where is cape coral yacht club

Yacht Club Community Park: Cape Coral’s Original Waterfront Landmark Opened in 1962

Cape Coral’s Yacht Club Community Park has its own white sandy beach on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Photo courtesy of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation.

Yacht Club Community Park

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Yacht Club Beach - Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park

Yacht Club Beach , also known as Yacht Club Community Park , is a pristine public beach nestled in the coastal city of Cape Coral, Florida. Discover one of the best beaches, with its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, it offers visitors a serene and relaxing environment to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of nature. The beach is open to the public and provides free access year-round, making it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike.

UPDATE October 2023: Yacht Club Beach - The public beach is expected to reopen sometime around November 10, 2023.

Cape Coral is a vibrant, sun-soaked haven of natural beauty, and Yacht Club Public Beach is its crown jewel. Found on the southern outskirts of the city limits, visitors are greeted with powdery white sand and a blissful wave-lapped shoreline that stretches for miles.

Yacht Club Beach, located on the Caloosahatchee River offers more than just breathtaking views – it’s also home to an array of activities and amenities that will make your visit even more enjoyable. From lounging in the sun on a beach chair or swing, to trying out some water sports such as jet skiing or paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone here! The beach also has facilities like changing rooms and restrooms, plus a restaurant called The Boathouse that makes for a great lunch spot if you don't want to bring a picnic lunch after a long morning on the sand.  The Boathouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner right at the beach.  It's so nice to sit outside in the sun and see the views of Yacht Club Public Beach and the river.  Live music is played on weekends.

Even though our beach is small, it's perfect for families, and we don't have problems with partying spring-breakers, which is nice during March and April.

There's plenty of soft white sand and sunshine to please everyone. The beach is only a 15-minute drive from most of the Cape and parking is free.   Walk on the fishing pier, pack the beach toys, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the shoreline or a complete the day with a beautiful sunset and an evening of star-gazing.

 When I homeschooled, we would whoop it up a bit ... we'd grab our books, bikinis, beach gear, and hit the sand!

Kids will love the shaded playground when taking a break from sand and swimming.

Yacht Club Public Beach Recreation

At Yacht Club Beach , the fun never ends. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, visitors can engage in various water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. The beach also features volleyball courts, perfect for friendly matches under the sun. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, grab a book and relax under the shade of a palm tree, enjoying the gentle gulf breeze. The beach's amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, public boat ramp and convenient parking lot, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all.

It's fun to go to the Sunset Celebration, which happens the first Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM or 5-8PM,  depending on Daylight Savings, October - June.

You may be able to see hula dancers, fire eaters, and all kinds of musicians perform.

The video below will give you an idea of the fun going on:

During the celebration, there's a nice craft show at the ballroom pavilion.  

You'll find jewelry, clothing, food, herbs, plants, art, crafts, and gift items, or even tables set up by local businesses.

Sometimes there are special events, such as a car show ... and I have to say, my favorites from this show are the red cars and the snazzy orange one!

Make sure you stay late enough to watch the sunset ....... which can be spectacular!

In this video you can see the sun dropping below the horizon:

Even though the light is fading, Yacht Club Beach is still nice for a last little swim or a walk .

As you can see, our Cape Coral Beach is lots of fun all day long ...

*The beach pavilion has been torn down and there is now more room on the beach!

Yacht Club Public Beach in Cape Coral is a place unlike any other – not only does it offer stunning views of nature at its finest, but it also provides a sense of joy and peace that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and create memories with friends and family – a treasure that will stay in your heart for years to come. Visit Yacht Club Beach today and experience all the wonders this beachfront paradise has to offer! 

• Yacht Club Beach in Cape Coral, Florida, is a hidden gem and stands out as one of the best public beaches Cape Coral.
• It offers a stunning beach setting with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
• The beach provides a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, and water sports.
• Yacht Club Beach is part of the larger Cape Coral Yacht Club, which offers additional amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
• The beach is undergoing updates in 2023 to enhance visitors' experiences.
• The beach offers great photo opportunities with its scenic beauty and captivating sunsets.
• Visitors can enjoy excellent facilities and services, including restrooms, parking, and lifeguards.
• Important tips for visiting Yacht Club Beach include planning your visit during the best seasons and respecting beach rules.
• Yacht Club Beach is a cherished destination in Cape Coral, offering relaxation, adventure, and a memorable experience.

