Cape Coral business owner fights city citation over community fridge

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A Cape Coral business owner who operates a community fridge is fighting a code enforcement citation that could shut down the free food service.

Community members showed their support with T-shirts that say "Save Our Cape Coral Community Fridge" after the owner was cited by the city's code enforcement. WINK News attended a meeting and learned more about the violation and what the city says the problem is.

The fridge has been serving Cape Coral for nearly six years, but the city says its setup violates the city's code ordinances. Dionne Lopez says this free fridge outside of her business has really been the only option for people to come grab food or supplies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Earlier this month, they were cited for litter and outdoor storage. The city of Cape Coral cited Section 9-16 of its ordinances as the reason for the citation.

This has sparked community outcry, and Lopez says she hopes they can find a solution.

The city said even enclosed or screened-in storage is not allowed in this area.

"I'm trying to bridge the gap to stop hunger, and they're trying to make a bigger gap to stop what I'm doing when I'm trying to help the community," Lopez said.

The city said in a statement, "The City supports community-based efforts to help residents in need and remains willing to work with the business owner on a solution that both serves the community and complies with City Code."

The recheck is set for March 31.