No news is......well, bad news!!

As we have posted before we are looking for any Island Cove news, or Cape Coral news, or Southwest Florida news, to keep the blog interesting. If you have any news or anything you would like to discuss please post.......

Cape Coral moves on sign ordinance

All signs Monday pointed to Cape Coral City Council members wishing to address community concerns involving the sign ordinance and then putting the issue behind them as soon as possible.
Cape Coral’s long-awaited new sign ordinance will still take effect April 1 — but council has left the door open to make adjustments to language addressing window coverage, feather banners and A-frame signs.The new ordinance, which is not that different from the one in place, is intended to more fairly enforce regulations. One difference, though: it removes sign wavers from the public right-of-way. No word on whether we will have to remove any of the signage surrounding our pool though. 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

We would like to wish Missy and Pete a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and the wishes of many more to come......I know Pete is gonna kill me for this but I can't keep it in any longer. Missy, when Pete and I were out getting liquored up he told me "If he had his life to live over again…next time he would find you sooner so that he could love you longer."  Then we hugged and he wouldn't let go.....that's the part of the story I was holding in. 

Fire Assessment Bill

The City of Cape Coral has mailed the bills for the City's fire service assessment to 136,000 property owners.  The bills will be payable 30 days from receipt of the bill. If you are wondering what this is: The Fire Services Assessment is part of the city’s approach to obtaining an additional $20 million for capital improvements and infrastructure costs, as well as diversifying its revenue streams to wean off its financial dependency on ad valorem taxes. In other words the city needs the money to repave roads and replace equipment ignored for years after the recession. First estimated to be  $150.00, your bill should read something in the vicinity of  $90.00. If it's much less don't feel left out, I'll send you a portion of mine to make up the difference. 

Southwest Florida Beach Video.....

A  great video about Sanibel and the beaches of Southwest Florida.......        http://youtu.be/kPWhZqnoScA

Failed retirement plan.....

Now that I am entering the waning years of my life it's time to start plotting my retirement. So in my desperate search for a retirement plan I discovered this.....Quicken Loans, the nation’s third largest mortgage lender announced it has teamed with Yahoo Sports as the technology provider for the now named ‘Quicken Loans Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge with Yahoo Sports’ contest. There it is, just pick the winning basketball teams in this years NCAA basketball tourney and I'm a billion dollars richer. Unfortunately, my first selection, Ohio State, loses in the first round...to Dayton......I don't even know where Dayton is........so now I'm back to square one. For crushing my retirement plan and more importantly my dreams I will never talk to a Ohio resident again...........unless they're buying of course!!!!!

Real Estate summary for Cape Coral.

Average price per square foot for Cape Coral FL was $104, an increase of 5.1% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Cape Coral FL for Dec 13 to Mar 14 was $146,250 based on 838 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 7.3%, or $10,000, and the number of home sales decreased 27.4%. There are currently 5,708 resale and new homes in Cape Coral including 19 open houses, as well as 2,886 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Cape Coral FL was $300,277 for the week ending Mar 12, which represents a decrease of 1.7%, or $5,188, compared to the prior week. Cape Coral home values have gone up 17.6% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 8.1% within the next year. The median rent price in Cape Coral is $1,249. Time to sell and move to Detroit!!!!

We are better then this...............right????

The homeowners association at Regent's Park in Naples is telling one of its residents, the pink ribbon she displays as a breast cancer survivor is a violation rules and must come down. Linda Karp was shocked when she received a letter last night telling her to take down the pink ribbon that means so much to her. She said the pink ribbon is a symbol of courage and survival for the battle she won against breast cancer sixteen years ago. The H.O.A. where Linda resides stated they are prepared to take legal action against her if she does not remove the pink ribbon......from INSIDE her condo. This woman fought what she believed was the fight of her life, now she's forced to fight another against these clowns. "I want them to leave me alone. It's a pink ribbon... I'm not removing it," Karp said. What can I say.....G@D Bless You.......or May the Force Be With You (I don't want to offend anyone).

New Island Cove Resident!

We understand we have a new Island Cove resident......Welcome Cora !

That's looking like a 25.1 lb dog though!!!!!

