Cape Coral's 250-foot flagpole rises ahead of July 4th celebration

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Cape Coral raised its new 250-foot flagpole just in time for America's 250th birthday celebration.

The flagpole was raised after months of fundraising and community support.

"It's just overwhelming. It's humbling," said Michael Ilczyszyn, City Manager.

The city manager said the day was one of celebration for the patriotic community.

"This community has always been veteran-oriented, patriotic," Ilczyszyn said.

Some people pulled over to watch the flagpole being raised. While they didn't want to talk on camera, they all said they were excited to watch the project come to fruition.

The project came with its challenges and public concerns.

Ilczyszyn spearheaded the project in November, asking for $500,000 in donations. According to the city’s donation website, as of now they have raised $313,000 with more than 200 donors and the city is still taking donations.

"Any anytime we do anything related to America, the flag, veterans, our community comes out strong, and so I knew once that that was put back to fundraise for it, I knew the community would get behind it, and they did," Ilczyszyn said.

The city is hosting a ceremony for the new flagpole July 4 at 2 p.m. where they will raise the 300 pound flag.