Revitalizing the Cape Coral Yacht Club; Function First, Fiscal Responsibility Always

The Yacht Club has sat largely unusable since Hurricane Ian, denying residents access to one of our most valued waterfront assets. Meanwhile, proposals for a $197–$225+ million rebuild which feature a community center, parking garage, resort-style pool, and full marina, have ballooned in cost and risk placing a heavy burden on taxpayers through new taxes or long-term debt. Many residents are questioning both the scope and the shift toward a “pay-to-play” model.

Even basic repairs like reopening the boat ramp and pickleball courts have taken far too long. That raises real concerns about priorities and project execution.

My Action Plan: Restore Access Now. Rebuild Smart.

I will push city leadership to immediately reopen the boat ramp so residents can regain access to open water as soon as possible. From there, we focus on a phased, practical restoration that prioritizes function over luxury:

Reopen the boat ramp, including channel dredging if needed
- Repair seawalls and docks
- Restore the public beach
- Reactivate existing pickleball courts

These are achievable steps that can move forward simultaneously and cost-effectively, getting the Yacht Club back open and usable for the community without unnecessary delay.

Once core operations are restored, we can strategically plan enhancements like the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill as a revenue-generating asset. I will advocate for strong public-private partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and lease agreements to offset costs for future improvements such as the clubhouse, marina, and food services.

The Goal: Deliver a functional, self-sustaining Yacht Club for under $50 million...without raising taxes.

We don’t need a $200+ million luxury project to serve only a small portion our residents. We need a smart, efficient, and accessible waterfront that reflects the community’s priorities.

Rebuild it right. Reopen it fast. Keep it affordable.