Latest news with #CapeCoral
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cape Coral group launches recall effort against Mayor John Gunter
Cape Coral residents have launched an official recall campaign against Mayor John Gunter, citing what they call a pattern of misrepresentation, lack of transparency and failed leadership. The "Take Out the Trash Committee of Cape Coral" launched the effort during a city council meeting May 21, accusing the mayor of misrepresenting the public and pushing through controversial decisions without listening to constituents. Leading the recall efforts is Cape Coral resident Kyle L'Hommedieu. 'It's time the people of this declining city know the truth about the people who pretend to represent them,' said L'Hommedieu, chair of the committee, as he announced the petition drive to remove Gunter from office. Gunter won the race for Cape Coral mayor in 2022, securing 61.08% of the vote, according to the Lee County Supervisor of Elections election results. His opponent, Tom Shadrach, trailed behind by 13,892 votes. Gunter's term is set to end in 2026. The recall petition is grounded in state law and accuses Gunter of misfeasance and malfeasance, referencing three main votes he supported: A proposal to renovate Jaycee Park The decision to approve monthly stipends for the mayor and city council The approval of a water facility in the Yellow Fever Creek Preserve, a nature area some residents believed would remain protected L'Hommedieu, who lives near the preserve, called the decision "deplorable" and said it was the tipping point that led him to act. The recall committee has also criticized Gunter's leadership style online, writing that the mayor has 'failed to uphold his oath of office' and that 'many describe the mayor as arrogant, dismissive, and even bullying toward the very people he pledged to serve.' The Take Out the Trash Committee has been gathering signatures at local businesses and neighborhoods. The group also claims some supporters, including city employees and business owners, are afraid to sign due to potential retaliation. 'Citizens are fed up, and the momentum is growing—because people are ready for accountability,' the group said in a social media post. Mayor Gunter addressed the recall effort head-on during the council meeting and in a written response to The News-Press. "I've got big shoulders,' Gunter said of the criticism. He also noted that many critics leave before hearing staff or council responses. "I'm one vote,' Gunter said during the meeting, adding that the council makes decisions collectively. Under Cape Coral's city manager form of government, he said, the city manager handles day-to-day operations. The council makes decisions collectively by a majority vote. "If you think I've done something illegal, please go to our state's attorney. Go to her office and file a complaint,' he said. In his written statement, which he requested be published in full, Gunter defended the legality and rationale behind the votes cited in the recall petition. 'In the petition, the pensioners stated that I violated Florida Statute 112.311(6). Our decisions are made by the majority of the City Council as a whole, with the Mayor having one vote. Just because some individuals do not like the outcome of a vote, it does not mean I, or any other Councilmember, violated this statute. Additionally, their claim that I violated Florida Statute 286.011 is unwarranted. These meetings were between our State Legislators, our lobbyist, and some members of our City Council, who would discuss topics that our State Legislators would be voting on, not the City Council. Unfortunately, Councilmember Kaduk wanted to bring three unannounced guests, which was inappropriate given the meetings' structure, and I made a statement that this was not allowed and would not continue. Their assertion in this petition will not meet the legal requirements needed in both allegations; therefore, it will not rise to the standard required for 'misfeasance' or 'Malfeasance',' Gunter wrote in his statement. 'I voted in support of all three of these Agenda Items. Again, the City Council makes all decisions by a majority vote of the Council. The votes in the Jaycee Park were 8-0, the Yellow Fever Creek were 6-2, and the original Stipend was 8-0. If a Councilmember votes in a way that some residents may disagree with, that does not mean that they have violated any ethical regulation or Florida Statute,' he wrote. "Unfortunately, a small group of individuals who disagree with some of the decisions made by our City Council are exposing our city in a negative light, and I apologize to most of our community for that. For some reason, they feel the need to single me out on decisions that we make collectively as a Council. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the allegations articulated in the petition do not meet the legal threshold required for any of these allegations. I have always and will continue to make decisions based on what I believe is in the best interest of our community, encompassing all 225,000 residents, not just a select few,' Gunter wrote. Removing a sitting mayor in Florida is a process governed by state law and involves multiple steps. Recall organizers must collect roughly 7,000 signatures, 5% of registered Cape Coral voters, within 30 days. The Lee County Supervisor of Elections then reviews and verifies the signatures. If valid, the mayor can submit a written defense. A revised petition including the mayor's defense must gather an even greater number of signatures within 60 days. If successful, a recall vote is held in a special election. If any phase falls short, the effort ends there. If successful, voters would decide whether to remove Gunter and potentially elect a replacement. For now, the clock is ticking. The recall committee must collect approximately those 7,000 valid signatures within 30 days to keep the effort alive. If successful, Cape Coral could be headed toward a recall election. Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@ This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral residents launch campaign to recall Mayor John Gunter
