Cape Coral Council moves forward with licensing investigator role and $500 million Bimini East redevelopment

The Cape Coral City Council voted to create a full‑time licensing investigator position. The role will split duties between proactive field inspections of construction sites and case‑management/auditing of permits, digital media and fraud investigations. Salary is projected between $52,769 and $82,555, with total first‑year costs estimated at $125,603. Funding would come from a proposed $5 surcharge on unlicensed contractors, with fines also directed to a dedicated fund, as outlined by Mayor John Gunter and Deputy Development Services Director Matthew Grambow.

In a separate unanimous decision, the council approved moving ahead with the $500 million Bimini East Redevelopment Project. The plan, presented by Crown Development, calls for two upscale hotels, a 45‑slip marina, retail and office space, walkable areas, eateries and 700‑900 residential units on a 33‑acre site. The city is using Tax Increment Financing through the South Cape Redevelopment Agency, with City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn overseeing the agreement. The project follows the city’s purchase of blighted parcels damaged in Hurricane Ian, aiming to revitalize downtown Cape Coral.