Lanai Painting

I'm glad someone commented on this in the Social Club post because I recall reading it somewhere but haven't seen anything on it since. From what I remember the mailing said they were to begin painting the remaining floors of the buildings and if anyone was interested in having their lanai painted it would cost $80.00....(don't hold me to that price, I'm working off a bad memory). Unfortunately I haven't seen or heard anything since then......I searched the entire website and couldn't find anything. Why do I bother? If anyone has any additional or updated info regarding this please post. As always, don't forget........sign in at the pool!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In case we indulge in a little too much green beer we'd like to wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day.....and for those of us who have suffered through one of the coldest winters in recent memory....St. Patrick's Day is a promise of spring. 

Several Changes

As previously posted, the new pump or fountain has been installed in the pond to replace the tired old one.....in addition, construction has begun on building the "bridges" to cross over from the carport to the sidewalk. We have obtained a photo of one of the completed bridges but nothing on the fountain as of yet....if anybody has seen either one of these completed projects and would care to comment or post a photo it would be nice to know how they turned out.

Social Committee Chairperson Search

Apparently Island Cove is searching for a chairperson to head a Social Club which gathers monthly between the months of Jan and Apr.  According to the website these gatherings mostly consisted of a pot luck dinner and general camaraderie amongst residents and friends. However, "they are now looking for a different current owner to head up this effort.  Getting assistance is really not an issue as there are many residents who are willing to pitch in and help with the setup and tear down of the tables, chairs and decorations.  It is simply time to get some fresh ideas."  Does anybody know where these club events are or were posted.....I checked the List of Calendar Events on the website and there is a "Welcome Party" scheduled for January 29, 2012.  Just so happens I'm gonna be in town that day and might stop by.....come join me. 
UPDATE: Effective immediately, there are changes being made to our communications capabilities within the Island Cove complex.  The Board members are in agreement with this process to reduce the clutter, and improve the capabilities for owners communications....two new cork boards will be put up on the entrance walls to the clubhouse.  One will be dedicated for postings regarding items for sale or rent while the other will be strictly for activities communications in both Island Cove and the community in general. I only wish we had a website to post this info!!! 

Things To Do This Weekend In the Cape.

Friday Night

• Full Moon Paddle (7pm – 9pm)- Paddle around the waters of Eco Preserve by the light of the full moon.

Saturday

• Florida Friendly Yards Tour (9am – 12pm)- Go with a guide to visit a variety of eco-friendly yards.

• Indoor Marketplace (9am – 1pm)- Bargain shop in the air conditioning.

• Gathering of the Giants (9am – 3pm)- Cape Coral R/Seahawks present the 17th Annual Gathering of the Giants at Seahawk Air Park.

• FREE Movie in the Park (7pm – 9pm)- The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation is proud to bring you a FREE "Movie in the Park" on our giant inflatable screen.

• Sons of Italy Dinner Dance (7pm – 12am)- Join the Sons of Italy as they present their monthly dinner dance.

Sunday

• Gartenfest (12pm – 5pm)- Join the German American Club as they host the final Gartenfest of 2011.

• Gathering of the Giants (9am – 3pm)- Cape Coral R/Seahawks present the 17th Annual Gathering of the Giants at Seahawk Air Park.

A Blog EXCLUSIVE!!!!

In the unfortunate occurrence that recreational marijuana is approved the blog has obtained an exclusive copy of a potential insurance risk facing I.C......

Did you spring ahead?

If you didn't turn your clock ahead before you went to bed last night you are now late for church!!

New bill could make recreational use of pot legal...

