City council members challenge Yacht Club beach closing

Reporter: Corey Lazar
Published: Updated:

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – City Council Member Richard Leon said he does not believe Mayor Marni Retzer had the authority to close a popular swimming spot without first addressing her colleagues.

Mayor Retzer’s announced in a Facebook status posted to her page Saturday night that the beach at the Cape Coral Yacht Club was closed. Media was not informed nor was a notification posted to the city’s Facebook page or website.

Leon said that the most recent test results do not support Mayor Retzer’s decision. He also said he believes the city council should have been addressed.

“When you look at he closure of the yacht club I think there is a policy here that the city needs to talk about,” Leon said. “When the mayor and the city manager and the state rep decide to close the yacht club without really contacting council, without really getting the facts. You look at the data there is no reason to close.”

Rep. Dane Eagle agreed Sunday that the toxin levels were low, but said in a written statement he and Mayor Retzer were “not taking any risks and closed the beach out of an abundance of caution.”

Retzer made the decision in conjunction with the city manager who was permitted to close the beach without involving the city council.

The popular swimming spot is closed until further notice.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.