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Feisty duck relocated after ruffling feathers in Florida neighborhood
The Brief A young Muscovy duck known for aggressive behavior was removed from a Cape Coral neighborhood. Animal rescuers relocated the hand-raised duck, now named Jimmy, to an Ocala sanctuary. Locals expressed relief, calling the bird and others like it "vicious." OCALA, Fla. - A Muscovy duck that gained internet fame for terrorizing a Cape Coral neighborhood has found a new home in Central Florida. What we know A Muscovy duck that was reportedly harassing residents in a Cape Coral neighborhood has been safely captured and relocated to an animal sanctuary in Ocala. The duck, now named "Jimmy," was taken in by Mark Quadrozzi of Remarkable Rescues after gaining viral attention on social media for its aggressive behavior. Quadrozzi estimates Jimmy is three to four months old and was likely hand-raised. What we don't know It remains unclear who originally raised or released the duck in the Cape Coral neighborhood. Officials have not confirmed whether other aggressive ducks remain in the area or if any future wildlife removal plans are in place. The backstory Residents in the neighborhood had been dealing with the duck's hostile behavior for some time, with reports of people being pecked and chased. Male Muscovy ducks are known to be more aggressive than females, which may explain the confrontations. Once the story aired and video footage spread online, it attracted the attention of animal rescuers. Big picture view Though native to Central and South America, Muscovy ducks are commonly found in Florida, where their presence sometimes leads to friction with the locals. After a local news story aired and footage of the feisty duck spread on social media, an animal sanctuary in Ocala stepped in to relocate the bird. Mark Quadrozzi with Remarkable Rescues drove to Cape Coral and successfully captured the duck, which has since been named "Jimmy." "You're just kind of at the mercy of what they're going to do that day," Quadrozzi said of the unpredictable behavior of Muscovy ducks. "Even if somebody knows a particular animal's schedule from their observations, each day." It took more than an hour of searching before the young male duck, estimated to be about three to four months old, was safely taken into custody. Quadrozzi believes Jimmy was likely raised by humans. "When you have a duck that actually wants to make physical contact with a person like that, but in a way with its beak, that's more of a social thing, it's kind of a given that it was hand raised by someone," he said. Residents in the neighborhood have reported injuries and aggressive behavior, particularly from male Muscovy ducks, which Quadrozzi says are generally less gentle than females. Cape Coral resident James Sepulveda expressed relief over the removal. "Finally we got him!" he said. "But I'm happy they are getting rid of ducks in this area, because they are vicious." What's next The duck will take up residence among other Muscovy ducks at the Ocala sanctuary. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Mark Quadrozzi with Remarkable Rescues, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and resident of Cape Coral.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Shocking injuries of old man viciously attacked by unlikely beast in stunning coastal Florida town
A Florida community was recently ambushed by a 'vicious' and unlikely beast who left an old man injured. A Muscovy duck recently made its way to a neighborhood in Cape Coral - about four hours outside of Orlando - but the animal was not at all welcoming to its neighbors. James Sepulveda, a resident who has lived in the area since 1998, was left with an injury on his hand after the duck bit him. 'I sit on my porch, 7 to 7:30 at this time of the year to catch a sunset, you know, some sun, and I had my eyes closed,' he told Fox 4. 'All of a sudden, I felt a jab on my hand and it was bleeding.' Sepulveda wasn't the only one attacked by the duck, as Richard Guy, a neighbor who lives down the street from him, was also targeted. 'I stood up and I made some noises, thinking it would go away, duck, you know, next thing I know, its wings come out you know like it's going to attack me,' Guy told the outlet, showing injuries near his wrist. At one point, the duck, later named Jimmy, even followed Sepulveda into his home. When news first broke of the animal's terrifying behavior, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said Muscovy ducks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act prohibits the killing, selling, capturing, trading or transportation of specific birds without prior authorization, according to the agency's website. 