In the latest twist in a debate about legalizing marijuana in Florida, Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, filed a proposal Friday that would allow the recreational use of marijuana. The bill (SB 1562) likely has little chance of passing the Republican-dominated Legislature.  But it calls for allowing people who are 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and also would allow them to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. The proposal also would create a regulatory structure that deals with issues such as the sale and taxation of marijuana. First, let me start by saying I am all for the legalization of marijuana in instances such as the extract being used to help some children who have a form of epilepsy and suffer from severe seizures......or for any medicinal purposes for that matter. Dozens of studies have shown Cannabis is one of the most powerful healing plants on the planet. Those health benefits extend to the treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome, migraines, seizures, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Premenstrual Syndrome (that last one, in it of itself, should be enough to legalize its use). Unfortunately accepting and promoting these powerful health benefits of marijuana would instantly cut huge profits geared towards cancer treatment. There is the other side, the dark side of pot smoking...... No drug is harmless; not alcohol, tobacco nor marijuana. For instance, just ask those involved in a car trauma caused by a person being high or drunk!! As for an addiction, the worst is tobacco, where the number is closer to 30% of smokers, many of whom go on to die because of their addiction. Anyway, I'm rambling but who cares no one reads this blog anyway....smoke em if you got em!!! Most importantly though...DO NOT!! set your joint down when signing in at the pool....wouldn't want you to start the sign-in sheet on fire!! 

Dine and Dish

The following review came from several of our residents..........
"......had an amazing dinner tonight at a little joint at 927 Cape Coral Parkway call "Nevermind"! Best burgers on the Cape and the steaks were outstanding! Prices are very reasonable, drinks as well. Wow...this place beats Fords Garage on our books hands down."
The reviewer went on to write......
"went to Firestone in downtown FT Myers last week and ordered a Scallop dinner, for $28.00, I was served 3 quarter sized scallops on a bed of rice...UGH! No salad, no bread included for that price...real bummer!! Another friend ordered salmon....it was not cooked, then when it came back...it was over cooked. Anyway..check out NEVERMIND...well worth a visit and light on the pockets! The owners name is Rick...great guy, lots of fun!"

NEVERMIND is ranked 30th in the Cape Coral area....Give it a try and if you don't like it or have a bad experience I will give you the reviewers name, home address, phone number and banking info. 

Sam's Club coming to Cape Coral in 2014.

If all goes according to plan, Cape Coral will have its first Sam’s Club by the end of 2014. Cape Coral’s city council cleared the final hurdle for the retail warehouse club to bring its latest store to the city. The city council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance approving the company’s planned development project. The store will be located on 37 acres at the intersection of Hancock Bridge Parkway and Pine Island Road. In recent months, Starbucks and Culvers announced plans for Cape Coral locations. Also, earlier this year Golden Corral broke ground on its first location at the corner of Pine Island Road and Andalusia Boulevard. In addition, a Super Walmart is also expected to go up on Pine Island Road once the final stretch of that road is expanded to four lanes. WHAT!!! No strip joint! 

Home Depot Greeter!

As with any new home or condo purchase a trip to Home Depot is inevitable and that was the case when we purchased our condo in Island Cove. What was different about this shopping experience was the greeter at the entrance to the store.....he was singing "My Girl" specifically the lyric "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day, When it's cold outside I've got the month of May".....and he was singing it me! His name is Ken Williams and in five years with the home improvement giant he’s taken it upon himself to do more than hand customers carts or direct them to the plumbing aisle. “Welcome to the Home Depot, welcome, welcome, welcome,” he belts out as an elderly couple steps inside. I know it sounds corny but it's the simplest and smallest gestures that make life so much more enjoyable. Plus it takes some stones, try singing to someone at your job....I know I'd get the $@&! kicked out of me! 

Any Irish Out There?

The 10th Annual Irish Festival will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bavarian Gardens at the German American Social Club. Hosted by the Cape Coral Irish American Club, the event features live music, dozens of vendors and activities for the children.

Kinda Cool!!!

The parade committee requested that the Chicago Police of SW Florida lead the Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15th. Brothers and sisters from New York, Boston and Philadelphia will be joining the CPD as well as members from St. Louis to Minnesota to Ohio in addition to several other hard working departments. This is a unique Chicago event and, in addition to our members participating, this can be a great family and friend affair. Although they are not military service men and women it's a fitting honor for those who risk their lives to make this country a safe place to live. 

Dine and Dish Review......Lobster Lady!!

