Cape Coral residents divided over $420K flagpole proposal

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral may soon be home to Florida's tallest flagpole, pending a decision by city leaders.

The proposal, which could cost up to $420,000, has sparked a mix of support and opposition from residents.

Bruce Miller, an Air Force Vietnam veteran, voiced his concerns about the project.

"I still think it's wrong to promote the city by the with the flag," said Miller.

Miller believes the funds raised for the 250-foot flagpole could be better utilized to support veterans, particularly those facing homelessness.

"I'd rather see it spent on veterans issues, like homeless vets. We don't have housing for homeless vets here, and yet, you look around and there's homeless veteran housing going up all over the place," said Miller.

City leaders were set to vote on a proposal from Dynamic South Inc., which offered the lowest bid among five, according to city records.

Mary Jane, a neighbor of Miller whose late husband was a veteran, expressed her support for the flagpole project.

"I live the flag. I believe in what they fought for for this country," said Mary Jane.

Despite nearly 100 donations ranging from $5 to $1,100, the city still needs to raise about $150,000 for the project. The city stated it has flexibility in handling funds if donations fall short, though specifics remain uncertain.

"The City has flexibility to determine how best to handle funds in the event that donations fall short of what is needed, but because we’re still actively fundraising, it’s premature to say exactly what that would look like," the city said.

This uncertainty makes Miller uneasy.

"I'm very uncomfortable with it, for the simple reason, they haven't raised the money for the flagpole," said Miller.

Before the vote, Miller had a message for city leaders.

"I just tell them I don't agree with the number one, the size of the flag. Number two, the reasoning behind the flag that the city manager stated," he said.

The council meeting began at 4 p.m. Stay with WINK News to find out whether the proposal moves forward.