Cape Coral votes against Matlacha annexation, opposition relieved

Cape Coral City Council voted against the annexation of Matlacha into the city during its regular meeting Monday.

The ordinance council reviewed would have added nearly 6 acres of property to Cape Coral city limits.

The annexation debate over Matlacha has lasted for years, and dozens of people showed up to give public comment to voice their opposition of annexation before the vote.

“We were here before the city,” public commenter Michael Hannon said. “The Matlacha islands and greater Pine Island were fishing committees before anyone even heard of Cape Coral. We expect they’re gonna turn it into what they hope to be the Miami of the west.”

Matlacha continues to pride itself in its independence.