Since there have been several posts voting Lobster Lady Seafood Market and Bistro as one of the top restaurants in the Cape Coral area we thought we would review that one first. Located at 1715 Cape Coral Pkwy West Lobster Lady has been ranked #14 of 309 restaurants in the Cape Coral area and is a 2013 Certificate of Excellence recipient.  Full service seafood market (fresh, frozen, dry goods) and 1000 gallons in live lobster tanks with lobsters ranging from 1lb to 20lb.   Full service dinning with a large menu, pleasant staff, and always at least 1 chef in house.  Great eclectic coastal cusine at affordable prices. Besides great food, Lobster Lady also provides live entertainment 7 days a week from 8:30pm to 1130pm.  As with most restaurants during busy season, be prepared to wait during peak hours and it is suggested you call 30-45 minutes before your expected arrival. Your reviews are welcome!! 

Hats off to one of our own!!

Excellent investigative work M.C......I'm sure I speak for all of us at Island Cove (except maybe one) when I say "Thank You" for exerting the time and effort in finding those unwilling to abide by the rules and regulations of our community. As you so eloquently put it, "this is our home" and you are correct when you say these types of incidents should be reported. We should all take note of M.C.'s efforts and stand along side him and make sure this does not continue!!

Update.....Lock Box Issue!!

Word on the Island Cove street is the lock box issue has once again reared it's ugly head....now the brain trust would like the owners to place a sticker on their lock box which corresponds to the sticker on their car.  Umm!! How about we have the real estate agents register their lock boxes with the office and have them placed in a designated area, say by the mailboxes or the workers garage or a holder/pole underneath the owners or......There has to be a better solution then the ones proposed by these gentlemen.....

I Pledge Allegiance....

The flag of the United States is one of the nation's most widely recognized symbols. Within the United States, flags are frequently displayed not only on public buildings but on private residences. The flag is a common motif on decals for car windows, and clothing ornaments such as badges and lapel pins. Throughout the world the flag has been used in public discourse to refer to the United States.......but I don't think it's ever been used like this. They are pledging allegiance to his pants!!!!

We Suck!!!!!

USA Hockey apparently had a hangover from the Canada game. In the bronze medal game against Finland, the American team suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss which saw them totally outclassed on both ends of the ice. Bottom line is we flat out sucked....not enough to move to Canada....but sucked!!!

USA vs CANADA.

Get ready!! Team USA plays Team Canada today in the Sochi Olympic men's hockey semifinals. It's the most anticipated event of the Olympics, because it's probably going to be incredible. I think it was a great strategic move letting the Canadian women win the gold in hockey yesterday, sort of gives the Canadian men's team false hope. The Americans have been playing the best hockey at the Olympics up to this point while Canada has looked susceptible at times, including their 2-1 victory over Latvia in the quarterfinals. The moment is now for the U.S..........................................................................................................

On the sixth day, God turned to the angel Gabriel and said, "Today I am going to create a land called Canada. It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty. It shall have tall majestic mountains full of mountain goats and eagles, and beautiful sparkly lakes teeming with carp and trout. There shall be forests full of elk and moose, high cliffs overlooking sandy beaches with an abundance of sea life, and rivers stocked with salmon."

God continued, "I shall make the land rich in oil so that the inhabitants prosper, and I shall call these inhabitants Canadians. They shall be known as the most friendly people on the earth."

"But Lord," asked Gabriel, "don't you think you are being too generous to these Canadians?"

"Not really," God replied. "Just wait and see the neighbors I am going to give them."

Better Late Than Never..

A 101-year-old-man is running for Florida Congress, proving you are never too old to follow your dreams. John Newman, of Sarasota, is tossing his hat in the race for Floridas 16th Congressional District as a write-in candidate. If he wins, he would be the oldest freshman in Congress. The reason for this post is many of you in Island Cove probably went to school with John.

Dine and Dish

Since there hasn't been much to post about on the news front we thought we'd start a segment where we review restaurants in the Cape Coral/Ft. Myers area. We will post information about a random restaurant and if you've had an opportunity to dine there we'd like your feedback, whether good or bad. Also, if there's a restaurant you are thinking about dining at and would like to know if anyone has been there let us know which one and we will poll our 2 followers.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame.........."

