Cape Coral residents frustrated by lingering abandoned boats, cars following Hurricane Ian

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Abandoned boats and cars are becoming more than just eyesores in Cape Coral. Residents say these neglected vehicles are affecting the way their neighborhoods feel and function.

City leaders are considering new rules to address this issue.

In some Cape Coral neighborhoods, these abandoned boats and cars don't just show up, they stay. Although the waterways might look clear at times, residents argue that this is not always the case.

Since Hurricane Ian, some residents say the storm may have passed, but the problems linger. Damaged or displaced boats and vehicles overlook neighborhoods, sometimes for months or even years.

The city is now considering a proposed ordinance that would define abandoned boats and cars, require written notice, and allow the city to intervene if they aren't removed.

Under the proposal, civil fines would start at $150 and could reach $1,000 for repeated violations within a year.

Ashley Price, a lifelong Cape Coral local, shared her experience with WINK News.

"We had Hurricane Ian hit. That was our worst one, and the boats next door, it did actually come onto our property. It was there for about three or four months. It we actually had really pretty bad damage here," said Price.

City council would still need to vote and approve the proposal. For residents like Price, this conversation is long overdue.