Cape Coral community fridge receives code violation

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Dionne Lopez, owner of Lee County Plumbing and Supply in Cape Coral, is determined to keep her community fridge despite receiving a city notice demanding its removal or relocation due to code violations.

"I'm family to this city, and what I see in my family is very disheartening. My family is not my family anymore," Lopez said, expressing her devastation over the situation.

The city of Cape Coral has issued a notice stating that the community fridge outside her business at 532 SE 47th Terrace must be moved inside or thrown away. Lopez is determined to fight back, saying, "This isn't going away. People need help, and I'm not going to take something away from people that actually need food in their bellies."

Many residents have benefited from the community fridge and don't understand the notice.

"I feel insulted that our city would do this to this wonderful community fridge and the policy needs to change and they need to change, like, yesterday," said Sean Hartman, Cape Coral resident.

"She's the greatest. She is a wonderful person." Charlie Ellegood, another Cape Coral resident, said, praising Lopez. "It's a big help because there could be a week can go by a funds are very tight in general."

The city explained in an email to Gulf Coast News that the code violation notice is not intended to prohibit community giving but to ensure properties remain safe, sanitary, and compliant with city code.

Lopez remains motivated by the impact of her efforts, saying, "You get that phone call. Hey, because of you, I was able to provide my family a meal last night. We were able to eat, and that's what keeps me going."

The city has given Lopez five days to dispose of the fridge and other items, but she is vowing to fight to keep the fridge.

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