Cape Coral rowing club protests Tropicana Park opening over denied relocation

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

The Cape Coral Rowing Club staged a silent protest during the opening of Tropicana Park, expressing frustration over the city council’s decision to deny its relocation to the park despite prior assurances.

Protesters gathered as Mayor John Gunter spoke about the park’s new amenities, which include kayak launches, beach access, playgrounds, and fitness trails. The mayor did not address the rowing club during his remarks.

Club president Saundra Weston said the group had been led to believe since 2020 that Tropicana Park would become their permanent home.

"We're basically homeless without that. Again, in spite of the subterfuge, in spite of the gaslighting, we will be homeless. So we have to just make our presence known, and we have to make our feelings known," Weston said.

The park also has a specialized floating dock system custom-built for rowing at a cost of about $500,000 that the city specifically moved forward on. Weston also questioned the integrity of city leaders.

"What's the value of a person's word? Who do we want representing us? If this is the way they'll treat us, you better believe they're treating you the same way," she said.

As costs for the overall park project continued to rise, city leaders said the project could no longer be fully covered through the Parks GO Bond funding, resulting in a 5-3 vote to deny the rowing club’s plan to move into Tropicana Park.

Councilmembers who opposed the move cited parking problems, safety concerns related to boat traffic, and issues with mixing public water access with a competitive rowing program.

District 2 Councilmember Laurie Lehmann proposed relocating the team to Crystal Lake Park, building a $40,000 dock, and moving parts of the floating dock from Tropicana Park. However, public works estimates show the plan would cost about $170,000. Lehmann declined to comment on the matter during the ceremony.

Members of the rowing club said they feel blindsided by the council’s decision and hope city leaders will one day recognize the importance of their sport.

"I feel like it's important to note the fact that we are very passionate about what we do and that what we do does, in fact, matter," said club member Brooke Bunch.

Sofia Mayus, another club member, expressed concern about the impact of the decision on the community.

"It's a very good opportunity that we have. By trying to push us out, it's definitely taking it away from a bunch of people in Cape Coral. They should consider, you know, the opportunities that the kids in Cape Coral, especially over the organization, over that strong push us out," Mayus said.

Both girls just won their state championship race and are getting ready to compete in nationals.

Currently, the rowing club is practicing at Seven Islands under a lease agreement with a developer, but its future remains uncertain.

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