August 10, 2025 Presidents Message

Thank you to everyone who came out for our August member meeting, and if you were unable to attend, here are some highlights.

The summer has been hot, and so is the progress of projects in the Northwest! Coral Grove and Gulf Gateway and Marina Village (7 Islands) are finalizing their agreements with the city. Both projects hope to break ground in early 2026. Lake Shadroe Resort and Marina at the Burnt Store boat ramp is under construction and moving quickly. Many other commercial entities are coming to Pine Island Rd.

We are seeing amazing progress on the parks with the opening of Crystal Lake. Its great place to exercise and take in a sunset overlooking Charlotte Harbor. the potential for Tropicana to be open by the end of year and Festival Park early next year. The parks offer amazing amenities, so hopefully everyone can get out and enjoy them.

The city provided an update on UEP3 at our member meeting. If you are part of UEP3, get ready because they are hoping to start at the end of 2026 or early 2027. While the assessment will not be welcome, the UEP3 will bring new medians along with beautification to Tropicana, Yucatan, Gulfstream, Kismet, and Old Burnt Store Rd.

UEP3 is critical for the future commercial development along Burnt Store Rd that we are all looking forward to seeing and need. The city has designated Burnt Store Rd from Van Buren to the county line as the BURST project designed as a commercial corridor. The NWNA is monitoring the progress of BURST to ensure it remains a commercial corridor. Thank you to all who participated in the survey we sent out and offered your feedback. It will be shared with the city when this comes back before Council.

Development is only as good as the infrastructure to support it. We are working with groups from Charlotte County to apply pressure on Lee County Commissioners and our state elected officials to find the funds to expand the 5.7-mile section on Burnt Store from 2 lanes to 4. With the development going on in Charlotte County along Burnt Store and continued growth in the NW, this section will only get more dangerous. We have contact information on the website if you want to voice your concerns to our elected officials. Please keep in mind that this is a Lee County Road.

I would also like to welcome new volunteers to the NWNA. Annette Warren will lead the Beautification Committee, and Gary Smolinski will lead the Public Works Committee. I would also like to thank Jerry Smith, past president, for staying on to lead the leisure committee. Jerry has been hard at work preparing our 3rd social. Come join us at The Westin on 11/13 for a fun night to meet new people, enjoy live music, and have lots of fun!

Mark your calendars for the NW lighted boat parade on 12/13. Special thank you to Dean and Jan Fox for their commitment to leading this fun event every year.

It’s hurricane season, and let’s hope we get through the season unscathed. We need it! Let’s

continue to grow the NWNA and make NW Cape Coral a great place to live!

Kind Regards, Kevin

Kevin Black, NWNA President

Anette Warren

Parks