Exclusive interview with Cape Coral leaders about families displaced through city project

Residents near Bimini Square in Cape Coral face displacement as bulldozers demolish buildings for a new development project.

The construction includes a restaurant, parking garage, and office space for Lee Health. While the demolition occurs, some residents are still living in nearby homes.

• RELATED: Bimini Basin residents face housing challenges

Cape Coral spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen addressed concerns about the city’s efforts to assist displaced families.

“We worked closely with the state to develop a housing assistance program, and the tenants here at Bimini East were some of the first to have that assistance offered to them,” said Mullen.

However, questions remain about the effectiveness of the assistance. Marc Bryant, a resident affected by the project, expressed frustration.

“We’ve had enough losses here,” said Bryant. “My daughter died in June, lost half our social security benefits, and then to find out on the news that we’re gonna have to move out too. It’s a lot.”

The city offered state-approved assistance of up to $6,000 for at least nine tenants in December.

Concerns have been raised about the timing, as residents must vacate by Jan. 31.

The situation remains challenging for those affected as they continue to seek answers and find new housing.