Cape Coral woman pushes for bigger building numbers to prevent crashes

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A Cape Coral resident wants building numbers to be larger and easier to see from the road.

Ligia Fleming brought her concern to WINK Listens at FSW. She told WINK News anchor Emma Heaton that she wants address numbers to stand out, even from a moving car.

Fleming said better visibility could keep everyone safer and happier.

"That will really be helpful. It will prevent accidents, because while you look and you drive and you look, you can cause an accident," Fleming said. "And also, it will also save time and frustration."

The City of Cape Coral's code requires buildings to display numbers at least four feet above ground and visible from the public right-of-way. It also allows numbers on mailboxes or signs as long as they are "of sufficient size."

However, the code does not define "sufficient size." 

Changing it would require a formal amendment and city council approval.

The Florida Department of Transportation said Winkler Road between College Parkway and McGregor Boulevard is a county-maintained roadway and is not under its jurisdiction. 

FDOT recommended contacting Lee County for information regarding speeding concerns, existing safety measures or any planned traffic-calming initiatives.

Lee County said speeding is a law enforcement issue and inquiries regarding that should be directed to law enforcement agencies. The county also said Winkler Road is an arterial road and is not eligible for traffic calming measures.

For now, Fleming hopes owners keep numbers clear and visible.