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Cape Coral council backs city banner program, faces questions over 250-foot flagpole fundraising
Summary
Council approved a banner program transferred from the CRA to the city budget and reiterated that a proposed 250-foot flagpole must be funded by donations; residents pressed for transparency on donations, bank accounts and whether city resources are being used. Council directed staff to provide financial details.
Council members voted to approve a city-run street banner program that was moved from the Community Redevelopment Agency to the general fund, while several residents and one council member pressed for clarity about a separate effort to erect a 250-foot flagpole.
Council member Lehman and Council member Kaduk asked why the banner program was not included in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Maureen Vice, assistant to the city manager, said the CRA board recommended converting the program to a city initiative after the budget was adopted and that the program still requires staffing and equipment such as a lift truck. The resolution authorizing the program was approved by the council (resolution 354-25) by a 7–1 vote, with Lehman recorded as the lone no vote.
The exchange spilled into a wider debate about a privately funded plan to erect a 250-foot flagpole and accompanying plaza. Several residents asked who holds donations, where the money is deposited and whether advertising and staff time are being paid by the city. "If you can raise that much money for a flag, I think you could help the people that have no water," one speaker said during citizens input. Another asked, "Where's the bank account? Where's the money going?"
City Manager Mason told the council the city is accepting donations in multiple ways: checks at the cashier's office, a GiveButter crowdfunding page and pledges that have not yet been entered online. Mason said the total across channels was "over 60,000" and that vendor quotes for the project ranged "in the $380,000 to $400,000 range," while staff used $500,000 as a conservative planning figure. Mason said council previously directed him not to obligate general-fund dollars for the flagpole and that a future decision would be needed if donations fall short.
Council members asked staff for more detail about advertising costs, banner themes and ongoing upkeep. Vice said the resolution’s exhibits include a banner schedule of themes (holidays, veterans/military appreciation, city events), and staff committed to provide exact CRA expenditure numbers and additional financial detail on request.
The council did not authorize use of taxpayer dollars for the flagpole; council members reiterated that the project is donation-driven and that staff will report back with specific expenditure and fundraising information. The banner program resolution passed and will proceed under city management.