With the Super Bowl over, it's finally time for baseball and in the Ft. Myers area that means the Boston Red Sox. Pitchers and catchers are reporting today, February 15th, with the full team reporting on Feb 18th. As far as seasons go, the Boston Red Sox 2013 campaign was alright. It's hard to do better than a World Series championship, after all. So here's your chance to go watch the defending World Series Red Sox play ball. Oh!, just FYI I'm not a Red Sox fan but I'm not gonna reveal my team until I see how things start to take shape (you know, a front runner fan)..

...so, who's your team???

Follow Up to The Previous Post "Reviewing Survey........."

Before reading any further please refer to the previous post titled Reviewing the Island Cove Survey From 2011....more importantly read the response in the comment section from an anonymous poster. First, let me begin by saying the original post was a look into the survey and how the owners wishes were addressed by the Board. I wanted to see if the survey was given for a reason or if it was just to appease a group of owners who were demanding change. That being said, several of our concerns were met and others are at least being considered which is a far cry from what was previously discussed. Moving on, I couldn't agree with the poster more that the Island Cove Website is an embarrassment.....especially at $650/year.....try sending a work order form or any other form and you will rec. an error response indicating there is no recipient email address. We realize change is needed in the way the website is maintained, after all it's our only source of information regarding our community. I/we rarely look at the Island Cove website because of the simple fact that it is so far behind.....which in part was the reason for the creation of this website. After the inception of this website the "Entertainment" post popped up on the Island Cove website which made us wonder if that was being done in direct response to what we are trying to accomplish here.....just speculation...(we make note of the same fact in the "No News" post). As for this website ......... unfortunately, response has been minimal which makes it extremely difficult to post photos, upcoming events and general information which makes us wonder if it's even worth it. We are aware we are in our infant stage and it's going to take time to catch on but our mission has and will be to provide current and honest information regarding the Island Cove Community.....with a side of sarcasm of course. Time will tell and hopefully we can rely solely on the information provided on the Island Cove website and end what we are doing here. Anyway, trust me when I say your frustration is being felt by many and you are not alone.....and don't forget,  "Sign in at the pool".

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. 
Maya Angelo

Budweiser Clydesdales in the Cape

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Southwest Florida. The hitch team and red wagon will appear at multiple community events, including two stops in Cape Coral and the Fort Myers area. On Friday, Feb. 14, from 3-5 p.m., the team will be at the Shops at North Cape, 2481 Del Prado Blvd. The Clydesdales are an enduring symbol of Budweiser's commitment to quality and one of the world's most recognized corporate symbols and are usually the last thing I see before I pass out from too many "Buds". 

O Canada!!

To all of our Canadian friends I have to ask, "what is going on up there?" From the frozen tundras of Canada a nonprofit organization has installed Canada's first-ever crack pipe vending machine in Vancouver in an effort to curb the spread of disease. For the measly price of .25 cents this machine will dispense a Pyrex crack pipe. Now a coastie can get a pipe for less then a loonie! The war on drugs just took a strange turn.........

 

And just at a time when I was beginning to cheer for you at the Olympics!!!

Reviewing the Island Cove Survey from 2011

Some of you might remember the survey we were asked to complete several years ago regarding any changes or recommendations we the owners had for our community. Although its been awhile since the survey, I thought I would look back on some of our suggestions to see how far we have progressed.

• With regards to security one of our major concerns was people entering from the front to use our facilities. It appears preventative measures have been taken to rectify this problem. Status: Improving.
• Our concerns with the grounds dealt with the planting of more flowers. Status: On Going 
• Enhancements to the Club House included our requests for an ice machine, vending machine and a PA system. Status: Completed. 
• Enhancements to the complex included (in order of preference)

1. Gas or charcoal grills located strategically around the complex
2. Have the pool and spa open beyond dusk
3. Consider a better means to launching kayaks into the canals.

             I realize these things take time and its my understanding  #1 is already in progress, that being said  could you imagine the difference to our facility the completion of  #2 would make. Status: Hoping.

Considering where we were and how far we have come I would like to thank our current Board Members for taking the time to listen to our collective voices and begin to make the necessary improvements.
The survey can be found in the Island Cove website under reports.