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Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach is also open. The pier, and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

Note:   Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building...

Note:   Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building is expected to begin in Dec/Jan 2023. Fencing will surround the Yacht Club's facilities as work is being done and should have little to no impact on the beach or its parking.

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Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach Reopens: Your Guide to Paradise

Cape Coral, Florida, is a beautiful coastal destination adorned by tourists from all around the world. This lively community is famous for its breathtaking waterfront views, pristine beaches, and delicious dining options. Unfortunately, the beloved Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach had to temporarily close due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It’s a place known for its scenic beauty, waterfront dining and a variety of beach activities, and its absence has been deeply felt. On November 11 th , 2023, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach reopened, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy all that the Yacht Club has to offer. With this beachfront gem now open once more, let’s explore what this reopening means for those visiting Cape Coral, Florida.

Enjoy a Cape Coral Beach Day

With the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach now open again, visitors can enjoy a fun day at the beach. There is nothing quite like a Cape Coral Beach Day! Spend your time on the sand, soaking in the sun, and cooling off in the refreshing water. It’s the perfect setting for building sandcastles, reading a good book, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful beach atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a day of leisure, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach provides an ideal backdrop for a memorable day where you can create cherished memories.

Indulge with Waterfront Dining

With this reopening, guests can also treat themselves to a delightful waterfront dining experience at The Boathouse Tiki Bar and Grill . This local’s favorite is the perfect way to spend an evening, capturing the breathtaking sunset, sipping on delectable cocktails, and savoring a delicious meal. As the sun dips below the horizon, the tranquil waterfront setting at The Boathouse creates a captivating ambiance, making it an ideal spot to unwind and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Stay by the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach

For an immersive Cape Coral Yacht Club experience, consider staying in the vicinity. Luckily, Roelens Vacations offers a range of options within walking distance! Whether you opt for the charming Villa Nana and Papa’s Beach House or the delightful Villa Beachside Bliss , you’ll be right in the heart of the Cape Coral action. These wonderful accommodations provide high-end comfort and private pool and spas, allowing you to not just visit but become a part of the vibrant pulse of this coastal paradise. With the Yacht Club’s exciting amenities and the stunning beach on your doorstep, your Cape Coral Vacation promises to be truly unforgettable.

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The Yacht Club in Cape Coral – A Landmark in Transition

The Cape Coral Yacht Club, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Florida’s gulf coast just outside of Fort Myers is currently undergoing a significant transformation. This beloved landmark, established in the 1960s, has weathered many storms over the decades.

However, the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ian has necessitated an extensive rebuilding process that is projected to unfold over the next three to four years. The area around Fort Myers Beach especially and Sanibel Island were devastated in the hurricane .

Table of Contents

A Glance at the Past: The Origins of Cape Coral’s Yacht Club Area

The impact of hurricane ian on the yacht club, the road to restoration: challenges and expectations, the 50% rule and its impact on the rebuilding process, the community’s response to the rebuilding process, preserving the historical significance of the yacht club, the path forward: a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges, the role of insurance in the rebuilding process, a call for transparency and community involvement, the future of the yacht club in cape coral, here are some more frequently asked questions about the yacht club in cape coral:, what is happening with cape coral yacht club, what body of water is cap coral yacht club on, is cape coral beach open after hurricane ian, what beaches are in cape coral florida, what happens in a yacht club, how much is the seal beach yacht club, are the beach club and yacht club in cape coral connected, is the yacht and beach club in cape coral connected.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club was located in one of the first parts of Cape Coral to be developed, has a rich and varied history. It’s a charming blend of vintage 1960s residences and modern upscale luxury homes. Over the years, these properties have caught the attention of discerning buyers who have invested significantly in renovating or rebuilding the original homes, adding a contemporary flair to this vintage neighborhood.

