Cape Coral to demolish iguana-infested building, reclaiming community space

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Hundreds of iguanas have turned an abandoned building into their home in Cape Coral, but the city is ready to reclaim the space. A full demolition permit was granted on Wednesday afternoon, marking the beginning of the end for the structure.

Heavy machinery was parked outside the gutted building as crews prepared for demolition. Shattered walls, dirty debris, and dangling wires surrounded the site. After paying more than $400 in fees, the city reported that crews had completed nearly 60% of their work.

Mike Fuller, a seasonal resident for more than a decade, looked forward to the demolition.

"It needs work. Yes, it needs work. It needs a facelift. Whatever goes in, there should be an improvement to the area," said Fuller.

He continued to express his concerns about the building's current condition.

"It's bad now, because it all your grass, it's not taken care of, your building doesn't look good at all. No, it's an eyesore for it," said Fuller.

The city stated that the next steps before demolishing the building include an erosion-control inspection and an abandonment inspection, both scheduled for Thursday.