Demolition begins on Cape Coral's iguana-infested abandoned bank as neighbors wonder what’s next

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Crews are making swift progress tearing down the former bank building that became an eyesore — and an iguana-infested nuisance — after Hurricane Ian tore through Southwest Florida in 2022.

Piles of debris now cover the parking lot just a block behind Cape Coral Parkway, where heavy machinery has been chipping away at the long-abandoned structure. The demolition is expected to wrap up Monday.

For many residents, the building’s removal is long overdue.

“I’m just happy to see it go,” said Karen West, who walks her dog past the site every day. “This is a huge demolition. It’s not like a little house or something. I mean, it’s huge.”

The vacant property had drawn attention not only for storm damage left unrepaired in the years since Ian, but also for reports of squatters and a growing iguana population that took over the deteriorating structure.

Throughout the day, curious onlookers stopped to watch the demolition unfold.

“I was watching Gulf Coast News this morning very early, and I saw the story about the bank coming down,” said Cape Coral resident Geoff Torno, who came out to see the progress for himself.

Now that the structure is coming down, attention has turned to what will replace it.

“Well, it’s got to be something big, and it’s going to be something more like retail,” said Armando Gambino, expressing optimism about the site’s future.

Others hope for something different.

“Yeah, no more retail. Something nice — unless it’s a Chick-fil-A,” West said, jokingly.

Despite uncertainty about redevelopment plans, many agree that the demolition marks an important step forward.

“Future is really bright for this piece of property,” Gambino said.

The building’s removal clears the way for potential redevelopment in a growing part of Cape Coral, signaling what residents hope is a fresh start for a property that has stood damaged and vacant for years.

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