The untamed force of Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on the Yacht Club, damaging almost every structure and forcing beaches in the area to close for extensive repairs. This situation was particularly disheartening for local beach residents who saw the Yacht Club as a key attraction and an integral part of their community.

Restoring the Yacht Club to its former glory is no small task. The extent of the damage has necessitated a complete overhaul, and construction of a process that is projected to take several years and potentially cost up to $100 million. These daunting figures have sparked debate in the community, with residents and officials alike expressing their concerns about the future of this historic site.

The Yacht Club after damage from Hurricane Ian,

The significant damage inflicted by the hurricane has brought facilities at the Yacht Club under the purview of FEMA’s 50% rule. This regulation stipulates that if a structure’s damage exceeds 50% of its repair costs, it must be rebuilt to meet current hurricane standards.

This requirement presents a significant challenge, as it mandates a comprehensive rebuilding process that must adhere to stringent safety standards including the swimming pool, fishing pier, yacht club beach, boat ramp and many more parts of the club.

The prolonged closure of the Yacht Club parking, has stirred feelings of disappointment and frustration among local beach residents. They long for the removal of the ‘No Trespassing’ signs and the reopening of their beloved beach area. The community, however, is not just concerned about the lengthy rebuilding timeline but also about the potential changes to the Yacht Club’s historic character.

There is a strong sentiment within the community to preserve the historical significance of the Yacht Club, particularly the main ballroom building. The city council’s current plan to demolish all buildings on the property has met with resistance from local residents who consider the Yacht Club a crucial part of Cape Coral’s heritage.

Despite the daunting obstacles, there are reasons for optimism. The Boathouse Restaurant, a popular local eatery that also suffered significant damage, is expected to reopen soon.

Also, the city council is considering reopening the pier and some amenities in stages to provide the community with much-needed access to the waterfront.

Navigating the insurance claim process is another significant challenge that the city is facing. The initial claim report estimated the damage to the main ballroom building at nearly $25,000.

However, considering the extent of the destruction across the entire property, the final claim amount is likely to be significantly higher.

Residents of the city of Cape Coral are seeking greater transparency from the city about the rebuilding process. They are eager for a clear picture of the damage and the city’s plan for restoration.

There is also a growing call for the press and the public to be allowed inside the Yacht Club Area to observe firsthand the extent of the damage and the progress of the rebuilding efforts.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club’s journey from a vibrant community hub to a hurricane-ravaged site, and its ongoing transition towards restoration, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Cape Coral community. Despite the challenges, there is a collective commitment to restoring this historic landmark while preserving its unique character and heritage.

This commitment is a beacon of hope that shines brightly, illuminating the path towards a future where the Yacht Club once again stands as a proud symbol of Cape Coral’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.

It is recommended visiting the Cape Coral Yacht Club official website or contacting them directly to see their current status.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club is located on the Caloosahatchee River, a body of water in Southwest Florida that leads to the Gulf of Mexico.

Check the latest updates from the local government or news outlets for the most accurate information.

Cape Coral, Florida, is home to several beaches, including Yacht Club Public Beach and Four Freedoms Beach. Other nearby beaches include Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island.

A yacht club is typically a social club for people who are interested in water activities such as sailing and boating. Members often participate in racing, cruising, and educational events, and the clubs usually offer dining, leisure facilities, and social activities.

It is best to contact the club directly or visit their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In Cape Coral, the Yacht Club and the Beach Club are part of the same facility, known as the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, which features a beach, a pool, a boat ramp, and other amenities.

Yes, in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club and the Beach Club are part of the same establishment, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, where visitors can enjoy a variety of water and leisure activities.

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New timeline for Cape Coral Yacht Club restoration

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A new timeline is set for when all the amenities might open at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

The Boathouse Restaurant was scheduled to reopen at the end of this month but now Paul Clinghan, Director of Capital Improvements for the City of Cape Coral, says it may not happen until June.

Clinghan says the city is working on parking and lighting as well as temporary fencing around the areas of the yacht club that will still be closed.

As for the boat gas station, it’s up to the city’s public works department to make sure the tanks and supply lines are ready. Then the restaurant will make the final decision on the actual pumps.

During Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting, he also said the boat ramp is still shut down and that will stay the case until at least September. The reason given by the city is the company responsible for removing abandoned boats from Lee County, has removed 89 from Cape Coral so far, and they anticipate needing until August 31st to remove the rest.

The beach remains closed until further notice. Clinghan says “As far as sand refurbishment, we’re waiting for FEMA approval. They still have to send out a beach inspector. That’s actually a specialist that comes out related to beaches, to see if we’re eligible for reimbursement. The marina is still closed and the other amenities”

As for the buildings at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, they will all be demolished and that will not get underway until September or October as they wait on FEMA reimbursement.

Another update from the city of Cape Coral is expected next month.

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Demolition of cape coral yacht club to begin.

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City of cape coral to discuss yacht club rebuilding plans.

During a council meeting last month, members had three design options for the yacht club on the table.

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The City of Cape Coral is moving ahead with their plans to rebuild the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

Barriers currently surround the building as it awaits demolition this month.

The deconstruction process has already begun.

The new community center will be two stories high, totaling around 47,000 square feet.

The redesigned yacht club will also have a new pool, more than 140 boat slips, and a massive 500-plus space garage.

During a council meeting last month, members had three design options on the table for the yacht club.

They decided on option one, described as a "Key West aesthetic."

We spoke with neighbors back in March who are optimistic about the new community space.

“I’m just excited to watch the progress starting. It will be exciting to see changes made. I know it will be slow, but it’s still going to be exciting because it’s a sign that we're in for something better,” Cape Coral resident Deb Chang said.

During Tuesday night's meeting at the Mercola Market, the community will be able to ask questions and provide feedback starting at 6 p.m.

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City moves forward with design plans for the Yacht Club

By meghan bradbury - | jul 18, 2024.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club was razed in April. PHOTO BY ROB BRAITLING

Cape Coral City Council approved design plans for both the Yacht Club and its pier Wednesday.

The elected board passed a pair of resolutions:

• Resolution 194-24 to authorize preparation of the final design and construction documents for the Yacht Club Community Center at a not to exceed amount of $7,316,186.96.

• Resolution that 224-24 for the final design, construction documents and construction services of the fishing pier at the Yacht Club in a not to exceed amount of $386,161.40.

The ongoing discussion of the city’s decision to rebuild the park by replacing the historic mid-Century “ballroom” with a new resort-style “destination” complex has been fraught with resident protest, including a funeral-style service in advance of the demolition.

The new complex will feature an island-ambiance anchored by a two-story community center and resort style pool as well as related amenities.

All of that was captured into design work with an agreement with Kimley-Horne and Associates, which City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said is the No. 1 best qualifying firm for community parks.

Ilczyszyn said when the city first started the Yacht Club project, they were primarily dealing with a scope of work that dealt with work at the riverfront beach, the seawall and parking deck.

Then Hurricane Ian swept through the area, and elements were added to the scope of work, as buildings had damage.

“Since then, we had a hurricane,” Ilczyszyn said. “Now we had to deal with the ‘donut hole’ — the center portion never intending to deal with.”

This triggered some substantial improvement requirements including removal of buildings the city had not originally planned to remove.

“We went through a series of public meetings and sessions of council — what the community wanted to see,” he said. “All of that led to the end selection of architectural design.”

Ilczyszyn said Council chose to do a full rebuild of the pier — which includes a design of a new pier that would include such areas as wind loads and static loads. Due to the condition of the pilings, they decided not to move forward with partial opening, he said.

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Cape Coral hosts open-house style events for updated Jaycee Park designs; critics continue

C ape Coral is hosting an open house-style design review on Tuesday for the planned improvements at Jaycee Park, even as some residents are working to halt the plans.

Because Jaycee Park has hit its 30% design benchmark, residents can see the designs, speak with experts, and provide feedback.

The event is in the city's Public Works Operation Center, 815 Nicholas Parkway E., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Jaycee Park is an 11.8-acre park that opened more than 40 years ago and includes large open green spaces, a playground, a picnic area, restrooms, a walking path, and a gazebo.

The city held a similar event in September 2023, which was attended by many with the "Save Jaycee Park" movement, a group dedicated to preserving the character and feel of the neighborhood park.