'Muscovy ducks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a Control Order allowing control of Muscovy ducks and their nests and eggs in areas outside their natural range,' FWC told the outlet. The particular ducks are known to inhabit Texas, not the Sunshine State. If they need to be removed, the process has to include them being either humanely killed or donated to scientific or educational institutes, per the agency. After news of Jimmy's actions spread across the community, the terrorizing duck was taken to an animal sanctuary. Mark Quadrozzi with Remarkable Rescues in Ocala took it upon himself to remove the feisty animal from the neighborhood. 'When you have a duck that wants to actually make physical contact with a person like that, but in a way with its beak it's more of a social thing. It's kind of a given that it was hand raised by someone,' the expert told the outlet. After looking around for Jimmy for about an hour, Quadrozzi finally located the animal and quickly realized why it might have been acting out. 'This is a young male. Yes, that's why he's being such a punk,' he said. He believes the duck is about three to four-months-old and was likely hand-raised. Jimmy was placed in a cage and taken to the animal sanctuary to live with other Muscovy ducks. Now, local residents wont have to be on edge when they leave their homes.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Fans of 'Deadpool' killer Wade Wilson make desperate plea as convicted killer is 'driven to the brink' in prison
Deadpool killer Wade Wilson whined about being 'driven to the brink' in prison as two fellow death-row murderers - including his former cellmate - have repeatedly threatened his life behind bars. The 30-year-old double murderer, who was sent to death row over the gruesome 2019 slayings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, has a loyal fanbase desperately trying to rescue him. Dubbed the 'Deadpool Killer' as he shares a name with the Marvel character, Wilson embarked on his hours-long crime spree in Cape Coral simply 'for the sake of killing.' His supporters - some of whom have called themselves the 'Wade Wilson Wives' - write him letters and advocate his innocence despite having never met the killer. On Wednesday it emerged that Wilson had complained to one of these women, who runs an online community in support of him, about how unsafe he feels behind bars. 'Threats... coupled with isolation, has driven him to the brink,' she wrote. The woman issued an urgent plea to correctional facilities, naming two other inmates - Daniel Craven and Peter Avsenew - as direct threats to Wilson's safety. Craven is on death row after he murdered his cell mate with the intention of starting a race riot in prison. He repeatedly stabbed the man with a makeshift shank. On Wednesday it emerged that Wilson had complained to one of these women, who runs an online community in support of him, about how unsafe he feels behind bars Craven was already serving a life sentence for the murder of his lover's husband, handcuffing him and drowning him in a dog bowl. And Avsenew was convicted of a brutal 2010 double murder in which he beat two men beyond recognition and shot them several times, before sealing their car and credit cards and going on a shopping spree. According to prison documentation seen by a review of the duo's conduct was completed and authorities determined there was 'no confirmed threat' which would require Wilson to receive additional protection inside the prison. The woman who raised the initial complaint argued in her response to the prison that 'the systemic issues of violence and the dismissal of inmates' complaints have plagued Florida's correctional facilities for decades. 'We are witnessing how the system deliberately allows inmates to be eliminated by the hands of others, creating conditions where survival is nearly impossible.' Wilson's terror behind bars comes shortly after revelations of his lengthy disciplinary record since arriving on death row. According to a 163-page disciplinary report, Wilson has repeatedly broken prison rules to wind up in confinement, barred from visitors and access to the outside world. He allegedly tried to smuggle out an autographed, handmade drawing to a woman he referred to only as 'Sweet Cheeks', with instructions to auction it off to the highest bidder. 'Due to my fame and the rarity of my signed work, this should sell quick and rake in the $,' he wrote. And Avsenew was convicted of a brutal 2010 double murder in which he beat two men beyond recognition and shot them several times, before sealing their car and credit cards and going on a shopping spree Pictures of 'Deadpool Killer' Wade Wilson reveal he has had a dramatic transformation behind bars as he languishes on death row previously revealed Wilson was being held in 'disciplinary confinement' inside Union Correctional Institution after he was transferred from Lee County. As per his disciplinary confinement, he's currently not eligible for regular guests or visitation rights. This has also been a point of contention among his loyal followers, who have bombarded the prison with complaints he is being treated unfairly. These women have turned the other cheek to the gruesome manner in which he carried out his crimes. Wilson's crime spree began on the afternoon of October 6, 2019, when he met Melton at a live music bar and went home with her. Wilson strangled her to death inside her home in Cape Coral the next day, where her body was found. The same day, Ruiz was reported missing after she was seen being asked for directions by Wilson while on