Term sheet: Cape Coral proposes 10‑year $1‑per‑year license for RC Seahawks at Festival Park; council to review Nov. 19

Parks and Recreation presented a term sheet on Oct. 29 proposing a long‑term license for Cape Coral Seahawks (a nonprofit radio‑control aircraft and car club) to use Seahawk Airfield at Festival Park.

Parks director Joe Petrella summarized the proposed terms: an initial 10‑year license beginning Jan. 1, 2026, with two five‑year renewal options; a nominal annual fee of $1; a flight‑box‑defined operating area; operating hours from 7 a.m. to sunset daily; a requirement to host at least four community programs per year; and club responsibility for maintenance of installed improvements, safety and cleanliness, utilities and certain assessments. The term sheet also says the city may terminate the license on 30 days’ notice and that any club improvements become city property at termination unless otherwise agreed.

Petrella told council the Seahawks have invested roughly $60,000 in facility improvements, and the club reports about 265 current members; club leaders said members volunteer and participate in community events, including the mayor’s scholarship fund and a toy drive. Petrella said the nominal fee and maintenance responsibilities reflect the club’s nonprofit status and the city’s intent to reduce financial burden on the organization.

Council received the term sheet and the city manager said staff will bring a full license agreement to the Nov. 19 council meeting for formal approval.

Ending: Council members thanked the club for volunteer work and community events; the Nov. 19 meeting will contain the formal license language and an item for council vote.