For months, residents have been up in arms, showing up to the city council meetings and demanding that they halt any plans.

Clare Dooley, chairwoman of The Cape Coral Preservation PAC, said her organization continues to oppose the plans for the park.

"We are adamantly opposed to the city's design plans for the park that will destroy the beautiful natural green space that so many city residents enjoy," Dooley said.

The PAC was created to stop the overdevelopment and wasteful spending supported by the current mayor and city council by placing two referendums on the 2024 ballot, one to stop the development of Jaycee Park and to repeal the council's recently approved stipends.

"We are working hard to get the 22,000 signatures we need to get our initiative on the ballot, but we need help from everyone who loves the park the way it is," Dooley said.

Pennoni Associates, a consulting engineering firm, had been contracted for the preliminary and updated designs, which currently include two docks, both at the north and south ends, for 24 boat slips, a splash pad, two beach volleyball courts, a bistro/piazza area, areas for six food trucks, and a bandshell.

Updates to the designs include a revised parking lot concept with 128 spaces, ADA boardwalk accessibility, more shade trees, and shaded seating options.

Improvements to the park are estimated to cost $12 million for construction, and the city plans to issue a long-term debt to pay for the project, which means city residents and future residents will bear the cost.

Cape Coral plans to seek grant funding to offset some of the project's costs.

Previous coverage Cape Coral's Jaycee Park: Neighbors, council face off over update plans for beloved park

Recent Jaycee Park news Cape Coral residents putting plans for Jaycee Park, council stipends on the 2024 ballot.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral hosts open-house style events for updated Jaycee Park designs; critics continue

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Satellite imagery shows Lake Okeechobee is about half covered with algae bloom

Summer is blue-green algae season, and the potentially toxic mess is starting to show up in various places around south Florida and in the Lake Okeechobee system.

From the heart of the Everglades to Cape Coral canals, blue-green algae is being reported in typical locations and at moderate levels, but water advocates are concerned the bloom could grow into a damaging event.

Blue-green algae can turn toxic and take over the Fort Myers-Cape Coral region, as it did in the summer of 2018.

"There are both freshwater and brackish blooms to be found, but most of what I've seen popping up are in the tidal canals in Southeast Cape (Coral)," said Calusa Waterkeeper volunteer Jason Pim, who lives in Cape Coral. "Is it local rainfall and stormwater runoff or just the hot, long, still days triggering all the nutrients?"

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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said on July 2 that approximately 50% of Lake Okeechobee's surface showed bloom conditions.

That DEP report is typically issued weekly, but no report was available for July 9 as of Friday afternoon.

Bloom conditions becoming typical on Okeechobee

Col. James Booth, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville office, said Friday that bloom conditions were present in various parts of the lake.

"There's quite a bit of bloom activity on the lake and that's pretty typical for the last few years for this time of year," Booth said. "I think it's north of 400 square miles of algal potential on the lake, and you can see that green from the satellite imagery level."

Booth, who is retiring later this month, said conditions are bad in the Port Myakka area but that the west side, where the Caloosahatchee River is connected, has been relatively free of algae.

"We're seeing much lower levels of surface scum along our Caloosahatchee structures, but at S77 (a gated spillway where the lake connects to the river) it's been pretty clear and we're not seeing bloom conditions," Booth said.

Booth said the agency is targeting a release that will equate to 2,000 cubic feet per second of flow as measured at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam in Alva.

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The Army Corps often targets a flow of 2,000 cubic feet per second at that structure as it's within the safe threshold for the downstream estuary.

Since 2008, the Army Corps has used what is called the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule, or LORS, to keep the surface of Lake Okeechobee between 12.5 and 15.5 feet above sea level.

The Army Corps is expecting a step called a "record of decision" on a new schedule, called the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual, or LOSOM, which will likely take effect in late August.

Pim said summer blooms are part of a pattern that has held strong in recent years.

"I've documented (bloom conditions) in Cape Coral canals from the Midpoint Bridge to the Yacht Club around June 15 for three consecutive years now," he said. "In the tidal canals and in North Fort Myers and the Cape, it always seems to be flashing green from July 4 on."