her walk to work. He was driving a car he stole from Melton's home after he murdered her, which Ruiz got into before she was also strangled to death. The killer was arrested on October 8 2019 In testimony from Wilson's father, it was said that he went on to 'run her over until she looked like spaghetti.' Ruiz's body was found three days later in a field behind a Sam's Club. Wilson was also convicted of a number of charges, including the battery of his ex-girlfriend Melissa Montanez, 41, the burglary and theft of two homes, and the grand theft auto of Melton's car. Even still, Wilson's swooning fanbase wrote desperate letters to the judge in his case pleading for his freedom, and have stood by him even through the recent release of unflattering jailhouse photos which prove his appearance is a far cry from before his arrest. A trove of photos taken from the killer's Lee County jail approved tablet show Wilson is missing teeth and has gained weight in custody. The pictures were taken on his tablet, which snaps a picture every time it is accessed to ensure it is only being used by the inmate approved to use it. In one of the photos, Wilson's jaw appears to be out of alignment as he displays his missing and cracked teeth. And in another he wears what appears to be a bandage around his head, with a white bandana in a separate photo. The pictures, which were taken between 2023 and late 2024, show Wilson in a disheveled state and from unflattering angles, documenting a range of hairstyles, from a shaved head to longer curly locks.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aggressive Muscovy duck leaves Florida neighbors on edge
The Brief A hostile Muscovy duck is attacking Cape Coral residents, with multiple reports of bites and harassment. Removal options are limited due to federal protections and costly trapping requirements. The duck problem extends beyond Cape Coral, with similar incidents across Central Florida. CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A particularly aggressive Muscovy duck is ruffling feathers in one South Florida neighborhood, where residents say the bird has been chasing people, biting hands — and even confronting news crews. What we know Residents in a Cape Coral neighborhood are reporting repeated attacks by a particularly aggressive Muscovy duck, which has taken up residence along their street. The duck has reportedly bitten at least one person, chased others, and even confronted members of the media. Complaints say the bird's behavior has grown more frequent and more aggressive over time. What we don't know Authorities haven't confirmed whether the duck poses a public safety risk serious enough to justify removal by officials. It also remains unclear if any formal action will be taken or whether a trapper will be brought in. Some residents have raised concerns about the financial burden of private removal under state guidelines. The backstory Muscovy ducks, native to parts of Texas, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, they are considered non-native in Florida and can be legally removed under specific conditions. Removal, however, must be humane and typically requires professional services—an added challenge for some residents. Big picture view Cape Coral isn't alone. Communities in Central Florida, such as Oviedo and Winter Park, have also experienced similar issues with Muscovy ducks. These birds can exhibit territorial and aggressive behaviors, particularly in urban areas where human interaction is frequent. Wildlife officials have long cautioned against feeding the ducks, which can encourage bolder behavior. What they're saying James Sepulveda said the duck bit him and his neighbors, even sending one of them to the hospital. "I sit on my porch, around 7 to 7:30 p.m. at this time of the year to catch the sunset," he explained. "I had my eyes closed, all of a sudden I felt a jab on my hand, and it was bleeding." Richard Guy, another resident, described a similar encounter. "I stood up, and I made some noises… next thing I know… it was going to attack me!" The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said property owners may remove Muscovy ducks, but they must be humanely euthanized or transferred to educational or scientific institutions. Still, the process can be expensive. "On a fixed income, I just can't afford to hire a trapper," Sepulveda said. Though the current complaints center on Cape Coral, Muscovy ducks have been known to cause issues in other parts of the state, including Oviedo and Winter Park. "They do harass other animals, other ducks, things like that," said Rachel Snider, who witnessed another aggressive duck at a Seminole County park. For now, locals are doing what they can to coexist with a duck that has proven, in true Florida fashion, to be anything but ordinary. "They'll chase you away from the door of your business, home or around the edges of your house," explained Isaac Rempe, a trapper and wildlife expert. Dig deeper Despite the bird's combative behavior, options for removal are limited. Muscovy ducks are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows for control of the species—including their nests and eggs — outside of their native range, which is limited to parts of Texas. FWC officials urge residents not to feed the ducks and recommend using water hoses to gently deter them if they become aggressive. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, resident of one Cape Coral neighborhood, and previous reporting by FOX 35 News.
