Letter Completed!

Since I will not be able to attend any of the hearings regarding the land use proposal, I wrote a letter to express my concerns. I chose to take a different approach and avoid the obvious concerns/complaints......by that I mean I did not discuss ...congestion adjacent to our property resulting from these additional units, which are damages suffered alike by all property owners similarly situated. This would just be a increased traffic condition consistent with all urban living. I did not discuss flooding or other water issues....I did not discuss increased crime, noise or other nuisance issues or visual intrusions on peace and privacy mainly because I would not be able to substantiate those claims. I also did not discuss home value depreciation....basically because I am not a real estate agent. All of these concerns, I feel, would have been or could be shot down with the simplest of rebuttals. Instead I spoke of the environmental value of what those wetlands represent and it's importance to society. The number of birds is increasing, more wildlife now inhabit the area, and the vegetation is recovering. It’s becoming more natural, purer, and more pleasant. Clean air. Clean water. Too many people take these for granted and what most of us don't realize is that without wetlands, we wouldn't have either. I think you understand the path I chose to take.....be creative. Speak to what means the most to you....

URGENT!!!!

I'm assuming many of you have already received a letter from the City of Cape Coral regarding a request for a Future Land Use brought forth by Brandenburg Properties of Florida. If you have not received the aforementioned letter I will attach a copy of it to this post. The land in question is east of the Island Cove Complex or behind buildings 2,4,6,8 and 10.  Brandenburg Properties is requesting a zoning change from single family homes to multi family units thereby allowing them to construct 700 residential units. This proposal can be read in depth at www.capecoral.net/publichearing under LU13-003. Although it's lengthy reading, it would be in your best interest to look it over and make your own opinion as to whether it's a good idea or bad. As previously posted there have been several other proposals over the years to develop the land in question, fortunately none have come to fruition. There is a owners only meeting scheduled for April 30th @ 7p.m. regarding this matter ....unfortunately I will not be able to attend so if any of you are in attendance please post any information. Just FYI I will be writing a letter to express my displeasure (for lack of a better term) regarding this proposal. I will post updates and opinions over the next few days.

Great Video!

Looks like our property value just went UP^^^^^^^http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KEH1gY_SQg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

"Paradise Preserve"

We can only hope this isn't back on the table...http://www.landadvisors.com/pdf/FLLE30600-99264.pdf

Reason For Concern?

Has anyone received a letter from the City of Cape Coral regarding a public hearing to discuss Future Land use? I'm hoping they're not discussing the area across from our complex but if so this should be of major concern. If anybody has any further information regarding this could you please keep us posted.

Broken Gate??

Please tell us this isn't true.....is the gate broken again??  If so, how long has it been broke and has it been repaired yet? I don't know about the rest of you but I'm about at my wits end with this gate situation already. There has to be a better solution then these bandaid repairs we continue to make especially considering that gate is the main source of security at the front entrance. Rumor has it we've hired a new company to service the main entrance and apparently they've recommended some major changes. Attached is a photo of the proposed NEW gate...

According to the new company our old gate remotes should still work. 

What's Been Going On!!

So, has anything exciting happened in the month we've been absent???  I see there was an Annual Meeting held on April 4th and since we were unable to attend we logged on to the Island Cove website to review the minutes. WHAT!!! We have a new President?? Oh, these minutes are from October 4, 2012....maybe there's something in the News Letter section......here it is...no, this is from Sept, 2012....WOW! and to think we thought WE had some catching up to do after only a month. Anyway now that that's off our chest, give us some good news!!!! Any announcements....weddings, graduations, pregnancies...wait, you're all too old for those. How about anniversaries, birthdays...etc. Keep us posted!!!   

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Happy Easter!!! May you all have a wonderful day!

We're Back!!!!

By popular demand we've been asked to resurrect the blog....so here we are.

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!!!!