Parents concerned over unauthorized cameras at Cape Coral playground

Parents at the Storm Football Complex playground in Cape Coral are raising concerns after discovering unauthorized security cameras recording activity near their children. Christina, a parent from Cape Coral, said, "And first we're like, oh, maybe the park put it up, but we go to all the parks, and we don't ever see cameras. So we're like, oh, that's so weird." The discovery has left parents uneasy, with Christina expressing fears about potential safety risks. "That just leaves a wide-open door for predators, more predators? And it just made us more concerned about our safety and the safety of our kids," she said. The city of Cape Coral confirmed the cameras were installed by a local youth sports program without authorization. In a statement, the city said, "The City is aware of the camera placed at the Storm Complex Playground by a local youth sports program. The organization did not have authorization to install or operate a camera in a City Park, and City staff has directed the program to remove it." Despite the city's response, Christina remains skeptical. "So it's got to be something malicious, in my opinion," she said. "First of all, no permission. Right. So somebody is recording, and again, like, what's the motive? Are they trying to clock when parents are coming here, when kids are coming without a parent?" When asked why the cameras were installed, the youth sports program declined to comment. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV