250-foot American flag flying again over Cape Coral after replacement driven from Texas

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — The massive 250-foot American flag overlooking the Cape Coral Bridge is flying once again after damage forced the city to take it down.

Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn shared photos Saturday showing crews reinstalling the flag. He said the flag's manufacturer personally drove the replacement from Texas to Cape Coral so it could be installed as quickly as possible.

The original flag was removed after crews discovered damage to one of its eyelets. The city said it was taken down out of an abundance of caution.

For people passing through the area Saturday morning, the flag's return was hard to miss.

READ MORE: Cape Coral's 250-foot American flag taken down after damage found

Esteban Delgado was heading out to fish near the Cape Coral Bridge when he immediately noticed the massive flag was back in the sky.

"It's beautiful, it's gorgeous. Look how big it is," Delgado said.

Delgado had been in the same area just days earlier when the flag wasn't flying.

"I was here a couple of days ago, and the flag was not up," Delgado said.

The towering flagpole along Cape Coral Parkway has become a prominent part of the city's skyline since it was installed. Its size and cost have also generated debate among residents.

Tom Sholtis said he was happy to see the flag back, but was surprised it needed to be replaced so soon after it was first raised.

"I love it. I'm glad that it's back up. I'm glad that they put it up so quickly," Sholtis said.

For Sholtis, the flag also carries a personal meaning. His son, grandfather and father-in-law all served in the military.

"Freedom. You know, men and women have died for that flag to be flown, and it means the world to me," Sholtis said.

Still, Sholtis questioned why the flag experienced damage so soon.

"I was shocked. It should not have lasted three weeks for the amount of money," Sholtis said.

Sholtis said he hopes any future issues with the flag can be addressed just as quickly. He called getting the replacement installed within about a week "amazing."

For Delgado, the flag's return also gave his Saturday morning fishing spot a patriotic backdrop.

"I feel blessed now," Delgado said. "I have America behind me."

The replacement flag is now once again visible along Cape Coral Parkway and from the Cape Coral Bridge.