concerns about the missing navigation sign, while noting the power line is maintained by LCEC.
When Heaton told Thomas about those responses, he said everyone was passing the buck. So, she kept pressing for answers.
Weeks later, Heaton received an email from an LCEC spokesperson stating: “Our executive team met this morning and will be adding the sign.”
Thomas is hopeful it happens soon.
“Please get the sign-up as soon as possible. You are providing safety for not only Cape Coral people and Sanibel people and anybody that travels underneath the 69 kV line,” Thomas said.
LCEC said Friday it received verbal approval to install the sign. Final written approval is set to happen this week, and the sign is anticipated to be in place within the next two weeks.
Thomas will be watching for it, and so will WINK News. He texted Heaton: “Thank you for making Cape Coral safer.”