Cape advisory board gives support to extended bar hours

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- The South Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board is recommending approval of extended bar hours to city leaders.

The Advisory Board, made up of private citizens, voted 3 to 1 in favor of the extended hours. The board does not enact any policy but gives recommendations to the Cape Coral mayor and City Council members.

Nine people spoke during a public forum Friday afternoon where those against the late night hours pointed to the public safety concerns, while those in favor focused on the economic benefits.

“This is about growth versus non-growth,” said Janie Keim. “I think that we need to be more open to the new ideas.”

“If people didn’t want to be going to the bars at four in the morning, guess what? The bars wouldn’t have made any money,” said Pamela Hazelton.

Others argued the late night bar hours are a nuisance in the area.

“It’s so noisy on 47th Street it’s unbelievable,” said David Lawrence.

The owner of Dixie Roadhouse is a member of the CRA Advisory Board and recused herself from the vote.

City leaders are expected to revisit the idea of continuing the 4 a.m. bar hours on Monday.