Cape Coral officials moved forward with plans to install a 250-foot flagpole and American flag at Bernice Braden Park by July 4, paid for with private donations.
City Council members March 25 voted 5-3 to award the $420,000 project, including design, fabrication and installation, to Dynamic South Inc. Councilors Rachel Kaduk, Jennifer Nelson-Lastra and Keith Long cast dissenting votes, raising concerns over ongoing maintenance costs of the pole.
Kaduk said the city government should address core concerns, such as public safety and infrastructure, “not building the largest flagpole” in Florida.
Private donations are set to cover the cost, a fundraising effort proposed and led by City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn as part of the city’s plans to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
The city has raised more than $281,000 for the flag and, while the fundraiser will continue through July 4, a private donor has agreed to cover any remaining balance. The donor’s funds are being held in escrow, city staff said. As contributions are received, the money will be released back to the donor or used to cover the balance.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.