Man taken out of Cape Coral Council Chambers by police

A commotion erupted as Cape Coral’s City Council discussed the latest version of the Jaycee Park redesign at the city’s council chambers.

A man took a seat Wednesday morning during the meeting and sat with his back to the council. It was enough to bring some action from Cape Coral police in the chambers.

When two officers approached the man, he refused to move. They then tried to put his arms behind his back, and he struggled against them.

Some attending the meeting began yelling or sounding agitated, but the two officers were able to walk him out, locked into his arms.

There were chants of “shame on you” directed out to the council regarding the redesign of the park that the public has long been protesting.

And the comments continued onto Wednesday’s meeting.

Mayor John Gunter addressed the concerns.

“I want to make sure that everyone understands that I support improvements at the park.” he said. “Right now, today, for me, it’s not the time.”

Many people left the chambers with the impression that the council had put the plan on pause.

But city council had reached a consensus and directed staff to move forward with a resolution to approve the completion of design services.

And many like Gema Cisneros, aren’t surprised to hear it.

“They already have their heads set on what they want to do, and they don’t actually consider what we have to say,” Cisneros said.

The city manager’s spokesperson said it will take about a year for the design plans to be 100% complete, especially as they are only at 30% completion.

The City Council will vote on whether to approve the current design plans proposed on Oct. 18.